Phoksundo Lake Trek
(ETNNP193)  Nepal

Overview

Discover Nepal’s majestic region of Dolpo. This remote area, made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book ‘The Snow Leopard,’ has only been open to trekkers since 1989. Its most alluring attraction, Phoksundo Lake, is sacred to Buddhists and followers of the Bonpo religion. This relatively easy trek involves no high passes, and winds through Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan villages.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival Day 2: Kathmandu to Nepalganj city flight. Transfer to your hotel.

In the morning you can stroll in the streets of Thamel while we arrange all your trekking documents (TIMS & National Park Permit) and lower dolpa special permits via Immigration of Nepal. You collect all the necessary documents from our representative and drive to the domestic airport of Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, we fly on any domestic airlines to Nepalgunj city. The town is in the western Terai, which is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park.

Day 3: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal airstrips. Trek to Dunai (2,150m/7,052 feet), 3 hours

We take an early flight to Juphal, takes about 35 minute flight. Juphal is a gateway to explore Phoksundo Lake. As we begin the trek, the trail ascends southeast high above Thulo Bheri valley followed by an hour-long walk through maize fields to reach Kalagaunda village. We trek by the southern bank of a river to pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach Dunai village. Dunai is quite a big mountainous area with schools, health posts, government offices, police stations, and tourist class guesthouses. We stay overnight in one of the lodges run by locals.

Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka village (2,670m/8,758 feet), 6 hours.

We trek descend downhill through Dunai to cross Bheri River bridge. Walk the northern bank of the river to Sulighat. Furthermore, we head north to reach Shey Phoksundo National Park Check Post office. Beyond the check post, we gradually climb up along the rock-strewn lies above the serpentine Suli Ghad Khola. Trek goes further with beautiful tropical forest dominated by walnut and maple trees, we begin to see the first glimpses of Tibetan culture. Savoring the views of fluttering prayer flags, floral and faunal biodiversity, cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation we arrive at Chhepka village. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5: Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel (3,370m/11,054 feet), 6 hours.

The trail ascends through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open countryside and we get a close view of a spectacular 330 meter high waterfall, the highest in Nepal and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. We stay overnight here in a lodge.

Day 6: Jharana Hotel to Ringmo (3,460m/11,349 feet), 5 hours.

Today we make a steep descend trail through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River (Khola in Nepali). We cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo river flows out of the lake. The final push through the Phoksundo River gully, we emerge to the yak filled meadows of Ringmo village. Ringmo village is popular with Bon Po religion. We stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7: Explore around Phoksundo Lake ! Phoksundo lake day trip

Today we explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature trip. We explore Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years earlier. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating to experience. We drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo is a typical Tibetan village, is a scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are many monasteries (Gompas)and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of them.

Day 8: Descend from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2,520m/8,266 feet), 7 hours

After an enjoyable journey of Phoksundo Lake we descend along the retracing trail to Chhepka. We stay overnight at the hotel there.

Day 9: Trek from Chhepka to Juphal Town, 7 hours

After the breakfast, we continuously retracing the trail that brings us to Juphal Bazaar. About seven hours of pleasant walk through culturally and naturally diverse trail we arrive at Juphal bazaar. Re confirm the return flight and stay overnight at hotel in Juphal near airport airstrips.

Day 10: Juphal to Nepalgunj and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu

Early morning, we walk to the airport in Juphal from where we fly to the airport in Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, we board a plane that directly connects us to Kathmandu. On arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the time is free time.

Day 11: Final departure day

Drop you in Kathmandu International Airport onward your final destination and our trip ends. Wish you your wonderful journey.

Tour Cost & Schedule in 2022 & 2023

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Value Added

We are ready to welcome you with all the necessary safety measures (Post -19 Pandemic Halt). Hence we assure you of safety and security by following the optimal precautions.

Safety Assurance from Us (Tour/Trekking Operator)

• Vehicles fully cleaned and disinfected
• Foot bath mat available at entrance
• Extra masks available (if required)
• Safe distancing
• We carry limited number of passengers
• Our crew wear full PPE while disinfecting the vehicle
• Temperature screening available
• Our crew tested fit to travel
• Sanitizers available
• We carry additional deep wipe down cleaning of high touched areas
• Hygiene kit available for sale
• Our crew wear face mask and face shield

Safety Rules for Travelers (You)

• Namaste over handshake
• Do not travel if unwell
• Wear face mask all the time
• Maintain safe distancing
• Use foot mat while boarding
• Undertake temperature screening
• Ventilators over air conditioning
• Avoid unnecessary surface touching
• Wash/Sanitize hands regularly
• Follow sneeze etiquette
• Follow safety instructions (from local authority)
• Carry your personal hygiene all the time

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