Ringmo

Introduction

Ringmo is the village closest to Phoksundo Lake — a traditional Dolpo-pa settlement with one of Nepal’s oldest Bön (pre-Buddhist) monasteries, and the gateway to the turquoise lake.

Situated in Dolpa district at an altitude of 3,650 m (11,975 ft), Ringmo is a key stop on the Lower Dolpo Circuit within the Dolpo Region. Locally it is known as Ringmo Gaun. The nearest settlement is Phoksundo Lake. On foot from Juphal (3 days) or from Do Tarap via the passes. Trekkers reach Ringmo as part of the standard trekking route.

History

Ringmo has a long history as part of the Dolpo Region trekking route network.

The dolpo region has been a corridor for trade, pilgrimage, and mountaineering for centuries. Ringmo has witnessed the evolution of Nepal’s trekking industry, from the early expeditions of the 1950s to the modern tea-house network that today supports thousands of trekkers each year.

Local traditions reflect the deep cultural heritage of the Himalayan peoples, including the Dolpo-pa (Bon and Buddhist). Oral histories, monastery records, and oral traditions document centuries of settlement, religious practice, and adaptation to high-altitude life.

Geography & Landscape

Ringmo lies in the Dolpo Region of Nepal at 3650 metres above sea level. The landscape is characteristic of the Nepal Himalaya — dramatic valleys, glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and forested ridgelines shaped by tectonic uplift and glacial retreat over millions of years.

The surrounding topography includes peaks, ridges, and river systems that define the trekking approach. The altitude places Ringmo in the sub-alpine zone, with corresponding vegetation and wildlife.

Elevation & Location

• Elevation: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
• Coordinates: 29.1833° N, 82.9500° E
• District: Dolpa
• Region: Dolpo Region
• Route: Lower Dolpo Circuit

How to Reach

On foot from Juphal (3 days) or from Do Tarap via the passes.

Walking time from the previous stop: 2 hours down from Baga La (4 km).

Trekking Route Info

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Walk hours: 2 hours down from Baga La
• Distance from previous: 4 km
• Best season: Summer (Jun–Sep), Autumn (Oct)

What to Expect

A typical day at Ringmo begins with the morning Himalayan light filtering through the peaks, followed by breakfast at a teahouse, a steady walk along the trail, and an evening in a warm lodge sharing dal bhat with fellow trekkers and local hosts. The altitude (above 3,500m) requires careful acclimatization and the weather can change rapidly — pack layers and stay hydrated.

Things To Do

• Visit the Ringmo Bön Monastery — one of Nepal’s oldest Bön monasteries
• Walk from Ringmo to the Phoksundo Lake shore (15 minutes)
• Experience the unique Bön religious tradition
• Buy local handicrafts from Ringmo villagers

Accommodation & Teahouses

Ringmo has approximately 3 teahouses and lodges, with lodges, camping. Rooms are typically basic — twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Meals include dal bhat, momos, and Tibetan-style dishes.

Food & Dining

Tsampa, butter tea, yak dairy, buckwheat Teahouse menus typically feature dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), Tibetan bread, tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and seasonal vegetables. At higher altitudes, menus are more limited and prices rise due to the cost of transporting supplies.

Culture & Communities

• Ethnic groups: Dolpo-pa (Bon and Buddhist)
• Languages: Dolpo, Tibetan, Nepali
• Dress & culture: Tibetan chuba, distinctive Dolpo ornaments

The communities of the Dolpo Region have preserved their distinctive traditions through centuries of relative isolation. Daily life blends religious practice, agriculture, herding, and — increasingly — trekking tourism.

Religion & Traditions

• Monasteries: Ringmo Gompa (Bön monastery, one of the oldest Bon monasteries in Nepal)
• Festivals: Lhosar, Bon festival
• Traditions: Ringmo is the village closest to Phoksundo Lake; its residents preserve the pre-Buddhist Bön religion alongside Tibetan Buddhism

The religious landscape blends Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and — in some regions — the pre-Buddhist Bön and shamanic traditions. Prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, and gompas are part of daily life.

Wildlife & Nature

The ecosystems around Ringmo may include Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan marmot, pika, lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, and Himalayan monal and blood pheasant. Flora ranges from alpine meadow and juniper scrub to alpine meadow.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (Jun–Sep), Autumn (Oct). Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms and warming temperatures, while Autumn (September–November) offers the clearest skies and most stable weather. Summer (June–August) is the monsoon season with rain, leeches, and reduced visibility, though the rain-shadow regions of Mustang, Dolpo, and upper Manang remain accessible.

Photography

• Photo spots: Ringmo village with Phoksundo Lake behind
• Sunrise viewpoints: Phoksundo Lake at dawn from Ringmo

The best light is in the golden hour after sunrise and before sunset. Carry a polarizer for the snow, a wide-angle for the landscapes, and a telephoto for distant peaks and wildlife. Always ask before photographing people.

Travel Tips

• Acclimatize gradually — do not gain more than 400–500m of sleeping altitude per day above 3,000m.
• Carry cash (Nepali rupees) — ATMs are rare above district headquarters.
• Pack layers — temperatures swing sharply with altitude and time of day.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and water purification tablets or a filter.
• Respect local culture — circumamberate stupas and mani walls clockwise, ask before photographing people, and dress modestly.
• Get travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000m.

Nearby Attractions

Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo Gompa, Shey Phoksundo National Park

FAQ

What is the elevation of Ringmo?

Ringmo is at an elevation of 3,650 m (11,975 ft).

Is there Wi-Fi at Ringmo?

Wi-Fi is limited or unavailable; check with individual teahouses.

When is the best time to visit Ringmo?

Summer (Jun–Sep), Autumn (Oct).

How do I reach Ringmo?

On foot from Juphal (3 days) or from Do Tarap via the passes.

Conclusion

Ringmo is a memorable stop on any Dolpo Region trek — combining rich cultural heritage, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Nepal’s mountain communities. Combine careful planning with an open mindset to make the most of the journey to this remarkable corner of the Nepal Himalaya.