Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek in Nepal

11 Days, Multiple Departures

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Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek in Nepal
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

A deep fresh-water lake in the Himalayan foothills, the holy Shey Phoksundo Lake is a pilgrimage site where Hindu and Buddhist devotees flock during the celebration of festivals like the Janai Poornima. Located in Dolpa within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the lake holds a unique Himalayan wilderness and hosts a myriad of trans-Himalayan habitats.

The Shey-Phoksundo National Park is one of the very few protected areas in the Nepali Himalayas big enough to secure a viable population of the critically endangered snow leopards. As such, the Shey-Phoksundo Lake Trek presents a remote and little-known off-beaten trekking path to enjoy.

Starting the trek with a short flight to Nepalgunj, the trip takes you meandering through Dolpa's remote ethnic settlements. Dolpa is among the last few places on Earth where authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture is still thriving. Due to the region's remoteness and relative isolation, the cultural ambiance of the place has not changed for centuries. The trek is a perfect way to experience this wonderful culture firsthand.

With regard to the region's alienation from outside destinations, one might say that magic still lives in the hills of Dolpo. The remote country through which you will be trekking through is full of evidence of the ancient animistic religions practiced by the hill people, despite their sometimes nominal adherence to Hinduism and Buddhism. All along the journey in several villages, you can experience the old traditional customs that come in many forms, like crudely carved wooden effigies set before front doors to ward off evil spirits.

Likewise, the region also harbors a very rich and vivid ecosystem. The thriving wildlife presents you with a chance to lose yourself in nature. Vast woods and alpine wetlands embed the terrain, serving several species of animals and birds as their natural habitats. The pathway traverses through the lower Himalayan foothills of the region, under canopies of emerald forests where the peal of birdsongs fill the atmosphere. It is a beautiful trekking journey that presents wonderful natural landscapes, perfect for an off-beaten trip.

The trail follows a wildly turbulent, crystal-blue river through vast forests of conifers. You will be trekking to Inner Dolpo where the sacred lake is situated. The very presence of the lake when seen for the first time, with the lake's intense ultramarine edged with turquoise and deep purple tincture toward dusk, is indescribable in its beauty and other-worldliness. Above the lake stand cliffs of rust-colored rocks streaked with blue. Beyond, the great snow-covered peaks rise out to the sky.

About

1-hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.

3 star accommodations in Kathmandu

A porter and his entire expenses.

Airport pickup and drop facility.

All monument entrance fees.

All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.

Company duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.

Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).

First aid medical kit

Fresh seasonal fruits after dinner (while on the trek).

Insurance of guide and porter.

Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jufal -Kathmandu flight tickets

Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide

Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.

Airfare for international flights.

Cost for additional trips.

Extra night accommodations in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trip(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.

Nepal arrival visa.

Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).

Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.

Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).

Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.

"An unforgettable experience! Starting with the Boss-Sittal, continuing with an extraordinary guide-Saffal that took care of every detail of the trek, and last but not least a very capable sherpa-Pandee, we had a really strong team.
I will most definitely return for more trekking with them!"

- Adrian D, Oct 2023

"The service is excellent, they are mindful and also think ahead of their clients need. We feel safe in our journey through their service."

- Hoo T, Oct 2023

"The trip was so wonderful that it cannot be explained simply in words. The trip to was definitely one of the most memorable ones in my life. Thank You."

Vadim C, Aug 2023


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About The Host

We are a team of young, energetic, and hardworking professionals, assisting people from across the globe, to experience and explore Nepal, one of the natural and cultural destinations in the world. We have been working in this field for more than 6 years with a new vision and direction. We organize adventure trips to the Himalayas, mountains, Tarai, and even outside the country, Everest Base Camp being the most preferred and popular one.

We feel proud to be one of the leading trekking companies in Nepal. We deliver the best travel activities such as Inbound, Outbound, Domestic, tour guide, interpreter, transportation, air ticket, accommodation, etc. We are an official member of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP), and many more local tourism bodies. With the motto “Your Satisfaction and Safety is our first priority“, our experienced professional team leaves no stone unturned in providing quality service to our clients.

It would be our great opportunity to organize and assist your adventure holidays in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. For us, client satisfaction matters a lot and we guarantee you that.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu [1300m]

You may arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to the Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2

Fly to Nepalgunj

After breakfast, you will fly to Nepalgunj- famously known as the Gateway to Nepal's Far West. It is about a 2 and a half hours flight. Upon reaching, you will be dropped off at your hotel. After lunch, you can visit some of the famous sites of Nepalgunj- like the Bageshowri Temple, the Grasscutter’s Lane, and the market areas bordering India. If there is time left before dinner, you can also choose to have a short visit to the Bardiya National Park. Overnight stay at Nepalgunj.

Day 3

Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai [2140m] 3 hours trek

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for an early flight to Juphal, a small village that is often the starting point of Phoksundo Treks. From Juphal, you will start your trek and head to Dunai for an overnight stay. The trail meanders along the banks of the Bheri River, passing by Roop Ghar, which is famous for its watermill. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dunai.

Day 4

Trek to Chhepka Village [2520m] 6-7 hours trek

You will start your trek with a hike along the banks of the Bheri River. After leaving Dunai, you will cross the river and head north, following the trail that leads to the first village- Sulighat. From there, the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park is located a few miles ahead. After showing your permit, you will walk through walnut and maple woods. Tibetan villages like Shyanta also embed the terrain before finally reaching Chhepka. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhepka.

Day 5

Trek to Jharana Waterfall [2670m] 5-6 hours trek

After an early breakfast, you will continue on the trail that leads to Jharana. The pathway traverses through cedar forests and you can see amazing views of the Bheri Valley. The trail then starts an uphill slope and you can see Phoksundo Lake’s gorge forming the valley ridge. Before you reach Jharana, you will pass by a small settlement that is mainly used as a winter commune by the herders. Along the journey, you will also come across Jharana- one of the highest and the most beautiful waterfalls of Nepal, formed by the draining of the Phoksundo Lake. The village, named after the waterfall, is located just a few kilometers further. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jharana.

Day 6

Trek to the Tibetan village of Ringmo [3641m] 5-6 hours trek

From the village, the trekking trail coruscates through the grasslands of the Dolpa valley towards Ringmo- a traditional village occupied by people of Tibetan ethnicity. Most of the people of Ringmo follow the Bönpo faith and are mostly engaged in trading, yak herding, and tourism. Ringmo sits on a landslide dam that forms the Phoksundo Lake and presents good views of the ravines that form the Phoksundo Gorge. Ringmo is a lively place with children herding goats, and baby, kids skipping through the village. You can see women sat on the ground in front of the stone and mud houses (often with a yak parked in a stone corral) weaving on long, narrow looms. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ringmo.

Day 7

Explore the sacred Phoksundo Lake [3600m] and Tshowa Gompa

Following the chartreuse landscape with the path going under shimmering gossamers of rhododendron groves, you will reach Phoksundo Lake. It is a beautiful sight to behold; the glimmering lake is a deep turquoise color and presents an almost mirage-like ambiance. The lake is also a great place to experience Bön culture. You will also visit the Tshowa Gompa that stands in a magnificent location overlooking the Lake. The Gompa is occupied by Bönpo monks in red woolen tunics with yellow caps and bead necklaces. The Gompa holds vivid wall paintings similar to those in Buddhist Gombas, as well as wooden statues of deities. It also harbors a carved, painted post resembling a totem pole. After exploring the lake and the Gompa, you will return to your guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Day 8

Trek to Chhepka Village 6-7 hours trek

You will have an early breakfast and leave the beautiful lake behind, following the trail that ascends to a hill. The sight of the entire Lake can be seen for the first time from the hill ridge. From there, you will slowly descend to the banks of the Phoksundo River. Along the way, you will pass by villages like Chunuwar and Rechi before finally reaching Chhepka. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chhepka.

Day 9

Trek to Juphal 6-7 hours trek

The trail follows the Phoksundo River once again. Crossing the river, you will enter the Bheri Valley where you can enjoy the rocky landscape. The valley is a huge blanketing pasture where herds of goat and yaks graze under the warm sun. You will trek along the banks of the Bheri River, heading east through maple and walnut woods. Along the way, you will pass by villages like Dunai and Kalagauda. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Juphal.

Day 10

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

You will bid the Dolpo valley goodbye and take a flight back to Nepalgunj. From there, it's another short flight back to the capital. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 11

Departure day

Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

Location
Things to keep in mind

Cancellations

The cancellation and refund policy of Activ Retreats is previously well-defined. The organization is not liable for any refunds or reimbursements if a customer decides to cancel or withdraw from the trip for any reason. This means that once the trip has started, the company will not return the money you paid for it.

Nonetheless, consumer deposits are valid until the customer is prepared to make another travel reservation. Customers also have the option of changing the individual who will be traveling with them. If the customer must cancel or postpone the trip for personal reasons or because of unavoidable circumstances, the company will not be held liable for reimbursements.

The cancellation of a trip may be caused by unforeseen events including weather conditions, natural disasters, canceled flights, strikes, wars, riots, quarantines, government action, or poor health problems of a group member.

The Company demands written notice from the customer for any cancellations. The day the written cancellation is received by the company will serve as the date of the cancelled trip. 100% of the total fee may be refunded if a consumer cancels the trip one month before the departure date.


The Contract

A renowned and fully accredited business, Activ Retreats is officially registered with numerous national and international agencies, as well as with various departments of the Government of Nepal. Our business is located in Thamel, Kathmandu, and we work hard to give our clients from all over the world top-notch services.

Visas and Passports:

Passengers must have their current passport and the necessary visas for the destination country. Also, we urge our clients to confirm that their passports are valid for at least an additional six months after the end of their trip. Travelers’ carelessness with regard to visa paperwork and passports will not hold the company responsible if they are deported or denied entry to the nation while on their trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a major requirement of Activ Retreats that you have your travel insurance covered. Medical insurance, air ambulance service, and helicopter rescue services are all required, for this is a Himalayan nation and there are major issues of unfavorable circumstances in high altitudes. Also to be on the safe side, we also strongly advise our clients to purchase cancellation insurance. Please be sure your insurance policies offer complete protection and include the majority of the trip activities you engage in.

Prior to the trip, we will need a copy of your insurance documentation as evidence. If you are unable to give us with the insurance certificate for different reasons, you will be required to sign a suitable policy or agreement right away. However, if for any reason you are unable to do it, you will be prohibited. If you are unable to give us with the insurance certificate for whatever reason, you will be required to sign a suitable policy or agreement right away. But, you won’t be allowed to continue your journey if you are unable to do it because of unfavorable circumstances. Also, you won’t be eligible for a refund for any services that weren’t rendered.

Flexibility

The unique tours provided by Activ Retreats include demanding activities with inherent dangers. Customers must accept the risks because the company is not liable for mishaps or unforeseen circumstances in the Himalayas. Passengers must respect the authority of the trip leader, be adaptable, and be aware that changes may take place while they are on the trip. Throughout the journey, the corporation has the authority to accept or refuse customers, and those who break the law won’t get their money back. Customers must fill out a form and pay a 20% non-refundable deposit (or 50% for trips to Tibet and Bhutan) to reserve a tour; the remaining balance is required upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Payment Methods

The business provides bank transfers and credit cards (Master/Visa/American Express/Union Pay/JCB/SCT Card) as two practical and secure methods of payment. While completing the booking application form, the client must specify the payment method in full and give the company all necessary credit card information. However, the remaining balance (80% for trips to Nepal and 50% for trips to Tibet and Bhutan) must be paid in cash to the company before leaving for the trip from Kathmandu.

Trip Amendments:

Please note that the following conditions apply to amendments for trips listed on this site:

Amendments requested at least 60 days prior to the trip incur a fee of USD 50/person.

Amendments requested less than 60 days before the trip follow the cancellation policy and charges.

Changes in trip price during booking and amendments may apply and may be levied by third-party service providers.

Additional administration fees of USD 20/booking per change apply for any additions to the original booking.

Amendments cannot be made within 10 days of the original trip departure, and if made, a minimum fee of USD 50 applies.


Health Conditions

The Company requires a well-documented medical certificate from an accredited medical facility prior to the start of the trip in order to assure the safety and health of our travelers. While making a reservation, the company must be advised of any medical concerns or issues. The Company will not pay for any medical or evacuation costs, and it won’t be held accountable for accidents. Prior to making a reservation with us, we advise patients to visit their doctors for a complete examination and vaccination. If necessary, clients may also ask for additional services while on their trip or staying in the destination nation.

Weather Conditions

Customers should be informed that unpredictably bad weather might cause flight delays or cancellations in hilly areas like Everest, Mustang, and Kanchenjunga. The company reserves the right to change the itinerary or mode of transportation without incurring additional costs and will pay for lodging and meals while flights are being booked. The Company is not liable for missing foreign flights, expenses related to altitude sickness, or any other unforeseen events and participants are responsible for all costs incurred. The client will be responsible for any additional costs, although the company will help with alternate arrangements. Although giving information, the company is not liable for unforeseen circumstances and the company chief may, in writing, waive these booking requirements. Legal agreements are controlled by Nepalese law, and the Company Chief alone has the authority to change them.

Note: All of the Terms and Conditions have been prepared in accordance with and are subject to the laws of the Government of Nepal. Hence, the only person with the power to interfere and make changes is the company’s CEO.

Please ensure that you have read, fully understand, and agree to abide by all of the Terms and Conditions before booking a trip with Activ Retreats.