Phoksundo Lake Trek โ€“ 10 Days
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Overview

The Phoksundo Lake Trek โ€“ 10 Days takes you deep into the remote and beautiful Dolpo region of western Nepal. This trek is perfect for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of the Himalayas, away from the busy trails of Everest and Annapurna.

The main attraction of the journey is Phoksundo Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by steep cliffs, forests, and mountains. Its clear blue and turquoise water makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. The trail also passes through traditional villages, peaceful forests, waterfalls, and the unique landscapes of Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Along the way, you will visit Ringmo Village and have the chance to explore the ancient Tshowa Gompa. The local culture has strong Tibetan and Bon influences, which makes the journey different from many other trekking routes in Nepal.

The trek includes a mix of forest trails, rocky paths, river valleys, and mountain landscapes. Although it does not involve extremely high passes, some days require several hours of walking. With good fitness and proper preparation, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is a rewarding adventure for both experienced trekkers and fit beginners.

Trip Facts

Duration 10 Days
Max. Altitude: Approx. 3,600+ m
Group size 1โ€“15 People Costmizable
Best Season Marchโ€“May and Septemberโ€“November
Activity Trekking
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Teahouse
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TRANSPORTATION Private/Shared Jeep
LOCATION Phoksundo Lake
Start/End Kathmandu, Nepal

Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights

    Discover the remote Dolpo region of western Nepal

    Visit the beautiful and peaceful Phoksundo Lake

    Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park

    Explore traditional Ringmo Village

    Visit the ancient Tshowa Gompa

    See the impressive Jharana Waterfall

    Walk through pine, birch, juniper, and cedar forests

    Experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of Dolpo

    Enjoy quiet trails and untouched Himalayan landscapes

    Experience the traditional lifestyle of local mountain communities

Important Note

  • hoksundo Lake Trek is a remote Himalayan trek, so trekking facilities are more basic than on popular routes such as Everest and Annapurna.
  • The itinerary may change slightly due to weather, flight delays, trail conditions, or other unforeseen situations.
  • Domestic flights to Juphal are highly dependent on weather. Flight delays or cancellations may happen, especially during poor weather.
  • Good physical fitness is important because some trekking days involve 5โ€“7 hours of walking on uneven and uphill trails.
  • The trek reaches an altitude of around 3,600 meters, so proper acclimatization and a slow walking pace are important.
  • Carry enough warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, rain protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, and personal medicines.
  • Accommodation in remote villages is basic, with limited facilities.
  • Mobile network and internet services may be limited or unavailable in some sections of the trek.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and follow your guide’s advice about safe drinking water.
  • Travel insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
  • Phoksundo lies within Shey Phoksundo National Park, so trekkers must follow park rules and local regulations.
  • Respect local culture, traditions, monasteries, wildlife, and the natural environment throughout the trek.
  • Avoid littering and carry your waste until you reach a proper disposal point.
  • Bring some Nepali cash, as ATMs and card payment facilities are not available in remote parts of Dolpo.
  • The trekking company may adjust the itinerary when necessary to maintain safety and comfort.
  • Any additional costs caused by unexpected flight cancellations, natural disasters, emergency evacuation, or itinerary changes are not included unless specifically stated in the package.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you can take some time to rest after your journey.

Later, your trekking guide will meet you and provide a briefing about the trek. You can also check your trekking equipment and make any final preparations.

Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu
Meal Welcome Dinner

After breakfast, take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The short flight takes you from the busy Kathmandu Valley toward the warmer plains of western Nepal.

After reaching Nepalgunj, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing. You can also prepare your belongings for the next day’s flight to Juphal.

Accommodation Hotel in Nepalgunj
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. The flight offers beautiful views of the hills and mountains as you approach the remote Dolpo region.

After landing at Juphal, meet the local trekking team and begin walking toward Dunai. The trail passes through small villages, farmland, and green hills before reaching Dunai, the main settlement of the Dolpo region.

Accommodation Lodge/Guesthouse in Dunai
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, the real trekking adventure begins. After breakfast, follow the trail along the river and gradually enter the beautiful landscapes of Shey Phoksundo National Park.

The trail passes through forests and small settlements. You will walk beside the river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the landscape becomes more remote. After several hours of walking, you will reach Chhepka.

Accommodation Lodge/Teahouse in Chhepka
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Continue your journey toward Phoksundo Lake today. The trail leads through beautiful forests filled with pine, birch, and juniper trees. You will follow the river valley and gradually gain altitude.

As you approach Jharana, the landscape becomes more dramatic. The sound of waterfalls and the views of the surrounding cliffs make this section particularly enjoyable.

Accommodation Lodge/Camp in Jharana
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek. After breakfast, continue toward Ringmo Village and Phoksundo Lake.

The trail climbs through a dramatic mountain landscape before reaching viewpoints overlooking the lake. As the turquoise water comes into view, you will understand why Phoksundo is considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful alpine lakes.

Continue toward Ringmo Village, where you can see traditional stone houses and experience the local way of life.

Accommodation Lodge/Teahouse in Ringmo
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Spend the day exploring the area around Phoksundo Lake. Walk along the lakeshore, enjoy the mountain views, and take photographs of the spectacular landscape.

You can also visit Tshowa Gompa, an ancient Bon monastery near the lake. The peaceful surroundings provide an opportunity to learn more about the spiritual traditions and culture of the Dolpo region.

The day also gives your body time to rest before starting the return journey.

Accommodation Lodge/Teahouse in Ringmo
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, begin your return journey. Follow the familiar trail back through forests and along the river valley.

Although you are walking on the same route, the scenery looks different from the opposite direction. Take your time to enjoy the forests, mountain views, and peaceful surroundings before reaching Chhepka.

Accommodation Lodge/Teahouse in Chhepka
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, continue your trek toward Juphal. The trail follows the river and passes through forests, farmland, and small villages.

After several hours of walking, you will reach Juphal. This is your final trekking day, so you can relax with your trekking team and celebrate the completion of your journey through the Dolpo region.

Accommodation Lodge/Guesthouse in Juphal
Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, connect with your flight back to Kathmandu.

After reaching Kathmandu, your Phoksundo Lake Trek โ€“ 10 Days comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, you can continue with your onward journey or stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Meal Breakfast

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Cost Details

Cost Includes

    Airport pickup and drop-off

    Domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary

    Kathmanduโ€“Nepalgunjโ€“Kathmandu flights

    Nepalgunjโ€“Juphalโ€“Nepalgunj flights

    Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

    Hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj

    Lodge and teahouse accommodation during the trek

    Experienced and licensed trekking guide

    Porters

    Guide and porter food, accommodation, salary, and insurance

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek

    Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit

    Required trekking and local permits

    Trekking information and briefing

    Basic first-aid kit

    Government taxes

    Company service charges

Cost Excludes

    International airfare

    Nepal visa fee

    Travel and medical insurance

    Emergency helicopter evacuation

    Personal trekking equipment

    Personal expenses

    Laundry and hot showers

    Wi-Fi and telephone charges

    Bottled water and soft drinks

    Alcoholic beverages

    Extra accommodation and meals outside the itinerary

    Expenses caused by flight delays or cancellations

    Tips for guides, porters, and other staff

    Personal medical expenses

    Expenses caused by natural disasters or unforeseen events

    Any services not mentioned under What's Included

Equipment

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. Youโ€™ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.

    All the ground transportation as per itinerary.

    Welcome or fare well dinner in kathmandu.

    Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.

    First aid medical kit, Ox meter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.

    All the ground transportation as per itinerary.

    Welcome or fare well dinner in kathmandu.

    Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The trek is moderately difficult. You should be comfortable walking for several hours each day and have a reasonable level of fitness.

The trek reaches around 3,600 meters at Phoksundo Lake, depending on the exact route followed.

Yes, fit beginners can join this trek. However, regular walking or hiking practice before the trip is recommended.

March to May and September to November are generally the best months for this trek.

The biggest highlight is Phoksundo Lake, known for its striking turquoise water and dramatic mountain surroundings.

Yes. Ringmo Village is one of the main cultural highlights of the trek and lies close to Phoksundo Lake.

Yes. You can visit Tshowa Gompa near Phoksundo Lake and learn about the local spiritual traditions.

Hotels are used in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, while local lodges and teahouses are used along the trekking route.

Yes. Flight schedules, weather, trail conditions, and other local factors can sometimes affect the itinerary. The trekking team may adjust the schedule when necessary for safety.

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