Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights

The Dolpo Phoksundo Lake Walk has many highlights that make it a memorable and highly anticipated adventure. Here are some highlights of the trip:

• Lake Phoksundo: The main point of the trip is Lake Phoksundo. This stunning lake is well-known for its incredibly clean water and deep blue color. The lake provides a magnificent environment because of its close location to tall cliffs and snow-capped mountains.
• Shey Phoksundo National Park: The tour will take you through Shey Phoksundo National Park, a reserve known for its diverse wildlife and pristine natural beauty. The park is home to rare species such as snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan blue sheep.
• Magical landscape: Traveling through the Dolpo region, you will encounter a unique landscape characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and arid slopes. The breathtaking landscape includes towering Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and vast grasslands.
• Tibetan Buddhist Culture: The Dolpo region is mainly inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists and the trip offers a chance to immerse in their rich cultural heritage. You will encounter ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional villages where you can witness their rituals and daily life.
• Remote trip in western Nepal: You will witness the native way of life as the tour takes you through isolated villages in western Nepal. You will get the chance to speak with the welcoming people, discover their traditions and customs, and learn more about their farming methods.
• The Dolpo region: It is incredibly biodiverse, so you’ll see a wide range of plants and fauna when trekking the paths. Natural beauty is alluring, from highland meadows studded with vibrant wildflowers to deep forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron.
• Peaceful and secluded atmosphere: One of the remarkable aspects of this trip is the tranquil and secluded atmosphere. The Dolpo region has remained relatively untouched by modernization, providing a sense of solitude and peace as you explore the wilderness.

Dolpo Phoksundo Lake Trek

The Dolpo Phoksundo Lake Trek is a popular trekking route that lies in the Dolpo region of Nepal. It offers breathtaking natural beauty, cultural encounters, and the chance to explore pristine Lake Phoksundo. The trek usually starts from the small town of Juphal after a short scenic flight from Nepalgunj.

Then continue through remote villages, dense forests, and rugged landscapes. As you climb, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the huge waterfall and snow-capped peaks. It will include the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba Himalayan ranges.

The trek takes you through Shey Phoksundo National Park, a reserve known for its rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna. You can spot wildlife like blue sheep, musk deer, and even the elusive snow leopard if you’re lucky.

The local inhabitants of the Dolpo region are mainly Tibetan Buddhists, and their rich cultural heritage is evident in the monasteries, chhortens, and traditional villages that you will encounter on the way.

You will have a chance to interact with friendly locals, learn about their way of life, and witness their traditional practices. In the Dolpo region, there are two other popular trekking routes, the Lower Dolpo circuit trek, and the Upper Dolpo Trek. But those are more adventurous and you need more days than this trek.

Dolpo Teahouse Trek

It is a nice Teahouse Trek in Dolpo along the way to Phoksundo providing basic pedestrian accommodation and meals. These teahouses are small guesthouses run by local families, allowing you to experience the warm hospitality of the region. They provide a comfortable place to rest, enjoy a hot cup of tea, and enjoy local Nepali food.

Phoksundo Lake Tea House Trek usually takes around 10-12 days, depending on your pace and route. It’s a hike of moderate difficulty, suitable for experienced travelers and beginner trekkers.

What is the Best Time to Visit Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The best time to visit Phoksundo Lake Trek is during autumn and spring. Autumn: September to November, offering pleasant weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The surrounding hills and mountains are adorned with colorful foliage, creating a dramatic backdrop to the lake.

Spring: March to May, is another great time to visit. During this season, the weather is mild and the landscape comes to life with blooming flowers and lush vegetation. The turquoise waters of the lake are especially attractive at this time.

Therefore, planning a visit to Phoksundo Lake in the fall or spring will give you the most favorable weather conditions and enhance your overall experience.

Conclusion

All in all, the Dolpo Phoksundo Lake Trek offers a unique and awe-inspiring adventure for nature lovers, culture seekers, and those who want to experience the beauty of the remote Himalayan region of Dolpo. If you have enough time, we Himalaya Darshan Treks highly recommend the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek.

Are you ready to book this trip for your lifetime experience?

To book this trip or for more inquiries, you can click Book this trip from our web page. We have many different Trekking and tour packages so you can choose your most suitable trek/tour with us. HD Treks suggests early booking so you have enough time to prepare for this trek. We are ready to organize your travel bucket list trek. You can also contact us by WhatsApp at +977 9841073239 for quick inquiries.

FAQs for Phoksundo Lake Trek

How difficult is the Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging. While it doesn’t involve technical climbing, the remote location, high altitude, and long trekking days present physical challenges. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and prepared to walk 5-7 hours each day. But this is an easy trek in the Dolpo region of Nepal.

How to reach Phoksundo Lake?

Phoksundo Lake is located in the western part of Nepal. To reach Phoksundo Lake, you first take a flight to Nepalgunj and then fly to Juphal, which is the starting point of the trek. From Juphal, you will begin trekking to reach Phoksundo Lake, passing through various villages and natural landmarks.

Where is the starting point for the Phoksundo Lake trek?

The starting point for the Phoksundo Lake trek is the town of Juphal, which is accessible by a flight from Nepalgunj and near from Dunai (The district headquarter of Dolpa).

How many days does it take to complete Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The 9 to 10 days’ time is enough to complete this trek (From Kathmandu to Kathmandu). Likewise, from the starting point at Juphal, it typically takes 4 days of trekking to reach Phoksundo Lake then if you have enough time you can continue your trek to Upper Dolpo or Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek.

Do I need permits to visit Phoksundo Lake?

Yes, you need a Dolpo Trek special permit and a Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit with these permits; you can do this beautiful Phoksundo Lake Trek.

What is the Phoksundo Lake Trek Permit Cost?

The Dolpo region is a remote and off-the-beaten-path trek and popular trekking region in the western part of Nepal. There are two parts of Dolpo, Upper Dolpo, and Lower Dolpo.

• The lower Dolpo Trek special permit cost is $20 per person for one week. Likewise, USD 5 per person /week (beyond 1 week)
• The Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit fee is NRs- 3000 per person.

What should I pack for the trek?

For the trekking gear and Packing list you can visit this: Trekking Gear