Shey Phoksundo Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Duration
12 days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
3,611m
Destination
Dolpa (Dolpo), Karnali Province, Nepal
Activity
Trekking & Hiking
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Region
Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo National Park
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
Accommodation
3-star hotels in cities; local lodges and teahouses on trek
Transportation
Private vehicle, domestic flights (Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal round-trip)
Highlights of Shey Phoksundo Trek
Trek into the remote Dolpo region inside Shey Phoksundo National Park
Marvel at the turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo, Nepal’s deepest alpine lake
Experience Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture in Ringmo and other villages
Scenic mountain flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Juphal
Hike through pine, juniper and birch forests along the Bheri River valley
Visit ancient Tshowa Bon Monastery overlooking Phoksundo Lake
Witness the impressive Jharana Waterfall, one of Nepal’s tallest cascades
Enjoy quiet trails far from the crowds of Everest and Annapurna
Buffer day in Kathmandu for weather-related flight delays and sightseeing
Trip Overview
The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful and remote trekking adventures in Nepal. Located in the isolated Dolpo region, this trek takes you deep into the wilderness of Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to dramatic landscapes, ancient cultures, and Nepal’s deepest alpine lake—Phoksundo Lake.
This off-the-beaten-path trek offers a true escape from the crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna. The journey begins with a scenic flight to Juphal, followed by a trail that winds through lush valleys, pine forests, and traditional Bon and Tibetan Buddhist villages. Along the way, you'll pass roaring rivers, high cliffs, and centuries-old monasteries.
The highlight of the trek is the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake (3,611 meters). Famous for its turquoise-blue water, the lake is surrounded by steep rock walls and snow-capped peaks. Near the lake lies Ringmo Village, a culturally rich settlement where you can experience the unique Bon religion, local customs, and peaceful Himalayan lifestyle.
Perfect for experienced hikers and cultural travelers, the Shey Phoksundo trek is also part of the Lower Dolpo Circuit, offering an authentic trekking experience far from modern distractions. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and natural beauty in its purest form.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a representative from Landscape Adventure Pvt. Ltd welcomes you and transfers you by private vehicle to your hotel. After check-in, you have time to rest and freshen up. Later, attend a welcome briefing with your trek leader covering the route, gear checklist and safety guidelines. In the evening, you can take a relaxed walk around Thamel, known for its cafes, restaurants and trekking shops.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the domestic airport for a scenic flight of about 50 minutes to Nepalgunj in the lowland Terai region near the Indian border. Upon arrival, you are driven to your hotel. You can explore the local bazaar and temples or simply relax and enjoy the warmer climate of the plains.
In the morning, take a mountain flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, a small airstrip in Lower Dolpo, enjoying aerial views of hills, rivers and Himalayan peaks. From Juphal, start trekking downhill through terraced fields and traditional villages. The trail follows the Bheri River until you reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo, where you stay in a local teahouse.
After breakfast, follow the Bheri River and gradually ascend into Shey Phoksundo National Park. The route crosses wooden and suspension bridges and passes through forests of pine and spruce, scattered villages, traditional houses and farmland. Enjoy increasing views of the surrounding hills before arriving at the quiet forest village of Chhepka, where you spend the night in a teahouse.
Continue trekking on a rugged trail that ascends gradually through dense juniper, fir and birch forest. Listen to birdsong and distant waterfalls as you climb higher with growing views of cliffs and valleys. By afternoon you reach the viewpoint near Jharana, a spectacular waterfall of about 330 meters and one of Nepal’s tallest. Enjoy the sound and spray of the falls before overnighting at a nearby teahouse.
Today is one of the most scenic trekking days. Ascend along rocky ridges with intermittent glimpses of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake. As you approach Ringmo, an ancient Bon Buddhist village beside the lake, the landscape becomes more dramatic with barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Arrive at the shore of Shey Phoksundo Lake, regarded as sacred by local communities, and settle into a teahouse in Ringmo or near the lakeside.
Enjoy a full day to explore the surroundings of Shey Phoksundo Lake. You can visit Tshowa Bon Monastery, an ancient monastery perched above the lake, and learn about the Bon religion. Walk along the lakeshore or hike to nearby viewpoints for elevated panoramas of the lake and surrounding peaks. This is also an important acclimatization and rest day to maintain your energy at altitude.
After soaking in the beauty of Phoksundo, retrace your route from Ringmo back towards Chhepka. The gradual descent takes you again through forests, river valleys and small settlements, offering different perspectives on the landscape. There is ample time for photography, birdwatching or simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere before overnighting in a teahouse at Chhepka.
On your final trekking day, follow the Bheri River past farmlands, hamlets and prayer flags. Near Juphal, the trail climbs steadily through pine-covered slopes before reaching the village and its airstrip. Celebrate the successful completion of your Dolpo trek with your guide, porters and fellow trekkers, and spend the night in a local teahouse.
Take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then connect with your onward flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy last aerial views of Dolpo and the middle hills before landing in the capital. After airport pick-up, transfer to your hotel and relax. The evening is free for shopping, café-hopping or a nice dinner in Thamel.
This extra day allows flexibility in case of flight delays between Juphal and Nepalgunj or Kathmandu, which can occur due to mountain weather. If flights run on schedule, you can use this as a bonus sightseeing day in Kathmandu. Optional activities include visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square, or simply relaxing at a spa or café.
After breakfast, enjoy any last-minute shopping or relaxation until your departure time. A representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Before you leave, you receive a Certificate of Achievement and a small farewell gift from Landscape Adventure as a token of appreciation for trekking with us in Dolpo.
What's Included
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel stays in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj (3-star standard on twin-sharing basis), and carefully selected eco-friendly lodges and teahouses during the trek.
- Meals: Nutritious meals during the trek – breakfast, lunch and dinner – prepared using fresh, local ingredients. Breakfast included in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
- Transportation: All private ground transportation, including airport transfers and domestic flights (Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal round-trip).
- Guides: Government-certified local trekking guide with in-depth knowledge of Dolpo’s culture, landscape and safety protocols.
- Permits: Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, and Special Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit.
- Equipment: Safety gear and basic group equipment for the trek; sleeping bags and duffel bags provided on request.
- Taxes: All applicable government taxes and official service charges.
- First Aid: Group medical kit with basic first-aid essentials carried by the guide.
- Support Staff: Professional support staff and experienced porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry trekking gear.
- Farewell Dinner: Special farewell dinner in Kathmandu featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.
- Arrival & Departure: Airport transfers for international arrivals and departures in Kathmandu.
What's Excluded
- International flights to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at the airport or online via Nepal Immigration).
- Entrance fees for heritage sites during any Kathmandu city tour.
- Personal trekking gear and clothing (available for rent or purchase in Kathmandu).
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies and evacuation.
- Costs associated with any emergency evacuation or rescue during the trek.
- Personal expenses such as battery charging, Wi‑Fi, hot showers at teahouses, snacks, bottled and soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry services and other personal services during the trip.
- Tips and gratuities for trekking guide, porters and support staff.
- Additional expenses due to flight delays, weather conditions, natural events or other unforeseen circumstances.
Essential Trip Information
Trip Grade
Moderate, suitable for trekkers with good fitness and some hiking experience
Max Altitude
3,611m at Shey Phoksundo Lake
Best Season
March–May and September–November
Accommodation
3-star hotels in cities; basic lodges and teahouses on trek
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj; full-board meals during the trek
Transportation
Private vehicles and domestic flights (Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal–Kathmandu)
Group Size
Minimum 2, maximum 12 trekkers
Permits
Shey Phoksundo National Park permit, TIMS card and Lower Dolpo Restricted Area permit
Frequently Asked Questions
The Shey Phoksundo Trek is graded as moderate. Daily walking hours are typically 5–7 hours on undulating terrain with some steep sections, but the maximum altitude is relatively modest at around 3,611m. Prior multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory for fit, active travelers. Regular walking or hiking training for a few weeks before the trip will make the journey more comfortable.
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, the weather is generally stable with clear skies, good mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures. Winter can be very cold and some lodges may be closed, while the monsoon period (June–August) brings clouds and rain, which can affect flights and trail conditions.
In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you stay in comfortable 3-star standard hotels on a twin-sharing basis. During the trek, you will stay in simple local lodges and teahouses that provide basic rooms and shared facilities. Nutritious meals are served along the route, typically including Nepali and simple international dishes. Breakfast is included in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, while three meals a day are provided during the trekking days.
Flights to and from Juphal are scenic but can be affected by weather, especially during the monsoon and winter months. To account for potential delays, this itinerary includes a buffer or contingency day in Kathmandu at the end of the trip. If flights are significantly disrupted, we will adjust the program as best as possible, but any additional costs arising from delays or cancellations are not included in the package price.
Yes. Trekking in Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park requires several permits, including the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and a Special Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit. All necessary permits are arranged by Landscape Adventure and are included in the package cost.
You should bring layered clothing for both warm days and cold nights, a good-quality sleeping bag (or request one from us), waterproof jacket and trousers, comfortable trekking boots, a daypack, hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medications and basic toiletries. Detailed gear advice will be provided in advance, and many items can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover high-altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency evacuation. While we carry a group first-aid kit and assist in emergencies, the cost of helicopter evacuation or advanced medical care is not included in the package, so suitable insurance is essential.
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