Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek: 12-Day Guided Tour in Dolpo Region

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

• Accommodation: 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (bed & breakfast), 8 nights in local teahouses/lodges during the trek.
• Meals: All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
• Permits: Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, and the required Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
• Transportation: All airport transfers. Domestic flights (Kathmandu ⇄ Nepalgunj ⇄ Juphal).
• Staff: An experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide and porter(s) (1 porter for 2 clients, max 20kg).
• Support: Comprehensive first aid kit, oximeter, sleeping bag, and down jacket if needed.

• Nepal Visa Fee (Obtained on arrival, approx. USD 50 for 30 days).
• International Airfare.
• Travel Insurance (Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation).
• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu.
• Personal Expenses: Alcoholic & cold beverages, hot showers, electronic device charging fees at teahouses, Wi-Fi, laundry, etc.
• Tips for guides and porters.
• Any costs arising from early departure, unforeseen events, or delays beyond our control.

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Clothing:

• Moisture-wicking base layers (thermal tops & bottoms)
• Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex jacket & pants
• Trekking pants and shirts (quick-dry)
• Warm hat, sun hat, and neck gaiter / buff
• Inner socks & thick woolen trekking socks
• Trekking boots (broken-in) and camp shoes/sandals

Gear:

• Backpack (40-50L) and daypack (20-30L)
• Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10°C) - can be provided
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Water bottles or hydration bladder (2-3 liters capacity)
• UV-protection sunglasses

Accessories & Electronics:

• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Power bank / portable charger
• Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
• Plug adapter (types C, D, & M)

Toiletries & Health:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF
• Personal first aid kit including blister treatment
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, biodegradable soap, etc.)
• Water purification tablets or filter

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.