Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek – 12 Days

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Key Points

Start At

Kathmandu

Duration

12 Days

Trekking Grade

Moderate

Meals

B.L.D

Best Season

March-May

End At

Kathmandu

Trip Overview

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a 12-day adventure into the Dolpo region, combining stunning high-altitude landscapes, pristine alpine forests, and Tibetan-influenced villages. Trekkers visit Phoksundo Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in Nepal, and experience the remote beauty of the Dolpo plateau, surrounded by towering peaks and cultural landmarks. Ideal for trekkers seeking a moderate, scenic, and culturally immersive Himalayan experience

Highlights

Spectacular views of Phoksundo Lake and turquoise waters
Trek through remote Dolpo villages and Tibetan culture
High-altitude alpine landscapes and forested trails
Experience Bon and Buddhist monasteries, including Shey Gompa
Moderate trekking suitable for physically fit trekkers

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Attend a trekking briefing for Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, review permits and itinerary, and prepare gear for high-altitude trekking. Rest and acclimatize before the flight to Juphal for the start of the adventure.

Starting Point: Tribhuvan International Airport
Ending Point: Hotel in Kathmandu

Duration: 30–40 minutes
Distance: ~6 km

Important Notes

Arrive and complete immigration procedures
Airport transfer to hotel
Attend trekking briefing on permits, itinerary, and safety
Prepare trekking gear and accessories
Rest and acclimatize before domestic flight
Optional exploration of Thamel for shopping

Day 2: Domestic Flight Kathmandu → Juphal → Trek to Dunai (2,090 m)

Fly from Kathmandu to Juphal, the gateway to the Dolpo region. Trek gently toward Dunai, passing villages and forests. Overnight stay at a local lodge allows for rest and preparation before ascending to higher altitudes.

Starting Point: Kathmandu
Ending Point: Dunai

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes

Early morning flight to Juphal
Scenic aerial views of western Nepal
Light trekking from Juphal to Dunai
Check-in at lodge in Dunai
Hydrate and rest for high-altitude trekking
Carry essentials in daypack

Day 3: Trek Dunai → Tarakot (2,400 m)

Trek from Dunai to Tarakot, walking through remote villages, river crossings, and gentle forest trails. Observe traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyle and architecture while acclimatizing to higher altitudes. Overnight stay at a lodge provides comfort for the trekking days ahead.

Starting Point: Dunai
Ending Point: Tarakot

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Moderate ascent along valley trails
Cross streams and small forests
Tea houses available for meals and accommodation
Observe local Tibetan culture
Carry water and snacks
Rest periodically to adjust to altitude

Day 4: Trek Tarakot → Saldang (3,600 m)

Ascend from Tarakot to Saldang, passing rugged trails and alpine meadows. Observe Tibetan villages, local farming practices, and stunning views of surrounding peaks. Tea house accommodation allows trekkers to rest before proceeding to the remote Phoksundo Lake

Starting Point: Tarakot
Ending Point: Saldang

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~14 km

Important Notes

Steep ascent; moderate difficulty
Cross suspension bridges and rocky trails
Observe Tibetan architecture and local villages
Tea houses available for meals and stay
Carry warm clothing and water
Take breaks to acclimatize

Day 5: Trek Saldang → Ringmo (3,800 m)

Trek from Saldang to Ringmo, entering the high Dolpo plateau. Enjoy the unique landscape, observe Tibetan-style villages, and take in panoramic mountain views. Overnight stay in a tea house provides a glimpse of local culture and serenity.

Starting Point: Saldang
Ending Point: Ringmo

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes

Moderate to challenging trek through alpine meadows
Observe yaks grazing and high-altitude flora
Tea houses available for meals and lodging
Carry warm clothing and trekking poles
Stay hydrated and pace yourself
Capture scenic landscapes and village life

Day 6: Trek Ringmo → Phoksundo Lake (3,660 m)

Walk from Ringmo to Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by cliffs, pine forests, and alpine meadows. Explore the area, interact with locals, and admire the stunning turquoise waters, considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes. Overnight stay near the lake

Starting Point: Ringmo
Ending Point: Phoksundo Lake

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~8 km

Important Notes

Easy to moderate trek along valley trails
Capture breathtaking views of the turquoise lake
Tea houses available near the lake
Observe local villages and Bon culture
Stay hydrated and carry warm clothes
Take photographs of the lake and cliffs

Day 7: Explore Phoksundo Lake & Shey Gompa

Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Shey, visiting the ancient Shey Gompa monastery. Explore surrounding meadows and enjoy panoramic views of high Dolpo peaks. Experience Tibetan culture, interact with monks, and spend the night in a tea house near the monastery.

Starting Point: Phoksundo Lake
Ending Point: Shey

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Trek along the lake and surrounding meadows
Visit Shey Gompa, the historic monastery
Observe Bon and Tibetan cultural practices
Tea houses available for meals and stay
Carry water, snacks, and warm clothing
Take time for photography and local interaction

Day 8: Trek Shey → Luri (3,900 m)

Descend from Shey to Luri, passing high-altitude meadows, alpine streams, and traditional Tibetan-style villages. Observe local Bon and Buddhist culture while enjoying the serene Dolpo landscapes. Overnight stay at a cozy tea house allows rest and preparation for the following day’s trek.

Starting Point: Shey
Ending Point: Luri

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Moderate descent through alpine meadows and streams
Pass small Tibetan villages and yak pastures
Tea houses available for meals and overnight stay
Carry warm clothing for high-altitude conditions
Stay hydrated and take breaks for energy
Capture scenic landscapes and interact with locals

Day 9: Trek Luri → Dho Tarap (3,800 m)

Trek from Luri to Dho Tarap, passing remote villages, yak pastures, and high-altitude meadows. Experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of Dolpo and capture panoramic views of surrounding peaks. Overnight stay at a tea house provides rest for the final lake exploration.

Starting Point: Luri
Ending Point: Dho Tarap

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Moderate to challenging ascent through alpine and rocky trails
Observe remote villages and yak grazing lands
Tea houses available for meals and overnight stay
Carry trekking poles for stability and warm clothing
Stay hydrated and pace yourself for acclimatization
Enjoy panoramic views of Dolpo mountains

Day 10: Trek Dho Tarap → Ringmo (3,800 m)

Descend from Dho Tarap to Ringmo, passing through meadows, streams, and traditional Tibetan villages. Enjoy the serene environment and turquoise views of Phoksundo Lake from distance. Stay overnight in a tea house, experiencing local culture and peaceful Dolpo valley life.

Starting Point: Dho Tarap
Ending Point: Ringmo

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes

Moderate descent along valley trails and meadows
Cross streams and high-altitude grasslands
Tea houses available for meals and accommodation
Carry water, snacks, and sun protection
Interact with locals and observe Tibetan culture
Take time to photograph the scenic landscapes

Day 11: Trek Ringmo → Juphal (2,550 m)

Trek from Ringmo to Juphal, descending through valleys, streams, and alpine forests. Experience final glimpses of the remote Dolpo landscapes and Tibetan-style villages. Overnight stay at a lodge in Juphal provides rest before the domestic flight to Kathmandu.

Starting Point: Ringmo
Ending Point: Juphal

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~15 km

Important Notes

Long descent through alpine valleys and forested trails
Observe rivers, yak pastures, and local villages
Tea houses or lodges available for rest and meals
Carry water, snacks, and trekking poles
Maintain a steady pace to prevent fatigue
Enjoy last views of the remote Dolpo landscape

Day 12: Domestic Flight Juphal → Kathmandu & Departure

Fly from Juphal to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of the Dolpo region’s high-altitude valleys, peaks, and lakes. Upon arrival, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward travel. Conclude the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, taking home memories of turquoise lakes, remote villages, and Tibetan culture.

Starting Point: Juphal
Ending Point: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Duration: 1–2 hours (flight)
Distance: ~120 km (aerial)

Important Notes

Early morning flight recommended for clear views
Scenic aerial views of Dolpo valleys and peaks
Keep documents and flight tickets ready
Airport transfer arranged upon arrival in Kathmandu
Hydrate and carry light snacks
Reflect on unforgettable trekking experience

Itinerary Details :

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Starting Point: Tribhuvan International Airport
Ending Point: Hotel in Kathmandu

Duration: 30–40 minutes
Distance: ~6 km

Important Notes

Arrive and complete immigration procedures
Airport transfer to hotel
Attend trekking briefing on permits, itinerary, and safety
Prepare trekking gear and accessories
Rest and acclimatize before domestic flight
Optional exploration of Thamel for shopping

Day 2: Domestic Flight Kathmandu → Juphal → Trek to Dunai (2,090 m)

Starting Point: Kathmandu
Ending Point: Dunai

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes

Early morning flight to Juphal
Scenic aerial views of western Nepal
Light trekking from Juphal to Dunai
Check-in at lodge in Dunai
Hydrate and rest for high-altitude trekking
Carry essentials in daypack

Day 3: Trek Dunai → Tarakot (2,400 m)

Starting Point: Dunai
Ending Point: Tarakot

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Moderate ascent along valley trails
Cross streams and small forests
Tea houses available for meals and accommodation
Observe local Tibetan culture
Carry water and snacks
Rest periodically to adjust to altitude

Day 4: Trek Tarakot → Saldang (3,600 m)

Starting Point: Tarakot
Ending Point: Saldang

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~14 km

Important Notes

Steep ascent; moderate difficulty
Cross suspension bridges and rocky trails
Observe Tibetan architecture and local villages
Tea houses available for meals and stay
Carry warm clothing and water
Take breaks to acclimatize

Day 5: Trek Saldang → Ringmo (3,800 m)

Starting Point: Saldang
Ending Point: Ringmo

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes

Moderate to challenging trek through alpine meadows
Observe yaks grazing and high-altitude flora
Tea houses available for meals and lodging
Carry warm clothing and trekking poles
Stay hydrated and pace yourself
Capture scenic landscapes and village life

Day 6: Trek Ringmo → Phoksundo Lake (3,660 m)

Starting Point: Ringmo
Ending Point: Phoksundo Lake

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~8 km

Important Notes

Easy to moderate trek along valley trails
Capture breathtaking views of the turquoise lake
Tea houses available near the lake
Observe local villages and Bon culture
Stay hydrated and carry warm clothes
Take photographs of the lake and cliffs

Day 7: Explore Phoksundo Lake & Shey Gompa

Starting Point: Phoksundo Lake
Ending Point: Shey

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Trek along the lake and surrounding meadows
Visit Shey Gompa, the historic monastery
Observe Bon and Tibetan cultural practices
Tea houses available for meals and stay
Carry water, snacks, and warm clothing
Take time for photography and local interaction

Day 8: Trek Shey → Luri (3,900 m)

Starting Point: Shey
Ending Point: Luri

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Moderate descent through alpine meadows and streams
Pass small Tibetan villages and yak pastures
Tea houses available for meals and overnight stay
Carry warm clothing for high-altitude conditions
Stay hydrated and take breaks for energy
Capture scenic landscapes and interact with locals

Day 9: Trek Luri → Dho Tarap (3,800 m)

Starting Point: Luri
Ending Point: Dho Tarap

Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km

Important Notes

Moderate to challenging ascent through alpine and rocky trails
Observe remote villages and yak grazing lands
Tea houses available for meals and overnight stay
Carry trekking poles for stability and warm clothing
Stay hydrated and pace yourself for acclimatization
Enjoy panoramic views of Dolpo mountains

Day 10: Trek Dho Tarap → Ringmo (3,800 m)

Starting Point: Dho Tarap
Ending Point: Ringmo

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~10 km

Important Notes

Moderate descent along valley trails and meadows
Cross streams and high-altitude grasslands
Tea houses available for meals and accommodation
Carry water, snacks, and sun protection
Interact with locals and observe Tibetan culture
Take time to photograph the scenic landscapes

Day 11: Trek Ringmo → Juphal (2,550 m)

Starting Point: Ringmo
Ending Point: Juphal

Duration: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~15 km

Important Notes

Long descent through alpine valleys and forested trails
Observe rivers, yak pastures, and local villages
Tea houses or lodges available for rest and meals
Carry water, snacks, and trekking poles
Maintain a steady pace to prevent fatigue
Enjoy last views of the remote Dolpo landscape

Day 12: Domestic Flight Juphal → Kathmandu & Departure

Starting Point: Juphal
Ending Point: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Duration: 1–2 hours (flight)
Distance: ~120 km (aerial)

Important Notes

Early morning flight recommended for clear views
Scenic aerial views of Dolpo valleys and peaks
Keep documents and flight tickets ready
Airport transfer arranged upon arrival in Kathmandu
Hydrate and carry light snacks
Reflect on unforgettable trekking experience

Package Include

Airport pick-up and drop in Kathmandu
Domestic flight: Kathmandu → Juphal → Kathmandu
Accommodation: 2 nights in Kathmandu, 10 nights in tea houses/lodges during trekking
Full board meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Experienced trekking guide and porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
Restricted Area Permit, TIMS card, and Phoksundo Conservation Area Permit
First aid kit and emergency oxygen support
Government taxes and service charges

Package Exclude

International airfare to/from Nepal
Travel insurance including high-altitude coverage
Meals in Kathmandu (lunch and dinner)
Personal expenses, tips for guide/porter
Sleeping bags (can be rented)
Snacks, beverages, and alcoholic drinks
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and laundry charges