Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek -11N/12D

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a 12-day adventure through the remote Dolpo region of western Nepal, featuring the spectacular Phoksundo Lake and dramatic mountain landscapes. The Phoksundo Lake Trek cost starts at NPR 25,999 per person for Nepali nationals and USD 1,999 per person for other nationalities, based on the land package with park permits included. The Phoksundo Lake Trek itinerary begins with travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and a flight to Juphal, followed by trekking through the Lower Dolpo region. The trek reaches around 3,600 meters and is rated moderate, making it suitable for travelers looking for a remote Himalayan trekking experience.

Dolpo isn't a place that shows up on a first-timer's Nepal list, and that's exactly the point. Our guides who run this route consistently say the same thing: the lake looks unreal in photos, and it looks more unreal in person. If you want the fuller picture of the park's wildlife and culture before diving into logistics, our Shey Phoksundo National Park guide covers that side of it. This guide focuses on what the trek costs, what that price covers, and the day-by-day route, so you can decide if 12 days in one of Nepal's least-visited corners is the trip you're planning next.

Shey Phoksundo lake Trek Package at a Glance

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights

• Phoksundo Lake: See the stunning turquoise-blue waters of Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by rocky cliffs and Himalayan landscapes.

• Kanjiroba Himal: Enjoy views of Kanjiroba Himal (6,883 m) from the higher viewpoints around the Phoksundo region.

• Phoksundo Waterfall: See the impressive Phoksundo Waterfall, one of the major natural attractions on the trail to the lake.

• Thuli Bheri River: Follow the Thuli Bheri River as the trek enters the remote Dolpo region.

• Suligad River: Walk along the scenic Suligad River through narrow valleys, forests and mountain landscapes.

• Phoksundo Khola: Follow the Phoksundo Khola as you move deeper into the Dolpo region toward the lake.

• Forests and Waterfalls: Walk through beautiful forests with pine, cedar, birch and other Himalayan vegetation, with waterfalls and streams along the route.

• Lower Dolpo Landscapes: Explore the dry mountains, deep valleys and remote landscapes of the Lower Dolpo Trek region.

• Ringmo Village: Visit the traditional Ringmo Village, located near the southern shore of Phoksundo Lake.

• Mountain and Valley Views: Enjoy wide views of rugged mountains, green valleys, rivers and high-altitude landscapes throughout the Phoksundo Lake Trek.

• Remote Himalayan Trails: Experience peaceful trekking trails away from the busier trekking areas of Nepal.

• Phoksundo Lake Trek from Kathmandu: Start from Kathmandu, fly to Nepalgunj and Juphal, and continue on foot through the Dolpo region.

 How Much Does the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Cost?

The base package price is NPR 25,999 per person for Nepali nationals and USD 1,999 per person for other nationalities, both built around overland travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Because Juphal (the trek's starting point) has no road access, the Nepalgunj–Juphal return flight is a mandatory add-on for every trekker on every operator's version of this trip   it isn't a Guru Travels markup, it's the only way in or out.

A quick note on why this route is priced the way it is: this 11N/12D itinerary stays within Lower Dolpo, ending at Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. It doesn't continue north into Upper Dolpo (Shey Gompa and beyond), which is the stretch that requires Nepal's costly Restricted Area Permit. That's a meaningful saving compared to the longer Upper Dolpo circuits you'll see priced elsewhere   you get the lake, the monasteries at Ringmo, and the Dolpo culture, without the Upper Dolpo permit cost.

How to Get to Shey Phoksundo Lake

There's only one route in: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal, then on foot. There is no road to Juphal, so the last leg is always by air, regardless of how you reach Nepalgunj.

• Kathmandu → Nepalgunj: by land (included in the base package) or by a short domestic flight (extra, saves a full day each way)

• Nepalgunj → Juphal: 25–30 minute domestic flight   mandatory, no road exists, priced separately from the package

• Juphal → Phoksundo Lake: on foot, 5 trekking days in via Dunai, Ankhe and Renje

• Return: same route in reverse, Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu by flight

Because the Juphal flight is small-aircraft and weather-dependent, it's worth keeping a spare day either side of it rather than booking a same-day onward connection.

Accommodation on the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Accommodation shifts as you move deeper into Dolpo: hotel-standard rooms at the start and end, teahouses through the mid-trek villages, and camping for the three nights closest to the lake.

• Kathmandu & Nepalgunj (Days 1, 10, 11): standard hotel rooms with private bathrooms

• Dunai, Ankhe, Renje, Chhepka, Juphal (Days 2–4, 8–9): teahouse lodges   simple twin rooms, shared bathrooms

• Phoksundo Lake area (Days 5–7): camping   this stretch is beyond reliable teahouse infrastructure, so tents, sleeping mats and a dedicated kitchen crew come with the package

All accommodation, along with three meals a day throughout, is included in both nationality price tiers   there's no separate lodging cost to budget for.

Day by Day Itinerary of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

The trek runs 12 days end to end: two travel days to reach the trailhead, seven trekking days in, around and out of the Phoksundo Lake area, and three days for the return flights and a Kathmandu buffer day.

Daily walking runs 5–7 hours on mixed terrain   forest trail, suspension bridges, and riverside paths   without any high mountain passes. Guides on this route describe it as a steady, moderate trek rather than a technical one: the challenge is the remoteness and the length of the days, not altitude or exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek cost?

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek cost starts at NPR 25,999 per person for Nepali nationals and USD 1,999 per person for other nationalities. The price covers the land package and park permits. Flights between Nepalgunj and Juphal are billed separately.

2. What permits do I need for the Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The Phoksundo Lake Trek permits include the required park permits for the trekking area. The package price mentioned on this page includes these permits.

3. How many days do I need for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek takes 12 days and 11 nights. The itinerary includes travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, the flight to Juphal, trekking through the Dolpo region, and the return journey.

4. How do I get to the Phoksundo Lake Trek from Kathmandu?

The Phoksundo Lake Trek from Kathmandu starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you take a flight to Juphal, which is the trekking starting point. The trail then continues on foot toward Phoksundo Lake.

5. How difficult is the Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The Phoksundo Lake Trek difficulty is rated moderate. Most trekking days involve around 5–7 hours of walking, and the route reaches approximately 3,600 meters at its highest point.

6. What is the best time for the Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The best time for the Phoksundo Lake Trek is generally March to May and September to November, according to the trekking season listed for this package.

7. Is the flight to Juphal reliable?

Flights to Juphal can be affected by weather and operating conditions, so schedules may change. It is best to keep some flexibility in your itinerary when traveling to the Dolpo region.

Ready to Book?

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek runs on request with Guru Travels' Dolpo trekking team, who plan the flight logistics and permits around your dates. Get in touch to check availability and lock in the current price.

• Share your preferred travel window spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Nov) gives the most reliable Juphal flights

• Confirm your nationality tier so we quote the correct price (NPR 25,999 for Nepali nationals, USD 1,999 for other nationalities)

• Tell us if you'd rather fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj instead of the included land transport

• We handle the Nepalgunj to Juphal flight booking, park permit, TIMS card and full ground arrangement once dates are confirmed

• A deposit secures your spot on this route, since Juphal flight seats are limited and book up fast in peak season

Because this trek runs on request rather than fixed group departures, earlier bookings give us more flexibility to match your preferred dates.

Guru Travels Limited Durbarmarg-1, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone: +977-9851334626 / +977-01-4543567

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• Best Treks in Nepal for Every Budget

Outline Itinerary