Shey Phoksundo

The Dolpo Shey Phoksundo is a glorious lake nestled beneath the towering Kanjiralwa Himalayan range in the western part of Nepal's Dolpa district. With its scattered pieces of beautiful lands, villages, and natural elements the entire Dolpa region boasts enchanting landscapes, captivating any visitor who ventures into this mystical land.

Shey Phoksundo Lake is also the Nepal's deepest lake, situated at an elevation of 3900 meters above sea level. It stands as an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake within Nepal's Shey Phoksundo National Park stretching 4.8 kilometers wide and with a depth of 145 meters, located in the Dolpa District. Covering an area of 1.91 square kilometers and holding a water volume of 409,000,000 cubic meters, the lake's original beauty and massiveness are impressive.

Moreover, situated on a 30,000 to 40,000-year-old landslide dam that formed the lake at the southern end of the lake lies the traditional village of Ringmo. Passing through this dam, visitors are treated to the sight of a majestic waterfall cascading over 167 meters or 548 feet.

Shey Phoksundo Lake offers travelers a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's rich wildlife stands as one of Nepal's premier trekking destinations. The area is home to a diverse array of fauna, providing visitors with the chance to spot endangered species such as musk deer, snow leopards, blue sheep, Tibetan sheep, Himalayan Tahr, and more. The presence of the towering Kanjirawa Himal (6612m) further enhances the mesmerizing scenery, making Shey Phoksundo Lake a truly unforgettable destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Major attractions of Shey Phoksundo

● Shey Phoksundo National Park

● Shey Phoksundo Lake

● Tibetan culture in the village of Ringmo

● The mesmerizing view of the Jharana waterfall

● Ancient Tshowa Gompa, an old Bon monastery 

Best time to travel Shey Phoksundo Lake

The favorable time to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake is during the Spring and Autumn season. It is better to travel to the lake during this period of time rather than during winter and monsoon season. During this time, the weather is clear and you’ll get to experience the clear view of the lake with blue water and mesmerizing view of Dhaulagiri and other mountains at the same time.

How to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake?

Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2- Take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

During the morning, go for a little sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley and later fly to Nepalgunj which is a gateway to the Far West.

Day 3- Take a flight from Juphal (2475m) to Dunai 

From Nepalgunj again take a flight to Juphal (2475m), the point from where our trek to Shey Phoksundo starts. Then walk for 3 hours from Juphal to Dunai.

Day 4- Trek to Chhepka (2720m)

Our trek officially starts from today, so having early morning breakfast, we will start heading towards Chhepka (2780m) from Dunai which will take approximately 6 to 7 hours of walking.

Day 5- Trek to Jharana waterfall (3040m) 

After having an early morning breakfast in Chhepka, we will start heading towards Jharana waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. So today’s walk will be 4-5 hours.

Day 6- Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake

Today we will be heading towards Phoksundo Lake (3640m) from Jharana waterfall which will be 2-3 hours of walking through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo river. 

Day 7- Exploring Shey Phoksundo Lake

So the final destination of our trek is Shey Phoksundo lake. Today we will be exploring the sacred Shey Phoksundo lake and at the same time will explore Ringmo village before visiting Tshowa Gompa which is a 900 years old Bon monastery on a ridge above the lake. 

Day 8- Trek to Chhekpa village

Today we will be heading back to Chhekpa after an early morning breakfast through the village of Renji and fir and larch forests along the Silighat river before reaching Chhepka Village. We will reach Chhepka walking for 6 to 7 hours.  

Day 9- Return to Juphal 

After having early morning breakfast we will be heading towards the Jupahl from Chhepka through beautiful forests, fields, and villages and walking for approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Day 10- Fly back to Nepalgunj and then back to Kathmandu 

So on the final day, we will be first flying from Juphal to Nepalgunj and back to Kathmandu by flight. 

FAQs - Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek:

Difficulty level of the trek?

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is of moderate difficulty. While not as challenging as some high-altitude treks, it still requires a reasonable level of fitness. 

Availability of wifi and electricity?

Yes, electricity is available in the region, and most tea houses offer wifi. However, the wifi speed is suitable for basic communication with friends and family.

Drinking water options?

Drinking water is available in tea houses and natural streams along the trekking route. While mineral water is also available, it is costly and contributes to plastic pollution. 

Accommodation types?

Accommodation primarily consists of tea houses, with some offering attached bathrooms. However, not all tea houses have this facility.

Booking procedure?

To book the trek, you can contact us directly or send an email to info@shivalayaholidays.com.

Flight arrangements?

We can assist in booking flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu and vice versa. Booking through us ensures ease of rearrangement in case of flight cancellations.