Spectacular view of Shey Phoksundo surrounded by towering peaks
Shey Phoksundo Trek: The Sacred Turquoise of Lower Dolpo
Lake Elevation (Phoksundo)
3,611 m (11,849 ft)
Max Altitude
5,115 m Kagmara La
Duration
7-11 days
Permits
Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Fee & TIMS
Best Seasons
Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov).
Trek Grade
Easy to Moderate
Overview
Shey Phoksundo Lake is the jewel of Lower Dolpo. It's a remote and turquoise lake set within Shey Phoksundo National Park, surrounded by steep mountains and ancient villages. Shey Phoksundo Trek offers a rare combination of sacred culture, dramatic waterfalls and accessible remoteness. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want the feel of Dolpo, cliff surrounded villages and high Himalayan light without the longer permitting and logistics of Upper Dolpo. Plan for a buffer day for mountain flights, bring warm layers, and let the valley’s quiet do the rest.
Highlights of the Shey Phoksundo Trek
Shey Phoksundo Lake (Rigmo): A turquoise basin considered the deepest lake in Nepal and sacred to local Bon-Buddhist communities.
Ringmo Village & Tshowa (Tshowa/Tshowa Gompa): Traditional settlements with prayer flags, mani walls, and centuries old monasteries.
Jharana Waterfall: One of Nepal’s highest waterfalls near the lake outlet, dramatic and photogenic.
Kagmara La: A high pass (5,115 m) used on longer Lower Dolpo treks for expansive panoramas of Kanjiroba and Dhaulagiri.
Bon & Buddhist Culture: The Tarap and Phoksundo valleys preserve ancient rituals, prayer flags, and local architecture, a cultural highlight as strong as the scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal to Dunai
2103mFly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then a short flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Trek to Dunai for the first night.
Day 2: Dunai to Raha
2412mTrek through river valleys and small settlements. Enter the national park boundary and gain a sense of remoteness.
Day 3: Raha to Rechi
2940mHigher riverbanks, pine forests, and small herds in Rechi. Prepare for an ascent toward Ringmo/Phoksundo the next day.
Day 4: Rechi to Ringmo to Shey Phoksundo Lake
3612mArrive at Ringmo and Tshowa Gompa. Short walk to the Shey Phoksundo Lake. It's a scared site.
Day 5: Phoksundo exploration & acclimatisation
3612mFull day to walk the lake rim, visit Tshowa, local gompas, photograph cliffs and cultural scenes.
Day 6: Phoksundo to Chepka
2670mBegin the return trek through changing vegetation zones.
Day 7: Chhepka to Juphal
2400mFinal day’s walk to Juphal. Evening flight to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu or overnight in Nepalgunj.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Budget Price | Mid Range Price | Luxury Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flights (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal Roundtrip) | $150 to $300 | ------ | ------ |
| Permit (Shey Phoksundo National Park) | NPR 3000 | ------ | ------ |
| Daily meals & tea house | $15 to $30/day | ------ | ------ |
| Guide or Porter | $20 to $40/day | ------ | ------ |
| Gear rental | $5 to $15 | ------ | ------ |
Note: ---
Trip Map
Compliance
Park Permit
A Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit is required. Fees are set by the Nepal Tourism Board and paid at points specified by your operator or at permit offices.
TIMS or Local Fees
TIMS may apply depending on route or agency. Follow your operator’s guidance.
Flight & Weather
Flights to Juphal operate from Nepalgunj and are weather-sensitive; schedule a buffer day.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Although Phoksundo sits near 3,600 m, longer variants cross higher passes and require careful acclimatization. Stay hydrated, avoid rapid ascents, and use local clinic services if symptoms appear.
Medical & Evacuation
Evacuation by helicopter is possible but costly. Confirm if insurance covers high altitude rescue or not.
Packing
Fitness: Moderate to easy conditioning. Multi day hiking with light to moderate loads.
Essentials: Layered clothing, warm jacket, trekking boots, trekking poles, headlamp, water treatment , sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first aid kit.
Extras: Lightweight sleeping liner, binoculars for birdlife, camera with extra batteries
Connectivity, Money & Practicalities
Cash & ATMs: ATMs do not operate in Dolpo. Carry Nepali rupees from Nepalgunj or Kathmandu.
Wi-Fi & Power: Power and Wi-Fi are limited. Many lodges offer fee for charging. Bring a power bank.
SIM & Coverage: Mobile signal is patchy. Buy a local SIM in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj for the best chance of coverage.
Respect & Culture: Dolpo residents follow Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Photography near temples and people should be done respectfully and with gompa protocol observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our trips
