Phoksundo Lake Trek-12 days

Good to Know
  • Duration 12 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-10
  • Max. Altitude 3610 M.
  • Best Season March, April, May and August, September, October, November

Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, is a sacred lake offering stunning natural beauty. Considered sacrosanct by the Dolpa locals, it is praised for its aquamarine greenish blue color. No aquatic life in the lake pronounces that the water is crystal clear. Called by the seasoned travelers as the jewel of Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo Lake gives refreshing experience to the eyes. Ringed by tall snow-capped mountains, view of Phoksundo Lake is an extremely satisfying experience. Shey-Phoksundo National Park is situated in the mountain region of the Western Nepal near the Phoksundo Lake covering parts of Dolpa and Mugu districts. Gazetted in 1984, it is the largest national park in the country with an area of 3,555 sq. km. The main objectives of the park are to preserve the unique Himalayan ecosystem with its typical Tibetan type of flora and fauna, and to protect endangered species such as the snow leopard and musk deer.

Dolpo, a remote area, is located in the Mid-Western part of Nepal. The timeworn place has had close relations with Tibet. Trekkers were allowed to visit Dolpo as late as 1990 as it was a restricted area until then. However, to remain far from the limelight has its own benefits. Dolpo has been able to preserve its wonderful beauty. Trekkers can soak in the wonderful scenic view of Phoksundo Lake, and, at the same time, enjoy the intriguing culture of Ringmo village which is a mix of Nepalese and Tibetan influences. Monsoon in Dolpo region is interrupted by the Dhaulagiri range. This means that trekking can only be done in summer season. It is a lake with a Buddhist legend and therefore swimming and bathing is prohibited. The water of the lake is devoid of any aquatic life and so the lake is absolutely pure. Only a few migrating birds visit the lake.

Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader.  If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa). We can also visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago.  Finally, we can visit Patan, city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things. Overnight stay at the hotel.

      After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of the airport and take a flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and to Bardiya National Park. It is a major transport focal point for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay at a hotel.

        Following the morning breakfast at the hotel, we will again be transferred to the Airport in Nepalgunj from where you will take a 35-minute flight to Juphal, where our trek begins. 
         The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar 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 and the headquarters of Dolpa district. We stay overnight at a guesthouse in Dunai.

          We will wake up early in the morning and have breakfast and tea at the guest house. Our trek then starts from Dunai and we trek until Chhapka, which has a few houses and a lodge. We will stay overnight at the local lodge.

            After breakfast at the local lodge, we climb early in the morning and 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 gradually throughout 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.

              After breakfast at hotel in the morning, we make our way to Phoksundo Lake, we make a steep descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River. 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 river flows out of the lake. Phoksundo Lake is 4.8 km long, 1.8 km wide and is said to be 650 meters deep. Overnight stay at a homestay .

                After breakfast at the hotel, we head out to explore the area around the glorious Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its outstanding turquoise color and amazing scenery. Phoksundo is the deepest lake in Nepal and its beauty is almost unmatched. Ringmo village, which is a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. There are many monasteries (Gompas) and Bon religious sites in the park and we spend our time visiting some of them. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. We explore about the nature & their life style during our visit. Overnight.

                  After an enjoyable and insightful visit to the Shey Phoksundo Lake, we then start our return tour by trekking to Sangta. It will take around four to five hours to reach Sangta, where we will stay overnight at a hotel.

                    On the ninth day of the itinerary package, we will trek through Sangta to Juphal, the place from where our journey had started a week ago. Following the completion of the lake tour, we return back to Jhuphal. Overnight stay at a hotel or lodge.

                      The next day, we will take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, we will catch another flight to Kathmandu and return to the capital city by evening. We'll have a celebratory dinner! Overnight stay at a hotel.

                        The last day of the tour package, you will be transferred to the International Airport in Kathmandu from where you will catch a flight back to your home country or your next destination.  Hope to see you again soon!

                          This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

                          Route Map
                          Phoksundo Lake Trek-12 days Map
                          What's Included
                          Includes
                          • 8 nights and 9 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
                          • Flights from Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Juphal and Juphal-Nepaljung-Kathmandu after the trek
                          • English speaking local expert guide, porters(porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
                          • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
                          • Phoksundo Lake special permit
                          • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast
                          • Airport transfers and escort
                          • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
                          • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
                          • Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
                          • Insurance for all staff & porters.
                          • Trekking achievement certificate
                          • Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
                          Excludes
                          • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
                          • International flight & all domestic airfare
                          • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
                          • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu
                          • Electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
                          • Hot shower during trek
                          • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
                          • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
                          • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
                          • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
                          Dates and Prices
                          Date PriceAvailability 
                          Start DateStarts: MondayApr 01, 2024End DateEnds: FridayApr 12, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: ThursdayApr 04, 2024End DateEnds: MondayApr 15, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: MondayApr 08, 2024End DateEnds: FridayApr 19, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: ThursdayApr 11, 2024End DateEnds: MondayApr 22, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: MondayApr 15, 2024End DateEnds: FridayApr 26, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: ThursdayApr 18, 2024End DateEnds: MondayApr 29, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: MondayApr 22, 2024End DateEnds: FridayMay 03, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: ThursdayApr 25, 2024End DateEnds: MondayMay 06, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable
                          Start DateStarts: MondayApr 29, 2024End DateEnds: FridayMay 10, 2024PricePriceUS$1475StatusStatusAvailable

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