Overview

In the remote parts of the Dolpo region of Nepal, the deepest and most picturesque lake is the Shey Phoksundo Lake. It is a crystal clear turquoise lake situated at an altitude of 3610 meters above sea level. Shey Phoksundo is a natural wonder surrounded by cliffs, pine forests, and a rich tapestry of Tibetan culture. Trekking to this region offers adventurers a journey through unspoiled wilderness, passing through ancient villages and high-altitude landscapes.

For those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty, Shey Phoksundo is a hidden gem. It offers an unrivaled trekking experience and a serene environment throughout the trail. As you ascend from Juphal, you’ll witness changing terrains and unique landscapes. In this article, let’s travel together to one of the most underrated treks in Nepal.

Some Important Information Of Shey Phoksundo Trek:

  • Maximum Elevation: 3610 meters, Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Trek’s Duration: 8-10 days
  • Trek’s Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
  • Starting Point: Juphal
  • Ending Point: Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Accommodation: Tea Houses

Itinerary:

  1. Day 1– Fly From Kathmandu To Nepalgunj: On the first day of the trek, you’ll travel from Kathmandu to Nepal. You can either travel by bus or take a one-hour flight to Nepalgunj. You’ll stay overnight at Nepalgunj.
  2. Day 2– Fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj and trek to Dunai: On the second day, take a flight to Juphal, Dolpa. Once you land, start your trek immediately and reach Dunai by the end of the day. You’ll stay overnight at Dunai.
  3. Day 3– Trek from Dunai to Chhapka: On the third day, you’ll walk around 6-7 hrs and reach Chhapka, which has a few houses and a lodge. You’ll stay the night at Chhapka.
  4. Day 4– Trek From Chhapka to Jharna Hotel: On the fourth day, walking for 5-6 hrs will get you to Jharana Hotel on the way to Phoksundo. The elevation rises slightly on this day.
  5. Day 5– Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake: On the fifth day, you’ll finally reach Phoksundo Lake, 3610m. You’ll have to walk for an additional 3-4 hrs to reach this majestic lake.

Mid-Point Of Your Trek

  1. Day 6– Explore the Lake and its surroundings: On this day, you will hike up to the viewpoint of the Shey Phoksundo Lake. The view seen from there is stunning. There are some monasteries and religious sites which you can explore on this day.
  2. Day 7– Trek to Sangta from Shey Phoksundo Lake: After an amazing lake exploration, you’ll descend to Sangta. It will take around four to five hours to reach Sangta.
  3. Day 8– Trek to Juphal from Sangta: On the eighth day of the trek, you’ll descend back to Juphal. You’ll stay overnight at Juphal.
  4. Day 9–  Flight to Nepalgunj & Kathmandu: On the last day, you’ll take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and another to Kathmandu.
Dunai
Dunai, Dolpo (Source: Wiki Commons)

 

Highlights of this trek:

  • Phoksundo Lake: The turquoise-blue Phoksundo Lake is the main attraction. The deepest lake in Nepal is also one of the most mesmerizing ones. It offers stunning views surrounded by hills and snow-capped peaks. You can spend hours admiring its beauty. The pristine environment around this lake is what trekkers need after a long and exhausting trek.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park: This is the largest national park in Nepal. It is home to various wildlife, such as the Musk Deer, Himalayan Monal, Snow Leopard, and Blue Sheep. Trekkers can see these animals on the way to the lake.
  • Remote Dolpo region: This is one of the most remote parts of Nepal. Trekking trails in Nepal are usually crowded and overrated. However, this region is one of the less-traveled and most beautiful. The monasteries and religious sites have been studied little so that trekkers can explore them in detail.
  • Waterfalls: On the way to Shey Phoksundo Lake, there are plenty of waterfalls. One of them is the Phoksundo waterfall, which is 167 meters high.
  • Tibetan-influenced Culture: The region of Dolpo’s culture is heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions, which are reflected in the local villages, people’s attire, and monasteries like the Shey Gompa. This culture is one of the most unique ones to explore.

Conclusion

The Shey Phoksundo trek offers an unforgettable journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. From the stunning bluish waters of the Phoksundo Lake to the barren terrains and rich Tibetan influence, this trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty with spiritual significance. Hence, Shey Phoksundo stands out as a hidden gem in Nepal’s vast trekking landscapes, which everyone should visit once.

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