Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek (11 Days)
Experience Nepal's deepest turquoise alpine lake and immerse yourself in the unique Bonpo culture of the remote Dolpo region.
- Day 1: Tribhuvan International Airport → Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Day 3: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai
- Day 4: Dunai → Chhepka
- Day 5: Chhepka → Jharana Hotel
- Day 6: Jharana Hotel → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Day 7: Ringmo → Tshowa Gompa → Ringmo
- Day 8: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Day 9: Chhepka → Dunai → Juphal
- Day 10: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
- Day 11: Kathmandu → Tribhuvan International Airport
Region: Lower Dolpo
Start/End: Kathmandu
Duration: 11 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
Ancient Bonpo culture and traditions
Pristine alpine forests and wildlife
Day by Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking adventure
Airport arrival and welcome
Durbar Square in Kathmandu
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival
Arrival in Kathmandu with airport transfer and trek briefing.
- Route: Tribhuvan International Airport → Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1350m to 1350m
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Distance: 10 km
Activities:
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Evening briefing at 06:00 PM
- Optional cultural sightseeing or trek preparation shopping
Departure from Kathmandu domestic terminal
Colorful local market near India-Nepal border
Day 2
Flight to Nepalgunj
Domestic flight to Nepalgunj with permit processing and local market exploration.
- Route: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Altitude: 1350m to 150m
- Duration: 1 hour
- Distance: Flight - 45-50 minutes
Activities:
- 09:30 AM departure to airport
- Flight to Nepalgunj
- Permit processing
- 01:00 PM market exploration
Small mountain airport with dramatic peaks
First trekking trail along Bheri River
Dunai village at sunset with lodge
Day 3
Flight to Juphal, Trek to Dunai
Scenic mountain flight to Juphal followed by trek to Dunai along the Bheri River.
- Route: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai
- Altitude: 150m to 2150m
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 11 km trek
Activities:
- 06:00 AM flight to Juphal (45 minutes)
- Trek start from Juphal
- Follow Bheri River trail
- Pass through villages and maize fields
- Optional porter hire
Crossing suspension bridge over Bheri River
Traditional hemp cultivation in terraced fields
Day 4
Trek to Chhepka
Trek through national park with waterfalls and alpine forests.
- Route: Dunai → Chhepka
- Altitude: 2150m to 2630m
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 15 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Cross Bheri River
- Shey Phoksundo National Park entry
- Pass through hemp fields and Kageni village
- View waterfalls
First distant view of turquoise Phoksundo Lake
Magnificent 167m waterfall near accommodation
Day 5
Trek to Jharana Hotel
First glimpse of Phoksundo Lake with overnight near spectacular waterfall.
- Route: Chhepka → Jharana Hotel
- Altitude: 2630m to 3110m
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- First distant view of Phoksundo Lake
- Trek through meadows and forests
- View Phoksundo Gorge
- Arrive near Nepal’s largest waterfall
Descent through pristine birch forest
First full view of pristine turquoise lake
Day 6
Trek to Phoksundo Lake
Arrive at the stunning turquoise Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village.
- Route: Jharana Hotel → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 3110m to 3612m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 6 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Descend through birch forest
- Cross Phoksundo Khola bridge
- Reach ranger station
- Meet local community
Panoramic view from elevated viewpoint
Cultural exchange with local Bonpo people
Day 7
Phoksundo Exploration Day
Full exploration of Phoksundo Lake area and ancient Bon monastery.
- Route: Ringmo → Tshowa Gompa → Ringmo
- Altitude: 3612m to 3612m
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
Activities:
- 08:00 AM start exploration
- Visit 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa
- Lake viewpoint trek (1.5 km)
- Cultural immersion with locals
- Photography and relaxation
Final look back at Phoksundo Lake
Return to Chhepka village in evening
Day 8
Trek to Chhepka
Long descent back to Chhepka through lush landscapes.
- Route: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Altitude: 3612m to 2630m
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 19 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Descent through birch forests
- Follow Phoksundo Khola and Bheri River
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
Early morning departure on final trek day
Passing through familiar Dunai village
Arrival at Juphal airstrip - trek complete
Day 9
Trek to Juphal
Final trekking day returning to Juphal airstrip.
- Route: Chhepka → Dunai → Juphal
- Altitude: 2630m to 2400m
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 18 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek via Dunai
- Follow Bheri River trail
- Uphill sections on return route
Brief stop in Nepalgunj for connecting flight
Shopping for souvenirs in Kathmandu's tourist district
Celebratory Thakali cuisine farewell dinner
Day 10
Flight to Nepalgunj, Flight to Kathmandu
Return flights to Kathmandu with celebration dinner.
- 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 for shopping in Thamel
- Optional traditional Thakali farewell dinner
Durbar Square in Kathmandu
Final departure from Kathmandu airport
Day 11
Departure, Farewell
Final departure with airport transfer.
- Route: Kathmandu → Tribhuvan International Airport
- Altitude: 1350m to 1350m
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Distance: Transfer
Activities:
- Free time based on flight schedule
- Airport transfer 3 hours before flight
- Departure formalities
- Optional extended stay arrangements
Altitude Considerations
- Maximum altitude: 3,612m (Phoksundo Lake)
- Risk Level: Moderate
- Gradual ascent from 2,150m (Dunai) to 3,612m (Lake)
- Rest Days: Day 7 at lake level for exploration and acclimatization
- Ascent Rate: Average 200-400m per day - within safe limits
- Prevention:
- Stay well hydrated (3-4 liters water daily)
- Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
- Eat light, high-carb meals
- Recognize early symptoms
- Ascend no more than 500m per day above 2,500m
- Symptoms:
- Headache, nausea, fatigue (mild AMS)
- Severe breathlessness, chest tightness (HAPE - descent required)
- Confusion, loss of coordination (HACE - emergency evacuation)
Insurance & Preparation
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage
- Minimum USD 100,000 for medical evacuation coverage
- Recommended Providers: Global Rescue, World Nomads
- Required if you have heart, lung, or blood conditions
- Medications: Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude - consult doctor, Ibuprofen/paracetamol for headaches, Anti-diarrheal medication, Personal prescription medications (bring extra)
- First Aid Essentials: Blister treatment (moleskin, antiseptic), Bandages and gauze, Thermometer, Water purification tablets
Specific Risks
- Cold weather exposure (Above 3,000m): 4-season sleeping bag, warm layers, wind protection
- Rapid weather changes (Lake area): Rain gear, warm clothes readily accessible
- UV radiation (Above 3,000m): Sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-protective clothing
- Landslide-prone areas (Trails near rivers): Gaiters, sturdy boots, cautious footing
- Remote location (2-3 days from advanced medical care): Comprehensive first aid kit, evacuation insurance
- Sacred lake restrictions (No swimming, fishing, or polluting allowed): Respect local customs and environmental rules
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (Ankle support, broken in, Vibram sole) - Rocky trails, stream crossings
- Camp shoes/sandals (Lightweight, comfortable) - Lodge use, river crossings
- Trekking socks (Wool/synthetic blend, 4-5 pairs) - Moisture management, blister prevention
- Gaiters (Waterproof, knee-high) - Mud, snow, debris protection
Clothing
- Base layer:
- Merino wool or synthetic underwear (3 sets)
- Long-sleeve base layer shirt
- Base layer pants
- Insulation layer:
- Fleece or down jacket (packable)
- Insulated vest (optional)
- Warm hiking pants
- Shell layer:
- Waterproof rain jacket (breathable)
- Rain pants
- Wind-resistant jacket
- Accessories:
- Warm hat/beanie
- Sun hat with brim
- Insulated gloves
- Liner gloves
- Buff/neck gaiter
- Hiking shorts (1-2 pairs)
- Quick-dry hiking shirts (2-3)
Safety & Navigation
- Water bottles (2 x 1L insulated bottles) - Stay hydrated, prevent freezing
- Water purification (Tablets or UV sterilizer) - Safe drinking water from streams/taps
- Headlamp (LED with red light, extra batteries) - Early starts, late arrivals, lodge use
- Sunglasses (UV protection, Category 3-4) - High altitude sun reflection off water/snow
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+, cold weather formula) - Intense UV at altitude
- Lip balm (SPF 30+) - Protect lips from UV and wind
- Personal first aid kit -
- Trekking poles (Adjustable, lightweight) - Steep descents, stream crossings, stability
- Energy bars (High-calorie, lightweight) - Quick energy on long trekking days
- Map (Waterproof, detailed Lower Dolpo) - Trail navigation
- Compass or GPS (Lightweight, reliable) - Backup navigation in remote areas
Sleeping Gear
- 4-season sleeping bag (Rated to -10°C minimum) - Cold nights at lake elevation, basic lodge heating
- Sleeping pad (Insulated, closed-cell or inflatable) - Extra warmth and comfort in basic lodges
- Pillow or inflatable pillow (Lightweight, compressible) - Lodge pillows may be uncomfortable or unclean
Backpacks & Storage
- Main backpack/duffel (60-80L, carried by porter) - Main gear storage
- Daypack (25-35L with hydration compatibility) - Daily essentials, water, snacks, layers
- Waterproof bag covers (For both packs) - Rain protection
- Dry sacks (Multiple sizes for organization) - Keep clothes and electronics dry
Optional Equipment
- Camera with weather protection - Capture stunning lake colors and waterfalls
- Power bank - Limited charging at lodges
- Book or e-reader - Evening entertainment at lodges
- Playing cards - Social activity with group
Rental Available in Kathmandu (Thamel area)
Sleeping bags, Down jackets, Trekking poles, Duffel bags can be rented in Kathmandu (Thamel area) for NPR 200-500 per item per day. Recommendation: Rent bulky items, bring personal clothing/boots
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.