![shey phoksundo lake view](https://www.altitudehimalaya.com/media/files/Blog/Travel-Stories/Adventure-tours-nepal/shey-phoksundo.png)
Nestled in the biggest district of Nepal, Dolpa, lies the pristine and beautiful Shey Phoksundo lake. The trek to this lake is a wonderful experience that takes you through dense forests, high-suspension bridges, traditional villages, and several monasteries like Shey Gompa and Thasung Gompa. The lake is surrounded by the Tshowa monastery in the north and Ringmo village in the south, where Bon-Po cultures are followed. As the deepest oligotrophic lake at an elevation of 3,611m, it is a holy and sacred site for Buddhists and the Bon-Po religion.
The lake is situated in the Shey Phoksundo national park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and offers spectacular landscapes. To enter this area, certain permits are mandatory for trekkers. Only basic accommodation facilities are provided by local teahouses and lodges due to the region's isolation and underdevelopment.
Trip Facts
Trek Name
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Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
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Trek Type
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Luxury Mountain Lodges Trek
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Duration
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11 days
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Highest Elevation
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3640 m
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Start/Finish
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Kathmandu
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Difficulty
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Moderate
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Best Time to Trek
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Spring (March,April,May)
Autumn (September,October,November)
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Accommodation
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Basic Accommodation
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The Phoksundo lake trek is one of the shortest trekking trails in the far western part of Nepal, taking around a week to complete. It is a moderate difficulty level trek suitable for beginners with normal fitness levels. The best time to trek is during the autumn months of September, October, and November, where the temperature is warm in the daytime and chilly in the mornings and evenings. However, trekking during spring (March, April, and May) also offers perfect weather and moderate temperatures, with the added bonus of blooming rhododendrons and magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and other ranges. Monsoon season (June to August) is not favorable due to harsh weather, coldness, and muddy-slippery roads.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a popular trek in western Nepal, offering the chance to witness rare flora and fauna, as well as a beautiful lake, waterfall, and valley. Trekkers will cross the ancient salt trade route and see crystal clear views of Kanjirowa Himal, ascending and descending through traditional villages like Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana Hotel, and Santa. Endangered species like Musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, etc. can be found in the region.
Outline Itinerary
Day of Trip
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Activity
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DAY 1
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Kathmandu Arrival
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Tour Briefing
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DAY 2
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DAY 3
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Flight to Juphal
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Trek to Dunai
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Overnight at Dunai
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DAY 4
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Trek To Chhekpa
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Descend down crossing Bheri river
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Ascend up from Shey Phoksundo national park check post to Kageni village
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Night stay at Chhepka teahouse
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DAY 5
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Trek to Jharana Hotel
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First view of Phoksundo lake is seen from a distance
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Trail passes through meadows and forests
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The gorge of Phoksundo is visible from the meadows
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One of the largest and beautiful waterfalls is seen after the climb
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Overnight stay at Jharana hotel
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DAY 6
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Trek to Phoksundo Lake
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Heading to Ringmo village by leaving Jharana hotel
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Trail passes through birch forest and ascends to reach Phoksundo Khola
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After crossing the bridge, heading towards ranger station at Phoksundo lake
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Overnight stay at Ringmo village.
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DAY 7
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Phoksundo Exploration Day
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Explore Ringmo village, Phoksundo lake, surrounding areas, and monasteries.
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Phoksundo Lake is an alpine freshwater lake, the deepest in Nepal at 3,600m and known for its turquoise color and stunning scenery.
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Visit a 900-year-old Bon monastery called Tshowa Gompa.
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Overnight at Ringmo.
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DAY 8
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Trek to Chhepka
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Trek back to Chhepka village after breakfast
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Pass through lush vegetation, birch and tropical forests, Phoksundo Khola, Bheri river and wildlife.
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Overnight at Chhepka village.
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DAY 9
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Trek to Juphal
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Head towards Dunai town and then to Juphal village
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Trail is rocky alongside the Bheri river
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Leave Shey Phoksundo national park and head towards Juphal
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Overnight at Juphal village
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DAY 10
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Day 11
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Departure
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