Discover the majestic Dolpo region of Nepal. This remote area, made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book “The Snow Leopard,” has only been accessible to trekkers since 1989. Its most enticing attraction, Phoksundo Lake, is sacred to Buddhists and Bonpo followers. This relatively easy trek winds through Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan villages, with no high passes.
Highlights
- Explore Phoksundo Lake, which is sacred in the Bonpo religion.
- Ringmo is a Tibetan village where you can immerse yourself in the culture.
- View the breathtaking Jharana Waterfall.
- Investigate the historic Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery.
Overview
Shey-Phoksundo National Park. A glacial lake near Ringmo in the Dolpo region, the deepest lake in Nepal, is a center of endemism in the eastern Himalayan region and a vital source of freshwater downstream, with Nepal’s highest waterfall (167m) 500m from the lake.
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| Kathmandu office | 01-4439962, 01-4439963 |
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Trip Itinerary Brief
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Fly to Nepalgunj, Gateway to the Far West | Nepalgunj |
| Day 3 | Fly to Jhupal and Trek to Dunai | Dunai |
| Day 4 | Trek to Chhepke Village | Chhepke Village |
| Day 5 | Trek to Jharana Waterfall | Jharana |
| Day 6 | Trek to Tibetan Village Ringmo | Ringmo |
| Day 7 | Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa | Ringmo |
| Day 8 | Trek to Chhepke Village | Chhepke Village |
| Day 9 | Trek to Jhupal | Jhupal |
| Day 10 | Fly Back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu!
As you fly into Kathmandu, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below. After clearing customs, a representative will be waiting to help you navigate the narrow, winding streets of Kathmandu and get you settled into your hotel. After you’ve settled in, go see one of Kathmandu’s cultural highlights. In the evening, the tourist district of Thamel is a good place to get your first meal, with a variety of restaurants serving both Western and Nepali cuisine.
Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj, Gateway to the Far West
In the morning, you can stroll through Thamel or visit the Garden of Dreams, a lush and serene oasis in the heart of Kathmandu. Today, you’ll fly to Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai near the Indian border that serves as a gateway to the Far West.
Day 3: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai
Today you will fly to Juphal, at an elevation of 8,210 feet, to begin your journey to Phoksundo Lake. The trail climbs southeast, high above Thulo Bheri Valley, before winding through maize fields to Kalagaunda. You’ll follow the Bheri River’s southern bank and pass Roop Ghar, where you’ll see a traditional water mill, before arriving in Dunai at 7,035 feet.
3 hours of trekking
Day 4: Trek to Chhepka Village
Descend through the streets of Dunai and cross the Bheri River bridge. Follow the river’s northern bank to Sulighat before heading north to the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. The rock-strewn trail climbs above the serpentine Suli Ghad River through a series of hemp trees to Kageni and then through a tropical walnut and maple forest, where you’ll start to see hints of Tibetan culture. On the way to Shyanta village, located at 8,268 feet, take in the sights of fluttering prayer flags, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation. After another hour and a half of walking uphill on the narrow trail, you’ll reach the village of Chhepka at 8,760 feet.
6–7 hours of trekking
Day 5: Trek to Jharana Waterfall
Get up early to make the trek to Jharana Waterfall. The trail ascends through a cedar forest to a winter settlement used by the Ringmo village residents. The path then steadily ascends through open country to an elevation of 11,056 feet and our overnight destination, Jharana. Your efforts will be rewarded with a close-up view of Nepal’s spectacular 1,083-foot Jharana Waterfall and a distant view of Phoksundo Lake.
5–6 hours of trekking
Day 6: Trek to the Tibetan Village of Ringmo
You will trek through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River on your way to Ringmo at 11,350 feet. Cross a bridge and follow the trail north to the Phoksundo Lake ranger station. Following a final push through the Phoksundo River gorge, you will emerge onto the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bon village, where you will spend the night.
5–6 hours of trekking
Day 7: Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa
- You will spend the day exploring the area surrounding the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. Explore Ringmo village before making your way to Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery perched on a ridge above the lake. Descend to the lake via the steep-sided cliffs. Buddhists and followers of the Bonpo religion regard Phoksundo Lake as sacred, believing it to contain an underwater palace and a tantric Mandala of spirits. The lake is well-known for its stunning turquoise color and breathtaking scenery. There are numerous beautiful glaciers near and above the lake area.
Day 8: Trek to Chhepka Village
You will return to Chhepka today. Follow a stream that flows from the lake towards Sulighad. Before reaching Chhepka at 8,268 feet, you will pass through Renje village and fir and larch forests along the Sulighat river.
6–7 hours of trekking
Day 9: Trek to Juphal
After breakfast, retrace the trail to Juphal through beautiful forests, fields, and villages.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu (via Nepalgunj)
You will fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to go sightseeing or relax at your hotel.
Difficulties
The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and easy trip to one of Nepal’s largest and most spectacular lakes. It’s a seven-day journey from Kathmandu, but it could be longer or shorter depending on how many hours you walk each day. As a result, the journey becomes a beautiful blend of nature and culture.
Best Season To Visit
Winters in the park are harsh, with snowfall occurring above 2,500 meters. The temperature in the park drops below freezing at elevations above 3,000 meters. April to November is the best time to visit Shey Phoksundo National Park in Nepal.
Foods
Bheri river fish curry with whole wheat and maize roti and hemp seed chutney (at Phera Khola in Jajarkot): This is one of the best fish curry dishes I’ve had in Nepal. Freshwater fish species such as Himalayan snow trout (Asala machha) are sourced locally from the river.
Map
