The Shey Phoksundo Trek takes you on an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s remote Dolpo region, where pristine natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. Famous for its stunning turquoise waters, Shey Phoksundo Lake is Nepal’s deepest lake and the centerpiece of Shey Phoksundo National Park. This trek offers adventurers a rare chance to explore sacred landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and experience the ancient Bonpo traditions that thrive in this tranquil Himalayan sanctuary.
Why Choose the Shey Phoksundo Trek?
- Unmatched Scenery: Marvel at the surreal blue of Phoksundo Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks and alpine forests. The lake’s unique turquoise color comes from glacial meltwater, making it a photographer’s paradise.
- Cultural Immersion: Trek through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages like Ringmo, where ancient Bonpo and Buddhist cultures thrive. Visit centuries-old monasteries and experience local life firsthand.
- Wildlife and Nature: Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to rare species such as blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard. The park also boasts a rich variety of medicinal herbs and diverse flora.
- Adventure and Solitude: Less commercialized than popular trekking routes in Nepal, this trail offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Shey Phoksundo Trek Highlights
- Phoksundo Lake: Nepal’s deepest lake (136 meters), famous for its turquoise waters and spiritual importance to Bonpo and Buddhist followers.
- Ringmo Village: A charming village on the lake’s shore, showcasing Dolpo’s unique culture and hospitality.
- Tshowa Gompa: An ancient Bonpo monastery perched above the lake, rich in spiritual history.
- Phoksundo Waterfall: One of Nepal’s highest waterfalls, a stunning natural sight along the trek.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park: A protected area with alpine forests, glaciers, and rugged mountains, ideal for wildlife viewing and botanical exploration.
Trekking Details
- Duration: 9–11 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
- Maximum Altitude: 3,660 meters (Phoksundo Lake)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Start/End Point: Juphal (accessible via flight from Nepalgunj)
- Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges are available along the route
- Best Seasons:
- Spring (March–May)
- Summer (June–August)
- Autumn (September–November)
- Spring (March–May)
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Meet your trekking agency or guide. Check into your hotel and prepare for the trek with a short briefing and gear check. - Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj
Take a scenic flight (about 1 hour) to Nepalgunj, a city in western Nepal near the Indian border. Spend the night at a hotel in Nepalgunj and get ready for the mountain flight the next morning. - Day 3: Fly to Juphal (2,475 m), trek to Dunai (2,140 m)
Fly to Juphal — the small mountain airstrip that serves as the gateway to Dolpo. From here, begin your trek with a 2-3 hour walk through terraced fields and along the Bheri River to reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. - Day 4: Trek to Chhepka (2,838 m)
Walk alongside the Bheri River and enter Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail winds through forests of pine and walnut, passing small settlements. Overnight at a teahouse in Chhepka. - Day 5: Trek to Jharana Waterfall (3,350 m)
Continue through beautiful forests and narrow river gorges. Reach Jharana (waterfall) viewpoint, offering a stunning view of the mighty Phoksundo Waterfall, one of Nepal’s highest. Camp or stay at a basic lodge near the viewpoint. - Day 6: Trek to Ringmo Village (3,600 m)
Climb a ridge for your first incredible view of Shey Phoksundo Lake. Descend gently to Ringmo, a charming Bonpo village on the lake’s shore. Enjoy the views of turquoise waters surrounded by snowy peaks. - Day 7: Explore Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa
Spend the day exploring around the lake. Visit Tshowa Gompa (Bon monastery), perched on a cliff above the lake, and learn about its centuries-old spiritual traditions. Optional short hikes to different viewpoints of the lake. - Day 8: Return trek to Chhepka
Retrace your steps, descending through the beautiful forest and river valley to Chhepka. Overnight at a teahouse. - Day 9: Trek to Juphal
Continue down the trail along the Bheri River and climb gently to Juphal. Rest and prepare for the flight back. - Day 10: Fly to Nepalgunj and connect to Kathmandu
Early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and celebrate the completion of your trek!
Permits
For the trek (likely referring to Dolpo, Phoksundo, or Mustang regions):
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit:
This is required because the trek passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, a protected area known for its stunning lake, wildlife, and unique landscapes. The fee helps with conservation efforts. - Restricted Area Permit:
Parts of Dolpo, Upper Mustang, and similar regions are classified as restricted areas to preserve their cultural heritage and natural environment. This permit is mandatory, and trekking without it is illegal. It’s generally more expensive than standard trekking permits, and you must trek with a registered guide or agency.
Tip: You can usually get these permits through your trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Physical Fitness
A moderate fitness level is required
➡ What does “moderate fitness” mean in trekking?
- You don’t need to be a marathon runner or gym fanatic.
- But you should be able to:
- Walk 5 to 7 hours a day, often on rocky or uneven trails.
- Handle steep ascents (uphill sections that can last 1–3 hours at a time).
- Manage long descents, which can be tough on knees and ankles.
- Carry a small backpack (usually 5–8 kg with water, snacks, jacket, camera, etc.).
- Walk 5 to 7 hours a day, often on rocky or uneven trails.
➡ Terrain challenges
- Narrow trails along ridges or riverbanks.
- Loose stones, mud, or snow, depending on the season.
- Suspension bridges, small streams to cross.
- Occasional sections with exposure to drops or high winds.
Tip: Trekking poles can help reduce strain on your legs and improve balance.
Altitude factor
➡ Why is altitude challenging?
- Once you go above 3,000 m (10,000 ft), the air contains less oxygen (about 30% less at this height compared to sea level).
- This means your body works harder, and you may get tired faster.
- You’ll breathe faster and feel your heart beating harder even at a slow pace.
➡ Common altitude effects
- Shortness of breath on inclines.
- Mild headaches, poor sleep, or loss of appetite in the early days (common signs of mild altitude adjustment).
- There is a risk of altitude sickness if you go too high too fast.
Tip: A slow, steady pace and proper acclimatization days in your itinerary reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
How to prepare your body
➡ Recommended physical preparation
- Cardio training (3-5 times a week):
- Brisk walking
- Jogging or running
- Cycling or swimming
Goal: Improve lung capacity and stamina.
- Brisk walking
- Strength training (2-3 times a week):
- Focus on legs (squats, lunges)
- Core (planks, sit-ups)
- Shoulders/back (to carry your pack)
- Focus on legs (squats, lunges)
- Hiking practice:
- Take weekend hikes on hills or stairs.
- Try to carry a light pack during practice walks.
- If no hills nearby, stair climbing is excellent.
- Take weekend hikes on hills or stairs.
➡ Mental preparation
- Expect long days — you’ll need patience and resilience.
- Weather and trail conditions can change — flexibility helps.
Weather
Spring (March–May)
➡ What it’s like:
- The weather is generally mild and stable, making it comfortable for trekking.
- Rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom, painting the hillsides in red, pink, and white.
- Days are warmer, though nights at high altitudes can still be chilly.
- The air is fresh and visibility is good, offering excellent mountain views.
➡ Why it’s good:
- Beautiful scenery with flowers and greenery.
- Trails are lively but not as crowded as in autumn.
- Good for photography with vibrant landscapes.
Summer/Monsoon (June–August)
➡ What it’s like:
- Most of Nepal gets heavy rain, causing muddy trails, leeches, and landslides.
- However, rain shadow areas like Upper Dolpo and Mustang stay mostly dry because the mountains block much of the rain.
➡ Why trekking is still possible:
- In Dolpo and Mustang, the trails are dry and the weather is relatively stable.
- Landscapes are greener, and rivers are fuller.
➡ Challenges:
- Cloudy skies can block mountain views.
- More difficult logistics in regions that do get rain (flight delays, road issues).
Tip: If trekking during monsoon, choose rain shadow treks like Upper Mustang or Upper Dolpo.
Autumn (September–November)
➡ What it’s like:
- The most popular trekking season.
- After the monsoon, the air is crisp and clean, with superb visibility.
- The weather is dry and stable — ideal for high passes and camping.
➡ Why it’s good:
- Crystal-clear mountain views.
- Reliable weather conditions.
- Festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall in this season, adding cultural richness.
➡ Things to note:
- Trails, teahouses, and permits are in high demand, so plan and book early.
Winter (December–February)
➡ What it’s like:
- High altitude areas become very cold, especially at night (temperatures can fall below -20°C at places like Shey Gompa or high passes).
- Snow can block passes (like Kang La or other 5,000+ m routes).
- Lower altitude villages and trails are quieter, and the air is very clear.
➡ Challenges:
- Risk of snowstorms and icy trails.
- Fewer facilities open (some teahouses may close).
- Extra gear (down jackets, warm sleeping bags) is necessary.
Tip: Only attempt winter treks if you are well-prepared and experienced, or stick to lower altitude routes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How difficult is the Shey Phuksundo Trek?
It is an easy-to-moderate trek, suitable for those with basic fitness. The trails are well-marked, and the altitude is manageable, though daily walks can be long. - When is the best time to trek?
Spring, summer, and autumn (March to November) offer the best weather and clear views. Avoid winter due to severe cold and snow. - What permits are required?
Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and a restricted area permit, obtainable through trekking agencies or in Kathmandu. - What accommodations are available?
Teahouses and lodges provide basic but comfortable lodging and local meals along the route. - Is the trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners in good health with some hiking experience can manage it, though some days involve 6–7 hours of trekking. - What cultural experiences can I expect?
You’ll witness unique Bonpo and Buddhist cultures, visit ancient monasteries, and interact with friendly local communities. - How do I get to the starting point?
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then take a connecting flight to Juphal, the trek’s starting point.
The Shey Phoksundo Trek is an unforgettable journey into one of Nepal’s most mystical and beautiful landscapes. With its stunning turquoise lake, rich cultural heritage, and serene wilderness, this trek offers an authentic Himalayan adventure away from the crowds. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or adventure seeker, Shey Phoksundo promises memories that will last a lifetime.
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