Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek (7 Days)
A fast-paced 7-day trek to Phoksundo Lake, ideal for experienced trekkers with limited time.
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Day 2: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Chhepka
- Day 3: Chhepka → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Day 4: Ringmo → Ringmo
- Day 5: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Day 6: Chhepka → Juphal
- Day 7: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
Region: Lower Dolpo
Start/End: Kathmandu
Duration: 7 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
167m waterfall and Phoksundo Gorge
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Ringmo village cultural experience
Condensed itinerary for time efficiency
Day by Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking adventure
View of Kathmandu
View of Nepalgunj
Day 1
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Flight to Nepalgunj with time to prepare for the trek.
- Route: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Altitude: 1350m to 150m
- Duration: 1 hour
- Distance: Flight - 45-50 minutes
Activities:
- Morning flight to Nepalgunj
- Rest and trek preparation
View of Nepalgunj
View of Juphal
View of Chhepka
Day 2
Nepalgunj to Juphal to Chhepka
Flight to Juphal followed by a long trek to Chhepka, entering the national park.
- Route: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Chhepka
- Altitude: 150m to 2670m
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 26 km trek
Activities:
- Early flight to Juphal (45 minutes)
- Trek to Chhepka via Dunai
- Enter Shey Phoksundo National Park
View of Chhepka
View of Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
Day 3
Chhepka to Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake
Long trek to Phoksundo Lake, passing through scenic gorges and arriving at Ringmo village.
- Route: Chhepka → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 2670m to 3612m
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 19 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek through Phoksundo Gorge
- Arrive at Ringmo village
- View Phoksundo Lake and 167m waterfall
Day 4
Phoksundo Lake Exploration
Explore Phoksundo Lake, visit the Bon monastery, and engage with local culture.
- Route: Ringmo → Ringmo
- Altitude: 3612m to 3612m
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
Activities:
- 08:00 AM start exploration
- Visit Tshowa Gompa monastery
- Lakeside walks
- Cultural visits with locals
View of Ringmo
View of Chhepka
Day 5
Ringmo to Chhepka
Descend back to Chhepka through scenic forests and rivers.
- Route: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Altitude: 3612m to 2670m
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 19 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Descend along Phoksundo Khola
- Trek through birch forests
View of Chhepka
View of Juphal
Day 6
Chhepka to Juphal
Trek to Juphal, preparing for return flight.
- Route: Chhepka → Juphal
- Altitude: 2670m to 2400m
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 18 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek to Juphal via Dunai
View of Juphal
View of Nepalgunj
View of Kathmandu
Day 7
Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Return flights to Kathmandu, concluding the trek.
- 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)
Altitude Considerations
- Maximum altitude: 3,612m (Phoksundo Lake)
- Risk Level: Moderate to High
- Quick Ascent Concern: Very rapid ascent requires extreme vigilance
- Challenge: Minimal acclimatization time due to short itinerary
- Mitigation: Hydrate well, monitor symptoms, be ready to descend
- Rest Days: Day 4 at lake level for acclimatization
- Ascent Rate: Average 600-700m per day
- Prevention:
- Hydrate with 4 liters water daily
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives
- Monitor for AMS symptoms
- Descend immediately 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.
Currency: USD
- Flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal round trip): 350 USD
- Permits (Foreign national): 30 USD
- Guide and porter fees: 180 USD
- Accommodation and meals: 150 USD
- Miscellaneous (transfers, equipment rental): 80 USD
Total Estimated Cost: 790 USD
Notes:
- Costs are per person, based on a group of 2-4 trekkers
- Excludes personal expenses and insurance
- Prices may vary based on season and operator
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.