Phoksundo Lake is Nepal's deepest lake at approximately 145m depth, and its colour is unlike anything else in the Himalayas: a vivid, other-worldly turquoise caused by the exceptional purity and cold of the water, which supports almost no aquatic life. The lake sits at 3,611m in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, hemmed in by vertical cliff walls with a dramatic waterfall at its southern end, over 300m high. Eric Valli filmed here for his 1999 film Himalaya (also known as Caravan), and the landscape on screen has barely changed since.
The 14-day Phoksundo Lake Lodge Trek is designed as the most accessible introduction to the Dolpo region: lodge and teahouse accommodation throughout (no camping required), a shorter duration than the full circuit treks, and a clear focus on Phoksundo Lake as the destination. The route accesses the region by domestic flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj, then follows the trail through the Dolpo foothills and national park to the lake. Basic but characterful lodges operate in the main villages along the route, including at Ringmo village on the lake shore itself.
For those who want a longer Dolpo experience or more of the region's ancient monasteries and high passes, see our Lower Dolpo Round Trek or Classic Upper Dolpo Trek.
Duration: 14 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 3,611m (Phoksundo Lake) | Trek Grade: Moderate — lodge-based, restricted area permit required | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: Lower Dolpo RAP (USD 20/week), Shey Phoksundo NP Permit (USD 30), licensed guide mandatory
As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you to check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
After breakfast process for the UNISCO Heritage Sightseeing tour. Visit Swyambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan city, Khokana Village and after sight-seeing tour, transfer you back to hotel. Overnight Kathmandu.
From Kathmandu we take a flight on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj , a town in the western Terai , is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at hotel.
Today we take a 35 minutes flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal .The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai(2150m).Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. It is also the administrative capital of Dolpo. We stay overnight in Dunai at Pala Guest House.
From Dunai we trek to Chhepka , which has few houses and a lodge.We will stay overnight at the local lodge.
We rise early in the morning and after breakfast make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 3370m. We get a close view of a spectacular 330-metre –high waterfall, the highest in Nepal and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. We stop for the night at Jharana (waterfall) Hotel.
Today as we make our way to Phoksundo Lake, we make a steep descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola. We cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo Khola(river) flows out of the lake. Phoksundo Lake is 4.8 km long, 1.8 km wide and is said to be 650 metres deep.
Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, which is a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas )and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of them. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
After an enjoyable and insightful visit we trek to Sangta. We stay overnight at the hotel.
We trek through Sangta to Juphal. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
Early in the morning we fly to Nepalgunj. Especially the first part of the flight through the mountain valleys is spectacular. Later in the day, we fly back to Kathmandu. OVernight in Kathmandu.
Breakfast in the hotel and today you have a free day in Kathmandu for your own activities and relax little bit before your long flight back to home. Today you can go for shopping, maybe massage to relax your body or short visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is in walking distance from Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Our representative will drive you after breakfast or at your desired time to the airport for your flight home.
All of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like when in the year you will be travelling (High season, Low season), how far in advance you book, the number of people travelling in your group, the level of accommodation you choose etc. Please click on the next tab (INQUIRY/ BOOKING) and send us your inquiry. We will reply you with cost and other necessary details within 24 hours.
What is Phoksundo Lake?
Nepal's deepest lake at approximately 145m depth, sitting at 3,611m in Shey Phoksundo National Park. Its extraordinary turquoise colour comes from exceptionally pure, cold water. Featured in Eric Valli's 1999 film Himalaya (Caravan).
Is this a restricted area trek?
Yes. The Lower Dolpo section requires a Restricted Area Permit (USD 20/week) and a Shey Phoksundo National Park permit (USD 30). A licensed guide from a registered agency is mandatory.
What accommodation is used on this trek?
Lodge and teahouse accommodation throughout, including at Ringmo village on the lake shore. No camping required, making this the most accessible Dolpo experience.
How does this compare to the Lower Dolpo Round Trek?
This trek (14 days) is shorter, lodge-based, and focuses specifically on Phoksundo Lake. The Lower Dolpo Round Trek (30 days) is a more comprehensive circuit with camping sections.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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