Shey Phoksundo Trek
A remote journey to Nepal's largest and deepest lake, Phoksundo (3,611m), in the restricted Dolpa district. Gateway to Bon culture.
Dolpa · Karnali Province
Duration
14–20 days
Distance
180 km
Max elevation
5,190 m
Permit cost
$500
Overview
The Shey Phoksundo Trek penetrates the remote Dolpa district of far-western Nepal to reach Phoksundo Lake (3,611m), the country's deepest and most strikingly turquoise lake, set within Shey Phoksundo National Park. This restricted, sparsely populated region preserves the ancient Bon (pre-Buddhist) religion and a Tibetan way of life little changed for centuries, and was the setting for the film Himalaya (Caravan). A restricted-area permit and registered guide are required, and the trek is graded challenging with limited teahouse infrastructure parts are best supported with camping or homestays. Highlights include the lake, Ringmo village, Bon monasteries and the chance of spotting blue sheep and, rarely, snow leopard. Best in late spring through autumn.
Highlights
- check_circlePhoksundo Lake (turquoise high-altitude lake)
- check_circleBon (pre-Buddhist) monasteries
- check_circleDolpa isolation
- check_circleShey Phoksundo National Park
- check_circleHidden valleys
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Fly Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m), trek to Dunai (2,140m)
Mountain flight into Dolpa then a short walk to the district headquarters of Dunai.
Stay: Teahouse, DunaiMax alt: 2,475 mWalking: ~3 hMeals: BLD - 2
Dunai to Chhepka (2,840m)
Enter Shey Phoksundo National Park along the Suli Gad gorge.
Stay: Teahouse/homestay, ChhepkaMax alt: 2,840 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 3
Chhepka to Renje (3,010m)
Forest and riverside trail deeper into the park.
Stay: Teahouse/homestay, RenjeMax alt: 3,010 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 4
Renje to Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake (3,611m)
Climb past Nepals highest waterfall to the turquoise lake and Ringmo village.
Stay: Homestay, RingmoMax alt: 3,611 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD - 5
Phoksundo Lake exploration day
Visit Tshowa Bon monastery and walk the lake shore.
Stay: Homestay, RingmoMax alt: 3,611 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD - 6
Ringmo to Chhepka
Descend the Suli Gad back through the park.
Stay: Teahouse/homestay, ChhepkaMax alt: 2,840 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD - 7
Chhepka to Juphal
Final walk out to the Juphal airstrip via Dunai.
Stay: Teahouse, JuphalMax alt: 2,475 mWalking: ~7 hMeals: BLD - 8
Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj
Morning flight out of Dolpa.
Stay: Hotel, NepalgunjMax alt: 150 mWalking: ~1 hMeals: BLD
Teahouses & homestays
Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.
Dunai
2,140 mFood: Dal bhat, noodles, basic supplies; district headquarters.
Lodging: Simple lodges and guesthouses in the administrative centre.
Chhepka
2,840 mFood: Limited menu; dal bhat and local staples.
Lodging: Basic teahouses and family homestays inside the park.
Ringmo (Phoksundo)
3,611 mFood: Local Dolpo kitchen; tsampa, dal bhat, dairy. Limited supplies.
Lodging: Traditional Bon village homestays; camping also common.