Shey Phoksundo Lake trek on a 12-day guided adventure. Explore the remote Dolpo region, witness the unique Bon culture, and hike through the stunning Shey Phoksundo National Park. Moderate trek with flights, permits & meals included. Book your 2026/2027 journey!

Accomodation
Hotel and Tea Houses
Transportation
Flights and Jeep
Language
English
Maximum Altitude
3610 M
Meals
All
Group Size
2-10
Tour type
Trekking
Destinations
Dolpo Region
Activities
Trekking
Trip Type
Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Medium

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Download

Dates

Packing List

Know more

Map

Review

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Download

Dates

Packing List

Know more

Map

Review

Overview of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is an extraordinary 12-day journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine Himalayan regions located in the Dolpo district. This adventure takes you to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake at 145 meters, renowned for its spectacular turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop . As a restricted area that only opened to tourists in 1990, this trek offers a unique opportunity to experience an untouched cultural and natural environment far from the crowded trekking routes of Everest and Annapurna .

This moderately challenging trek combines breathtaking natural scenery with rich cultural immersion. You’ll traverse through the vast Shey Phoksundo National Park – Nepal’s largest national park covering 3,555 km² – which protects a unique trans-Himalayan ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna including rare species like snow leopards, blue sheep, and musk deer . The cultural highlight is experiencing the ancient Bon Po religion, which predates Buddhism and is still practiced in traditional villages like Ringmo .

The trek is graded as moderate, requiring 5-7 hours of daily walking on trails that include steep ascents, descents, and rocky paths at altitudes reaching 3,610 meters . The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when weather conditions are most favorable with clear skies and moderate temperatures . While physically demanding, this trek is achievable for anyone in good physical condition with proper preparation and acclimatization.

This package is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, cultural enthusiasts interested in Tibetan and Bon traditions, and nature lovers wanting to explore one of Nepal’s most spectacular and least-developed national parks.

Highlights of Shey Phoksundo Lake trek

Witness the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake at 145 meters
Explore ancient Bon Po culture in Ringmo village and visit the 900-year-old Tshowa Monastery
Marvel at Jharna Waterfall, one of Nepal's highest waterfalls at 330 meters
Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal's largest national park with unique trans-Himalayan ecosystem
Spot rare Himalayan wildlife including blue sheep, musk deer, and possibly snow leopards
Experience the dramatic mountain scenery of the Kanjiroba and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges
Visit traditional Tibetan-style villages and learn about local customs and lifestyles
Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path adventure in one of Nepal's most restricted and least-developed regions
Cross thrilling suspension bridges and trek through pristine forests of pine, oak and birch
Experience the unique double flight journey to Juphal via Nepalgunj with spectacular aerial views

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Welcome to Nepal! An Adventure Himalayan Travels representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trek. This is the perfect time to ask any questions and get to know your guide. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel.

3 Stars Hotel

Dinner

Day 02 :

Sightseeing and Preparation in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Today, you’ll explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the colossal Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, and the ancient Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). In the afternoon, you’ll have a final meeting to check your gear and rent anything you might be missing, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the trek ahead.

3 Stars Hotel

Breakfast

Day 03 :

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)

Catch a morning flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling frontier town in the western Terai. This city offers a taste of the tropical lowlands and is a major transit hub. Use the afternoon to relax and prepare for the next day’s flight into the mountains. The change in climate and culture is a clear sign your Himalayan adventure is about to begin.

3 Stars Hotel

Breakfast

Day 04 :

Fly to Juphal (2,475m) & Trek to Dunai (2,150m)

A short, spectacular 35-minute flight takes you to Juphal, a small mountain airstrip where your trek begins. After meeting your porter team, you’ll start with a gentle descent, following the Thuli Bheri River. The trail winds through terraced fields and traditional villages, leading you to Dunai, the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo district, where you’ll spend the night.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 05 :

Trek from Dunai to Chhapka (2,670m)

After breakfast, you’ll officially enter Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail gradually ascends through beautiful pine and walnut forests, following the river. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and pass by small waterfalls. Chhapka is a small hamlet with a few teahouses, offering a peaceful stop for the night amidst the sounds of nature.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 06 :

Trek from Chhapka to Jharana Hotel (3,170m)

The trail continues to climb steadily through forests of cedar and birch. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens up, revealing stunning vistas. Your destination is Jharana Hotel, named for the spectacular waterfall that cascades down nearby. From here, you might catch your first, distant glimpse of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, building anticipation for the days to come.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 07 :

Trek from Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake (3,610m)

Today’s trek is short but dramatic. You’ll navigate a steep descent through a birch forest to a bridge over the Phoksundo River, followed by a climb to a breathtaking viewpoint. From this ridge, you’ll get your first full, awe-inspiring view of Phoksundo Lake and the dramatic waterfall that feeds it. A final descent brings you to the shores of the lake for a well-deserved rest.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 08 :

Acclimatization and Exploration at Phoksundo Lake (3,610m)

This is a vital rest day for acclimatization. Explore the pristine surroundings of the lake. You can take a hike to the traditional Bon Po village of Ringmo, visit the ancient Tshowa Monastery, or simply sit and absorb the serene beauty. The turquoise color of the water and the surrounding cliffs create a truly magical atmosphere that you’ll have ample time to enjoy.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 09 :

Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sangta (2,520m)

Beginning your return journey, you’ll retrace your steps back across the ridge and descend into the valley. The trail back offers different perspectives of the landscape you passed on the way up. The descent to the lower altitude of Sangta is a welcome change, and the warmer air will be a pleasant shift after the crisp mountain climate of the lake.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 10 :

Trek from Sangta to Juphal (2,475m)

On the final day of trekking, you’ll follow the path back towards Juphal. The trail is mostly downhill or flat, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed walk through the familiar villages and forests. Arriving back in Juphal brings a sense of accomplishment, and you can celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your guide and porter team.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 11 :

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu

Bid farewell to the mountains as you take an early morning flight back to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, you’ll connect with your onward flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply enjoy a hot shower. In the evening, join the team for a celebratory farewell dinner.

Tea House

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 12 :

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Your unforgettable Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek concludes today. Our team will transfer you to the international airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We hope you leave with incredible memories and a desire to return to Nepal for another adventure!

Breakfast

Know more before you book

Fitness & Difficulty

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is graded as moderate, requiring good physical fitness with 5-7 hours of daily walking over uneven terrain with steep ascents and descents . Trekkers should prepare with cardiovascular training, hiking practice with a loaded pack, and strength training for legs and core. While no technical climbing skills are needed, experience with multi-day hiking is beneficial.

Accommodation Type

Accommodation ranges from comfortable 3-star hotels in cities to basic teahouses on the trek . Teahouses provide simple twin-share rooms with basic bedding, shared toilet facilities, and common dining areas. Hot showers may be available at extra cost in lower elevations. Wi-Fi and charging facilities are increasingly available but may incur additional fees.

Permit Requirements

This trek requires two permits: (1) Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit ($20 per person per week + $5 per additional day), and (2) Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit ($30 per person) . These permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency, and independent trekking is not permitted. Your package includes all necessary permits arranged by the company.

Transportation Details

The journey includes scenic flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (45-60 minutes) and Nepalgunj to Juphal (35 minutes) . These flights are weather-dependent, and delays are possible. Road transport is available as a backup option if flights are canceled, though this extends travel time significantly (15+ hours by jeep) .

Health & Safety

Food Safety: Stick to cooked foods; vegetarian options recommended

Altitude Sickness: Maximum altitude is 3,610m, with a conservative itinerary for proper acclimatization

Water Safety: Drink only purified water; bottled or treated water available

Medical Facilities: Basic health posts in villages; comprehensive first aid kit carried by guide

Emergency Evacuation: Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage mandatory

Cash & Budgeting: We recommend bringing USD 300-400 in cash (small bills) for personal expenses like drinks, snacks, charging, hot showers, and tips.

Tipping Culture: Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation. A general guideline is USD 80-120 for the guide and USD 60-80 for the porter, per group, depending on group size and satisfaction.

Cultural Sensitivity: The lake is considered sacred. As noted, swimming, bathing, and fishing are strictly prohibited. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.

Transportation Note: Flights to/from Juphal are weather-dependent. It’s wise to have a 1-2 day buffer in Kathmandu at the end of your trek in case of flight delays or cancellations, which are common in mountain regions.