Shey Phoksundo Lake Tea House Trek

This morning, you’ll hop on a 35-minute flight to Juphal (8,120 feet/ 2,475 m), the starting point for your trek to Lake Phoksundo.

As you begin the trek, the trail ascends high above the Thulo Bheri Valley, followed by an hour’s walk through maize fields to the village of Kalagaunda. Continue trekking along the southern bank of the river and pass Roop Ghar with its water mill, until you finally reach the village of Dunai (7,037 feet/ 2,145 m).

Dunai is quite a big mountain town with schools, a health post, government offices, a police station, and decent lodges. Wander the streets, tuck into a traditional meal and enjoy the view as you sip some Nepali tea and rest your feet.

Trekking time: 3 hours
Overnight: Dunai

Begin today’s trek by descending through Dunai and crossing the bridge over the Bheri River. Then, chase the northern bank of the river for an hour to reach Sulighat.

From here, you’ll head north to reach the check post for entering the Shey Phoksundo National Park, where you’ll show your permits. Beyond the check post, you’ll gradually climb up along a rock-strewn trail above the serpentine Suli Ghad River.

As the trail stretches higher through hemp tree forests, you’ll arrive at Kageni. Continue through beautiful forest of walnut and maple trees; soon you’ll begin to see the first signs of Tibetan culture. There are beautiful views of fluttering prayer flags, ecological biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation on the way to Shyanta (8,267 feet/ 2,520 m). From there, you’ll tackle another 90 minutes of uphill trekking along narrow trails to your overnight stop, Chhepka (8,759 feet/ 2,670 m).

Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Chhepka

Rise early in the morning and, after breakfast, make your way towards Jharana Hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 11,056 feet (3370 m). En route, get a close-up view of a spectacular 1,082-foot (330 m) high waterfall, the highest in Nepal, as well as your first glimpse of Lake Phoksundo in the distance.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Jharana Village

After a hearty breakfast today, you’ll make your way to Ringmo via a steep descent through birch forests, to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River. After you cross a bridge, you’ll follow a trail north to the ranger station at the stunning Lake Phoksundo.

After a final push through the Phoksundo River Gully, emerge to the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo (11,351 feet/ 3460 m), a village home to the ethnic Bon community. Here you’ll find a few lodges where you can rest for the night.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Ringmo

Spend today exploring the area around Ringmo and the magnificent Lake Phoksundo.

First, you’ll head to Tshowa, a fascinating lakeside Bon monastery that’s about 900 years old. You’ll then drop down to the lake along steep cliffs. Lake Phoksundo is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. If you wander around the lake area, you’ll find stunning glaciers, and if you’re interested in learning more about the local flora and fauan, you can take a guided nature-focused tour.
Overnight: Phoksundo

It is advisable to build some extra days into any Dolpo itinerary in case of flight delays, to help with acclimatization, and also to explore the area fully. Luckily, there’s a lot to see in this valley.

Spend today resting up and enjoying the views or stretch your legs on a hike to a viewpoint above the lake. You can also participate in some cultural and artistic activities, such as painting and photography, or spend some time interacting with the locals. If the weather is good you could even go for a quick dip in the lake’s cold water. In the evening, warm up beside a bonfire at your lodge.
Overnight: Phoksundo

Today you’ll trek back to Ringmo and continue towards Sulighat, following the stream that originates from the lake. You’ll then pass through the village of Renje. After an enjoyable meal break, you’ll continue through fir and larch forests, then you’ll hike along the Sulighat River before you reach Chhepka (8,267 feet/ 2,520 m) for the night.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Chhepka

After breakfast, you’ll continue retracing your steps along the trail through forests, fields, and charming villages. You’ll end your trek in Juphal, where you can celebrate with a delicious meal before spending a final night in the mountains.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Juphal

In the morning you’ll head to the local airport in Juphal for your flight to Nepalgunj. You’ll then continue onward to Kathmandu.

Once you settle in at your hotel in Nepal’s capital this afternoon, you can enjoy some free time or see anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.
Overnight: Kathmandu