Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek by Bus (8 Days)
A budget-friendly 8-day trek to Phoksundo Lake using bus transport to reduce costs, ideal for adventurers seeking a shorter itinerary.
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Day 2: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai
- Day 3: Dunai → Chhepka
- Day 4: Chhepka → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Day 5: Ringmo → Ringmo
- Day 6: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Day 7: Chhepka → Juphal
- Day 8: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
Region: Lower Dolpo
Start/End: Kathmandu
Duration: 8 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
Cultural immersion in Ringmo village
Cost-effective bus travel
Day by Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking adventure
View of Kathmandu
View of Nepalgunj
Day 1
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by Bus
Long but scenic bus journey to Nepalgunj, the gateway to Dolpo.
- Route: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Altitude: 1350m to 150m
- Duration: 12-14 hours
- Distance: 550 km
Activities:
- Early morning bus departure
- Scenic drive through lowland Nepal
- Evening arrival and rest
View of Nepalgunj
View of Juphal
View of 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
View of Dunai
View of Chhepka
Day 3
Dunai to Chhepka
Trek through forests and enter Shey Phoksundo National Park, passing traditional villages.
- Route: Dunai → Chhepka
- Altitude: 2150m to 2670m
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 15 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Enter Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Trek through forested terrain
- Pass Kageni village
View of Chhepka
View of Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
Day 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
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 8
Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu by Bus
Short flight to Nepalgunj followed by a long bus ride back to Kathmandu.
- Route: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
- Altitude: 2400m to 1350m
- Duration: 14-16 hours
- Distance: Flight to Nepalgunj + 550 km bus
Activities:
- 06:30 AM flight to Nepalgunj (25 minutes)
- Bus journey to Kathmandu
Altitude Considerations
- Maximum altitude: 3,612m (Phoksundo Lake)
- Risk Level: Moderate
- Quick Ascent Concern: Rapid ascent requires vigilance
- Challenge: Tight schedule with limited acclimatization
- Mitigation: Hydrate well, monitor symptoms, be ready to descend
- Rest Days: Day 5 at lake level for acclimatization
- Ascent Rate: Average 500-600m 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
- Long bus journey (Fatigue from 12-14 hour bus ride): Neck pillow, snacks, hydration
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
- Bus (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj round trip): 50 USD
- Flight (Nepalgunj-Juphal round trip): 200 USD
- Permits (Foreign national): 30 USD
- Guide and porter fees: 200 USD
- Accommodation and meals: 180 USD
- Miscellaneous (transfers, equipment rental): 80 USD
Total Estimated Cost: 740 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.