Phoksundo Lake Trekking

Phoksundo Lake Trekking

Dolpo was once an ancient Tibetan Kingdom located in north eastern Nepal which has been opened to trekkers since 1991. This particular trek focuses on Phoksundo Lake along with Ringmo village. The location is quite spectacular, set within a beautiful scenic setting. Dolpo is located in the rain shadow and unaffected by the monsoon season during the summer making it a good time to visit. It is an ideal time to study both flora and fauna which are at their best at this time of year: orchids, edelweiss, campanulas, provide a spectrum of colour.  

Phoksondo Lake Trekking

The region contains a number of high passes and sweeping vistas within an area that is enriched by traditional Tibetan cultural heritage. There are a number of treks in the Dolpo region listed on this site ranging from a few days to treks of over thirty days. One of the longest takes 34 days to complete, it is an extremely difficult trek with elevations ranging 4,530m to 5,115m.

 

Day by Day Itinerary 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to  Hotel.

Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing & trekking preparation
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj by flight
From Kathmandu we take a flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj- Juphal / Trek Juphal- Dunai (2150m)
Today we take a 35 minutes flight to Juphal. Our trekking starts from Juphal. The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai (2150m). Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. It is also the administrative capital of Dolpo. We will stay overnight in Dunai at Pala Guest House.
Day 05: Dunai- Chhepka (2670m)
From Dunai we trek to Chhepka, which has few houses and a lodge. We will stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 06: Chhepka – Jharana Hotel
We rise early in the morning and after breakfast make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 3370m. We get a close view of a spectacular 330m high waterfall, the highest in Nepal and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. We will  stop for the night at the Jharana (waterfall) Hotel.

Day 07: Jharana Hotel – Phoksundo Lake
Today as we make our way to Phoksundo Lake, we make a steep descent through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola. We cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo Khola(river) flows out of the lake. Phoksundo Lake is 4.8 km long, 1.8 km wide and is said to be 650 metres deep.

Day 08: Phoksundo- Rest day
Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, which is a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas )and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of them. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Day 09: Phoksundo – Sangta
After an enjoyable and insightful visit we trek to Sangta. We will stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Sangta – Juphal
We trek through Sangta to Juphal. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.

Day 11: Juphal – Nepalgunj- Kathmandu
We take a flight from Juphal to Nepalganj and from Nepalgunj we fly to Kathmandu overnight at Hotel

Day 12: Depart Kathmandu
After Breakfast transfer to airport for your onward destination.