Phoksundo Lake Trek
 

Phoksundo Lake Trek

  • Transportation
    Flights / Private Transport
  • Group Size
    1 -10
  • Destination
    Dolpo Region trekking
  • Altitude
    3700 m
  • Duration
    12 Days
  • Activities
    Trekking in Nepal
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Difficulty
    Moderate
  • Accomodation
    Hotels, Homestays, Teahouses

Overview

Overview of Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT)

Phoksundo Lake trek (PLT) leads you to the most stunning lake in Dolpo district, Phoksundo Lake also known as Shey Phoksundo Lake.  This turquoise lake is situated at the height of 3,611 meters in Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is not only a sight but a site of great religious significance, especially for the followers of Tibetan Buddhism and the pre-Buddhist Bon faith.

The Phoksundo Lake trek is a real off-the-beaten-track trek with pristine natural beauty, pure culture, and serene settings untainted by the trappings of modernization, unlike the highly trekked trails in the Everest or Annapurna regions. A short but breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal in Dolpa initiates the trek, which slowly winds its way up through picturesque mountain towns like Dunai, Chhepka, and Ringmo to reach the exquisite Phoksundo Lake.

The trek winds its way through pine forests, deep gorges, and waterfalls tumbled into giant canyons, all framed by red-ochre cliffs and snow-capped mountains. Most spectacular viewpoint is the view point near Ringmo, with the wide vistas of the glinting lake against nude mountain ranges. Trekkers see Buddhist stupas and prayer walls along the route, along with the pre-Buddhist Bonpo culture that incredibly has been well preserved.

The lake’s high mineral content makes it devoid of life for aquatic species, further adding to its extraterrestrial mood. It has its stone homes, yak caravans, and the chanting of religious mantras by the monasteries around it like the Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery that stands guard over the lake, the Ringmo town, which is situated directly above the lake, gives an insight into the traditional Tibetan way of life.

Other than being a treat for the senses, this is a humble trek that does not necessitate acclimatization for extremely high altitudes.  Trekkers seeking solitude without excessive difficulties will find it perfect as the summit is below 4,200 meters. Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr, and snow leopards are found in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest trans-Himalayan national park, along which the trekking trail stretches. Simple but hospitable accommodation facilities are provided during the trekking, primarily in tea houses and home stays.

Phoksundo Lake Trek is the ultimate blend of spiritual tranquility, cultural richness, and natural splendor. It is designed for those trekkers who would prefer to escape the chaos of the contemporary world and lose themselves in a timelessness of Himalayan landscape where nature and religion coexist alongside each other in one of the most captivating wildness on earth.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu and immerse in its cultural aura, & trek preparation

Day 3: Flight day from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)

Day 4: Mountain Flight to Juphal (2,475 m) & Trek to Dunai (2,150m)

Day 5: Trek from Dunai (2,150 m) to Chhapka (2,670 m)

Day 6: Chhapka to Jharana Hotel (3,170m)

Day 7: Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake (3,610m)

Day 8: Rest day – PLT to explore more and acclimatize

Day 9: Phoksundo Lake to Sangta (3,610m to 2,520m)

Day 10: Trek from Sangta to Juphal (2,475 m)

Day 11: Back to Kathmandu: Flights day from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

The much awaited adventurous trip of yours in Nepal begins with a flight from your home country to the only airport of Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Kathmandu lies at an altitude of 1400 meters where you become a witness lively city experience, vibrant traditional structures welcomes you with cool breeze. Enjoying great Himalayan views, you land TIA, Kathmandu.

After you clear formalities related to immigrations, you will be met and greeted by our travel representative. The representative will receive you and transfer you to a renowned hotel in Kathmandu. You will be driven through busy streets of Kathmandu. The buildings in Kathmandu represents ancient architecture of Nepal. Everything in Kathmandu can be related to traditions and culture of the city.

A city with infrastructures symbolizing perfect blend of history and modernity. You can try authentic Nepali cuisines. The most famous is Thakali Khana, a set of rice, lentils and other Nepali food items. The very popular Nepali snack is Momo. Momo are authentic Nepali – Tibetan dumplings. Kathmandu is also known as the city of temples. So, you will hear the prayers, sounds of bells and feel the flow of street lamps in the evening. The atmosphere is very magical. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Destination
    Kathmandu
  • Altitude
    1300 m
DAY 02

Explore Kathmandu and immerse in its cultural aura, & trek preparation

The second day is your discovery day in Kathmandu. You will discover the cultural symbols, monuments and majestic traditional heritages of Kathmandu valley. Most of the UNESCO listed world heritages sites of Nepal are located in Kathmandu. You will embark on a journey that marks the sightseeing of those precious heritages.

The sacred and very holy temple of the world, Pashupatinath welcomes its devotees with blessings and blissful experiences in the large temple area. You can see Hindus performing their cremation rituals on the banks of Bagmati River. Then, you approach towards huge stupa of Buddhists, Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the biggest stupas in the world. The eye pleasing scenes of prayer flags flying, and monks performing their rituals stand as a heart skipping moment.

Stroll around the ancient palace areas in Kathmandu i.e. Kathmandu Durbar Square / Basantapur. The newari architecture on either sides of ways will excite you. This place is very famous of having Jhonche Street, a very tourist bustling street in the mid-60s, 70s and early-80s Hippie era. Then, you start preparing for the trekking either shopping accessories or managing equipment since the afternoon.

Double checking the packing requirements, obtaining permits, communication with the guide and renting trek gears is very essential. In the evening, you can enjoy terrace top dinner and see the night ambience of Kathmandu city. It is as vibrant as the streets of Thamel turn lively by the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • Destination
    Kathmandu
  • Altitude
    1300 m
DAY 03

Flight day from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)

The third day of the trip is dedicated to an early morning flight from the domestic terminals of TIA to Nepalgunj airport. The geographical diversity of Nepal is demonstrated by the flight from hills to the flat plains of Terai. Nepalgunj is located on the western south side of Nepal. You will see the phenomenal landscapes and naturally blessed countryside with paddy fields painting the views golden.

Nepalgunj, being situated on a flat surface condition of the country is just at an altitude of 150 meters above the sea level. Nepalgunj is a gateway from Nepal to the borders of India. The temperature and climatic conditions changes as the ecological regions separates with the morning flight. Nepalgunj acts as a bustling city that is a perfect blend of Nepali, Indian and local Tharu culture.

After your arrival, you will be transferred and checked into a hotel in Nepalgunj bazaar. The place is very lively. You can visit the nearby cultural heritages like Bageshwori Mandir too. Or, you can just rest and relax in the hotel. It is particularly hotter lowland weather in Nepalgunj, so you can relax by the hotel pool. Nepalgunj is famous for having some portion of Muslim population too. You can visit Mosque and witness the exact definition of Nepalese religious tolerance.

The place is also famous for cuisines like Biryani, Grilled fish, Ghongi, curries rich with spices etc. You can try these local cuisines enjoying the dinner. This Nepalgunj stay serves as the calm before the mountain adventure storm. Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • Destination
    Nepalgunj
  • Altitude
    150 m
DAY 04

Mountain Flight to Juphal (2,475 m) & Trek to Dunai (2,150m)

The fourth day kicks off setting a great adventure on the front seat. A morning mountain flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal is really breathtaking. Juphal is situated at an altitude of 2,475 meters. Mountain flights only uses smaller aircrafts. Those smaller aircrafts   lands on a picturesque alpine runway after navigating deep valleys and gorges surrounded by towering Himalayas.

Now, you are in Dolpo region. It is obvious that the cool mountain breeze and scenic breathtaking views will signal your arrival in Dolpo. There you meet your trekking crew and you begin the initiating trek descending to Dunai. You walk from Juphal at 2,475 m down to Dunai through terrace farmed fields at 2,150 m altitude. Dunai is famous for being called as the administrative capital of Dolpo region.

There are various suspension bridges you need to cross, one over Thuli Bheri River. You will see many prayer flags flying to spread peaceful prayers. You come across traditional villages, livestock farmed livings, and timeless agricultural glimpses. Dunai is almost 3 to 4 hours walk away from Juphal. So, you will reach by mid-afternoon.

You will be transferred to a teahouse with great hospitality, and basic furnished facilities. You will be accommodated with great traditional lifestyle. You can choose your meal, from what is available in the menu and fuel yourself up. Overnight stay at the teahouse in Dunai under starlit sky and marvelous Himalayan ambience.

  • Destination
    Dunai
  • Altitude
    2150 m
DAY 05

Trek from Dunai (2,150 m) to Chhapka (2,670 m)

The fifth day is dedicated to trekking from Dunai at 2,150 m to Chhapka at 2,670 m altitude. Following the trail streaming through Phoksundo River and beautiful landscaped views. Encountering the ways amidst the forests of coniferous pine, walnut, poplar, and others we cross suspension bridges and pass through traditional villages like Shyanta.

Locals are seen weaving wool, trimming grasses and grinding grains. As you move up, you will find Tibetan style houses. Walls are stony and roofs are flat. By the riverside, you will have your lunch and enjoy the symphony of nature and birds chirping. Then, you reach Chhapka with great valley views, barley fields and spend your evening with the locals.

Sunsets from here are just gorgeous. Overnight stay at the teahouse at Chhapka under the starlit sky and beautiful Himalayan natural décor.

  • Destination
    Chhapka
  • Altitude
    2670 m
DAY 06

Chhapka to Jharana Hotel (3,170m)

The sixth day also stands as a trekking day. On this day, you will trek from Chhapka to Jharana hotel. Through the woods and trails, you will feel Dolpo region and its wilderness are yet to be explored. Woods are filled with blue pine, oak and juniper trees. Slowly you will be exposed to towering snowcapped mountains.

The, you enter a valley where Jharana Hotel is situated. The hotel is named after Nepali word for waterfall. Around mid of the day, you will be welcomed with great hospitality at Jharana Hotel. You can explore the nearby waterfall, and various availabilities at the cliffs. Later in the evening you will enjoy Nepalese cuisine as the dinner. Overnight stay at the Jharana hotel.

  • Destination
    Jharana Hotel
  • Altitude
    3170 m
DAY 07

Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake (3,610m)

You are in await for the seventh day as the seventh day guides you to the destination you are looking for since last six days. The time you will take to trek Phoksundo Lake from Jharana hotel is almost four to five hours. Phoksundo Lake is the jewel of Dolpo region. You trek up the trails with steep climbs, forests, and slopes seeing the panoramic views of Kanjiroba massif.

The cool breeze will make you calm whenever you get frustrated seeing the trail. After all the walk, you reach Phoksundo Lake which is the symbol of serenity and sublimity. The turquoise water welcomes you with all the beauty bowing down to this amazing lake. PLT leads you to a sacred and holy lake, Phoksundo Lake. It is Nepal’s deepest lake too which expands over 4 kilometers.

The turquoise water is very clear. You spend the time there, photograph the nature and then leave the beautiful destination away with great memories. The beautiful Ringmo village, ancient monastery, campsites are on the way down the trail to your lodge. You can visit Tshowa monastery and see rituals being performed by the Lamas and Monks. You can enjoy sunset in the evening. Overnight stay at the lodge.

  • Destination
    Phoksundo Lake
  • Altitude
    3611 m
DAY 08

Rest day - PLT to explore more and acclimatize

The eight day is the only rest day of your Phoksundo Lake trek (PLT). This day you can use to explore the other places in the nearby region like Ringmo village where you can see women weaving on ancient looms. Also, you can visit the 800 year old Bon monastery and the monks praying. The Bon religion is popular in the region.

Cultural aspect of Dolpo region and Phoksundo region lies Bon religion centric. It is said that you can see the wildlife of the region too more especially Snow leopards and blue sheep. You can meditate by the shores of lake too. People believe there is some sorts of spiritual energy that awaken the soul and provides inner illumination to the seekers. Overnight stay at the Lakeside lodge under the starlit sky and great Himalayan ambience.

  • Destination
    Phoksundo Lake
  • Altitude
    3611 m
DAY 09

Phoksundo Lake to Sangta (3,610m to 2,520m)

Now from the ninth day, you will start trekking downwards leaving the beautiful destination yet carrying a lot of Phoksundo Lake memories. You can take final photographs from the distant trails. You can notice the change in ecosystem and ecology with the change in altitude.  The breeze becomes warmner than before, more floras, faunas, birds etc.

Then after 5 – 6 hours of walk, you touch down to Sangta a serene village in between barley farmed lands. The ancient architecture of Sangta signals traditions of wood carvings. The prayer flags are flying everywhere. You can visit around the local school and watch farmers. Later in the evening you can enjoy the dinner featuring local crops like barley, buckwheat etc. Overnight stay in the teahouse at Sangta.

  • Destination
    Sangta
  • Altitude
    2520 m
DAY 10

Trek from Sangta to Juphal (2,475 m)

The tenth day is your last trekking day. You can again witness the familiar landscapes walking down by the shores of Phoksundo River. You will get the downhill trail mostly, which is challenging too. Walking through woods, crossing the suspension bridges encumbered with prayer flags, you reach Juphal. It might take 4 to 5 hours of descend.

And, by the early afternoon you will check in a lodge in Juphal and get ready for the flight to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu, the next day. You can sense a bit of accomplishment by completing the trek joining the circuit point. You can try local alcohol made up of millet (Kodo ko Raksi). You can organize your gears, photographs and all by the late evening and pack all the memories you made. Overnight stay at the lodge.

  • Destination
    Juphal
  • Altitude
    2475 m
DAY 11

Back to Kathmandu: Flights day from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

The second last day of your trip is dedicated to two flights. The first flight is an early morning flight that returns you to Nepalgunj from Juphal airport. And, from Nepalgunj the second flight will take you to Kathmandu. The mountain flights will bless you with last aerial views of such majestic mountains and all the ambience. The second flight gives you the views of Himalayan range from Mt. Dhaulagiri to Mt. Everest.

After you arrive the capital, you will be transferred into a renowned hotel with comfortable rooms. You can take your shower and rest a bit. After all in the evening, you can stroll around Basantapur and Thamel area and shop the souvenirs. You will be given farewell dinner by our team. Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • Destination
    Kathmandu
  • Altitude
    1300 m
DAY 12

Departure from Kathmandu

This is the last day of your trip. You will be departing from Kathmandu to your home country or next destined country. We will mark your departure a special one with Nepali traditions and rituals. You will be dropped to the airport from the hotel 3 hours prior to your flight time. And, one of our representatives will be there to bid you a good bye from the country of memories and mountains.

Includes/Excludes

What's included?

  • Airport arrival picks up and drops off by the private vehicle
  • Three-time Meal during the trek as per the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Ground transportation covered on a cozy private vehicle as instructed by the itinerary
  • City tour in Kathmandu by a private vehicle
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek Guide/Leader and assistant trek leader (10 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Rented down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork, documentations, trekking permits.
  • Basic medical kit, or first aid box
  • All government and local service charges and taxes
  • Trekking certificate after the completion of the Phoksundo Lake trek (PLT).

What’s excluded?

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Private transportation except what is mentioned in the ‘service includes’ section
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Solukhumbu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason like natural disaster and your own problems) than the scheduled itinerary Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Trekking equipment
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, wifi fees, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
  • Urgent need of porter / horse / helper for personal use.
  • Extra Transportation for the person who leave early from the group.
  • Arrival and departure flight tickets.
  • Rescue or evacuation cost, for emergency.

Useful Info

Best season for Phoksundo Lake trek (PLT)

The ideal seasons for the PLT are:

Spring Season: The time of March to May have very clear and clean weather for PLT, the weather remains good and stable most of this season in Dolpo region with forests blooming with national flower rhododendrons as well. If you want to witness beautiful rhododendron flowers, you must choose this season as it is a treat to have a glimpse of.

Autumn Season: The months from September to November do have blue skies, the weather is clear, clean and weather conditions remain stable with best visibility of picturesque scenes and the whole scenery looks so majestic and breathtaking at the same time. For best visibility and scenery, you must choose this season.

Monsoon season: We suggest you to not travel or just avoid this season for PLT. The time of June to August, it remains very rainy, the trails are very slippery and muddy. Leeches trouble your walking. Still it has positive sides too. The clouds look fascinating, and the bloomed flowers make whole of the grasslands look so beautiful. The hills are decorated with monsoon flowers and its chilled atmosphere makes you feel serene.

Winter season: We also suggest you to not travel or just avoid this season for PLT. The time of December to February, the weather remains extreme cold, snowy everywhere, the trails are very slippery due to snow. Still if you prefer snow, it is the best ever season. The snowy hills looks so beautiful and crystals of ices on lakes, rivers just make the trails more interesting to walk on.

Trek Difficulty of Phoksundo Lake Trek

This Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT) is considered as a moderate trek as it is not that easy and not that challenging, does not include technical climbing. Very suitable for experienced trekkers also to explore the destination thoroughly. The average time of daily hiking ranges from 5 to 7/8 hours. No prior high-altitude experience is needed but a commendable physical and mental fitness is required.

Cultural relevance of Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT)

The Phoksundo lake which holds the deep cultural significance which lies on the Dolpa region of Nepal, with the Tibetan Buddhist and Bonpo communities. The lakes cultural significance is highlighted with the present of tshowa gompa, monastery where monks perform rituals for the guardians of lake. The lake is not just natural beauty but is the place which holds local tradition and daily life.

Phoksundo lake holds the importance for different religious practices. The lake helps to keep the culture alive, where people still speak their traditional language and also build the old Tibetan style houses. The people preserve their old tradition in village like Ringmo and make the handmade crafts which reflect the culture. The world can see the unique way of living in the remote area in Phoksundo lake. The lake beauty and stories help us to be connected with the past and present, which make the place truly special.

Festivals and rituals

The Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT) deeply connect us to spiritual life with the vibrant festivals and holy rituals done for the divine significance. The Shey festival is importantly celebrated nearby Shey gompa monastery, where the masked dances are performed by monks to oppose the spirits and bring peace blessing. The visitor across Dolpa gather to watch dance, receive blessing from lamas and circle the lake in ritual to purify their karma.

In the believe to protect the lake they incense and pray to nag and the local people offer grains to the Nag puja in order to make the nag happy listen the prayer. The drums, bells and chanting ceremony conducted by the priest inorder to maintain peace between human and nature using the drums, bells and chanting. In the Tibetan new year families offer the lake shores, hang prayer flag and light butter lamp. These traditions keep the cultural sprit alive in the Phoksundo, local folklore, blending Buddhism in the Himalayan.

Influence on art and media

The numerous artistic media have inspired to represent beauty of lake, bringing the global attention to the Nepal hidden beauty of dolpa. The dolpa landscape which follow traditional way of salt trading and have the spiritual aura of lake can be clearly observed from the 1999 Oscar nominated film Himalaya (caravan). The lake has also been featured in documentaries The Last Honey Hunter which highlight the indigenous tradition and the BBC planet earth series shows the pristine natural beauty. The artists draw the dramatic scenery and creating the work that reflects the cultural and ecological significance.

Indigenous communities and traditional life styles

The different village around Shey Phoksundo lake like Ringmo are occupied by the people of Tibetan descent who are into the old ancient customs. The efforts made by the locals and NGOs to preserve the bon rituals tied to lake, traditional medicine and the oral storytelling of the lake legends. The Tibet-Nepal trade route which is used for traditional way of trading by leading by the yak caravan to barter the Himalayan salt, wool and herbs.

The Tibetan Buddhist and bon influence villages consist ancient stone houses with flat roofs, mani walls which are stone prayer walls and stupas influenced with Buddhist rituals. The communities protect the handicraft woolen dokos and striped aprons worn by women.

Sacred myths and legends

The living legends that transform the lake from geographical miracle into the spiritual landscape where every aspect carries meaning and the boundary between myth and reality. The villager performs annual koras around the lake shore, hang the prayer flags at the edge and avoid swimming. The myths stories continue to guide the effort for conservation and cultural practices, seeing the natural and spiritual belief.

 Ecological and environmental relevance of Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT)

Phoksundo Lake Trek is main aspect that make the Shey Phoksundo national park eco-friendly and renowned for the unique biodiversity. The turquoise color water derived from different dissolved minerals like calcium carbonate, create the unusual lacking the aquatic animal and plats but yet rich in ecological significance. The surrounding area contain different endangered animals like snow leopard, blue sheep and migratory birds like ruby shelduck.

We can observe the presence of the rare medial herbs in the alpine forest. There is the high risk of water over water supply in the climate change due to the melting glacier like rigmo glacier which risk the lake solidity. Phokshundo gives you the plastic free policies by which visitor can observe the un touched beauty of nature. The lake is making the polies in order give the same beauty in the upcoming future generations.

Biodiversity hotspot

The phoksundo area consist rare wildlife with different endangered species of animals like snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep and Tibetan wolf. We can see the clear beauty of migrating bird serving as a seasonal habitat like ruddy shelduck and Himalayan griffon. The alpine forest adds the beauty in the high altitudes place and gives the rare medicinal herbs.

Dolpa unique grassland contain thirty-five plus medical plant species used in traditional way of providing treatment. There is different policy that make the biodiversity look natural and always make the species protected.

Climate change indicator

The climate change is seen momentous in Himalayas of phoksundo, changes occur in rising pace which doesnot let us know the climate. The seasonal patterns are unpredictable and affect the nature with ice cover in winter and in monsoon rain trigger frequent landslides. The phoksundo ecosystem responds these shifts, no data about the climate change on high altitude and fresh water system. The different strategies to protect the value of nature is important to protect the ecosystem and to keep the nature natural.

Unique freshwater ecosystem

The place known for its fishless and aquatic plants less rare freshwater is lake phoksundo, which is rich minerals and in unreal turquoise hues. The water of Lake is glacier meltwater which come from the rigmo glacier where the color varies seasonally with minerals deposits. The crystal-clear water off lake allows the sunlight to penetrate deep into the water which gives the unique feature in the nature.

The precious ecosystem of the lake provides the extreme freshwater environments and gives us the early sign for the environmental change in the high-altitude regions.

Geographical relevance of Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT)

Phoksundo lake is the place that gives the remarkable geographical wonder which is located on Nepal dolpa district with the elevation of 3611.5 meters. The lake lies within the shey phoksundo national park which is largest protected area showing the Himalayan biogeographical regions. The surrounding shows the stunning biodiversity in various elevation from the alpine meadows to coniferous forest and lake is the mirror for the kanjiroba himal range.

The combination of different geography, altitudinal variation and other characteristics make phoksundo lake the natural library full of natural resources and the sensational beauty with the different species of plant and animals. The geographical beauty of shey phoksundo adds the destination in the bucket list to visit in Nepal.

Remote and pristine wilderness

The journey of the Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT) helps to witness the beauty crossing the 5151 meters kang la pass where there are prayer flags flutter and the scene of untouched glacier. The place with the less developed route cannot offer lodges by which visitor should adjust in the tea houses and shearing the space with the yaks.

The phoksundo lake provide us one of the clearest views of 20 meters depth which we observe rarely in the Asia. The surrounding like alpine, pine forests and barren cliffs are those which create the place untouched and full of natural beauty.

Unique geological setting

Phoksundo lake landscape shows different geographical story surrounded by the steep cliffs and rocky moraines with the stunning view of the 6883 m kanjiroba himal towering near the place. The region is the part of rain shadow region receiving the less amount of rainfall then the southern Nepal which create the place semi alpine landscape. There is no secondary water source for phoksundo lake the fresh melted glacier water is the dependent source with no other way out.

High altitude freshwater lake

The place above the 3000 meters in dolpa region, phoksundo reflect one the best beauty with a remarkable high-altitude freshwater ecosystem. There is no any fish in the lake due to its natural isolation and the mineral found in the water.

The lake contains ultra-cold waters average 4-8 degree which remain same whole year. The high-altitude landscape with the remarkable memory which make the place special and the magical water resources the lake.

Hydrological significance

The Phoksundo lake serve the hydrological importance in the Himalayan region with the natural water towers for local communities and the ecosystem to help in water resource. The primary source of water is glacier and snowmelt and the lake work as the seasonal reserve water. The water from the glacier provides yearly fresh water for the villages and support in the agricultural works for the farmers to grow crops for the local authentic taste and livelihood.

The moderate local climate of Phoksundo moisture the evaporation creating the fogy pattern weather. As the demand of to see the beauty of lake Phoksundo provide the irreplaceable experience and plays vital role for the regional water supply.

Traditional relevance of Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT)

Phoksundo lake deeply holds the spiritual belief and traditional beauty of the dolpa district which serve the tourist with the ancient Tibetan Buddhism and Bon communities. The lake has been admired as the Tsho Phagmo showing the believe and the energy of the Bon cosmology. The lake is purely ritual and used in monasteries for the blessing and the traditional way of preparation due to fishless water.

The Tibetan new year (Losar) is festival, villager hang the prayer flag in the believe that wind carry their petitions across Himalayas. The oral history of the Bon monastery by the elder still claim the temple bells can be still heard during the full moons. The traditional way grazing the yak is still followed by following the ancestral route around the lake.

Living tradition

The phoksundo lake still follow different ancestral tradition which reflects the cultural and spiritual aspect. The local communities people still there to protect their culture by hosting annual ritual to protect the lake in tshowa gompa monastery.  In the belief of carrying the pray across the Himalayas villager still ties prayer flags along the with shores.

The ritual to purify the karma is performed every year in clockwise circumambulation which last for 38-days is known as koras. There are strict cultural taboos prohibit fishing, swimming, washing from lake water to preserve the purity. The old myths of lake are shared to younger generation with the stories and song.

Scared spiritual sites

Phoksundo lake shows the Nepal most scared spiritual sites deeply reflecting the religious tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bonpo faith. Its pure water has made the pilgrimage destination for centuries with full myth, ritual and the natural wonders. The lake shows the beauty of the high-altitude landscape which is full of natural beauty where nature and divinity are friendly. The place is heaven with the beauty and the spiritual power and the cultural place full of blessing.

Mythological heart

Phoksundo lake holds the ancient legend stories that form the backbone of the dolpa cultural identity which is observed while visiting the place. The most enduring myth of Ringmo village divine punishment when the greedy villager denied to help lama with the saying that he spawned blue dragon that flooded valley. There are different practices like throwing the barley flour to honor the dragon legend, shamans perform nag puja to maintain the purity of water and avoiding the loud noises to prevent awaking sprits. The lake myths are the saying of elder people about what they heard in their childhood.

Rooms and facilities during PLT

Room facilities (Accommodation)

  1. Basic rooms with basic furnishing in the teahouses
  2. Shared Dining room / table in the teahouse
  3. Blankets and stove / firewood heaters available in dining room
  4. Electricity is available as basic necessity
  5. Some of the guest houses provide Wi-Fi connection for some fees / payments. But, the connection usually remain slow and sometimes inactive in the higher altitude.
  6. Laundry facility is not available, if available need to pay.
  7. Very fundamental medical facility might be available like: bandages, paracetamol, painkillers, joint spray etc. in the guest houses. Self-dependent with your regular medicines is a great aspect.
  8. Toilets are communal at higher altitude. Toilet papers are available, but self – dependent with toilet tissues is a great aspect too.
  9. Hotels on the city have more facilities.

          Water Facilities plus Proper hydration during PLT

          Proper hydration is important for Phoksundo Lake Trek. Dehydration might be a major cause of altitude sickness too and also may affect your locomotive health. You cannot drink or carry water from resources wherever you see.

          Water purification is crucial while travelling through the remote trails and routes. For your safety, the tap water, lake and stream water is not healthy to drink. There are some techniques to purify the water.

          • Ask for boiled water at hotels / guest houses / tea – houses, they will give it for free but some might charge you a little.
          • Apply iodine, chlorine and UV treatment, use purification tablets, squeeze filters, sterilizers on the way.

          Packing list for Phoksundo Lake trek (PLT)

          • Trekking bag, large enough to fit all your requirements
          • Regular medicine (if prescribed by the doctor)
          • A windproof jacket
          • Basic toiletries such as: toilet paper, sanitizer, soap, face wash, shampoo, towels, toothpaste, toothbrush, body spray, lip care etc.
          • Sunglasses and sun protection cream
          • Trekking shoes with good grip and multiple pair of socks
          • Raincoat is a necessity, a torch light, trekking pole, water purifiers, power bank
          • Abundant inner wears.
          • 4- 5 passport sized photographs
          • Thermos / Water bottle ( min/max. 1 liters )
          • Mini bag for daily purpose, to keep energy bars, chargers, extra batteries
          • Important identifying documents
          • Cash in hand

          Dietary Restrictions during Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT)

          If the travelers hold any dietary restrictions like being vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or allergen to lactose, this thing is very important as trekkers to give detailed information to trek / travel agency or the guide or the cooks.

          The menu has to be changed with choices. We recommend the travelers in order to carry their preferred snacks on hand to avoid such problems.

          Booking Phoksundo Lake Trek (PLT) Package with us

          If you ever wish to book a package of PLT, Info Nepal Tours and Treks has brought you with exciting offerings and services. For all trekkers and travelers who are very excited to visit and explore the sublimity of PLT, we are for your service. In the package, we provide a complete range of services you will need and want, assuring your good journey to be very smoothly operated from the starting point to the ending point, beginning with an airport arrival pick-up, or managing permits, transportations, assist in various shopping or anything to your departure drop-off, in our own style of Nepali hospitality and authentic tradition.

          Commence your fantastic journey with a lot of enthralling experiences on the way, you can either drop us an email or give us a quick call at (+977) 9841936940 or Whatsapp the same number or [email protected]. The specialty of our Info Nepal Tours and Treks team is based on responding quickly to the interested trekkers and travelers.

          We’ll work closely with you to tailor our services and make sure everything is customized to meet your specific needs, if you wish to extend the trip we will customize the itinerary accordingly. Our goal is to turn your vision into reality and ensure that your adventure is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. We will serve with every ability we do possess, either you are a beginner trekker or a seasoned trekker, we got you covered.

          If you have any questions before making your decision, don’t hesitate to reach out. Info Nepal’s supportive staff is always available to answer queries, offer advice, and provide any additional information you might need.

          FAQs

          Where does Phoksundo Lake lie?

          Phoksundo Lake also known as Shey Phoksundo Lake is a turquoise lake situated in Dolpo region in Shey Phoksundo National Park.

          What is the altitude of Phoksundo Lake?

          What are the permits required for Phoksundo Lake Trek?

          Do I fly in a mountain flight during PLT?

          How is the experience of a Mountain flight?

          What do I get in the breakfast during PLT?

          What do I get in the Lunch and dinner during PLT?

          What is Daal Bhaat?

          How long would it take to complete Phoksundo Lake trek?

          Enquiry Form

          Other Packages

          Associated With