Shey Phoksunda Lake Trekking
Trip Overview
AMT - TREK - 502
Autumn
Strenuous
Numa La Pass (5,190m/17,023ft)
Teahouses/Lodges
Flight/Jeep or Bus
BB/Full Board
Any
Introduction
Shey Phoksundo Lake is a pristine fresh-water lake inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Nepal. Beside it is the deepest lake in Nepal. We can consider Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking as a part of Upper Dolpo Trekking.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking can be made within two weeks but we have designed this 21 days itinerary of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Lake Trekking to experience more adventurous holiday via a crossing of Numa La Pass at 5,190 meters and Baga La Pass at 5,070 meters.
Highlights of the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking includes explore wilderness of remote mountain valleys, Buddhist cultural villages, amazing landscapes. For sure, excellent views of Great Himalayas and Trans Himalayas of Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- A part of Great Himalayan Trail, explore Nepal’s deepest Shey Phoksundo Lake inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Shey Phoksundo – Trek Plan
Officially regulated day-to-day itinerary of 21 days Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking adventure package trip with Adventure Mountain Treks Pvt. Ltd begins after spending a day in the capital city Kathmandu with a day guided sightseeing tour around world heritage sites of UNESCO.
Leaving Kathmandu, we make a short flight to Nepalgunj and another flight of Dunai to start our walking journey to
Shey Phoksundo
We gradually follow the trail of remote and less explored places towards Tarakot, Khani Gaon, Tarap Khola, Yak Kharka, Dho Tarap and Tokyu Gaun before reaching at Numa La Base Camp.
Next we make the crossing of adventurous 2 high passes; Numa La and Baga La to reach at Ringmo Village and Shey Phoksundo Lake.
After having a great exploration and excursion around the places of Shey Phoksundo Lake we safely retrace our journey to Juphal and fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj after accomplish amazing experience of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking with AMN Trekking and Climbing Team.
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest National Park of Nepal covering the area of 3,555 km2 (1,373 sq mi). It lies in Dolpa and Mugu district of Mid-Western Region, Nepal. The interesting fact is, It is the only trans-Himalaya National Park of Nepal.
The winter here above 2,500 m remains frozen in July-September. Above 3000 m, the temperature remains below freezing point in the winter.
Flora in Shey Phoksundo National Park
The Phoksundo National Park is extremely rich with flora. We can find blue pine, spruce, Populus, Juniper, Caragana, White Himalayan birch and many more.
Fauna in Shey Phoksundo National Park
Also, equally rich in fauna like Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, snow leopard, musk deer, grey wolf, Tibetan partridge, and many more.
People and Culture | Shey Phoksundo Region
Talking about culture, we will find many Gompas and Religious sites in Shey Phoksundo. Shey Gompa, is one of the oldest Gumpa suited in Shey Phoksundo National Park built in 11th century. Likewise, Thashung Gompa 900 hundred years old, ‘Ringmo’ Tibetan village, and many more cultural and religious sites. Most of the people follow Buddhism and highly done occupation farming.
Shey Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo is an alpine fresh-water lake situated inside Shey Phoksundo National Park at an elevation of 3,612 meters. Ringmo Village is the oldest village in the southern end in a 40,000 old landslide dam that formed the lake. It is one of the major attraction for tourists. According to the survey of 2004, the maximum depth of the lake measured was 145 meters.
Detailed Itinerary
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Our company representative will welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport and drive you by private vehicle to hotel. Preparation and briefing about the trip.
Breakfast in the morning, and then start for full day Kathmandu Sightseeing: Pashupati Nath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Patan Darbar Square, Swyambhunath temple, Hanuman Dhoka. Overnight in Kathmandu
Duration: Approx. 1 hrs flight or 10-12h rs drive
Distance: Approx. 500 km
Short flight or scenic overland journey to western Nepal.
Duration: Approx. 45 minutes flight and 3-4hrs trek.
Distance: Approx. 7.2 km walking.
Begin trek with gentle walk along Bheri River.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek.
Distance: Approx. 13 km.
Trail follows the riverbank with picturesque farming villages.
Duration: Approx. 5 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 12.2 km
Walk through canyons and past ancient fort ruins.
After breakfast we need to walk 5-6 hrs to reach Tarap Khola with 13km distance.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek.
Distance: Approx. 10 km.
Cross bridges and ascend toward yak pasturelands.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 12 km
Reach one of the highest permanent settlements in Dolpo.
Explore monasteries and relax with views of surrounding peaks.
Duration: Approx. 3-4 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 7.2 km
Pass through Buddhist villages with mani walls and chortens.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 9 km
Climb through high meadows surrounded by Himalayan scenery.
Duration: Approx. 7-8 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 12 km
A challenging but rewarding day with panoramic views.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 11 km
Another high-altitude pass day with sweeping valley views.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10 km
Descend through alpine terrain to reach Phoksundo Lake village.
Explore the lake, Bon monasteries, and nearby waterfalls.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek.
Distance: Approx. 13.2 km.
Walk through lush forest along Suligad River.
Duration: Approx. 5 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10 km
Final day walk through mid-hill forests and farmlands.
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hrs total flight time.
Scenic mountain and lowland flights.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Our representative will drop you at International Airport as per your flight schedule.
Cost Includes / Excludes
Includes
- Required numbers of time Airport pick up and drop off as per your flight schedule (international and domestic). All required transfers in Kathmandu too.
- 3 Night’s accommodation in touristic town of Kathmandu in BB Plan (one can choose budget, standard and deluxe).
- Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juhal in Flight.
- Nepalgunj - Kathmandu in Flight.
- Standard tea house (lodge) accommodation during the entire trekking as per mentioned in itinerary.
- Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the entire trek as per mentioned in itinerary.
- A duffel bag, Trekking Map .
- Trekking pole, Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Nepali SIM card (Rental basis, if needed).
- TIMS (Trekker’s Information Manual System) permit.
- Required Permits.
- An experienced government certified local Trekking Guide.
- Required numbers of highly experienced trekking porters (2:1 ratio).
- Staff’s foods, salary, insurance, accommodation, meals, transportation etc.
- General first Aid Kit.
- A certificate of appreciation (experience certificate) after completing the Trek.
- Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program.
- All government taxes and applicable paperwork.
Excludes
- International Airfare.
- Personal Travel Insurance (essential for high altitude trekking).
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses for bar, laundry, personal shopping, internet usages, hot shower and battery charge during the trek.
- Alcoholic beverage.
- TIPS for Staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is considered as a Strenuous trek. Although there are numerous challenges like the rugged terrain, steep slopes, trekking route through stone stairs and continuous walk of 5 to 6 hours per day. That being said, Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking can be done by travelers who have the right attitude and are physically fit.
The best season for Trekking Shey Phoksundo Lake is during Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (October and November). During these seasons the weather will be clear, you will get long sunlight hours, fewer bugs, flowers will bloom on the way, the charm of the atmosphere can be felt by the heart, magnificent views of the Himalayas can be seen and you can escape the crowd and enjoy the pleasure of trekking.
The maximum height we will ascend during this trek is up to Numa La Pass (5,190m/17,023ft).
Yes!! The Internet is accessible during Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek. You can access the 3G network on mobile phones. The mobile internet is fast enough to browse and even make video calls. You will get continuous signal during the whole trek but there will be certain dark spots along the trek where connection may drop. There are limited WiFi hotspots during the trek which will charge for usage only some will let you use it for free. So, for internet access we recommend you to buy a SIM and use 3G.
The permits required for Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek are:
- Lower Dolpo Trekking Permit
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Trekking Permit
According to the standard itinerary our Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is of 21 days from your arrival to Kathmandu to farewell at Airport. If you wish to amend the itinerary you have to contact our booking manager; he will prepare the itinerary according to your needs.
Yes!! It is possible to trek Shey Phoksundo Lake. Shey Phoksundo Lake trekking requires stamina and good health conditions. If you are planning to trek Shey Phoksundo Lake without any experience then you can contact us prior to 20 days so that we can guide you through some exercises and diets you should consider for trek preparation.
Yes!! It is recommended to have travel insurance during the trek. It is uncertain that you will not feel sick or get into any accidents during the trek. So, for medical emergencies and as precaution against risks and financial losses that could happen while traveling, insurance is best.
All the equipment/accessories required for trekking will be arranged for you. You will have to pay the amount for equipment. If you personally want to manage any equipment by yourself it’s fine. We have created The Ultimate Trekking Checklist page for your help as It is always better to carry the essential gears and accessories.
Qualified, well experienced, knowledgeable and reliable trekking leaders who have been working in this field professionally for more than a decade will guide you toward the destination and back. You are in safe hands with us, so don’t worry about trekking guides.
Adventure Mountain Trek offers you a lifetime policy through which you can renew your booking amount for another trek although if you want to cancel it then we will refund you as per our trip cancellation terms procedure.
We hire our staff according to their standards. They should have to go through our selection procedure on which we will check their certifications, qualifications and experience. Hence, Our staff are equipped/trained and insured.
Normally, Within 12-24 hours after ascending a certain height(1,500 to 2,500 meter above sea level) altitude sickness symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, loss of energy, and shortness of breath are seen. In case of any altitude sickness symptoms we will apply medication and descend immediately for acclimatization.
Trekking via the local agency is one of the great ideas for trekkers. There are more local trekking organizations in Nepal. The hard part is you need to recognize whether they are authorized businesses and are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN).You can view their internet site and profiles commonly all legal organizations will upload their profile along with authorities-legal certificates.
Due to the advancement of the trekking industry, we can find enough lodges and tea houses throughout Shey Phoksundo Lake trekking routes. They offer good food and accommodation. There are different options you can choose according to your needs and budget. Also you should know that at high altitude and remote places the service will be limited.
Yes!! You can charge mobile phones and camera batteries during the trek. At most of the places you will get to charge for free but at some places you have to pay some amount to charge. Remember that It is always better to bring power bank with you which will be helpful.
Customer Reviews
D Z
Canada"I feel like we were extremely lucky on this trip taking into account all help we've got from Pradip and his team. Traveling in Covid times is hard enough on it's own, still we had..."
Albert
Australia"Excellent trek with Pralad to EBC Dec 2024 I did a 12 day Everest Base Camp trek with Pralad during December 2024. This was an amazing experience both regarding the stunning nat..."
Mark Jacob Ello
Singapore"Singapore We began our Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek on April 26, 2025, and it was truly a journey of a lifetime. Huge thanks to Raj, Pralad, and the entire Adventure Mountain Tr..."
Pionner67376382456
India"I booked EBC with 2 pass(Chola and Renjola Pass) trek. They arranged everything from Kathmandu to Kathmandu in a very efficient way. The guide they allotted Mr. Bhim Rai was an exc..."
Jer Van Meirhaeghe
Netherlands"Pralad is the best guide one could ask for! We did EBC trek, beginning of December feels like best period to do this."
Rezwan K
Bangladesh"EBC Trek with Helicopter Return Oct 2022 • Friends A great trip. Well organised, our Guide Shyam had been very helpful. One of us ended up needing a horse and it was promptly ma..."
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