Shey Phoksundo National Park
Nepal's largest trans-Himalayan national park, home to the pristine Phoksundo Lake and diverse high-altitude ecosystems
About the Park
Nepal's largest and only trans-Himalayan national park, established in 1984. Located in Dolpa & Mugu Districts, it covers 3,555 km² of pristine high-altitude landscape.
The park lies in the rain-shadow region of the Himalayas, creating a unique dry alpine environment with elevations ranging from 2,130m - 6,883m.
At 3,612m above sea level, this pristine alpine lake is Nepal's deepest, reaching 145m. Known for its stunning turquoise-blue waters that change colors throughout the day.
Declared a Ramsar site in 2007, its outlet creates Nepal's highest waterfall at 167m (Nepal's highest).
Home to 9,000 people practicing Bon religion, Tibetan Buddhism, Local animistic traditions. The famous Shey Gompa (4,200m) and Thashung Gompa are key spiritual sites.
Ringmo village showcases traditional Tibetan architecture near the ancient landslide dam.
Perfect for blooming rhododendrons and clear mountain views
Stable weather with crystal clear skies and excellent visibility
Harsh conditions with heavy snowfall - not recommended
Wildlife & Nature
Discover the incredible biodiversity of the trans-Himalayan ecosystem
Snow Leopard
Shey Phoksundo National Park is a critical habitat for the elusive snow leopard, an apex predator symbolizing the wildness of the Himalayan region.
Himalayan Blue Sheep
Himalayan blue sheep, often seen in the park’s rugged terrain, are agile and sure-footed, serving as a primary prey species for predators like snow leopards and Tibetan wolves.
Musk Deer
The park hosts musk deer, valued for their musk glands, which have made them a target of poaching in the past.
Alpine Meadows
The expansive alpine meadows of Shey Phoksundo National Park are adorned with vibrant wildflowers, creating a stunning and colorful scene across the high-altitude landscapes.
Rhododendrons
In spring, various rhododendron species bloom across the slopes of Shey Phoksundo National Park, adding vivid hues to the park’s natural beauty.
Juniper Forests
Juniper forests dominate the lower altitudes of Shey Phoksundo National Park, supporting a diverse range of fauna and contributing to the park’s unique ecology.
Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)
The Himalayan Monal, also known as Danphe, is Nepal's national bird, featuring brilliant multicolored plumage in males and brown speckled females. It inhabits conifer forests and alpine meadows.
Satyr Tragopan
A vibrant red-and-black pheasant known for its 'horns' during mating displays, found in dense rhododendron and mixed conifer forests.
Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii)
The Cheer Pheasant is a long-tailed, ground-dwelling pheasant found on grassy, forested slopes with scattered shrubs and open ground.
Kanjirowa Himal
Kanjirowa Himal is a stunning mountain range in Western Dolpa, known for its sharp peaks and glaciated ridges, visible during treks around Phoksundo and Upper Dolpo.
Mount Dhaulagiri
While not located in Dolpa, Mount Dhaulagiri is visible from high passes like Sangda La and Chharka La in southeastern Dolpa, offering breathtaking views.
Putha Hiunchuli (Dhaulagiri VII)
Putha Hiunchuli is one of the few 7,000 m peaks climbable in Dolpa, located on the eastern border with Rukum, attracting mountaineers preparing for higher challenges.
Park Map
Explore the layout and key features of Nepal's largest national park
Best Time to Visit
Plan your adventure for Spring (March–May) to enjoy blooming rhododendrons and clear skies, or Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and stunning views. Winter (December–February) brings harsh, snowy conditions, making trekking challenging. Monsoon (June–August) has less rain due to the rain-shadow effect, but trails can still be difficult.