Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek (9 Days)
Efficient 9-day trek to Phoksundo Lake with streamlined routing for time-conscious trekkers.
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
- Day 2: Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai
- Day 3: Dunai → Chhepka
- Day 4: Chhepka → Jharana Hotel
- Day 5: Jharana → Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
- Day 6: Ringmo → Ringmo
- Day 7: Ringmo → Chhepka
- Day 8: Chhepka → Juphal
- Day 9: Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
Region: Lower Dolpo
Start/End: Kathmandu
Duration: 9 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
Shey Phoksundo National Park exploration
Traditional Ringmo village culture
Spectacular waterfalls and alpine scenery
Compact itinerary with maximum impact
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 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
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 Jharana
Day 4
Chhepka to Jharana Hotel
Trek through scenic rivers and meadows to Jharana, nearing Phoksundo Lake.
- Route: Chhepka → Jharana Hotel
- Altitude: 2670m to 3110m
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 14 km
Activities:
- 07:30 AM departure
- Trek through rivers and alpine meadows
- View Phoksundo Gorge
View of Jharana
View of Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
Day 5
Jharana to Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake
Trek to magnificent Phoksundo Lake and enjoy stunning lake views with 167m waterfall.
- Route: Jharana → 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
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
View of Ringmo
View of Chhepka
Day 7
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 8
Chhepka to Juphal
Trek to Juphal, preparing for return flights.
- 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 9
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
- Quick Ascent Concern: Faster ascent schedule requires extra attention to symptoms
- Challenge: Compressed schedule with less acclimatization time
- Mitigation: Stay extra hydrated, monitor symptoms closely, be ready to descend
- Rest Days: Day 6 at lake level for acclimatization
- Ascent Rate: Average 400-600m 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
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: 250 USD
- Accommodation and meals: 200 USD
- Miscellaneous (transfers, equipment rental): 100 USD
Total Estimated Cost: 930 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.