Shey Phoksundo lake
Duration
12
Best Weather
March, April, may, September, October & November
Max Altitude
Accomodation
3-4 star hotel in kathmandu, Normal hotel in Trekking
Meals
B, L, D
Transportation
Flight, Car & Jeep
Group
2-20 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Shey Phoksundo lake
Shey Phoksundo Trek is an emerging adventurous trekking trip. Phoksundo Lake (second largest lake of Nepal) is situated in Dolpa (Dolpo in Tibetan) district and lies is Shey Phoksundo National Park-largest National Park in the country. Absent of aquatic life and mirroring the snowy Kanjiroba massif, the crystal clear turquoise lake water looks heavenly. The trek is easy as no high passes are involved. Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to various species of rare flora and fauna and still preserves the centuries old traditions of Bon Po and Buddhism untouched by any sorts of modernization. The Crystal mountain is the same region is considered holy by the people of Dolpo.
Shey Phoksundo trek starts once you reach Jhupal via flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jhupal. From Jhupal we trek by riverside to reach Dunai village and then to Chhepka. We climp up steadily to Sumduwa and to Ringmo village. Finally, we make a steep descend through birch forests to magnificent Phoksundo lake. Also called the Jewel of Dolpo by seasoned travelers, Phoksundo lake, with its surrounding mountains and blue stable water of makes unforgettable scene for life. Ringmo village with colorful religious flags on homes waving with breeze is nestled in the area. It is among the highest settlements on Earth. There are many beautiful glaciers near and above the lake area. After exploring around the lake we trek to Sangta and to Juphal for a return flight.
The people in the National Park area follow the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion as well as Buddhism. There are many gompas and religious sites. Shey Gompa, established in 11th century and Thashung Gompa built around 900 years ago are very famous. The National Park is important habitat for endangered species like snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue ship, Himalayan tahr and many more animals. It is home to 6 species of reptiles, 29 species of butterfly and over 200 species of birds.
This trek takes you to one of the remotest and least exposed areas of Nepal, also isolated by difficult topography and offers rare opportunity to explore undisturbed territory and people. April to November is best time to visit.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu
Your wonderful journey to the amazing Himalayas starts from your flight to Kathmandu. Onto your arrival our company representatives from Leaf Holidays will greet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in and stay overnight. You will have a rest at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Max Altitude: 1300
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur city
You start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred Lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Bhaktapur Durbar square and Patan Durbar Square are also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bhakatpur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. While in the city square, you get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts and the 55 Window Palace which merge together to provide an ambience of a magical outdoor theater to its visitors. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude: 1300
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj
From Kathmandu we take a flight on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj , a town in the western Terai , is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai(2150m)
Today we take a 35 minutes flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal .The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai(2150m).Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. It is also the administrative capital of Dolpo. Overnight at guest house.
Max Altitude: 2150
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 05: Trek to Chhepka(2670m)
From Dunai we trek to Chhepka , which has few houses and a lodge. We will stay overnight at the local lodge.
Max Altitude: 2670
Meals: B, L, D
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 06: Trek to Jharana hotel.
We rise early in the morning and after breakfast make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 3370m. We get a close view of a spectacular 330m (The highest waterfall in Nepal), and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. We stop for the night at Jharana (waterfall) Hotel.
Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake
Today as we make our way to Phoksundo Lake, we make a steep descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola. We cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo Khola(river) flows out of the lake. Phoksundo Lake is 4.8 km long, 1.8 km wide and is said to be 650 metres deep.
Day 08: Phoksundo Lake rest day.
Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, which is a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of them. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Day 09: Trek to Sangta.
After having breakfast we trek to Sangta after an enjoyable and insightful visit. We stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Trek to Juphal
We trek through Sangta to Juphal. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
Day 11: Flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
We take a flight from Juphal to Nepalganj and from Nepalgunj we fly to Kathmandu. We will have a farewell dinner in Kathmandu onto the completion of trekking. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12: Transfer to the airport for the final departure
Nearly 2 hours before your scheduled flight, our company representative will take you to the airport. We are sure; you will back to your home taking amazing experience of Nepal. We hope you enjoyed trekking and want to be somewhere in the Himalayas again.
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with Bed and breakfast
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed holder Guide
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
Price Per Person
US $2600
No. of People
Price per Person
1-10
US$ 2600
US$ 0
