Phoksundo Lake: Nepal’s Deepest Waters in the Heart of Dolpo
This is a captivating, short trek that follows the pristine Suli Gaad river through lush forests to the stunning Phoksundo Lake. Stretching 4.8 km in length and 1.8 km in width, it is the deepest lake in Nepal, reaching depths of over 600 metres. Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest and only trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal.The area is abundant with wildlife. Many local villages adhere to the ancient Bön religion, and both the villagers and monks at the monasteries are happy to share the unique differences between Bön and Buddhism.
The trek to Phoksundo Lake is relatively short, taking about seven to nine days on a straightforward there-and-back route. However, there are excellent opportunities to extend your adventure by connecting this trek to others. Two of the most popular extensions are through the Do Tarap Valley or, for those willing to invest in the expensive restricted area permit, an ascent to the legendary Shey Gompa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for the trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Permit Procedure & Fly to Nepalgunj
Start the day with a calming yoga session to prepare for the journey ahead. After completing the necessary permit procedures, we take a scenic 1-hour flight to Nepalgunj, located in the western Terai region near the Indian border and Bardia National Park. In the afternoon, visit Bageshwori Temple.
Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj.
Day 3: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m) & Trek to Dunai (2,140m)
Begin your day with a peaceful yoga practice to get your body and mind prepared for the flight. After a 30-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, we began our trek to Dunai. The trail descends through maize fields, local villages, and along the Bheri River, passing the Roop Ghar watermill before reaching Dunai.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Dunai.
Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2,720m)
Stretch and meditate in the serene environment of dunai to get ready for the trail. We trek from Dunai to Chhepka, crossing a bridge over the Bheri River and passing through the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. The trail ascends through rock-strewn paths and hemp farms, offering stunning views. Overnight stay at a lodge in Chhepka.
Day 5: Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel (3,040m)
Begin the day with yoga to enhance flexibility and focus for the challenging ascent.
We continue to Jharana Hotel, ascending through a cedar forest and passing winter settlements. As we climb, we are rewarded with stunning views of a high waterfall and the distant Phoksundo Lake.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Jharana Hotel.
Day 6: Trek from Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake (3,640m)
Today’s trek takes us through birch forests to the shores of Phoksundo Lake. with the same excitement for reaching the lake we will centre our mind and body for the beautiful trek to Phoksundo Lake. After crossing a bridge over the Phoksundo Khola, we continue along the lake’s shores to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Ringmo Gaon.
Day 7: Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake
Enjoy a relaxing yoga session by the lake, connecting with nature and tranquility.
Spend the day exploring Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, framed by the Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m). We also visit several monasteries and Bon-po religious sites, immersing ourselves in the region’s natural and cultural beauty.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Ringmo Gaon.
Day 8: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2,720m)
Start the day with yoga to strengthen the body and mind for the journey ahead. We retrace our steps from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka, making a short ascent for a final view of the lake before descending through the villages of Chunuwar and Rechi.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Chhepka.
Day 9: Trek from Chhepka to Juphal (2,475m) & Fly back to Kathmandu
Conclude your trek with a final yoga session to ground yourself before the return journey. We trek back to Juphal via a rocky path along the Bheri River. After passing the village of Kalagauda, we arrive in Juphal after 5 hours of trekking. From Juphal, we fly back to Nepalgunj and then take a scenic 1-hour flight to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 10: Final Departure
Our representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
