Route Guide
Shey Phoksundo Trek Map
Juphal → Dunai → Chhepka → Rechi → Phoksundo Lake (Ringmo) → return
Illustrative map – the trail follows the Bheri and Suligad rivers, climbing to the turquoise lake.
Turquoise jewel of Dolpa – Nepal's deepest lake (145m) in a remote Himalayan wilderness
Home to Nepal's deepest lake and most dramatic waterfall, Shey Phoksundo is a place of almost supernatural beauty. The vivid, impossibly blue lake sits at 3,611m in the lower Dolpo region, framed by ochre cliffs and ancient Bon monasteries — a shorter route into Dolpo's magic.
This focused trek reaches Phoksundo without crossing the high passes of the full Dolpo circuit — making it a more accessible yet equally stunning way to experience the Dolpo region's signature lake, waterfall, and Bon Buddhist culture. Perfect for trekkers on a tighter schedule.
A remote turquoise jewel tucked in Shey Phoksundo National Park – fewer crowds, raw nature, and authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Dolpa, Western Nepal
3,611 m (Phoksundo Lake)
10–14 days KTM–KTM
Trekking: 8–10 days
Moderate to Strenuous
Rocky trails, steep sections
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Crystal clear, stable
Phoksundo Lake · Ringmo village · Shey Phoksundo NP · Kanjiroba views · Tibetan Buddhist culture
From Ringmo village and ridges, see Kanjiroba, Kagmara, and distant Dhaulagiri.
| Peak Name | Height (m) | Best Viewpoint |
|---|
Shey Phoksundo National Park permit + TIMS. No restricted permit for lake-only trek.
| Permit | Cost (NPR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry | 3,000 | ~$23 |
| TIMS Card (individual) | 2,000 | ~$15 |
| Total ~$38 – No restricted area permit (lake only). | ||
| Style | Cost (USD) | Includes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🎒 Independent (budget) | $400–480 | Local transport, basic teahouses, no guide | ||||
| 🚐 Standard (agency + guide) | $750–900 | Flights, guide, porter, permits, some meals | ✨ Luxury (private + premium) | $1,100+ | Private jeep, best lodges, extra days |
From Juphal to Dunai, through forests to the turquoise lake, with a rest day at Ringmo.
Basic but welcoming lodges – bring a sleeping bag (comfort -5°C to -10°C).
Nights at 3,600m can drop below freezing – expedition‑ready layering required.
Ascend slowly, take the rest day at the lake, and drink 3–4L of water daily.
Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, ataxia = descend 500m immediately.
Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. Dehydration mimics AMS.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,000m.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 5,500m. Rescue from Dolpa ~$3,000–5,000.
Consult doctor – 125mg twice daily starting at 2,500m.
Juphal flights are weather‑dependent. Always keep 1–2 buffer days in your schedule.
The lake is sacred – no swimming, no touching the water. Walk clockwise around stupas.
Juphal → Dunai → Chhepka → Rechi → Phoksundo Lake (Ringmo) → return
Book your Shey Phoksundo trek with Lila – experienced local guides, responsible trekking, and the serenity of Nepal's deepest lake.