Detached from the modern world’s chaos, Phoksundo Lake Trek lies in Nepal’s lower Dolpo region. It is one of the most extremely remote trekking routes of far western Nepal. This trekking region is isolated, untouched, and untanned and receives very few trekkers, making it one of Nepal’s tranquil and serene treks. It is a short and relatively easy trekking route leading to the stunning pristine Phoksundo Lake in Nepal. Shey Phoksundo Park is the largest national park of Nepal covering the area of 3555 sq km located in Mugu and Dolpa districts. It is one and only national park located in trans-himalayan region ranging 2,130 m to 6,885m above sea level. Shey Phoksundo Lake after which the national park is named is at the elevation 3,612 m. The wide diversity of mesmerising landscape that is covered by this national park makes it one of the top ranked beautiful mountain parks that exists.
This lake was formed when a landslide some 35,000 years ago created a dam. A village called Ringmo is located on the landslide dam. This lake has a great religious significance to the who practice traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. On the southern belt of the lake there are more than 20 stupas and a gompa is located towards the east of the lake. The lake plunges over a 167m waterfall past the dam.
Undoubtedly, the Lower Dolpo trail is a hidden treasure and famous for the remote high Himalayan valleys. During this magical trek, you will pass through the picturesque traditional villages like Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana, Ringmo, and Jhupal. The main attractions of 10 days Phoksundo Lake Trek are Shey Phoksundo National Park and Phoksundo Lake. Apart from unmatchable natural beauty, you will also get a chance to be part of the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion. A wide range of climate prevails in the national park as it lies in the transition zone from an arid climate to a monsoon dominated climate.
The south receives more than 1500 mm of rain while there is only an average of 500mm rain every year. Kanjiroba and Dhaulagiri peaks play vital roles in this pattern of precipitation as they form a great wall blocking most of the rain clouds to reach the northern area. During winter Shey Phoksundo national park receives severe snow plummeting the temperature way below freezing point during which trekking in the Dolpo Region becomes impossible. Winters in the park are extreme, with snowfall occurring over 2,500 meters in regions. The temperature in the park above 3000 meters drops below freezing points. Between April to November is the best time to visit Shey Phoksundo National Park in Nepal.
Dolpo is the largest territorial district in Nepal. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and splendid place. The exotic sites and natural sceneries lures people all over the world , thus making it a must visit destination. Dolpo has been captured beautifully on film by the renowned director Eric Valli in his movie “Caravan”.
There is a wide diverse range of flora and fauna contained in Shey Phoksundo national park. Although the northern part of the National park is mostly barren the southern side is covered with caragana shrubs, rhododendron, juniper, salix, occasional silver fir and white himalayan birch which only covers 5% of the total floras in the park. The park is the habitat of 29 species of butterfly, 6 types of reptiles and 200 species of birds. 9000 people live together in harmony with all the floras and faunas in the area.
Trekking Highlights
- Trekking into the Dolpo region, one of the most remote and isolated trails
- Explore Dunai village, the only gateway to Dolpo district
- Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal
- Encounter exotic flora and fauna
- Trek to Phoksundo Lake, the deepest and scared lake in Nepal
- Explore Tshowa Gompa, a sacred monastery in the Bonpo religion
- Adventurous hike through the remote picturesque classical Himalayan trail
- Witness the spectacular Jharana waterfall
- Enjoy splendid 360 degrees views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range
- Walkthrough the off-the-beaten trail
- Be a part of the history, myths, and adventure of far-western Nepal
- Discover the country’s long preserved Bonpo culture and tradition
- Interact with local villagers, who are descendants of Tibetans
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights |
1 | Arrive in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation |
2 | Fly to Nepalgunj, Gateway to the Far West (150m/ 492ft) (45 minutes flight) |
3 | Fly to Juphal (2,502m/ 8,210ft) and Trek to Dunai (2,144m/ 7,035ft) (2-3 hours trek) |
4 | Trek from Dunai to Chhepka Village (2,670m/ 8,760ft) (6 to 7 hours trek) Trek from Chhepka Village to Jharana Village (3,370m/ 11,056ft) (5 to 6 hours trek) |
5 | Trek from Chhepka Village to Jharana Village (3,370m/ 11,056ft) (5 to 6 hours trek) |
6 | Trek from Jharana to the Tibetan Village of Ringmo (3,459m/ 11,350ft) (5 to 6 hours trek) |
7 | Explore sacred Phoksundo Lake (3,660m/ 12,007ft) and Tshowa Gompa |
8 | Trek from Ringmo to Chhepka village |
9 | Trek from Chhepka to Juphal |
10 | Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu |
11 | Final Departure |