Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
The Shey Phoksundo Lake trek is a 12-day journey into Lower Dolpo, one of the most remote regions of Nepal, to Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m), the deepest lake in Nepal and one of the most strikingly coloured lakes in the Himalaya. Fly via Nepalgunj to the mountain airstrip of Juphal, walk up the Suligad valley through Shey Phoksundo National Park, past the tall Phoksundo waterfall, to the Bön village of Ringmo on the lake shore.
Graded moderate, with nights no higher than about 3,640 m, it is the most accessible way to experience Dolpo's Tibetan culture and dramatic, dry landscapes. All domestic flights, the national park and Lower Dolpo special permits, a licensed guide, porters, lodges and homestays, and meals on the trek are included.
Trip highlights
- Turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m), the deepest lake in Nepal
- Bön culture in Ringmo village and Tshowa Gompa
- Phoksundo waterfall, one of the tallest in Nepal
- Shey Phoksundo National Park wildlife
- Scenic mountain flights to Juphal
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m) 150 m
- Day 3 Fly to Juphal (2,475 m), trek to Dunai (2,140 m) 2,475 m
- Day 4 Trek to Chhepka (2,720 m) 2,720 m
- Day 5 Trek to Rechi (2,940 m) 2,940 m
- Day 6 Trek to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake (3,640 m) 3,800 m
- Day 7 Explore Phoksundo Lake 3,700 m
- Day 8 Trek to Chhepka (2,720 m) 2,720 m
- Day 9 Trek to Juphal (2,475 m) 2,475 m
- Day 10 Fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 11 Spare day in Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 12 Departure from Kathmandu 1,400 m
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek overview
Quick answer: the Shey Phoksundo Lake trek takes 12 days from Kathmandu, including flights to Nepalgunj and Juphal and a spare day for weather. It reaches about 3,800 m on the ridge above the lake, with nights up to about 3,640 m in Ringmo, and costs from US$1,890 per person. It is graded moderate.
Dolpo was made famous by Peter Matthiessen's book The Snow Leopard and Eric Valli's film Himalaya. Most of the region is reachable only on long, expensive camping expeditions, but Phoksundo Lake in Lower Dolpo can be reached in under two weeks, staying in simple lodges and homestays. The lake is about 145 m deep, ringed by cliffs and snow peaks, and its colour changes from turquoise to deep blue through the day.
Phoksundo Lake trek at a glance
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 days (7 days of trekking) |
| Maximum altitude | About 3,800 m (ridge above the lake) |
| Phoksundo Lake | 3,611 m, about 145 m deep |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Flights | Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and return |
| Permits | Shey Phoksundo National Park and Lower Dolpo special permit |
| Minimum group | 1 trekker with a licensed guide (solo permits allowed since March 2026) |
| Best time | May–June and September–November |
| Cost | From US$1,890 per person |
Why choose this trek?
- Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake, in a dramatic setting.
- Ringmo village and the Bön monastery of Tshowa on the lake shore.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal's largest, home to blue sheep and snow leopards.
- Remote Dolpo, seen by very few visitors.
- Moderate altitude with no high passes.
How difficult is it?
Walking days are 4–7 hours on generally good trails, with one long climb to the ridge above the lake. The altitude stays moderate. The challenges are logistical: flights to Juphal are sometimes delayed, lodges are basic, and there are few shops. A sense of adventure helps.
Permits for Dolpo
Lower Dolpo is a restricted area. You need the Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and a Lower Dolpo special permit, which can only be issued through a registered agency with a licensed guide. We arrange everything. If you are travelling alone, ask us about joining another trekker.
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 3 nights in Kathmandu and 1 night in Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and return
- Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and Lower Dolpo special permit
- Lodge and homestay accommodation during the trek (7 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,000 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
Useful info
Fitness and preparation
Expect 5–7 hours on your feet most days, often on steep stone steps. Two or three months of regular hill walking, stairs and cardio will make a big difference, and wear your boots in at home, not on the trail.
Altitude sickness
You will reach about 3,800 m on the ridge above Phoksundo Lake, with nights up to about 3,640 m in Ringmo on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.
Weather and temperatures
Dolpo lies in a rain shadow and is drier than most of Nepal. Autumn brings clear skies and cold nights, around freezing at Ringmo in October; days in the lower valley can be hot and dusty.
Domestic flights and baggage
Juphal flights use small aircraft, operate only in the morning and are often delayed by wind or cloud. The baggage limit is about 15 kg in total. We keep a spare day for delays.
Permits
The Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and the Lower Dolpo special permit are included. Restricted area rules require a licensed guide.
Money, charging and Wi-Fi
Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful.
Drinking water
Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle.
Travel insurance
We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 4,000 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel.
Visa
Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits.
Packing list
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Snacks from Kathmandu (few shops in Dolpo)
- Solar charger or large power bank
- Dust mask or buff
Personal items
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
- Dho Tarap loop over Numa La and Baga La (camping, 6–8 extra days).
- Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa via Kang La (camping, special permit).
- Rara Lake combination from Nepalgunj.
Frequently asked questions
In Shey Phoksundo National Park, Dolpa district, north-west Nepal.
12 days from Kathmandu, including flights and a spare day.
Moderate. Days are 4–7 hours and you sleep no higher than about 3,640 m.
From US$1,890 per person, including all domestic flights, permits, guide, porters and meals on the trek.
The Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and the Lower Dolpo special permit, both included.
Yes, with a licensed guide. Since 22 March 2026, solo trekkers can get restricted area permits through a registered agency.
About 145 m, the deepest lake in Nepal.
September–November and May–June.
Simple lodges and homestays, with shared toilets and limited hot water.
They are often delayed by weather, so the itinerary includes a spare day.
Yes, on a longer camping trek with an Upper Dolpo permit. Ask us for details.
In Dunai and parts of the valley, but not reliably at Ringmo.