Phoksundo Lake Trek
Dolpo Shey Phoksundo, or Phoksumdo as it is more commonly known, is a magnificent lake beneath the Kanjiralwa Himalayas. The entire region of Dolpa is rich with enchanted vistas, and the gorgeous places, people, and elements (Mountains, Lakes, Hills) will astound any traveler who ventures to this wonderful land. This region is located in the western portion of Nepal.
Explore the magnificent Dolpo region of Nepal. This lonely region, made famous by Peter Matthiessen's 'The Snow Leopard,' has been accessible to hikers only since 1989. Its most appealing attraction, Phoksundo Lake, is revered by Buddhists and Bonpo believers. This reasonably straightforward trip traverses Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan communities without crossing any high passes.
Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a mesmerizing trekking route in the Dolpo region of Nepal that takes you to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest and most beautiful alpine lakes in the country. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and remote wilderness. Here are some of the highlights of the Phoksundo Lake Trek.
Phoksundo Lake: The centerpiece of the trek, Phoksundo Lake is a crystal-clear turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. Its unique color and pristine setting make it one of the most captivating lakes in Nepal.
Dolpo Region: The Dolpo region is remote and untouched by modern development, allowing you to experience traditional lifestyles and cultures that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries.
Shey Phoksundo National Park: The trek passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including blue sheep, snow leopards, and unique high-altitude ecosystems.
Cultural Encounters: Along the route, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the local inhabitants, who are primarily of Tibetan origin. You can observe their customs, traditions, and unique way of life.
Shey Gompa: The ancient Shey Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, is a cultural and spiritual highlight of the trek. It holds religious significance for both local people and trekkers.
Unique Landscapes: The landscapes vary from lush forests to arid and barren landscapes. The contrast between the turquoise lake, snow-covered peaks, and rugged terrains is visually captivating.
High Passes: The trek involves crossing high passes, such as the Kagmara La Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Less Crowded: The remote nature of the Dolpo region results in fewer trekkers on the trail, providing a quieter and more peaceful trekking experience.
Challenging and Adventurous: The Phoksundo Lake Trek is considered challenging and is suitable for trekkers with prior experience and a good level of fitness.
The Best time for Phoksundo Lake Trek
The best time for the Phoksundo Lake Trek is during the pre-monsoon spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a successful and enjoyable trek. Both spring and autumn offer excellent trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its vibrant flora, lush landscapes, and blooming flowers, while autumn provides clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and cultural experiences.
Duration : 12 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Fly to Nepalgunj.
Day 3 - Fly From Nepalgunj To Juphal, Trek To Dunai(2,150m), 3 Hours..
Day 4 - Trek to Chhepka Village (2670m).
Day 5 - Trek to Jharana (3,352m).
Day 6 - Trek to Ringmo Village (3500m).
Day 7 - Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa.
Day 8 - Trek back to Chhepka village.
Day 9 - Trek back to Juphal.
Day 10 - Fly From Juphal To Nepalgunj; Return Trip To Kathmandu In The Afternoon..
Day 11 - Weather-Related Flight Delay And Cancellation Buffer Day.
Day 12 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.