Shey Phoksundo Lake via Dho Tarap

Trip Details

Start/End: Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Duration: 19 days

Difficulty: Moderate To Strenuous

Maximum Elevation: 5,238 m (Numala)

Best Time: September to Early October

Accommodation: Fully Camping

Although Nepal is a small country, it has a diverse geography with distinct features. Distinct regions and natural beauty attract many tourists from over the world. Shey Phoksundo is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake located at an elevation of 3,611.5 m (11,849 ft) in the Dolpa District. Dolpa is a treasure trove with amazing landscapes and villages practising the unique Tibetan cultures that date back to ancient times. They are the main highlights of Dolpo.
The main highlight of Shey Phoksundo Trek is the gorgeous deep-blue and emerald hues of the deepest lake in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo Lake. The Dho Tarap and Phoksundo Lake Trek are meant for real adventurers waiting for an off-the-beaten-path camping experience. This rough and spectacular trekking will bring you to beautiful turquoise-coloured lakes, rushing rivers, and high passes. The Dolpo is also the homeland of some rare wildlife like the elusive snow leopard.
Shey Phoksundo is considered a sacred lake. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this sacred lake annually to take a bath in its holy water. Shey Phoksundo National Park has many religious sites and gumbas. The most famous site is Shey Gumba, built during the 11th century.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, pick up and transfer to Hotel

Day 02: Preparation for the adventure trip

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj

Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2,475 m / 8,120 ft) and trek to Dunai (2,140 m / 7,021 ft)

Day 05: Trek Dunai to Tarakot (2,537 m / 8,323 ft)

Day 06: Trek Tarakot to Laini Odar (3,370 m / 11,056 ft)

Day 07: Trek Laini Odar to Nawarpani (3,475 m / 11,400 ft)

Day 08: Trek Laini Newarpani to Do Tarap (3,944 m / 12,939 ft)

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Do Tarap

Day 10: Trek Do Tarap to Numala Base Camp (4,440 m / 14,567 ft)

Day 11: Trek to Danigar (4,631 m / 15,193 ft) after crossing Numala (5,238 m / 17,185 ft)

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka (3,982 m / 13,064 ft) after crossing Bagala (5,214 m / 17,106 ft)

Day 13: Trek Yak Kharka to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,733 m / 12,247 ft)

Day 14: Exploration day around Phoksundo Lake

Day 15: Trek Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2,833 m / 9,294 ft)

Day 16: Trek Chhepka to Juphal

Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 19: Final departure, drop at the international airport

Trip Info

Best Season To Trek Shey Phoksundo

Trek to Shey Phoksundo lake can be done anytime throughout the year. Commonly Spring (March-May) and Autumn(September- November) is the best season for trekking as it not only offers the perfect weather but also the most beautiful and colourful rhododendron blossoming sight. You will also get an amazing view of Dhaulagiri and other mountains. During Summer(June-August), with the arrival of monsoon, heavy rainfall makes trekking difficult. The muddy and slippery path makes it more challenging and unfavourable for the trek. Winter(December-February) at higher altitudes is bitter and harsh. But Trek to Phoksundo won’t be that harsh as it isn’t in a higher altitude region.

How difficult is Shey Phoksundo Trek?

There are no such difficulties in the Shey Phoksundo lake trek. As the highest elevation point of the trek is not more than 3800 m, the chances of altitude sickness can be reduced beforehand. Usual trekking preparation can help a lot. Shey Phoksundo lake trek does not have extreme weather that’s why there will be no weather hurdles too.

Permits

Exploring Shey Phoksundo National Park requires specific entry permits as it is a restricted area. The lower Dolpo Permit requires $20 per person per week whereas the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry cost is $30 per person.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is one of the best treks to isolated regions of Nepal. It is located in the largest district of Nepal, Dolpo which remains an unexplored region with magnificent natural beauty. You can explore the unseen views of the Himalayan ranges. It is an exclusive trek with the most significant trans-Himalayan culture.

Highlights