Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful remote treks in the Dolpa area taking you to a beautiful magnificent turquoise color lake. Shey Phoksundo Lake is regarded as one of Nepal’s most beautiful and distinctive tourist attractions. This trek is regarded as the most remote and beautiful trek in Nepal. Buddhists regard this deep lake(Shey Phoksundo Lake), which has virgin freshwater, to be sacred. The lake lies in the Dolpa area, and hiking around it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The routes of this Shey Phoksundo Lake go through stunning landscapes, dense pine woods, and untamed rivers, with spectacular vistas of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Shey Phoksundo National Park is Nepal’s largest and only trans-Himalayan national park, home to endangered species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, and jackal. Beautiful waterfalls will meet you on your journey to the azure blue-green lake.
Religious Beliefs of Shey Phoksundo Lake
Hundreds of pilgrims visit this hallowed lake every year to bathe in the lake’s holy water. Dolpa’s religion is separated into two parts: upper and lower Dolpa. Upper Dolpa has traditional Tibetan culture, while lower Dolpa has Buddhism and Bon, including the Ringmo Village.
Many religious sites, including gompas, may be found at Shey Phoksundo Park. Shey Gompa, which was established in the 11th century, is the most well-known. Thashung Gompa, located near Shey Phoksundo Lake, was erected around 900 years ago.
Best time for Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
Spring (March to May) is the ideal season for the Shey Phuksundo Lake Trek, according to hikers. This season offers the finest views of stunning and colorful rhododendrons, in addition to the ideal climatic circumstances. During this season, the temperature is mild and the weather is ideal. During this time, the intriguing aspect of Dhaulagiri and other mountains is seen.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the ideal trekking season because of the pleasant weather and mild temperatures. As a result, the days are frequently sunny, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and magnificent surroundings. The fall season is also ideal for a trip to the Phoksundo lakes.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Nepal is usually difficult, and it is significantly more difficult at higher altitudes. Shey Phuksundo Lake is 3,600 meters high, thus the journey won’t be difficult because it won’t be at higher heights. Even though it will be chilly, the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is still possible.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the rainy season, with hot, humid weather with gloomy skies and rain in most trekking destinations. Choose a hike in the “rain shadow” such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, or Nar Phu during this time of year. In June, the Yarthung Horse Festival takes place in Manang or Mustang.
As a result, spring and fall are the finest times to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake.
If you want to skip the most famous trekking tracks like Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang, the Dolpo area trekking is suitable.
How to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake?
By Air: By air, fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then drive from Nepalgunj to Juphal.
By Drive: Drive to Radi Bazaar (Jeep/bus) from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jajarkot (Local Bus)
Rari – Tallubagar – Mulbazar – Lamachaur – Karapgaad – Khadang (Need to change jeeps at each stop)
Drive from Khadang to Suligaad through Tripurakot and Suligaad ( Need to change jeeps at each stop )
Required permit to go to Lower Dolpo or Shey Phoksundo Lake trek
Dolpo is a small Tibetan town on the Tibetan border. Because it is a limited area, it has always been a sensitive location that demands extra care. To have a peaceful hiking experience in the region, trekkers must receive a special trekking permit from the appropriate authority.
- Permit for Restricted Areas in Lower Dolpo: USD 20 per person every week, plus USD 5 per person per extra day.
- Permit for Shey Phoksundo National Park: 3,000 NPR plus 13% VAT is 3,390 NPR (about $34): NPR 1,500 For SAARC nationals
Recommended Itinerary for the Shey Phoksundo Lake trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
As you approach Kathmandu, you will be greeted by views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You will be taken to your hotel upon arrival by our representative. The afternoon is free to wander through Thamel, Nepal’s tourist quarter, or shop for unusual items and take in the attractions of Boudhanath Stupa and Basantapur Durbar Square.
Day 2: Take a flight to Nepalgunj
In the morning, stroll around Thamel’s alleys or visit the Garden of Dreams, a green and quiet refuge in the heart of Kathmandu. You’ll travel to Nepalgunj today, a town in the western Terai on the Indian border that serves as a gateway to the Far West.
Day 3: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai for 3 hours
Today you will travel to Juphal, which is located at an elevation of 8,210 feet and is the beginning point for the hike to Phoksundo Lake. The route climbs southeast, high above the Thulo Bheri Valley, before winding through cornfields to Kalagaunda village. You’ll follow the Bheri River’s southern bank and pass through Roop Ghar, where you can view a traditional water mill, before arriving at Dunai, at an elevation of 7,035 feet.
Day 4: Trek to Chhepka Village for 6-7 hours
Descend via Dunai’s streets and through the Bheri River’s bridge. Follow the river’s northern bank until Sulighat, then turn north to the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. The rock-strewn route ascends over the serpentine Suli Ghad River, passing through a grove of hemp trees on the way to Kageni, and then through a tropical walnut and maple forest, where you’ll encounter hints of Tibetan culture. On the route to Shyanta village, at an elevation of 8,268 feet, take in the sights of fluttering prayer flags, tumbling waterfalls, and lush foliage. At 8,760 feet, the settlement of Chhepka is reached after another hour and a half of walking upwards on the narrow route.
Day 5: Jharana Waterfall Trek (5-6 hours)
For the trip to Jharana Waterfall, get up early. The route ascends through a cedar forest to a winter encampment occupied by Ringmo village residents. The trail next climbs slowly over open territory to a height of 11,056 feet, where we will spend the night. A close-up view of the majestic 1,083-foot Jharana Waterfall — one of Nepal’s tallest — and a distant vista of Phoksundo Lake will be rewarded for your efforts.
Day 6: Trek to the Tibetan village of Ringmo (5-6 hours)
You’ll hike through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River on your route to Ringmo at 11,350 feet. Cross a bridge and continue north on the route to Phoksundo Lake’s ranger station. You’ll emerge onto the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bon settlement, after the last push across the Phoksundo River gorge, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 7: Visit Tshowa Gompa and Shey Phoksundo Lake.
You will spend today exploring the region surrounding the spectacular Phoksundo Lake. Before traveling to Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery on a ridge above the lake, explore Ringmo hamlet. To get to the lake, descend the steep-sided cliffs. Buddhists and devotees of the Bonpo faith view Phoksundo Lake as sacred, believing it to contain an underwater palace and a tantric Mandala of spirits. The lake is well-known for its vibrant turquoise hue and breathtaking landscape. Near and above the lake region, there are several lovely glaciers.
Day 8: Trek to Chhepka Village for 6-7 hours
You’ll return to Chhepka today. Follow a creek that originates from the lake towards Sulighad. Before reaching Chhepka at 8,268 feet, you’ll pass through Renji hamlet and fir and larch woods along the Sulighat River.
Day 9: Descend to Juphal (6-7 hours)
Retrace your steps back to Juphal after breakfast, passing through gorgeous forests, fields, and villages.
Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
You will travel from Juphal to Nepalgunj in the early morning and then to Kathmandu, where you will be taken to your hotel. You have the afternoon free to go sightseeing or relax in your hotel.