Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
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Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Overview
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and relatively easy trek to one of Nepal’s largest and most spectacular lakes. The adherents of Bon-Po religious sects regard the Phoksundo Lake as sacred. It thus makes the trek into a beautiful blend of nature and culture. Phoksundo Lake is splendid due to the reflecting backdrop of the Kanjirowa massif. Besides, it offers a wide range of spectacular and beautiful landscapes. This relatively easy trek involves no high passes, and winds through Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan villages.
Trip highlights
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Visit turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake, sacred in the Bonpo religion
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Explore the ancient Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery
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Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal
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Explore Dunai village, the only gateway to Dolpo district
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Witness the spectacular Jharana waterfall
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Enjoy splendid 360 degrees views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range
Detailed Itinerary
As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel. Overnight in Hotel
Today after the breakfast we will proceed for sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar Square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chhorten ever made around the world. Overnight in Hotel
You fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj in the southwest part of the Terai, right on the border to India. After checking into your hotel you might go and have a look at the Bageshwari Mandir, a temple to honour Kali. But what Nepalganj is all about is just wandering around in the bazaar, which has everything on sale that one could imagine. You will see people here from every part of Nepal, people from Tibet and India; they all come here to trade. Overnight in Hotel.
You go to the airport very early in order to get on the flight to Juphal. Dolpo flights are always early in the morning. This is because high winds in the Thulo Bheri Valley begin around 10 am, making later flights impossible. Once you have gotten all your equipment of the Twin otter in Juphal (2500m), you start out on the short walk from Juphal to Dunai. You walk downhill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotels at Kala Gaura (2090m). From here you follow the river trail upstream to Dunai. You camp near Dunai and explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon. Overnight at Camp. Meals Included : Full Board
You start trekking from Dunai, cross the big steel suspension bridge and turn west, following the trail past the hospital, and then it's a level walk along the bank of the Thulo Bheri to its confluence with the Suli Gaad at 2070m. You follow the new trail north up the east bank of the Suli Gaad to a collection of teashops run by the wives of army personnel in Dunai. Another hour of walking takes us to Kal Rupi and then on to Raktang (2260m). You cross to the west bank and trek past numerous goths and horses pastures over a ridge to the rough stone houses of Jyalhasa, a wintering spot for the people of Ringmo. You keep walking upstream to another bridge, cross it to the east bank, and make your way past some crude teashops and a bridge over a side stream, the Ankhe Khola, at 2460m. The trail makes some ups and downs through grass and ferns to a trail junction. The fork is the old trail leading to the army and national park post at Ankhe, and on to the old trail that passes the villages of Rahagoan and Parela, high on the ridge above. These three villages a strange name connection: Parela (parela means eye-lashes), Rahagoan (raha means eyebrow) and Ankhe (ankha is eye).
The trail Phoksundo Lake climbs over a ridge at 2710m then descends on a rocky path to Chepka (2670m), which is inhabited by three brothers and consists of collection of interconnected shops, rakshi stalls and lodges. You camp here or at another good spot beside a huge rock in walnut grove about 20 minutes beyond Chepka.
Today we head towards Jharana Hotel, ascending through a forested path filled with big cedar. We also walk through a winter settlement and gradually climb up through wide meadows situated above the gorge of Phoksundo River, from where we get a great view of a high waterfall and a faraway view of Phoksundo Lake.
At the begging, the trail steeply descends through the birch forest nearby Phoksundo Khola via Polam Village. We walk continue upwards to the river bank before crossing the bridge and get the ranger check post and walk further to the lake shores near the point where the river flows out from tranquil Phoksundo Lake. Finely the trial ends Phoksundo River gorge, and start to see yak pasture land with traditional houses at Ringmo Village.
As today is a leisure day to explore; we will walk around the beautiful turquoise blue lake Phoksumdo, from where you have magnificent views including Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m), other snowcapped mountains, and wonderful landscape. Rigmo Village is a typical Tibetan village with unique culture, beliefs, and traditions carrying out from centauries. The people of here are following Bonpo-Buddhism; we will visit one of the oldest monasteries “Tshowa” built 900 years ago, located on the top of the ridge above the Phoksundo Lake. Today is the most remarkable day to explore ancient’s sacred sites, people's cultures, and enjoying Mother Nature. This is a peace of heaven on the Earth.
With a pocket full of memories, you will leave Phoksundo Lake and trek to the Shyanta village. Ascending along a steep trail, you reach the top of a hill from where you will see the final views of Phoksundo Lake. You will then descend to the Chunuwar village, followed by Rechi. Further, you trek along the side of a riverbank and drop until you reach Chhepka. From here, you will travel through the forested path and reach Shyanta village.
Trekking on a rugged path alongside the Bheri River, you will reach Juphal. On the way, you will be accompanied by a lovely landscape view. Pass by Kalagauda and reach Juphal where you will spend the night. You will spend the rest of the day exploring the town and having a good time.
We take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. We then take a connecting flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel
As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.
Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.
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Trip facts
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Trip duration : 12 days
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Grade : Moderate to Fairly Challenging
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Activity : Cultural sightseeing tour and trekking
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Starts in : Kathmandu
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End in : Kathmandu
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Trek Type : Camping
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Accomodation : Hotel / Tented Camp
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Max Altitude : 3612 m
Cost Includes
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Airport pick-up and drop off services by private A/C vehicle
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3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on twin /double sharing basis with breakfast only
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Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English Speaking local Tour Guide and entry fees
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Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
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Teahouse accommodation during the trek
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A Trekking Guide, Sherpa, necessary porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment
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Flights from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu including departure taxes
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1 night accommodation with breakfast in Nepalgunj
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First aid kit
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All necessary permits and paper works including Upper Dolpo special permits
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All government and local taxes
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Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
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All tax, VAT and company service charge
Cost Excludes
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International flight & any other airfares
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Nepal visa
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Extra baggage charge if any (weight allowance 12kg+3 kg in domestic flight)
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Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
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Tips for Guide, porters, drivers etc.
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Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason
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Personal expenses such as table drinks, snacks while walking, hot water/shower, internet, telephone etc during the trek
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Clients insurance and Medical expenses
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Any other tours, transfers and hotel accommodations other than mentioned above
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Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
Gallery
Extension Tours
Paragliding
Jungle Safari
Pokhara Tour
Rafting
Necessary Information
You can obtain the Nepalese visa from Nepalese consulate in your country easily or upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For that, you require a valid passport with 2 copies of passport size photos. Similarly, A visa for Nepal can be obtained at Nepal India border entry point at Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Kakadvitta, Bhairahawa, Gaddachowki and Kodari on the Nepal China border. A15/30/90 day multiple entries Nepalese visa can be obtained by paying USD 30/50/125 or equivalent foreign currency respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
We will be at the airport to welcome you upon your arrival to Nepal. We will be carrying the Raj BalaTreks & Expedition placard with your name underneath. From airport you will escorted to your hotel and we help you to check-in.
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.
The main health consideration during Dolpo Trekking is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and handle the low oxygen rate.
If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you to consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a moderate to fairly challenging trek that goes right into remotest corner of high mountain country and over high pass. The maximum altitude you reach is at 3612 meters. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a tea house trek. A Nepalese tea house is a lodge or guest house located in one of the trekking regions in the Nepal Himalayas. At the end of the day’s trekking you pitch up and have a room and food provided. Teahouse trekking in Nepal is an incredible experience.
There are plenty of basic, clean and friendly lodges along the trail. You often have to share rooms but you can also stay in single rooms where possible. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric blanket, hot bags (luxury lodges) and all have a spacious dining room-lounge.
We will accommodate you and your group in a comfortable local lodge each day. The Guide coordinates with the local lodge owners and a porter is sent ahead to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot always be booked in advance).
On trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.
To get an idea about your meals on the go, breakfast comprises a hot beverage, toasts, pancakes, eggs, etc. while lunch will include rice items, noodles, potato varieties, pizza, pasta, burger, meat items, and so on. The starters in dinnertime are soup varieties while the main course includes more or less similar items as that of lunch menu, including a dessert item and a hot beverage.
Your typical day begins with a hot cup of tea brought to the tent at about 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing all your bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the morning’s walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of your gear for you. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at camp by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.
Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and talking with the crew, or perhaps even joining in some singing and dancing, before heading off to the tent for a well-earned sleep.
You fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and then you take another short flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. The starting point of the trek is Juphal. On your return, take the flights from Juphal and further to Kathmandu on the same day.
Please consider that there is a high probability of cancellation of flights operating between Nepalgunj and Juphal due to bad weather conditions. Hence, we advise you to keep at least one day extra in Kathmandu before your flight home.
Our 11 days Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek cost is all inclusive of your accommodation, meals, permits and other official expenses.(See price includes and excludes section for more detail). Besides, other expenses depend on your spending habits. A USD 10-15 is sufficient to buy bottled water, snacks, chocolate bars, hot and cold drinks, and showers during the trek besides your included meals and accommodation.
You can exchange money at a Bank or the money exchange counter in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many Tourist class Hotels have money exchange facilities. For Trekking, there are Banks and exchange counters at major Tourist hubs like Namche and Lukla. These days, there are availability of ATMs everywhere in Kathmandu and some in Lukla and Namche.
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trekking in Nepal. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the trek.
Communication during the trek is not challenging but there are certain things to be considered. Phone reception is available in most of the places during the trek. Likewise, WIFI services are also available on the trail. To use WIFI services, you are expected to pay a fee. These fees increase as you scale up the higher altitude. Usually, the cost of WIFI services ranges about NPR 400-500 each depending upon the location you are staying in. And another option to stay connected with your family back home is by using an internet data package if you have a local SIM card. You can buy a SIM card around the street of your trip hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara or ask your guide to arrange it one for you. However, we must inform you that internet service may not be strong in all places.
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.
You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipment will be provided once you book your trip. It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.
Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.
Your safety and security are our top priority, and we always make sure that nothing untoward happen to you. However, if anything serious like sickness or a casualty occurs, we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. As you are responsible for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it.
Before joining the Dolpo Trekking, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Our staff will collect your insurance details before you leave for the trek.
All our guides are certified and trained trekking leaders. Our guides are certified by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Nepal. They have years of experience working in this line of work and know the different trekking trails of Nepal, mountain ranges, culture, and mountain sickness.
Your booking of this Dolpo Trekking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of 20% of the total trip and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply:
- 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (20% of the total trip)
- 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost
- 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost
- Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost