Shey Phoksundo Trek
Discover Nepal's majestic region of Dolpo. 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.
Highlights
- Discover Phoksundo Lake, sacred in the Bonpo religion
- Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture in the village of Ringmo
- See the spectacular Jharana Waterfall
- Explore the ancient Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery
Facts
Your Dolpo trekking adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, the main gateway to Nepal’s Far West. This bustling town serves as the transit hub for remote Himalayan regions.
Flight Duration: ~1 hour
An early morning flight takes you to Juphal, the starting point of the Phoksundo Lake Trek. From here, begin trekking through pine forests and riverside trails to reach Chepka.
Flight: ~45 minutes
Trek Duration: ~7 hours
The trail follows the Phoksundo River, passing through deep gorges and cascading
waterfalls. Today’s highlight is the impressive Phoksundo Waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal.
Trek Duration: ~6 hours
Ascending gradually, you reach Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan village known for its ancient Bon and Buddhist culture. The landscape becomes more alpine and rugged as you approach higher elevations in Dolpo.
Trek Duration: ~6 hours
A full day to explore the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and most sacred alpine lake. Visit Tshowa (Shey) Gompa, perched above the lake, and immerse yourself in Dolpo’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Retrace your steps downhill through dramatic canyon landscapes and forested trails,
enjoying the changing perspectives of the Dolpo region.
Trek Duration: ~7 hours
A final trek brings you to Suligad, where you drive back to Juphal, marking the end of your Upper Dolpo trekking route.
Trek Duration: ~6 hours
Take a scenic return flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, concluding your unforgettable Dolpo Phoksundo Lake Trek.
Flight Duration: ~2 hours (including transit)
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
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