Major Highlights of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
1.Shey Phoksundo Lake
Dolpa Shey Phoksundo Lake is considered the main highlight of the trek. It presents turquoise waters, snow-capped mountains, cliffs, and lush forests that surround the lake. Dolpa Shey Phoksundo Lake is also a naturally occurring second-largest lake in Nepal, which further makes it a more significant destination for trekkers into the remote beauty of Dolpo. The lake reflects the mountains surrounding it, giving it a very calm and grace-generating atmosphere. To Buddhists and Bonpo followers, Shey Phoksundo Lake is deeply related to spiritual importance. Because of its unique mineral composition, no aquatic life exists in the lake. A major highlight near the lake is the Phoksundo Waterfall, a 167-meter cascade that was featured in the 1999 film Himalaya.
2. Cultural Experience
The trek takes you through traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages to give you the flavor of Dolpo culture. The people of Dolpo follow Tibetan customs, and monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags surround the villages. Along the way, visits to ancient pre-Bon and Buddhist gompas provide insight into the region's spiritual heritage, while interacting with the Dolpo-pa people of this area offers an opportunity to experience a way of life that has changed little over the centuries.
3. Shey Monastery
Not very far from Phoksundo Lake lies the Shey Monastery, a sacred place considered to be more than 800 years old. This monastery has great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, further elevating its status as a spiritual destination.
4. Stunning Landscapes
The Shey Phoksundo Trek passes through rocky terrain, high-altitude meadows, a dense forest, and arid hills. The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are great to see. Some areas are desert-like, with the mountains around forming a unique landscape different from any other.
Permits Required to trek in Shey Phoksundo National Park
SheyPhoksundo National Park Permit
- Cost: $30 per person, with no time restriction
Lower Dolpo Permit
- USD 20 per person per week
- Additional days: USD 5 per person per day
Upper Dolo Restricted Area Permit
- The first 10 days cost USD 500 per person.
- Additional days: USD 50 per person per day after exceeding the first 10 days
Best time of the year to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo Lake is located in the remote Lower Dolpo region. The Dolpo region lies in one of Nepal’s rain shadow areas, so it receives minimal rainfall. This makes it possible to visit Shey Phoksundo National Park throughout the year. The unique geography protects the area from heavy rain, creating a dry landscape. If you are looking to trek in Nepal during the monsoon or winter seasons, Upper Dolpo is one of the best destinations.
Month-wise, spring, and autumn are considered the best times to trek to Phoksundo Lake. During this period, the weather in Shey Phoksundo National Park stays mild, and the landscapes come alive with blooming wildflowers. The sky remains clear, offering exceptional views of the turquoise-colored lake. This is when the lake’s vibrant blue color is at its best. The pleasant weather, combined with the surrounding landscapes and snowcapped mountains, makes trekking more enjoyable.
Unlike most parts of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo remains dry during the monsoon. While other regions experience heavy rainfall, Dolpo stays relatively dry, making monsoon a quieter time to visit. The lush vegetation goes beautifully with the lake’s clear blue waters. However, some trails may become muddy, so trekkers should prepare accordingly.
Winter brings a calm and peaceful atmosphere to Shey Phoksundo Lake. Snow covers the area, creating a quiet and serene landscape. While temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night, snow-covered trails may pose challenges. For those who enjoy winter adventures, this season offers an opportunity to experience the region’s solitude and distinct beauty.
How to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake?
By Air
The quickest way to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake is by flying to Juphal Airport. To get to Juphal, flights are available from Nepalgunj or sometimes from Kathmandu. From here, start a 2-3 day trek to the lake. The route will take travelers through Sulighat, and Chepka, along with other scenic spots before reaching the turquoise-colored waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake.
By Road
Alternatively, for those who are wondering, how to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake by road? One can take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu or Nepalgunj to Dunai the district headquarters of Dolpa. From Dunai, start trekking, this usually takes 3-4 days to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake. The trail passes through beautiful villages such as Ankhe, Sulighat, and Chepka, continuing with breathtaking views of the region's landscape.
How many days does it take to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake?
The Shey Phoksundo Lake trek usually takes 10 to 12 days, depending on the route and the itinerary chosen. A standard itinerary starts from Nepalgunj and follows the trail through Chepka to reach Phoksundo Lake, taking approximately 10 days from Kathmandu. However, one should note that the trek's duration varies based on the daily walking hours and pace. Below we have mentioned the detailed 10-day itinerary for the Shey Phoksundo Lake trek.
Normal Itinerary of Shey- Phoksundo Lake trek
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 meters).
Day 02: Take a flight to Nepalgunj and stay overnight.
Day 03: Fly to Juphal and begin trekking to Dunai, approximately 3-hours
Day 04: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka, around 6-7 hours.
Day 05: Continue trekking from Chhepka to Saijol, for 6-7 hours.
Day 06: Hike from Saijol to Ringmo Village and Phoksundo Lake; 4 hours and then visit Thasung Tsoling Gompa.
Day 07: Explore the serene beauty of Phoksundo Lake.
Day 08: Return trek to Chhepka for 6-7 hours.
Day 09: Continue trekking from Chhepka to Juphal; it takes 5-6 hours.
Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Difficulty Level of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek and recommended for anyone who has already gained some trekking experience. Even though the trail does not require technical climbing skills, the route is remote and includes rugged terrain, which will mean physical and logistical challenges. Hiking through uneven paths with steep ascents and descents requires stamina and an average level of fitness.
The remoteness of Dolpo itself adds to the difficulty of trekking. Limited infrastructure and fewer accommodation options along the route require the need for trekkers to be adequately prepared. Several times, carrying essential supplies, including food and water, becomes mandatory, as tea houses are not situated at regular intervals like other popular routes.
The difficulty of the trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake depends on the altitude as well. The maximum altitude of the Shey Phoksundo Lake trek is 3612m, where the air gets thinner, and hence, walking becomes more difficult. While not all trekkers suffer from altitude sickness, taking acclimatization days is equally important in order to make the trek effectively safe and enjoyable.
Food and Accommodation during Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
The food and accommodation arrangements in the Dolpo Shey Phoksundo Lake trek are very basic because of its remoteness. Trekkers must prepare themselves for basic facilities, adding to the difference in exploring this natural wonder.
The meals are basic, prepared mainly on locally available resources. Dal bhat, noodles, and soups are the regular traditional Nepali dishes. Supplies have to be brought over long distances due to the remoteness of the region, which makes variety dependent upon season and what is transportable. It is advisable that one brings some personal snacks like dried fruits and protein bars to complement trailside meals.
Accommodation varies from basic tea houses to tents in certain parts of the trail. Tea houses provide only very basic facilities, often in shared rooms with minimal bedding and blankets. During trekking to Phoksundo Lake, basic accommodation facilities are available in some villages, although the higher one journeys, the more likely one is to be camping. At Phoksundo Lake, many trekkers enjoy camping at Phoksundo Lake because it is the most effective means of soaking up the lake's natural beauty and tranquil environment.
Is Solo Trekking allowed in Shey Phoksundo Lake?
Solo trekking is not allowed at Shey Phoksundo Lake for a few major reasons. First, it is a restricted area and needs special permits. The government regulations require trekkers to have a licensed guide accompanying them. Shey Phoksundo Lake falls under the Lower Dolpo restricted area, where independent trekking is not allowed. Trekkers need to go through a licensed trekking agency, which deals with all the permits and other logistics.
The safety issues in this area are significant, with challenging terrain, high altitude, and difficult trails. The emergency rescue facilities are poor, and the area is sparsely populated. Weather conditions change within a very short period, adding more dangers. Few teahouses or other facilities on the route make the trek more hazardous for solo trekkers. Thus, trekking in the Shey Phoksundo Lake area is considered unsafe without a guide.
Besides legal and safety grounds, various permits are necessary for trekking in Shey Phoksundo, which, by law, can be provided only through the agencies. The Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, and a TIMS Card are further required to trek in the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Moreover, a minimum of two trekkers is required for such treks, though some agencies can provide facilities for individual trekkers to join a guided group.
Private guided trek booking is available for those who wish to trek in the area but do not want to go in a group. Alternatively, trekkers can consider joining a group trek through agencies or exploring other non-restricted areas in Nepal where solo trekking is permitted.
How much does the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Cost?
The price for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek in Nepal generally ranges from 800 to 1,500 USD for a 10- to 12-day trek. It also includes the price of the trekking permit, the guide and porter costs, driving to the starting point, accommodation costs in teahouses or basic lodges, meals, and insurance for guides and porters. In the case of a more luxurious trek with private services, it may rise to $2,000 or even more.
Conclusion
The Shey Phoksundo Lake trek offers a unique adventure that blends breathtaking nature and rich culture. Situated in the rain shadow area of Nepal, the lake itself lies in a cold desert, creating a rare and stunning landscape. On the route, one finds strong Buddhist traditions of the area, its preserved way of life, and conservation efforts that keep this region untouched. It is a good option for those who want to have a real Himalayan trek without many crowds, like other popular routes. Although it needs preparation and a guide, it leads to one of Nepal's last untouched wildernesses, providing an authentic, unforgettable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shey Phoksundo Lake located?
Shey Phoksundo Lake is located in the Dolpa district of northwestern Nepal, inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
What wildlife can be seen around Phoksundo Lake?
You can see wildlife such as the Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopard, musk deer, and various bird species like the Himalayan griffon vulture.
What is the altitude of Shey Phoksundo Lake?
Shey Phoksundo Lake is at an altitude of about 3,600 meters (11,811 feet).
Is it safe to trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake?
Yes, it is generally safe to trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake; however, it is important to be prepared for the remote conditions and altitude. Trekking with a guide is recommended.
What should I pack for the Phoksundo Lake Trek?
Pack essentials like warm clothing, a sleeping bag, trekking shoes, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, sunscreen, snacks, and a good camera for the beautiful scenery.
based on 5 reviews
