2 Groups Available
Dolpo
Phoksundo Base Camp Trek
Overview
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a spectacular journey into the remote landscapes of Shey Phoksundo National Park in the Dolpo region of western Nepal. The trek leads to Phoksundo Lake, a breathtaking turquoise alpine lake situated at approximately 3,611 m, renowned for its striking blue-green waters, dramatic cliffs, and pristine natural surroundings.
The journey follows the Suli Gad River through deep forests, rugged mountain valleys, and traditional settlements before reaching the magnificent Phoksundo Waterfall, one of the region’s most impressive natural landmarks. The trail continues to Ringmo Village, a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement near the lake, where visitors can experience the distinctive culture, architecture, and spiritual traditions of the Dolpo region.
Beyond its extraordinary scenery, the trek offers an introduction to one of Nepal’s most culturally distinctive and ecologically important areas. The surrounding national park protects rare Himalayan wildlife, including the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer, while its landscapes range from forested river valleys to arid, high-altitude terrain. Ringmo and the surrounding region also reflect the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bon tradition.
Day-by-day itinerary
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Overnight in Nepalgunj. – You fly to the western Terai, the gateway city for the remote Dolpo region, and spend the rest of the day preparing for the early flight into the mountains.
A dramatic mountain flight lands on the short airstrip at Juphal, followed by an easy descent along the Bheri River to Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpa district.
The trail enters Shey Phoksundo National Park, following the Suli Gad river through narrow gorges and forests of blue pine and fir to the village of Chhepka.
You continue along the Suli Gad through dense forest and cross several wooden bridges, with the valley slowly rising toward the high country.
A steady climb leads past the Phoksundo waterfall, one of the tallest in Nepal, and then over a ridge to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake and the Tibetan-style village of Ringmo.
A free day to explore the lakeshore, visit Ringmo village and the Bon monastery, and walk to viewpoints for sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.
You retrace the route back down the Suli Gad valley, descending through forest and bridges, and enjoy a different perspective of the landscape on the way down.
The final stretch follows the river through the park's lower forests and out to the Bheri valley, where Dunai marks the end of the main trekking days.
A short climb up from the river brings you to Juphal, where you spend the night close to the airstrip in preparation for the morning flight.
After a scenic morning flight out of the mountains and a connection in Nepalgunj, you return to Kathmandu, concluding your Phoksundo Lake journey.
What’s included
Included
- All necessary Nation Park permit and Paperwork.
- All necessary trekking transfers
- The best local tea house accommodation during trekking.
- Experienced license holder guide (English Speaking, first aid, eco-trained).
- A Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served in trekking itinerary days (An item at once).
- Tea/Coffee or Himalayan Sea buckthorn juice in Breakfast
- A complete first-aid medical kit (Handled by Guide/Sherpa)
- All relevant fees, taxes and Levies
- Trekking Maps and Trip Completion Certificate
Not included
- International flight fares.
- Nepal Visa Expenses and worldwide Airfare
- Meals, Extra activities in city.
- Accomodations besides trekking itinerary days.
- Trekking Costs like Drinking Water, Soft & Hard Drinks, Juice, Phon Calls, Web Utilize, Battery, Charging, Clothing, Hot Shower, Gift, Extra Porters etc.
- Individual Trekking Gears and Equipment. (Can be rented from Mt. Mate’s gear rental shop)
- Individual Any Kinds of Health or Travel Insurance. (It is obligatory to decrease the conceivable cost in case of crisis clearing).
- Costs emerges due to hindrance and delays within program schedule due to climate issues or Health problem issues.
- Tipping to trekking crew members (Mandatory) and donating.
- Anything besides in trekking includes.
Packing list
Clothes: Base layers, light warm and down jackets, trekking pants and t-shirts, socks, under garments, warm beanie, sun hats, buff, water cover, wind proof and warm gloves.
Shoes: Trekking boots, sneaker and slipper.
Trekking gears: Trekking bag, sleeping bag, trekking poles, crampons, head light, hot-water bottle, sun glass etc.
Sanitary: Shampoo, towels, toilet papers, tissues, tooth brush, tooth paste etc.
Health: Anti-sunburn cream, lip balm, nasal inhaler, balm, water purifier and mountain first aid kit and medicines.
Electronics: Cameras, cell phone with data pack, charger, power bank etc.
Documents: Original Passport, Nepali rupees for expenses.
Gallery
Safety & permits
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit - arranged by your guide before the trek begins
- Ticketing: Monasteries, Museums and viewpoint entry ticketing can occur according to place of interest.
- Licensed Guide: Trek with Certified licensed guide/sherpa through a government.
- Health: Train with cardio, strength, endurance exercises and get a medical check-up, if necessary, before.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health and travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage.
- Altitude Safety: Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, eat well and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness
- Weather: Follow your guide’s advice, use proper gear and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
- Emergency Support: Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or face any difficulty.
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2 Groups Available