Shey-Phoksundo National Park

Phoksundo Lake Trek takes you to the remote lower Dolpo region, one of the least visited regions in Nepal. The turquoise-colored lake, situated in the Shey Phoksundo National Park will leave one speechless.

You will be trekking at the national park which is home to animals like snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and others.

Walk under the azure sky and hike past river valleys and lush green forest. Enjoy the astounding views of Dhaulagiri Range during the trek.

The pristine Phoksundo Lake is of religious importance to Buddhists and followers of Bon religion. You will find a monastery on the eastern side of Phoksundo Lake and more than 20 stupas in the southern belt of the lake.

Phoksundo Lake Trek Route

Phoksundo Lake Trek itinerary starts and ends in Kathmandu. The journey starts with a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, known as the ‘gateway to Far West’. Enjoy the views of snowy mountains on your flight to Juphal, the trailhead of your trek.

Walk past villages and lush green forests filled with pine, fir, and juniper trees on your way to Chhepka village. Continue your hike past dense forest and walk on a narrow trail to Chunuwar.

Also visit Amchi Hospital where patients are treated with Tibetan medicine and local herbs. The hospital also offers Tibetan acupuncture treatment.

Hike past a stunning waterfall and get a glimpse of the magnificent Phoksundo Lake on your way to Ringmo village. The people of Ringmo village have Tibetan roots and practice ancient Bon religion which is said to be founded by Tonpa Shenrab Miwo.

Spend a day exploring Phokshundo Lake and glaciers in the vicinity of the lake. The alluring beauty of the lake is famous for its turquoise color and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Buddhists and followers of Bon religion regard Phoksundo Lake as a sacred lake. Visit Tshowa Gompa, an ancient Bon Monastery lying on a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake.

Trek through a lush green jungle filled with pine and birch trees on your way to Chhepka. Retrace your steps back to Jhupal.

On the next day, you will be flying to Nepalgunj and taking a flight back to Kathmandu.

Phoksundo Lake Trek Difficulty

Phoksundo Lake Trek is an easy to moderate trek.

You will attain a maximum height of 3612 meters at Phoksundo Lake. You will be walking for a maximum of 8 hours and a minimum of 3 hours. On average you will be walking for roughly 6 hours each day.

This trek is suitable for novice as well as experienced trekkers.

Trip Itinerary in Details :

Day 1 : Fly Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,592ft) to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) Duration: 1 hour flight

Day 2 : Fly to Juphal (2,320m/7,610ft) trek to Chhepka (2,838m/9,309ft) Duration: 45 minutes flight and 6-7 hours trek

Day 3 : Trek to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3,130 m/10,267ft) Walking distance: 6-7 hours trek

Day 4 : Trek to Ringmo village at Phoksundo Lake (3,612m/11,848ft) Walking distance: 3-4 hours trek

Day 5 : Explore Phoksundo Lake, Visit Bon Gompa

Day 6 : Trek to Chhepka (2,838m/9,309ft) Walking distance: 7-8 hours trek

Day 7 : Trek to Juphal (2,320m/7,610ft) Walking distance: 5-6 hours trek

Day 8 : Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,592ft) via Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes flight