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Shey Phoksundo Lake: Dolpo's Turquoise Jewel

Mustang and the west

In this article
  1. Shey Phoksundo Lake at a glance
  2. Things to do
  3. Trips and guides
  4. Plan your visit

Phoksundo Lake, at 3,611 m in Shey Phoksundo National Park, is Nepal's deepest lake (about 145 m) and one of the most strikingly coloured lakes in the Himalaya. On its shore is the Bön village of Ringmo.

Quick answer: Phoksundo is reached on a 12-day trek with flights via Nepalgunj to Juphal. You need the national park permit and a Lower Dolpo special permit with a registered agency. Best time: September–November and May–June.

Shey Phoksundo Lake at a glance

FactDetails
Altitude3,611 m
DepthAbout 145 m, the deepest in Nepal
ParkShey Phoksundo National Park
PermitsNational park and Lower Dolpo special permit
Best timeSeptember–November, May–June

Things to do

  • Visit Ringmo and Tshowa Gompa.
  • Walk the western shore trail.
  • See the Phoksundo waterfall.

Trips and guides

Plan your visit

Phoksundo is one of the most remote and beautiful places in Nepal. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.

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About 145 m.

Fly via Nepalgunj to Juphal, then trek.

Yes, the Lower Dolpo special permit.

About 12 days from Kathmandu.

September–November.