Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek (10 Days)
A balanced 10-day trek to Phoksundo Lake, offering a mix of cultural immersion and stunning alpine scenery with a slightly faster pace than the 11-day itinerary.
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Day 2: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai
- Day 3: Dunai → Chhepka
- Day 4: Chhepka → Jharana Hotel
- Day 5: Jharana Hotel → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Day 6: Ringmo → Ringmo
- Day 7: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Day 8: Chhepka → Dunai
- Day 9: Dunai → Juphal
- Day 10: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
Region: Lower Dolpo
Start/End: Kathmandu
Duration: 10 days
Max Altitude: 3612m
Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry
Nepali: 100 NPR
SAARC: 1500 NPR
Foreign: 3000 NPR
Trek Highlights
Phoksundo Lake (3,612m) - Nepal's deepest alpine lake
900-year-old Bon monastery, Tshowa Gompa
Spectacular 167m waterfall
Shey Phoksundo National Park exploration
Traditional Ringmo village culture
Day by Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking adventure
Flight to Nepalgunj with lowland views
Exploring vibrant local market
Day 1
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Flight to Nepalgunj with time to prepare and explore the local market.
- Route: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Altitude: 1350m to 150m
- Duration: 1 hour
- Distance: Flight - 45-50 minutes
Activities:
- Morning flight to Nepalgunj
- Rest and trek preparation
- Explore local market
Arrival at Juphal airstrip
Trekking along Bheri River to Dunai
Day 2
Nepalgunj to Juphal to Dunai
Short flight to Juphal followed by a trek to Dunai along the Bheri River.
- Route: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai
- Altitude: 150m to 2150m
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 11 km trek
Activities:
- Early flight to Juphal (45 minutes)
- Trek to Dunai along Bheri River
Entry to Shey Phoksundo National Park
Trekking through lush alpine forests
Day 3
Dunai to Chhepka
Trek through forests and enter Shey Phoksundo National Park, passing traditional villages.
- Route: Dunai → Chhepka
- Altitude: 2150m to 2630m
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 15 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Enter Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Trek through forested terrain
- Pass Kageni village and hemp fields
Trekking through vibrant meadows
Spectacular waterfall near Jharana
Day 4
Chhepka to Jharana Hotel
Trek through scenic rivers and meadows to Jharana, nearing Phoksundo Lake.
- Route: Chhepka → Jharana Hotel
- Altitude: 2630m to 3110m
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 14 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek through rivers and alpine meadows
- View Phoksundo Gorge
First spectacular view of turquoise lake
Magnificent 167-meter waterfall at lake
Day 5
Jharana Hotel to Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake
Trek to magnificent Phoksundo Lake and enjoy stunning lake views with 167m waterfall.
- Route: Jharana Hotel → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 3110m to 3612m
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek to Ringmo village
- View Phoksundo Lake and 167m waterfall
Elevated view of Phoksundo Lake
Visit to ancient Bon monastery
Day 6
Phoksundo Lake Exploration
Rest day exploring Phoksundo Lake, Bon monastery, and local culture.
- Route: Ringmo → Ringmo
- Altitude: 3612m to 3612m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
Activities:
- 08:00 AM start exploration
- Visit Tshowa Gompa monastery
- Lakeside walks
- Acclimatization hikes
- Cultural visits with locals
Descent along Phoksundo Khola
Arrival at Chhepka village
Day 7
Ringmo to Chhepka
Descend back to Chhepka through scenic forests and rivers.
- Route: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Altitude: 3612m to 2630m
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 19 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Descend along Phoksundo Khola
- Trek through birch forests
Return trek along Bheri River
Return to Dunai village
Day 8
Chhepka to Dunai
Trek back to Dunai through familiar trails and villages.
- Route: Chhepka → Dunai
- Altitude: 2630m to 2150m
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 15 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek along Bheri River
- Pass through familiar villages
Final trek to Juphal
Arrival at Juphal village
Day 9
Dunai to Juphal
Short trek to Juphal, preparing for return flights.
- Route: Dunai → Juphal
- Altitude: 2150m to 2400m
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 11 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek to Juphal airstrip
Flight over Himalayas
Exploring Kathmandu post-trek
Day 10
Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Return flights to Kathmandu with free time to explore.
- Route: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
- Altitude: 2400m to 1350m
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: Flights
Activities:
- 06:30 AM flight to Nepalgunj (25 minutes)
- Connecting flight to Kathmandu (45 minutes)
- Free time in Kathmandu
Altitude Considerations
- Maximum altitude: 3,612m (Phoksundo Lake)
- Risk Level: Moderate
- Gradual ascent with Day 6 for acclimatization
- Rest Days: Day 6 at lake level for exploration and acclimatization
- Ascent Rate: Average 300-500m per day
- Prevention:
- Hydrate with 3-4 liters water daily
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives
- Monitor for AMS symptoms
- Descend if HAPE/HACE symptoms appear
- Symptoms:
- Headache, nausea, fatigue (mild AMS)
- Severe breathlessness, chest tightness (HAPE)
- Confusion, coordination loss (HACE)
Insurance & Preparation
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation
- Minimum USD 100,000 coverage
- Recommended Providers: Global Rescue, World Nomads
- Required for heart or lung conditions
- Medications: Diamox for altitude (consult doctor), Ibuprofen for headaches, Anti-diarrheal medication
- First Aid Essentials: Blister treatment, Bandages, Water purification tablets
Specific Risks
- Cold temperatures (Above 3,000m): Thermal layers, fleece, waterproof jacket
- UV radiation (3,612m): Sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV hat
- Landslide areas (River trails): Gaiters, sturdy boots
- Remote location (2-3 days from medical facilities): Travel insurance, first aid kit
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (Ankle support, Vibram sole) - Rocky and wet trails
- Trekking socks (Wool/synthetic, 4 pairs) - Blister prevention
- Gaiters (Waterproof) - Mud and debris protection
Clothing
- Base layer:
- Merino wool underwear (3 sets)
- Base layer shirt and pants
- Insulation:
- Fleece jacket
- Warm hiking pants
- Shell:
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Accessories:
- Sun hat
- Insulated gloves
- Buff/neck gaiter
Safety & Navigation
- Water bottles (2 x 1L) - Hydration
- Water purification tablets (Enough for trip) - Safe drinking water
- Headlamp (LED, extra batteries) - Night navigation
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV protection
- First aid kit -
- Trekking poles (Adjustable) - Stability on trails
- Map (Lower Dolpo) - Trail navigation
- Compass (Lightweight) - Backup navigation
Sleeping Gear
- 4-season sleeping bag (Rated to -10°C) - Cold nights at high altitude
- Sleeping pad (Insulated) - Lodge comfort
Backpacks & Storage
- Daypack (25-35L) - Daily essentials
- Waterproof bag covers (For packs) - Rain protection
Optional Equipment
- Camera - Capture scenic views
- Power bank - Limited lodge charging
Rental Available in Kathmandu (Thamel)
Sleeping bags, Trekking poles can be rented in Kathmandu (Thamel) for NPR 200-500 per item per day.
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.