16 reviews
Kumar, Erik & Astrid
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16 reviewsShey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and relatively easy trip to one of Nepal's largest and most spectacular lakes. It's a 7-day trip from Kathmandu, but the duration could be longer or shorter depending on how many hours you want to walk each day.
Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the Dolpo region. In addition, this is the most significant territorial district among many beautiful places in Nepal.
The adherents of the Bon-Po religious sects also consider Phoksundo Lake to be sacred. It thus makes the trek a beautiful blend of nature and culture. Moreover, Phoksundo Lake is splendid due to the reflecting backdrop of the Kanjirowa massif. Besides, it offers a wide range of spectacular and beautiful landscapes.
Phoksundo Lake is a significant natural attraction located within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The park is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Thus, Shey Phoksundo National Park is also renowned for its medicinal herbs. As a result, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is ideal for those interested in botanical science.
| Duration: | Nine days |
| Max Altitude: | 3660 meters |
| Trek starts/ends: | Juphal |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Accommodation: | Tea houses/lodges |
A scenic flight to Nepalgunj, the west Terai near the India border. Flight duration: 55 minutes. Overnight at a hotel.
An aerial view of the hilly region of the western part of Nepal, and an introduction to the trek. (Flight duration: 35 minutes, walking 3 hours). Overnight in a teahouse.
Cross the suspension bridge in Dunai Bazaar, take a left trail along the shore of the Thuli Bheri River up to Sulighat. Then turn right onto the Phoksundo River Valley and take an introduction to the Shey Phoksundo National Park, 6 – 7 hours, overnight in a teahouse.
Walk through the lush green forest, cross the Phoksundo River many times. Get higher and experience the alpine meadows – 6 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.
Follow the trail north towards the National Park ranger station. You will push toward the yak-filled meadows. You will see the 330-meter waterfall and the first glimpse of Shey Phoksundo Lake. Ringmo itself is a Bons village and takes 3 to 4 hours to get there. Overnight in a teahouse.
Hike to the Shey Phoksundo viewpoint to see the unique shape of the lake. Then you'll explore the area around the splendid Phoksundo Lake. Bon culture wonders and visit the Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old monastery on a slope above the lake. Overnight in a teahouse.
After spending some time soaking up the beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake and the unique Bon monastery, it's time to head back down the mountain - retracing your steps back down to Chhekpa with a 6-hour walk. Overnight in a teahouse.
You will follow the same path to Sulighat. Then cross the suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River and take a gentle climb to Juphal through splendid forests, fields, and villages. It takes about 6 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.
You will fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj early in the morning, then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Your journey ends here once you check into the hotel. You can enjoy a sightseeing tour or rest in the hotel in the evening.
Spring (Mar to May): The trekkers say spring is the best Shey Phuksundo Lake Trek season. In addition to the best climatic conditions, the spectacular and colorful rhododendrons are in full bloom this season. The temperature is moderate during this season, and the weather is perfect. The fascinating aspects of Dhaulagiri and other mountains are visible during this period.
Autumn (September to November): Because of the lovely weather and moderate temperatures, autumn is the best trekking season. So, days are usually sunny, which allows you to look at the superb view of the mountains and the beautiful landscapes. The autumn season is also perfect for the Phoksundo Lake trek.
Winter (December to February): Winter is always harsh in Nepal, and it becomes even more challenging, especially at higher altitudes. Shey Phoksundo Lake is 3,600 meters high, so it won't get challenging since the trek isn't at higher altitudes. Although it will be cold, the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is still feasible.
Summer (June to August): The rainy season, characterized by hot, humid weather, with most trekking areas experiencing cloudy skies and rain. At this time of year, choose a trek in the "rain shadow" such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, or Nar Phu. The Yarthung Horse Festival takes place either in Manang or Mustang in June.
As a result, the best seasons for a trek to Phoksundo Lake are spring and autumn.
If you seek less crowded yet exciting spots, the Dolpo region trek is ideal for avoiding the most popular trekking trails, such as the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions.
Like all other restricted-area treks in Nepal, exploring the Shey Phoksundo National Park requires specific entry permits, such as those for Lower Dolpo. Remember that Shey Phoksundo National Park also covers the Upper Dolpo Trek. The Lower Dolpo permit costs $20 per person per week, whereas the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee is US$30 per person.
Are you set for the magical Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek with Himalayan Exploration Treks? A short trek to Phoksundo Lake is suitable for visiting the Dolpo region within a limited time. Your travel begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, one of the warmest towns near the Indian border. After the trip, you get to Juphal by another plane, where your real journey begins. The trail passes through Suligad, Chhepka, and Amchi Hospital, eventually leading to Shey Phoksundo Lake. You wander around the lake, taking the time to appreciate the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and Mount Kanjirowa. After gaining enough appreciation, you return to Kathmandu via the same route.
Kumar, Erik & Astrid
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Kumar, Erik & Astrid
Online now
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9 reviews on Tripadvisor
I did this trek in Upper Mustang with my sisters, and it was an incredible experience. Everything was very well organized, and we truly enjoyed every part of the journey. I also highly recommend kumar as a guide – he was knowledgeable, helpful, and made the trek even more special. A truly unforgettable adventure!
I did the Phoksundo Lake trek with Kumar and it was a superb experience. It is an adventure, so you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, but Kumar always adapts to the unexpected and makes the trip as enjoyable as possible! The landscapes are magnificent, you meet lots of people along the way, and you really push your limits! Kumar is an excellent guide attentive, friendly, and his prices are very fair!
I recently did an annapurna curcit with my brother and his girlfriend. It was an amazing trek with the help of kumar and his team . It was one of the best experience of our life . The annapurna curcit is the best of the treks that people can choose for. I sincerely recommend this company for other travellers.
The 18-day Lower and Upper Dolpo tour was individually tailored to our needs by Kumar. Kumar had put together a great team of guide, cook and mule guide. This team fulfilled all of our wishes at all times during the entire tent trek. Narsang, our guide, is very attentive and careful along the entire route. Kumar is very reliable. He looked after us very well in the preparation and execution of our trek and during our stay in Kathmandu right up to the farewell at the airport. A highly recommended local company when it comes to individually planning a trekking tour. The trip was a great experience. Chris and Hajo
Recently I did EBC Trekking with my Girl Friend and this is my forth time to trek in Nepal with Kumar! Kumar is very professional and helpful. He always arranges all the things well before you asking for. Highly recommended for anyone who is first time to visit Nepal and trek!
H.E.T were professional and helpful for my first trekking in Nepal. Friendly and joyful trek. Thank you for every things. Thank you to lead me there at ABC. It was so wonderful and I couldn't forget this experience.
Our non-profit organisation needed a local tour guide to help with our local guide and logistics. After much research, we engaged with Kumar. During our 4 days trip, Kumar demonstrated excellent local knowledge, punctuality, friendliness. During the trip he never tried to sale us anything. And with a charitable and kind heart, he did not even charge us for this ngo trip. thank you so much.
I was very lucky to have Kumar to arrange our 5 day stay in Nepal. From the pick up at the airport to showing up punctually every morning at the hotel lobby, everything was smooth and hassle free. Kumar is a friendly and kind-hearted gentleman who genuinely wants to help visitors to experience the best of Nepal. Will definitely choose Himalayan Exploration for my next trekking.
Kumar has a very kind heart to help me arranging logistics before and during my volunteer work in Kathmandu. He also guided me with my city tour and mountain trekking after my volunteer work. He can always surprised me with brilliant suggestions.
I did this trek in Upper Mustang with my sisters, and it was an incredible experience. Everything was very well organized, and we truly enjoyed every part of the journey. I also highly recommend kumar as a guide – he was knowledgeable, helpful, and made the trek even more special. A truly unforgettable adventure!
I did the Phoksundo Lake trek with Kumar and it was a superb experience. It is an adventure, so you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, but Kumar always adapts to the unexpected and makes the trip as enjoyable as possible! The landscapes are magnificent, you meet lots of people along the way, and you really push your limits! Kumar is an excellent guide attentive, friendly, and his prices are very fair!
I recently did an annapurna curcit with my brother and his girlfriend. It was an amazing trek with the help of kumar and his team . It was one of the best experience of our life . The annapurna curcit is the best of the treks that people can choose for. I sincerely recommend this company for other travellers.
The 18-day Lower and Upper Dolpo tour was individually tailored to our needs by Kumar. Kumar had put together a great team of guide, cook and mule guide. This team fulfilled all of our wishes at all times during the entire tent trek. Narsang, our guide, is very attentive and careful along the entire route. Kumar is very reliable. He looked after us very well in the preparation and execution of our trek and during our stay in Kathmandu right up to the farewell at the airport. A highly recommended local company when it comes to individually planning a trekking tour. The trip was a great experience. Chris and Hajo
Recently I did EBC Trekking with my Girl Friend and this is my forth time to trek in Nepal with Kumar! Kumar is very professional and helpful. He always arranges all the things well before you asking for. Highly recommended for anyone who is first time to visit Nepal and trek!
H.E.T were professional and helpful for my first trekking in Nepal. Friendly and joyful trek. Thank you for every things. Thank you to lead me there at ABC. It was so wonderful and I couldn't forget this experience.
Our non-profit organisation needed a local tour guide to help with our local guide and logistics. After much research, we engaged with Kumar. During our 4 days trip, Kumar demonstrated excellent local knowledge, punctuality, friendliness. During the trip he never tried to sale us anything. And with a charitable and kind heart, he did not even charge us for this ngo trip. thank you so much.
I was very lucky to have Kumar to arrange our 5 day stay in Nepal. From the pick up at the airport to showing up punctually every morning at the hotel lobby, everything was smooth and hassle free. Kumar is a friendly and kind-hearted gentleman who genuinely wants to help visitors to experience the best of Nepal. Will definitely choose Himalayan Exploration for my next trekking.
Kumar has a very kind heart to help me arranging logistics before and during my volunteer work in Kathmandu. He also guided me with my city tour and mountain trekking after my volunteer work. He can always surprised me with brilliant suggestions.
