Trip Overview
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a journey to the deepest and most isolated places in Nepal, known for their unspoiled nature and unique culture. The Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m/11,849 ft) above sea level is the primary destination in the remote Dolpo, and the 12-day Phoksundo Lake Trek itinerary is relatively easy for anyone fit and extremely pleasing for seasoned trekkers and climbers.
The Phoksundo Lake Trekking generally begins with a flight to Nepalgunj and Jupal. From Jupal is when you will begin hiking on foot and slowly dive deep into the largest national park in Nepal, the Shey Phoksundo National Park, named after the lake itself, dedicated to the protection and preservation of the unique Himalayan ecosystem and endangered species of flora and fauna and is part of the restricted areas of the country.
During this trip, the Phoksundo Lake Hike, in the midwestern part of the Himalayan country, you will move through the center of the snow-capped mountain ranges. Throughout the journey, trekkers get to relish the stunning scenery, while the culture of Ringmo villages, showcasing a mixed influence of Nepalese and Tibetan culture, keeps them intrigued. Opened for tourists as late as 1990, Phoksundo Lake retains a serene ambience.
At Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we are offering special group discounts on the Phoksundo Lake Trek cost for 2025 and 2026. If you are a group of trekkers with more than 10 members, you are eligible for our special discounts. Or, get early bird and festive discounts on this Phoksundo Lake Trekking Cost. If you are looking for such a Himalayan odyssey that is life-changing, hiking to Phoksundo Lake is a must.
Away from modern amenities with limited lodges and food choices, followed by limited infrastructure, our comprehensive Phoksundo Lake Trek package includes all the trekking logistics arrangements. From transportation to guides and porters, we have it all arranged for you, so you have a hassle-free experience knowing you are with trustworthy companions, a must-have for immediate aid in need, especially in remote and restricted areas.
What to expect during the trek to Phoksundo Lake?
Trekking to Phoksundo Lake is one of the off-the-beaten-path experiences in Nepal in the trans-Himalayan region of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), the seventh-highest mountain in the world. Before you arrive at the country’s deepest and one of the most sacred gems in the center of mountain giants, for several days you will trek through the forests of pine, oak, and birch.
The deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and traditional Tibetan-style villages are other highlights of this trek to Phoksundo Lake. Starting from the lower Himalayan foothills, as you reach the lake from Buddhist legend, where swimming and bathing are prohibited, the atmosphere is serene, and the panoramic views make the Phoksundo Lake Hike a rewarding experience.
The high alpine meadows and rocky trails as you move closer and closer to Phoksundo Lake can add much to the difficulty level, especially when you are trekking at least 5-7 hours a day, some days including steep ascents and descents. An authentic journey in the lap of the hills and the Himalayas, and here’s what makes the hike to Phoksundo Lake in one of the restricted areas of Nepal special to go for it in 2025 and 2026:
Among the few off-the-beaten Himalayan trails in Nepal
Unlike popular trekking routes of the Nepalese Himalayas, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or short treks like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or the Everest Panorama Trek, despite being one of the short hiking routes, if there is one trail that sees fewer crowds even during the peak trekking seasons of spring and autumn, that is the Phoksundo Lake Trip. A perfect holiday destination for someone seeking a more secluded and tranquil trekking experience.
To get to the Dolpo Trekking Region, usually there is a double flight, one from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then another to Juphal from Nepalgunj. The entire region comes under one of the highly restricted areas of Nepal; the requirements for special restricted areas remain largely untouched, an epitome of raw Himalayan wilderness.
Which is the best viewpoint to see the mountains during your trek to Phoksundo Lake?
During the Phoksundo Lake Trek, anyone pursuing the routes is blessed with the varying perspective of the majestic Dhaulagiri and the Kanjiroba Himalayan ranges. Even before entering the Phoksundo Lake National Park, trekkers can enjoy the distant views of snow-capped mountain giants, an enthralling preview of the high-altitude wilderness. In western Nepal, embrace the serenity of one of the hidden gems of Nepal, Phoksundo Lake.
Precisely, the high-altitude Ringmo village (3,360m) and Phoksunda Lake (3,610m) offer you 360-degree expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Though more known for stunning, lush valleys, turquoise lakes, and unparalleled cultural experiences, sky-high snowy peaks keep one inspired even during the rugged terrain often characterized by steep ascents and descents demanding a good level of mental and physical fitness and clarity.
Where to stay for better cultural immersion en route to the Phoksundo Lake Trekking?
Once a popular camping trek in Nepal, the Phoksundo Lake Hike is now a teahouse-style, off-the-beaten-path trekking trip, and for better cultural immersion, it is the best option. Opened and managed by Himalayan locals in teahouses, as the locals offer you daily meals made by using organic products, the insight into the way of life comes side by side. Locals in general are hospitable, happy to have you there, and often keen to share their culture, traditions, and customs.
As per the Phoksundo Lake Trekking itinerary for 12 days, an entire day is allocated separately for a full exploration of Phoksundo Lake. On this day, you can take a side hike to Ringmo village and visit several monasteries (gompas) reflecting the region's close cultural and spiritual ties to the Bon religion. While this is an ideal trek route for the Phoksundo Lake Trek, we recommend an extra 2-3 days to visit Shey Gompa for better cultural encounters or at least unwind in and around the lake and villages you pass by.
Is Phoksundo Lake the right destination for wildlife sightseeing?
Yes, it takes place inside the largest national park of Nepal, the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Spread over an area of 3,555 square kilometers across Dolpa and Mugu districts, it is an exotic tourist destination featuring several iconic trekking routes like the Phoksundo Lake Trek, all with high chances of encountering a wide range of flora and fauna as you make your way through the park area dominated by dense woods of pine, birch, and juniper.
Along with beautiful views of waterfalls, streams, and tiny yet lovely villages, on a lucky day, one might spot rare Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and, if extremely blessed, snow leopards in higher altitudes as well. The park is also a natural habitat for Himalayan wolves and various bird species, while the vegetation ranges from dense subtropical forests to sparse alpine meadows. There is much to observe in one single trip to Phoksundo Lake.
Why is bathing in Phoksundo Lake not allowed?
Phokundo Lake, at an altitude of 3,610m above sea level in Nepal, is one of the deepest lakes in the remote lower Dolpo region that stands second to none as the best cultural destinations in the world. In the center of the Himalayan ranges, green valleys, and dramatic cliffs, the turquoise lake captivates the heart and soul of individuals seeking solitude and natural beauty away from roads, phones, and commercial routes.
Unlike other lakes here, taking a bath is prohibited and is primarily due to cultural and spiritual significance, especially among Bon and Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. To this day, there is no record of life in here, and it is considered the dwelling place of a powerful deity; hence, it is prohibited even for fishing. Therefore, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is beyond a normal Himalayan expedition, enhanced by Rigmo village and Tshowa (Bon) Monastery, believed to be over 900 years old, and all the cultural heritage of Dolpo in Nepal.
The best Phoksundo Lake Trek itinerary of 12 days and the cost for 2025 and 2026
The Phoksundo Lake Trekking itinerary for 12 days begins with your arrival in the Kathmandu Valley. After a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Jupal, the hike to reach the realm of the crystal-clear water lake, carrying significant cultural and spiritual values, begins on the fourth day, stopping for the day at Dunai. While you are free to customize the trip route and itinerary as per your requirements and personal preference, the 12-day itinerary for the Phoksundo Lake Hike from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks is a standard one.
It is an ideal itinerary handpicked by local experts for its peaceful journey that is filled with much-needed rest, acclimatization, and exploration. The 12-day Phoksundo Lake hiking itinerary ensures you are safe and have a memorable experience of reaching Phoksundo Lake in the remote and rugged trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, evoking a true sense of wilderness, adventure, and achievement. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned trekker, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is rewarding for everyone.
Follow the 12-day itinerary from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks for a more enhanced and hassle-free experience. In addition, we are offering early bird, festive, and special group discounts on various holiday experiences with us, including the Phoksundo Lake Trekking cost for 2025 and 2026. Our more than two decades of experience in organizing and operating epic Himalayan voyages gives us an edge. Reserve your seat now!
