Description
Trip overview
The Phoksundo Lake trek is considered to be one of the moderate hikes in the far west of Nepal. Walking along with the traditional villages, the enchanting lakes, and the beautiful hills of Dolpo, one can witness the dignity and ever-welcoming gesture of the locals.
Dolpo offers unspoiled natural treasure, and one of the rarely visited trekking trails in the Himalayas of Nepal. The notable features seen here are snowy peaks, ancient and remote villages, rich wildlife, lovely Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lakes. The people of this area are simple and warm-hearted with an enthralling culture and traditions. The cultural traditions of this area are basically linked with the Tibetan culture.
Shey Phoksundo Lake” is totally free of aquatic life, which the crystal waters clearly demonstrate. Surrounded by rocks, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the area has been described as one of the world’s “Natural Hidden Wonders
This trek begins with a scenic flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj and hikes straight to Phoksundo Lake crossing Bheri River through some nice villages and retrace back the same way after visiting Shey Phoksundo Lake to Juphal.
Quick facts
Location: Dolpo Region
Best time: Sept. – November, March – May and in monsoon
Trek Duration: 7 Days
Max. Elevation: 3641 m. Ringmo Village
Difficulty: Moderate
Average walking: 5-6 hours
Mode of Trek: Lodge Trek
Start/ End: Juphal / Juphal
Group size: 2-10 people
Attractions:
- Short but superb trek for adventure lover.
- Superb view of Crystal Mountain and many more.
- Explore remote areas of the western region.
- Explore mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake -Deepest Lake of Nepal.
- Experience hidden treasures of Ancient caves, Chhortens, Monasteries, etc.,
- Spotting the rare flora and fauna including Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and others.
- Discover unspoiled mountain valleys with a mixture of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.
- Highest water fall in the country.
- Visit UNESCO world cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu & Bhaktapur.
Trip Itinerary
Day01.Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative of Sisne Rover who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take rest. Complete the official formalities for necessary permits. Meet with your guide and check the final preparation for the trek .Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day02. Kathmandu sightseeing and fly to Nepalgunj: 45 minutes
After breakfast, leave for the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour that includes UNESCO World heritage sites – Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple then drop to the airport in the afternoon to catch the flight to Nepalgunj.
Pick up and transfer to your hotel in Nepalgunj. Rest or make a short sightseeing trip around Nepalgunj. Overnight in a hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day03. Fly Nepalgunj – Jhupal (2475m): 35 minutes
We will take earliest flight from Nepalgunj north towards the small town called Juphal Dolpa. We will gain significant altitude compared to Nepalgunj (150m) as well as Kathmandu (1400m). The climate will be cool and refreshing. We will acclimatize and take the rest of the day exploring this small town. Overnight in lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04. Juphal – Chhepka (2838m): 5-6hrs.
The trail from Juphal descends towards Thuli Bheri River and after crossing the river, we will reach at Sulighat (2282m.), the entry point of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Our guide will coordinate with the check post to ensure the permits are in order. There will be a short break, after which we continue our trip along the lush green forest of pine, juniper, and rhododendron and bamboo tree. The trail is clearly marked and we will be guided towards the village of Chhepka. Overnight in a tea house / Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day05. Chhepka – Palam (3397m):6-7hrs.
After breakfast, wind up the tents and continue onward journey. Today we will ascend about one kilometer however, the ascent is not continuous. That means we will be descending at various points as well. Mules, Yaks and cows appear carrying load and grazing as we move forward. We stop at Reechi Village for lunch, and continue hiking onward. There is an Ayurveda local hospital which we will briefly visit and walk to Palam. Overnight in a lodge/ Tea house
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day06. Palam – Phoksundo Lake (3550m):4-5hrs.
Today we will trek towards Phoksundo Lake along the banks of Phokshundo Khola, and eventually reach the attractive Tibetan village of Ringmo. The Village adorned with prayer flags, Mani stone walls, and chortens.
As described earlier, Phoksundo is Nepal’s second largest and deepest lake, with no life in it. This is because of the high altitude. On the way, we will also come across Nepal’s highest waterfall. It’s commonly called the “sunlight waterfall’. The settlement nearby is older than Buddhism, and they call it Bonpo. Tonight’s camp is right next to the pristine turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake. Overnight in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07. Exploration Day
Today we will take a side trip to explore Shey Phoksundo in more detail instead of moving forward. Get insight into Bon culture, followed by the natives along with Buddhism.
As we know, Phoksundo Lake is the deepest Lake in Nepal and it has 145 meter depth with the area of 1.91 sq. miles. Overnight in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08. Phoksundo Lake – Chhepka (2838 m): 6 hrs.
The trek now starts to go through the valley carved by Phoksundo River. On this day we are still bound to walk downhill but nothing like the days we have already spent on the trail .The trail stays with or near Phoksundo River until the end of the trek. A comfortable trek with small ascends and descends takes through a small settlement of Rechi (2940m.). After Rechi, it takes about 3 hours to reach Chhepka. Chhepka is a bigger and wider place compared to Rechi.Today, We will have a very nice view of waterfall which is about 330 meters height and this is supposed the highest waterfall in the country. Overnight in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09. Chhepka (2838 m) – Juphal (2475 m):6-7 hrs.
Today we will have a pleasant journey from Chhepka to Juphal. The trail traverses via beautiful lotus like flowers which is used for making vinegar and little other medicine. The trek follows the same pattern as of the previous day and continues in the same valley. The trail goes through small settlements of Shyangta and Kageni en route to Sulighat. Surprisingly, some villages in this route are named as Ankhe, Rahagaun and Parela, that means eye, eyebrows and eyelashes respectively. Finally the valley widens up after Sulighat and the trek head towards Dunai by the bank of Bheri River. The trail follows Bheri River and there is a final climb of around an hour to reach Juphal, the ending point of the trek. Overnight in a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day10. Jhupal – Kathmandu via Nepalgunj & transfer to hotel
Today we have two flights ahead of us, firstly a very short flight to Nepalgunj and then on to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu airport we will take you to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. We can spend the day taking the much needed rest or catch up on some last minute shopping in Bhaktapur.
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek. Overnight in Bhaktapur.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Day11. Final departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative of Sisne Rover will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Meals included: Breakfast
Cost Includes:
- Airport pick up and drop
- 1 night accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3 star hotel on B/B plan
- 1 night accommodation in Nepalgunj in a 3 star hotel on B/ B plan
- 1 night accommodation in Bhaktapur in a 3 star level on B/B plan
- Flights : KTM – Nepalgunj – Juphal
- Flights : Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- Lodge accommodation during the trek
- Meals – breakfast , lunch and dinner during the trek
- An English speaking experienced trekking guide
- Trekking assistant ( 2 trekkers : 1 porter )
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Special permit for Lower Dolpo and National Park permits
- Medical kit (carried by your trekking guide)
Cost Excludes:
- Other any transportation except included in the section
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- Temple and monastery entry fee if applied
- Sightseen tour in Kathmandu
Important Note
- The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to the client’s needs, requirements, and availability.
- The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.
- The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
