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Phoksundo Lake Trek

Overview

  • Duration10 Days
  • Trip GradeEasy to Moderate 
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • ActivityAlpine Trekking, Discovery
  • Group Size6 People Maximum
  • Max Altitude3611m.

About Phoksundo Lake Trek

Phoksundo Lake trek is lies in Nepal's lower Dolpo region, away from the chaos of the modern world. It is one of the most remote trekking routes in far western Nepal.

This trekking area is isolated, untouched, and undiscovered, and it receives very few hikers, making it one of Nepal's tranquil and peaceful treks. It is a short and fairly easy trek route that leads to Nepal's truly beautiful and pristine Phoksundo Lake.

The Lower Dolpo trail is undoubtedly a magical place, famous for its remote high Himalayan valleys. You will pass through charming traditional villages such as Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana, Ringmo, and Jhupal on this amazing trek.

Shey Phoksundo National Park and Phoksundo Lake are the main attractions of the 10-day Phoksundo Lake trek. Apart from extraordinary natural beauty, you will also have the opportunity to be part of the pre-Buddhist Bon-po religion.

The Phoksundo Lake trek takes you deep into the unexplored and wilderness areas of Nepal's far western region, where you will discover the true wonders of nature and its unique culture.

Phoksundo Lake trek is an ideal choice for real adventurers who want to experience an off-the-beaten-path trek in a short period of time.

Getting Phoksundo Lake Trek & Away

Phoksundo Lake trek starts flying to mountain airstrips from Terai city, Nepalgunj near the Indian border and then to Juphal, the starting point of the trek.

You will begin your journey from Juphal to Dunai along the Beni River bank. The Phoksundo trekking route passes through a variety of terrain, including high river valleys and alpine pastures.

After discovery and enjoying the spectacular mountain peaks and views of Phoksundo Lake, you will return via the less touristic trail.

This short adventurous Phoksundo Lake trek will conclude with a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, another flight to Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • Discover pristine Phoksundo Lake
  • Join yourself in Tibetan culture in the village of Ringmo
  • Visit spectacular Jharana Waterfall
  • Explore Tshowa Gompa, sacred in the Bon-po religious practice

Itinerary

  1. Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

    As you fly into Kathmandu, you will be greeted by views of snow-capped mountain peaks. On arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and drop you to your hotel. Meanwhile, you can take your time to stroll around to visit the temples and monuments.

    There are plenty of places that you will find fascinating if you wander around. In the evening you will have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

    • Accommodation:Optional
    • Meals:No
    • Maximum Altitude:1400m.
    • Time:Rest day

  2. Fly to Nepalgunj, Gateway to the Far West

    In the morning, you can discover the streets of Thamel or visit the Garden of Dreams, a lush and serene oasis in the heart of Kathmandu. Today you'll fly to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai close the Indian border and gateway to the Far West.

    • Accommodation:Hotel
    • Meals:Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:150m.
    • Time:50 Minutes

  3. Today you will fly to Juphal, the beginning points for the trek to Phoksundo Lake. The trek ascends southeast, high above Thulo Bheri Valley, then winds through maize fields to Kalagaunda. You'll follow the Bheri River's southern bank and pass Roop Ghar, where you'll see a traditional water mill, before arriving in Dunai at 2,000m.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2000m.
    • Time:3 Hours

  4. Descend through the streets of Dunai and cross the Bheri River bridge. Follow the river's northern bank to Sulighat before continuing north to the Shey Phoksundo National Park check-point. The rock-strewn trail ascends above the serpentine Suli Ghad River through a series of hemp trees to Kageni and then through a tropical walnut and pine forest, where you will start to see glimpses of Tibetan culture.

    On the way to Shyanta village, take in the views of fluttering prayer flags, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation. After another hour and a half of walking uphill on the narrow trail, you'll reach the village of Chhepka at 2660m.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2660m.
    • Time:6 - 7 Hours

  5. Get up early for the trek to Jharana Waterfall. The route ascends through a cedar forest to a winter settlement used by the locals of Ringmo village. The route then gradually ascends through open country to our overnight destination, Jharana. Your efforts will be rewarded with a closest view of Nepal's remarkable Jharana Waterfall and a faraway Phoksundo Lake view.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:3370m.
    • Time:5 - 6 Hours

  6. Trek to the Tibetan Village of Ringmo (3460m)

    You will trek through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River on your way to Ringmo at 2460m. Cross a bridge and follow the trail north to the Phoksundo Lake. Following a final push through the Phoksundo River gorge, you will emerge onto the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bon village, where you will spend the night.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:3460m.
    • Time:5 - 6 Hours

  7. You will spend the day exploring the area surrounding the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. Explore Ringmo village before making your way to Tshowa Gompa, about 900-year-old Bon monastery on a ridge just above lake. Descend to the lake via the steep-sided cliffs.

    Buddhists and followers of the Bonpo religion regard Phoksundo Lake as sacred, believing that it contains an underwater palace and a tantric mandala of spirits. The lake is famous for its stunning turquoise color and breathtaking scenery. There are many beautiful glaciers near the lake area.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:3460m.
    • Time:Free day

  8. Today you will return to Chhepka. Follow a stream that flows from the lake towards Sulighad. Before reaching Chhepka at 2660m, you will pass through Renje village and fir and larch forests along the Sulighat River.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2660m.
    • Time:6 - 7 Hours

  9. After breakfast, retrace the route to Juphal through beautiful mountains and forests, fields, and villages.

    • Accommodation:Lodge
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Maximum Altitude:2440m.
    • Time:6 Hours

  10. In the early morning, you will fly to Nepalgunj and on to Kathmandu, then you will be transferred to your hotel. You can take a rest or spend the rest of your day strolling around Thamel.

    In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show. 

      • Accommodation:Optional
      • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      • Maximum Altitude:1400m.
      • Time:2 - 3 Hours

    • You can either stay back in Kathmandu today and enjoy a free day or leave for your respective countries.

      As per your flight schedule, our representatives will drop you off at the Airport.

      What's Included

      Included

      • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
      • Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Jhuphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu flight.
      • Shey Phoksundo national park permit and restricted area entry permit.
      • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
      • English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
      • The required number of staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
      • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
      • Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
      • Walking stick (if it is required)
      • Trek map.
      • Farewell dinner with culture show.

      Not Included

      • International airfare and Nepal visa.
      • Tips for guide / porters (tipping is expected).
      • Any personal medical / travel insurance which included rescue.
      • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the 'Price Includes' section.

      Our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don't match with your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date.

       

      Useful Information

      Accommodation

      Accommodations are provided on the twin-sharing basis. If you are a solo traveler, a single supplement will be served. Accommodations during the trek in the Himalayas, you will be staying at basic mountain lodges where you'll have a nice and clean room with the warm blankets, pillows, and comfortable matrices (matrices may not be very thick size but they’re comfortable).

      Meals

      During the trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking, there will also be farewell dinner.

      Best Time to Visit

      The best time to visit Himalayas is between September to December and March to May, when the skies are a clear blue and the views spectacular. The weather remains dry until about May, with temperatures varying between regions.

      Nepal is good for trekking throughout the year. Autumn and spring seasons are the most famous trekking seasons in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. It has beautiful, cool, blue skies, clear weather conditions and amazing views of the white mountains and the countryside.

      During the spring season, this time of year offers a breathtaking view of the Rhododendron flowers and lush forests.

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