Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will meet you at the hotel and provide a briefing about the upcoming trek, including the itinerary, safety information, and important preparations. He will also assist you with all the necessary trekking formalities and paperwork.

After the briefing, we will go on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley, visiting famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. On this day, we will also arrange the TIMS card and other required permits for the trek.In the evening, you will have time to prepare your trekking gear and make the final arrangements for the journey ahead. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After an early breakfast, we will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft) to Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft), a vibrant gateway city in Nepal’s western plains. The flight, lasting approximately 50 – 60 minutes, offers beautiful aerial views of rolling hills, winding rivers, and the vast Terai landscape stretching toward the horizon. On clear days, distant Himalayan peaks provide a stunning backdrop throughout the journey.

As we descend into Nepalgunj, the scenery shifts dramatically from the cool hills of Kathmandu to the warm subtropical plains below. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and spend the night in Nepalgunj, allowing time to relax and experience the city’s lively atmosphere and unique cultural blend before continuing our journey into western Nepal. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After an early breakfast, we will take a spectacular 35 minute flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (2,475 m / 8,120 ft), the gateway to the remote Dolpo region. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of western Nepal’s rugged hills, deep valleys, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, providing an unforgettable start to the journey.

Upon landing at the small mountain airstrip in Jhupal, we will begin our trek toward Dunai (2,140 m / 7,020 ft), which takes approximately 3 – 4 hours. The trail descends gradually through terraced fields, traditional villages, and pine forests, following the scenic Thuli Bheri River along the way. By late afternoon, we arrive in Dunai, a peaceful Himalayan town where we will spend the night surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility of the Dolpo region. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

We begin our journey from Dunai (2,140 m / 7,020 ft) and set out toward Chhepka (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), a trek of approximately 5 to 6 hours. The trail follows the Thuli Bheri River, gradually leaving the small administrative town behind as we enter a quieter stretch of valley lined with forested hills and scattered farmland.

Along the way, we pass through several small riverside settlements such as Sulighat and Rupgad, where traditional stone houses, small teahouses, and suspension bridges offer brief glimpses of local life. The trail also passes the entrance checkpoint area of Shey Phoksundo National Park, marking the transition into one of Nepal’s most protected and remote regions.

As the journey continues, the path gently ascends through pine forests and river bends, with the sound of the Thuli Bheri accompanying much of the walk. By afternoon, we arrive at Chhepka, a quiet settlement surrounded by green hills and dense forest, offering a peaceful resting place before continuing deeper into the Phoksundo region. Overnight stay at teahouse.

We leave Chhepka (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) and continue our journey toward Jarana Hotel, a trek of approximately 4 to 6 hours. The trail follows the Phoksundo Khola through dense pine and cedar forests, staying close to the river as we gradually move deeper into the valley.

Soon after leaving Chhepka, we cross Suligad Bridge, an important landmark that marks the gateway into Shey Phoksundo National Park. From here, the surroundings become noticeably more remote, with fewer settlements and increasingly wild forested terrain. The route continues through shaded paths, gentle ascents, and river-side walking, with the sound of flowing water accompanying much of the journey.

Along the way, we pass Rechi (2,940 m), a small scenic settlement and an important resting point used by trekkers and mule caravans on the Phoksundo route. As the valley narrows further into forested slopes, we reach Jarana Hotel by afternoon, a simple mountain lodge set in a quiet natural setting, offering a peaceful stop before continuing toward Phoksundo Lake. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

Departing from Jharana Hotel, we make our way toward Ringmo village (3,640 m / 11,942 ft), a short but scenic trek of approximately 3 to 4 hours. The trail gradually ascends through pine and juniper forests, with rocky sections and open stretches that begin to reveal the dramatic landscapes of the Phoksundo region.

Along the route, occasional viewpoints open up to distant cliffs and alpine scenery, offering a first glimpse of the wider lake basin as we approach higher ground. The atmosphere becomes noticeably quieter and more pristine, with the trail gently transitioning into the upper valley environment.

By late morning or early afternoon, we arrive at Ringmo village (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), a traditional settlement situated just above the shores of Phoksundo Lake. With its stone-built houses, prayer flags, and strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage, Ringmo offers a peaceful and culturally rich introduction to one of Nepal’s most iconic alpine lakes. Overnight stay at tented camp near Phoksundo.

Today is reserved for exploration and acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake (3,640 m / 11,942 ft), allowing time to experience one of Nepal’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes at a relaxed and immersive pace. The morning begins in Ringmo village, where traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and the surrounding cliffs reflect the deep Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region.

A visit to Tshowa Gompa, an ancient monastery believed to be around 900 years old, offers a meaningful insight into the spiritual heritage of Dolpo. Located above the village, this sacred site remains an important place of worship for the local community and adds strong cultural depth to the journey.

Later, a short hike takes us to a viewpoint above Phoksundo Lake, where we are rewarded with sweeping views of its striking turquoise waters set against dramatic cliffs and barren alpine slopes. The contrast of colors and scale makes this one of the most unforgettable sights in the entire Dolpo region.

The rest of the day is free for lakeside walks, photography, and quiet reflection in this serene high-altitude setting. Overnight stay at tented camp or lodge near Phoksundo Lake.

We leave the serene shores of Phoksundo Lake (3,640 m / 11,942 ft) behind and begin our return journey toward Chhepka (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), a long trek of approximately 6 to 7 hours. The trail retraces its path through the dramatic valley landscapes, gradually descending from the alpine basin into forested terrain.

Along the way, we pass Ringmo village and its surrounding viewpoints once more, offering final glimpses of the turquoise lake framed by towering cliffs. As we continue downward, the scenery slowly transforms from barren high-altitude slopes into greener forests, with pine and juniper lining the trail and the sound of the Phoksundo Khola accompanying much of the walk.

The route passes familiar sections such as Rechi and other forest resting points, where trekkers and mule caravans often pause along the journey. By late afternoon, we arrive back at Chhepka, a peaceful riverside settlement surrounded by forested hills, where we settle in for the night after a rewarding descent from the Phoksundo region. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

On our final day of trekking, we set out from Chhepka (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) toward Jhupal (2,475 m / 8,120 ft), a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours. The trail follows the Phoksundo Khola through forested valleys, river bends, and scattered rural settlements, creating a peaceful and reflective walk back through the lower Dolpo region.

Along the way, we pass Rechi (2,940 m), a small resting point used by trekkers and mule caravans, before continuing through shaded pine forests and gently undulating terrain. As we descend further, the surroundings gradually open into cultivated land, with terraced fields and village life becoming more prominent.

By afternoon, we arrive at Jhupal, the gateway town of Dolpo and home to the local airstrip, marking the end of our trekking journey through this remote Himalayan region. Overnight stay at teahouse in Jhupal.

After an early breakfast, we take a short flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj, offering one last aerial glimpse of the rugged hills and deep valleys of Dolpo as we descend toward the lowland plains. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, we connect to our onward flight to Kathmandu, continuing the journey eastward across Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from the flat Terai region back toward the central hills.

As domestic flights in Nepal are weather dependent, there may be a short wait or possible delay in Nepalgunj before the connection to Kathmandu. Once the flight operates, we continue to Kathmandu, where the scenery gradually shifts from lowland plains to rolling green hills and finally the familiar bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel and conclude our remarkable journey through Dolpo, carrying lasting memories of remote valleys, high passes, and the serene beauty of Phoksundo Lake.

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward departure. The drive offers a final glimpse of the Kathmandu Valley, with its bustling streets, ancient temples, and surrounding green hills slowly fading into the background as the journey comes to a close.

Depending on your flight schedule, our team will ensure a smooth and timely transfer to the airport. This marks the end of your Phoksundo Lake Trek, leaving you with lasting memories of the turquoise alpine lake, remote Himalayan trails, and the unique culture of the Dolpo region.