Destination
Nepal
Region
Dolpo Region
Trip Type
Trekking
Trip Duration
11 Nights/12 Days
Group Size
Minimum 02 Pax
Season
Spring & Autumn
Maximum Altitude
3,650m/11,976ft
Flight
KTM-KEP-DOP-KEP-KTM
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is one of Nepal’s most breathtaking journeys, taking you deep into the mystical landscapes of Dolpo—a high-altitude region known for its raw wilderness, ancient Tibetan culture, and unspoiled natural beauty. The trek centres around Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and most iconic turquoise-blue lake, located inside Shey Phoksundo National Park.
This trek is ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, far from the commercial trails of Everest and Annapurna. As you hike through remote villages, pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs, you experience the true essence of Dolpo’s isolation and spiritual charm. Traditional Bon and Tibetan Buddhist cultures flourish here, adding a cultural depth to the trek.
Whether you aim for a short journey to the lake or a longer expedition into Upper Dolpo, the Phoksundo region delivers a perfect blend of natural wonder, cultural authenticity, and peaceful wilderness.
Highlights of the Phoksundo Lake Trek
•Explore Nepal’s deepest and most stunning lake, the turquoise-blue Shey Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine wilderness.
•Scenic flight to Juphal, offering panoramic views of the Dolpo region and the Himalayan foothills.
•Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to rare wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and occasionally the elusive snow leopard.
•Discover the traditional Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture in remote villages like Ringmo, where centuries-old traditions are still preserved.
•Walk through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and river valleys to arid, high-altitude desert terrain unique to Dolpo.
•Visit the breathtaking 167-meter-high Phoksundo Waterfall, one of Nepal’s tallest and most powerful waterfalls.
•Experience untouched, off-the-beaten-path trekking, far from crowds, offering true solitude and deep connection with nature.
•Photographers’ paradise, with crystal-clear lakes, dramatic cliffs, yak caravans, ancient monasteries, and wide Himalayan horizons.
•Cultural immersion with Dolpo-pa communities known for their warm hospitality, traditional stone houses, and ancient trade routes.
What we offer on Trekking?
Best Time to Visit
Spring Season (March-May) and Autumn Season (September to Early December) are considered as the best time to go for this trek as we can expect mild temperature in the day and night and clear blue sky. However, the unpredictable weather pattern of mountain can cause frequent changes in the weather of specific places. Before trekking, we will inform the estimated weather pattern and temperature for trekking period during briefing session.
Essential Trekking Gears
As we do trekking from temperate to snow line regions, we will experience difference in temperature, so we must be prepared to tackle the hazardous situation. The right choice of right gears will definitely help us to reach to the targeted points. For the more details, you can click here for essential trekking gears. You can also print the checklist of trekking gears as you need to pack each and every gear that will be useful for the trekking. (Please note that, all the gears mentioned in the list may not be required.)
For more details of trekking, please refer to the trekking notes, You can find them on Gears Sections as well.
Infusion Trip Adventure team operates responsible tours and trekking and provides all-inclusive travel services. You will get worry-free services regarding the permits, fees, meals and accommodation along the trail. We are concerned with the pre-arrangement and booking for smooth operations of your trip. Your safety and enjoyment are always our main concern. With the experiences of travel, trekking and expedition for more than 7 years, we value the difference between a good experience and a great experience. Our reputation speaks for itself, we provide high-quality professional services to continuously exceed customer’s expectations and reinforce its market position in the field of trekking, expedition and tour-related services.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by a beautiful garland of seasonal flowers at the gate of the International Arrival Terminal.
With the final counting and loading of luggage into the vehicle, you will transfer to the hotel and check in.
After welcome refreshments, there will be a short briefing with the Infusion Trip Adventure Representative. You will get general information and orientation about the tour or trek.
Then you have free time in Kathmandu. You can explore the city.
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 02: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites below:
Pashupatinath Temple – the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bouddhanath Stupa– an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world
The rest of the day is free for trekking preparation, such as trekking gear shopping, packing on a duffle bag, etc.
In the evening – welcome dinner and traditional show in an authentic Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu. You will enjoy your dinner with different types of dances.
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
B, D
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj (109m/357ft)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Nepalgunj to about 55 minutes. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, transfer and check into the hotel.
Later, explore Water Parks, Mahendra Park, Bagheswori Temple and many more places of Nepalgunj. Shopping on the street, explore the unexplored culture, trekking preparation, etc. are the activities that can be done in Nepalgunj.
Accommodation
Standard Hotel
Meals Included
B, L, D
Flight Duration
55 minutes
Elevation Variation
-1,241mm
Day 04: Flight to Juphal (2,500m/8,203ft) and trek to Dunai (2,100m/6,890ft)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Nepalgunj Airport to board an onward flight to Juphal Airport of Dolpa to about 40 minutes
After landing, we commence the trek by descending gently through narrow village trails, wheat fields, and apple orchards. The path meets the Bheri River, where we follow a wide and comfortable trail toward Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpa. The walk is short (2–3 hours), perfect for adjusting to the region. In Dunai, we can explore the bazaar, visit monasteries, or enjoy the quiet riverside.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Flight Duration
40 Minutes
Walking Distance
9.8 Km
Time Duration
5 Hours
Elevation Variation
+1991m
Day 05: Trek to Chhepka (2,700m/8,859ft)
After breakfast, you walk along the riverbank and gradually reach Suligad, the entrance gate of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Here, you register your permits before crossing a suspension bridge. The trail now becomes more beautiful, passing through mixed forests of pine, walnut, and bamboo. Small villages like Kageni and Jyalhasa appear along the way, offering resting spots. The path undulates with small ups and downs, always following the bright-blue river. After 5–6 hours of peaceful walking, you reach Chhepka, a small settlement with a few teahouses surrounded by greenery.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Walking Distance
14.8 Km
Time Duration
7 Hours
Elevation Variation
+600m
Day 06: Trek to Chhunuwar (3,120m/10,233ft)
After breakfast, begin the trek following Suligad river. After leaving Chhekpa, the path climbs gradually through thick pine, maple and rhododendron forests, crossing a series of small wooden bridges. We will pass several small settlements like Renji and Sumduwa, where the trail begins to open up with deeper gorge views. Continuing ahead, the trail undulates through serene forests until we will reach to Chhunuwar, known for its hot springs and peaceful riverside setting.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Walking Distance
13.5 Km
Time Duration
6 Hours
Elevation Variation
+420m
Day 06: Trek Ringmo (3,650m/11,976ft)
After leaving Chhunuwar, you follow a gentle trail through pine forests along the rushing blue river. The path slowly climbs uphill, but it is not very steep. As we walk, the valley becomes wider and the sound of the river gets louder and clearer. After about an hour, we will reach the junction for the Phoksundo Waterfall Viewpoint, where you can take a small break and enjoy the spectacular 167-meter-high Phoksundo Waterfall. From here, the trail continues on a slightly narrow cliff-side path, but it is safe and offers incredible views of the deep gorge below. Soon, the turquoise color of Phoksundo Lake appears in the distance. The trail then becomes easier as you enter the flat, peaceful area of Ringmo Village, a traditional Bon community right next to the lake.
After check into the lodge, we will explore the lake.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Walking Distance
5.95 Km
Time Duration
3 Hours
Elevation Variation
+530m
Day 07: Explore Phoksundo Lake & Surroundings (3,650m/11,976ft)
This day is dedicated to fully experiencing Phoksundo Lake, a jewel of Nepal. The lake sits right beside Ringmo, so a short walk brings you to its stunning turquoise shores. You can walk along the lakeside trail, visit high viewpoints, or simply sit quietly by the water. Many trekkers enjoy watching the reflections of the mountains on the crystal-clear lake surface.
In the afternoon, explore Tshowa Monastery, an 800-year-old Bon monastery perched above the lake. The spiritual atmosphere, traditional artifacts, and chanting rooms offer a rare glimpse into Dolpo’s ancient beliefs. Photography lovers will find endless opportunities around the lakeshore.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Walking Distance
2.7 Km
Time Duration
2 Hours
Day 08: Backtrack Chhepka (2,700m/8,859ft)
You begin your return journey along the same trail, descending through forests and past waterfalls. The downhill walk is easier and faster, allowing you to appreciate the landscapes in a more relaxed way. The soothing sound of the river accompanies you most of the day. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you arrive back in Chhepka, where you can enjoy a warm meal and a peaceful night.
Accommodation
Teahosue Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Walking Distance
19.5 Km
Time Duration
9 Hours
Elevation Variation
-950m
Day 09: Backtrack to Juphal (2,500m/8,203ft)
Continue walking along the familiar riverside path through the forests and small villages. You exit the National Park at Suligad and continue to walk to Juphal following the same route. The last hour involves a gentle uphill climb to reach the lodge near to the airstrip.
and follow the wide, comfortable trail back to Dunai. This day gives you another chance to enjoy the local lifestyle, interact with villagers, and revisit the riverbanks. Overnight in Dunai.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Walking Distance
18.5 Km
Time Duration
8 Hours
Elevation Variation
-200m
Day 10: Fly back to Nepalgunj and connecting the flight to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) – 55 minutes
After breakfast, timely transfer to Airport to board an onward flight to Nepalgunj that takes about 1 hour. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, we will take flight to Kathmandu to about 55 minutes with the view of Mountain ranges from the left side of aircraft. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer and check into the hotel.
(The flight of Dopla-Nepalgunj and vice versa will require good weather for timely operation. In case of any unavoidable circumstances like, bad weather, flight cancellation, we need to wait for next day.)
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L, D
Flight Time
40 + 55 minutes
Elevation Variation
-1,150m
Day 11: Contingency day on a trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances.
If the plan goes smoothly with the flight on the required day/time, this day will be a free day in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tours (on your own), last-minute shopping, bag packing, etc. On request, we will arrange a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Eve: Group Farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
Teahouse Lodge
Meals Included
B, L
Day 12: Transfer to International Airport for final departure.
Timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier than the scheduled flight departing time. We wish you a happy journey during your flight from Nepal to your home country with the hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal.
Meals Included
B
Services of all arrival/departure and ground transfers in a private vehicle accompanied by an English-speaking tour representative/escort/guide.
Round trip of Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Dolpa/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu on a fixed wings aircraft.
Four-night accommodation at a Hotel in Kathmandu on a Twin/Double Room Sharing on a bed and breakfast basis inclusive of all applicable taxes.
7 Nights’ accommodation during the Phoksiundo Lake trek at the best available trekkers lodges/resorts, served with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at all places.
Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu with an experienced English Speaking Tour Guide inclusive of all monument fees.
Welcome and Farewell Dinner at Authentic Nepalese Restaurant in Kathmandu featuring a cultural program.
A team of Experienced trekking guide, porters (as required) with their daily wages, equipment, meals, clothing, and insurance, etc.
Updated and Detailed Trekking maps with contour lines.
Permits & Document
Safe Drinking water (2L per person per day), Local SIM Card, Souvenirs.
Comprehensive First Aid Medical Kit
International Airfare from/to Kathmandu
Nepal Entry Tourist Visa (USD 30 for 15 days)
Lunch and Dinner while you are in Kathmandu (except Welcome and Farewell Dinner)
Any additional stay in Kathmandu before and after the trekking (in case of any reason).
Personal Equipment including trekking gear, clothing, toiletries, Personal Medical Kit, and any other items.
Personal Porters can be arranged on request in advance and charge USD 25 per day.
Personal expenses such as; laundry, bar bills, tips and gratuities to the trekking support team, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, internet services, toiletries, battery charges, soft drinks, etc.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance or “Umbrella Insurance” covering; Illness, hospitalization, travel medicines, loss of valuables, thefts, change of itinerary, flight and tour cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances and most of all Emergency Helicopter Charter for evacuation purposes.
Any items that are not mentioned in the above ‘Services Included Section.’
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