Shey Phoksundo Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Welcome to Nepal

Duration: 30–45 min. drive

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted with a warm traditional welcome by a representative from Landscape Adventure Pvt. Ltd. A private vehicle will transfer you comfortably to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from your journey. Later in the day, we will organize a welcome briefing session, introducing your trek leader and covering essential trek details including route overview, gear checklist, and safety guidelines. In the evening, enjoy your first walk through the bustling Thamel district, famous for its lively cafes, restaurants, and trekking gear shops.

Highlights:

✅ Private airport pickup and transfer to your hotel
✅ Welcome briefing and trek preparation with your guide
✅ Free time to explore Thamel’s cultural charm

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj – Gateway to the West

Duration: 50 min.

After breakfast, take a scenic 1-hour flight to Nepalgunj, located in the southern plains of Nepal near the Indian border. This vibrant town serves as the main transit hub to western Nepal and Dolpo region. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to a comfortable hotel. You’ll have free time to explore the local bazaar, temples, or simply relax in the warmth of the Terai region.

Highlights:

✅ Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
✅ Comfortable stay in the lowlands of Nepal
✅ Optional walk around local markets and Terai culture

Overnight: Hotel in Nepalgunj

Day 3: Flight to Juphal & Trek to Dunai (2,140m)

Duration: 4–5 hours

Your true Dolpo adventure begins today with a morning flight to Juphal, a small mountain airstrip in Lower Dolpo. The flight itself is a spectacular experience, offering dramatic aerial views of forested hills, winding rivers, and snowcapped mountains. After landing, we begin our trek downhill through lush terraced fields and traditional villages. Following the Bheri River, we arrive at Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo, where we settle into our teahouse for the night.

Highlights:

✅ Mesmerizing flight into the Himalayas
✅ Gentle trek beside the Bheri River
✅ Experience the heart of Dolpo life in Dunai

Overnight: Teahouse in Dunai

Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2,670m)

Trek Duration: 6–7hours

After a nourishing breakfast, we begin our trek along the beautiful Bheri River, gradually ascending into Shey Phoksundo National Park. As we cross wooden bridges and pass through lush forests of pine and spruce, the trail winds through quiet villages, traditional homes, and cultivated farmlands. The natural beauty and cultural richness of this region begin to unfold as we reach the serene village of Chhepka nestled in the forest.

Highlights:

✅ Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park
✅ Cross suspension bridges and remote villages
✅ Rich flora, fauna, and traditional life

Overnight: Teahouse in Chhepka

Day 5: Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Waterfall (3,375m)

Trek Duration: 6–7hours

Today we continue our journey along rugged paths, ascending gradually through dense forests of juniper, fir, and birch. The sounds of distant waterfalls and chirping birds fill the air. As the trail climbs higher, you'll be treated to views of majestic cliffs and cascading water. By afternoon, we reach the viewpoint near Jharana, one of Nepal’s tallest waterfalls (approx. 330 meters). The sound and spray of the waterfall create a magical atmosphere, making this spot perfect for rest and reflection.

Highlights:

✅ Peaceful forest walk with panoramic mountain views
✅ Close encounter with Nepal’s highest waterfall
✅ Serene Himalayan wilderness

Overnight: Teahouse near Jharana

Day 6: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m)

Trek Duration: 5–6hours

Today’s hike is one of the most scenic on the trail. Ascend along rocky ridgelines with intermittent views of the stunning Phoksundo Lake in the distance. As you reach Ringmo village, the ancient Bon Buddhist settlement nestled beside the lake, the landscape transforms dramatically. Phoksundo’s turquoise water glows against a backdrop of barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The lake, considered sacred by locals, reflects both natural and spiritual purity.

Highlights:

✅ Arrival at the surreal Phoksundo Lake
✅ Explore Ringmo, a Bon village rich in tradition
✅ Stunning lake reflections and peaceful ambiance

Overnight: Teahouse in Ringmo/Phoksundo

Day 7: Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake

Duration: Full day

Spend a rejuvenating day at Phoksundo Lake, exploring the unique cultural and natural wonders of the area. You may visit the Tshowa Bon Monastery, believed to be over 900 years old and perched above the lake. Take a walk along the lakeshore or climb to nearby ridges for elevated views of the glacial lake and surrounding peaks. This rest day also helps with acclimatization, essential for maintaining energy and well-being in high-altitude trekking.

Highlights:

✅ Cultural visit to Tshowa Bon Monastery
✅ Optional hike to lakeside viewpoints
✅ Rest and immerse yourself in Dolpo's spirituality

Overnight: Teahouse in Ringmo

Day 8: Trek Back to Chhepka

Trek Duration: 6–7hours

After experiencing the magical beauty of Phoksundo, we begin our return journey. The trail retraces your earlier route, allowing you to appreciate the forests, streams, and wildlife from a new perspective. The descent is gradual and peaceful, with ample time to enjoy photography, birdwatching, or quiet moments along the trail.

Highlights:

✅ Return walk through picturesque valleys and forests
✅ A relaxing descent with changing perspectives

Overnight: Teahouse in Chhepka

Day 9: Trek from Chhepka to Juphal

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

On the final trekking day, follow the Bheri River past farmlands, small hamlets, and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As you approach Juphal, the last stretch includes a steady uphill climb through pine-covered trails. Upon arrival, you’ll celebrate the completion of your trek with the team—porters, guides, and fellow adventurers.

Highlights:

✅ Final scenic trek through Dolpo's rustic beauty
✅ Celebration of trek completion with your crew

Overnight: Teahouse in Juphal

Day 10: Fly to Nepalgunj and Back to Kathmandu

Duration: 40 min.& 50 min to ktm

Today, catch the early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, and then connect to your Kathmandu flight. The journey from the mountains back to the city offers one last chance to view Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy the evening at leisure, shopping in local markets or dining at one of the many restaurants in Thamel.

Highlights:

✅ Double flights over scenic Nepalese terrain
✅ Free evening in Kathmandu to rest or explore

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 11: Buffer/Contingency Day in Kathmandu
This extra day is included to account for any flight delays from Juphal due to unpredictable mountain weather. If all goes smoothly, this becomes a bonus day for sightseeing. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple & Patan Durbar Square—or simply unwind with a spa treatment.

Highlights:

✅ Optional guided tour of Kathmandu’s heritage sites
✅ Leisure time for shopping or relaxation

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 12: Departure Day – Farewell & Certificate of Trek Completion

Duration: 30–45 min. drive

Your incredible journey to Shey Phoksundo comes to an end today. After breakfast, our team will escort you to the airport for your departure. Before leaving, you’ll receive a beautifully printed Certificate of Achievement along with a special farewell gift from Landscape Adventure. It’s our way of saying thank you for trekking with us and sharing this extraordinary experience in Dolpo.