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Shey phosundo lake trek
Overview
Beyond Adventure
- The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a legendary 10-day odyssey into the "Rain Shadow" of the Himalayas—the mystical Dolpo region. This is not merely a trail; it is a passage through a "time-capsule" where ancient traditions survive in the shadow of 6,000-meter peaks. At the heart of this journey lies Shey Phoksundo Lake, a natural masterpiece situated at 3,611 meters (11,847 feet). Known for its surreal, deep-aquamarine color and its status as the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo is a site of profound spiritual power where the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion remains the living pulse of the mountain people.
- The journey begins with a dramatic flight into Juphal, a mountain airstrip that serves as the threshold to the forbidden valleys of Dolpo.The River of Life: From Juphal, the trail descends toward the Bheri River before turning north into the Suli Ghad valley. The sound of the rushing glacial water becomes your constant companion.The Tropical Ascent: The initial days are a masterclass in transition. You walk through lush forests of Walnut, Maple, and Cedar, passing through the village of Chhepka. The landscape is a vibrant green, punctuated by massive waterfalls that tumble hundreds of feet from the cliffs above, providing a sharp contrast to the arid "Cold Desert" you will soon encounter.
- As you enter Shey Phoksundo National Park—Nepal’s largest and only trans-Himalayan protected area—the ecology shifts into a high-altitude wilderness.
- The Ghost of the Mountains: This 3,555-square-kilometer sanctuary is the world's premier habitat for the elusive Snow Leopard. While the "Ghost" is rarely seen, the presence of its primary prey—the Blue Sheep (Bharal)—is a constant on the rocky slopes.The Botanical Frontier: The park is a treasure trove of Himalayan flora. You navigate through ancient Juniper forests where the wood is used as sacred incense. This region is also famous for the "Himalayan Gold," Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus), a rare medicinal herb that sustains the local economy.The cultural zenith of the trek is reached at the village of Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan settlement that clings to the southern shore of the lake.
- The Living Antiquity: Ringmo is one of the last bastions of the Bon Po religion, an animistic faith that predates Tibetan Buddhism by centuries. The villagers still follow the ancient "Anti-Clockwise" circumambulation of shrines, and the air is thick with the scent of juniper and the sound of ancient chants.Tshowa Gompa: Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 feet above the lake is the 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa. This Bon monastery houses ancient murals and manuscripts, serving as a spiritual sentinel over the sacred waters.
- Reaching the shores of Shey Phoksundo Lake is a sensory revelation. Created 30,000 years ago by a massive landslide that dammed the river, the lake is a geological and visual marvel.
- The Mineral Mirror: The lake’s celebrated turquoise color is not a trick of the light; it is caused by the unique mineral composition of the glacial silt. The water is so clear that it supports almost no aquatic life, leading locals to believe it is a "Dead Lake" inhabited only by spirits.The Demon’s Trail: Above the lake, the trail becomes a narrow ledge carved into the vertical cliffs—famously known as the "Demon’s Trail" from the Oscar-nominated film Himalaya. Walking this path provides a breathtaking perspective of the lake’s vastness, with the jagged peaks of the Kanjirowa Himal reflecting in its mirror-still surface.
- The Shey Phoksundo trek is a journey of "Total Isolation." Because Dolpo was closed to foreigners until 1989, the region has escaped the homogenization of the modern world. For the trekker, this journey is transformative. It challenges the body with rugged terrain and rewards the soul with a silence that is almost physical. You return from the turquoise shores of Ringmo not just with a physical achievement, but with a "Deep-Time Perspective"—a memory of a place where the mountains are gods and the water is the color of a dream.
- MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:Shey Phoksundo Lake (deepest in Nepal), Turquoise blue lake waters, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Ringmo Monastery, Ancient Bon Po culture, Traditional Tibetan villages, Snow leopard habitat, Pristine Dolpo wilderness, Waterfalls, Remote Himalayan landscape
Duration: 10 Days, 9 Nights
Best Period: May to September
Region: Northwestern Nepal
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Max Altitude: 11,847 ft
Trek distance: 60 km
Food: Veg + Eggs
Stay: Teahouse and camping
Railway Head: Kathmandu
Eligibility
WHO CAN JOIN
Age Requirement
Minimum Age 12 years and above
Experience Prior trekking experience recommended for this trek. Having past experience of multi-day treks surely helps.
Fitness Please consult your doctor before joining this trek if you have any medical condition. Not suitable for serious medical conditions.
Fitness Criteria
1. The Trekker should have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance by jogging in 35 minutes without stress or 10 km of distance in 80 minutes without stress.
3. If the trekker wants to carry a backpack then he/she should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack. If opting for Off-load option then the trekker should be able to carry a 3-5 kg backpack.
4. If a trekker's BMI is more or less than the normal range (18-29), please consult our Trek Coordinator before booking.
Journey Route
How to Reach
Options to Reach
Flexible travel choices
By Air:Nearest international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, fly to Nepalgunj, then to Juphal.
Timeline
Journey Itinerary
Day
01
You will fly approximately 1 hour from Kathmandu to reach Nepalgunj in western Nepal.
Day
02
You will fly approximately 35 minutes from Nepalgunj to Juphal, then trek approximately 3 km (approximately 2-3 hours) to reach Dunai at an altitude of 2,140 m.
Day
03
You will trek approximately 12 km (approximately 5-6 hours) through scenic trails along the Thuli Bheri River to reach Tarakot at an altitude of 2,537 m.
Day
04
You will trek approximately 10 km (approximately 4-5 hours) through traditional villages to reach Laini at an altitude of 3,160 m.
Day
05
You will trek approximately 8 km (approximately 4-5 hours) ascending gradually to reach Nawarpani at an altitude of 3,475 m.
Day
06
You will trek approximately 6 km (approximately 3-4 hours) through Shey Phoksundo National Park to reach the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake at an altitude of 3,611 m (11,847 ft). Camp near the spectacular turquoise lake.
Day
07
Full day exploring the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake. Walk around the lake, visit Ringmo Monastery, enjoy the mesmerizing turquoise waters, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Day
08
You will trek approximately 10 km (approximately 5-6 hours) descending from the lake to reach Chhepka.
Day
09
You will trek approximately 12 km (approximately 6-7 hours) completing the descent back to Juphal.
Day
10
You will fly approximately 35 minutes from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then fly approximately 1 hour to Kathmandu. Trek concludes.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Teahouse and camping accommodation
- All meals (Veg + Eggs)
- Professional trek leader and support team
- Trek equipment and safety gear
- First aid kit
- Shey Phoksundo National Park permits
- Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal flights
- Completion certificate
Excluded
- International flights to Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Emergency evacuation charges
- Tips and porterage
Safety Policies
Kids Guidelines
Everything parents need to know to make this trek safe, fun and worry-free for young adventurers.
Children above 12 years can join this trek with adult supervision
Prior trekking experience recommended
Remote location requires good health and fitness
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