Regd. License No.: 212681
Thamel-26
+977 - 9851234552

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Key Information

Best Season : September to November, and March to May

Duration : 12 Days

Destination : TIA Kathmandu

Trip Area : Dolpo Region

Group Size : Min 2

Max Altitude : 5,160 meters (Kang La Pass)

Accomodation : Basic Guesthouses and Camping

Trip Level : Moderate to Strenous

Trip Overview

Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake in Nepal at the highest point in Shey Phoksundo national park in the Dolpo region. Dolpo is a remote mountain district isolated from the country’s mainstream and is located in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba mountain ranges. The region is home to a unique culture that is preserved for centuries, with strong ties to Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bon religion. The mysticism of the Dolpo region and its splendid natural beauty, rugged terrain, and freshwater pristine lakes which flows from the base of beautiful mountains regularly attracts nature and adventure seeker. 

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is short in the Dolpo region which starts from Juphal and completes in Juphal. The trek offers a wonderful cultural experience during trekking in the remote villages. The traditional Tibetan villages, gompa, and their lifestyle are unique to experience. We trek around Shey Phoksundo Lake and its surroundings.  

The Shey Phoksundo Lake trek requires a good level of physical fitness with sufficient rest at a high altitude. We must prepare cautiously for rugged terrain and basic accommodation. Trekking to Shey Phoksundo Lake requires Shey Phoksundo national park entry permit and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The best season to trek in the Dolpo region is from September to November and from March to May when the weather and sky are clear. 

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

  • 12 Days starting from

  • per person

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights

  • Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal with turquoise blue waters
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard and blue sheep
  • Traditional Tibetan villages like Ringmo and Shyanta
  • Kang La Pass, a high mountain pass offering panoramic views of the Himalayas
  • Stunning landscapes with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and forests
  • Tibetan Buddhist monasteries like Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain Gompa
  • The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a great option for those looking for a shorter trek that still offers stunning scenery and cultural immersion in the Dolpo region. It's a moderately challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the high altitudes.

What is the best time to do the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

Do I need a special permit to do the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

Itinerary Highlights

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 02: Team Interaction, Permit Management, and Verified Final Checklist of Trekking Equipment and Half-day City Tour of Kathmandu
  • Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
  • Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai (2,850m)
  • Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe (2,660m)
  • Day 06: Trek from Ankhe to Renje (3,104m)
  • Day 07: Trek from Renje to Phoksundo Lake (3,600m)
  • Day 08: Acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 09: Trek from Ringmo to Chhepka
  • Day 10: Trek from Chhepka to Jhupal (Dolpa)
  • Day 11: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu
  • Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Is altitude sickness a concern on the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

What is the level of difficulty of the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

What should I pack for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

    Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, one of our representatives welcome you and assists you to transfer to the hotel.  Overnight stay at hotel.

  • Day 02: Team Interaction, Permit Management, and Verified Final Checklist of Trekking Equipment and Half-day City Tour of Kathmandu

    The trekkers will have the opportunity to meet their team and interact with each other. In the morning, we process for necessary permits and send office staff to collect them from the authorized office. We arrange and finalize the list of our trekking gear before lunch. In the afternoon, the trekkers will embark on a half-day city tour of Kathmandu, visiting some of the city's historical and cultural landmarks such as Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath.

  • Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

    We can stroll around Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square in the morning to explore traditional shops and temples. Or we can take a morning flight to Nepalgunj and explore Nepalgunj city. We can explore the traditional alleys of Nepalgunj city and can taste local foods in the street. We will stay in the hotel tonight. 

  • Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai (2,850m)

    In the early morning. We will have breakfast, and transfer to the airport. We will fly for 45 minutes to Juphal airport in Dolpa District. Juphal airport is at an elevation of 2499m. We start trekking to Dunai, the headquarters of the Dolpa district. We take lunch on the way to Dunai. Overnight, stay in Guesthouse/lodge.

  • Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe (2,660m)

    After the first day's exciting trekking experience, today we continue trekking to reach Ankhe, a small village. The trail follows a forest of cedar and walnut trees along with Thuli Bheri River. Several times we cross rivers via suspension bridges before reaching Ankhe. Ankhe has few teahouses with basic services. 

  • Day 06: Trek from Ankhe to Renje (3,104m)

    Gradually, our route elevation increases as it offers spectacular views of high mountains and passes through narrow gorges. You'll pass through a forest of fir and juniper trees before reaching the village of Renje, which is situated on a plateau overlooking the valley. Overnight stay at Renje.

  • Day 07: Trek from Renje to Phoksundo Lake (3,600m)

    The trekking trail follows the Phoksundo Khola and passes through a remote village Ringmo. The wait is over, you will see a glimpse of Phoksundo Lake, which is a deep turquoise color and surrounded by high mountains. Overnight stay at a campsite near the lake.

  • Day 08: Acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake

    Either you can sit in a corner of a lake to observe Phoksundo Lake, and how it changes every hour or can hike around the lake to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. Overnight stay at a campsite near the lake.

  • Day 09: Trek from Ringmo to Chhepka

    You will leave Ringmo and trek through beautiful forests, passing through several traditional villages and crossing a few suspension bridges. You will climb up a steep hill and then descend to the village of Chhepka, where you will spend the night.

  • Day 10: Trek from Chhepka to Jhupal (Dolpa)

    You will continue along the trail, passing through traditional villages and lush forests. You will climb up to a ridge and then descend to the village of Jhupal, where you will spend the night.

  • Day 11: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu

    In the morning, you will take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj, and then another flight to Kathmandu. You will have the rest of the day to explore Kathmandu and do some last-minute shopping.

  • Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

    You will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.