Phoksundo Trek
The Phoksundo Trek takes you to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding Dolpo region, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, remote wilderness, and cultural richness. Known for its turquoise lake and the dramatic cliffs around it, Phoksundo Lake is the deepest in Nepal and is part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to diverse wildlife and Tibetan Buddhist communities.
This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a combination of moderate trekking, high-altitude scenery, and exposure to the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the Dolpo region.
Trip Duration
- Total Duration: 12–15 days
- Trekking Days: 8–10 days
- Maximum Elevation: 4,100 m (around Ringmo village)
Travel Timeline (Day-wise Overview)
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Day 2: Fly to Juphal, trek to Dunai
- Day 3: Trek from Dunai to Pina
- Day 4: Trek to Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village
- Day 5: Explore the lake, surrounding cliffs, and villages
- Day 6: Trek to Namgung Gompa
- Day 7: Trek to Saldang
- Day 8: Trek back to Dunai via Ringmo or alternative scenic route
- Day 9: Fly back to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu
The itinerary may be adjusted based on weather, flight schedules, and trekking pace.
Trekking Route
Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai → Pina → Phoksundo Lake → Ringmo → Dunai → Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
The trail passes through remote villages, pine and juniper forests, terraced fields, cliffs, and the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.
Major Highlights
- Pristine Phoksundo Lake with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs
- Shey Phoksundo National Park and its diverse wildlife including snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan monal
- Tibetan Buddhist villages and monasteries
- Stone-paved trails and traditional Dolpo architecture
- Scenic high-altitude landscapes with minimal tourist traffic
Culture & Local Life
The Dolpo region is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Trekkers will encounter monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and traditional stone houses. Locals maintain a simple lifestyle, herding yaks and practicing subsistence agriculture, making this trek a culturally immersive experience.
Accommodation & Food
Staying Places
- Simple teahouses in villages
- Basic lodges with twin-sharing rooms and limited amenities
- Camping may be necessary in more remote areas
Food
- Dal Bhat, noodles, pasta, potatoes, and soups
- Local Tibetan tea and tsampa
- Freshly prepared meals by trekking crew or lodge kitchens
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, mild weather
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and stable trekking conditions
Difficulty Level
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Daily trekking: 5–7 hours
- High-altitude areas require proper acclimatization
Permits Required
- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit
Restricted permits require trekking with a registered agency and licensed guide.
Why Choose the Phoksundo Trek?
- Visit one of Nepal’s most beautiful and remote lakes
- Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and Dolpo traditions
- Adventure in a remote Himalayan region with minimal tourism
- Combination of natural beauty, culture, and adventure
The Phoksundo Trek is a journey into one of Nepal’s most untouched and mystical regions, offering unforgettable landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters.
Contact us to customize your Phoksundo Trek package, including permits, logistics, and accommodations.