Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Cost & Itinerary 2026

On the first day of your Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, our Mount Face Nepal representative will welcome you at the Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the cozy three-star hotel in the Thamel, the lively heart of the city. After settling in, trekkers can relax or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel which is a popular hub for trekkers preparing for high altitude trekking journey. Here you can enjoy your evening, check your trekking gear checklist and rest well as we will fly to Nepalgunj tomorrow as part of the Shey Phoksundo Trek Package.

If you have free time in Kathmandu, you might roam around local markets, nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, enjoy Nepali cuisine or learn more about the Trans-Himalayan region and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek from fellow travelers. This relaxed start gives you a time to acclimatize in the capital (1,400 meters) before flying to Juphal for Dolpo Trekking the next day. With the Nepali Culture immersion beginning even before starting the official trek, Kathmandu offers a great first taste of the landscapes and lifestyles that we will experience on journey to the majestic Phoksundo Lake.

Today our journey for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek continues with a scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The flight takes about 50 minutes to reach Nepalgunj and offers a changing view from hills to the flat plains of western Nepal. Nepalgunj acts as an important transit point for Dolpo Trekking and the Shey Phoksundo Trek, that connects travelers to the remote Trans-Himalayan region. After arriving at Nepalgunj which is at just 150 meters, travelers will notice a warmer climate and a different cultural atmosphere.

From here, you will be transferred to your hotel and have enough time to rest and prepare for the next stage of the journey. This stop at Nepalgunj is really essential before we fly to Juphal for Dolpo Trekking, which is the main gateway to Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek and Phoksundo Lake. This day allows travelers to relax and review your trekking gear checklist while mentally preparing for the upcoming high altitude trekking adventure into one of the less crowded treks in Nepal.

An early morning flight takes travelers from Nepalgunj to Juphal, by opening our Shey Phoksundo Trek journey into the remote Trans-Himalayan region of Karnali Province (Dolpa District). Flying to Juphal for Dolpo trekking offers stunning aerial views of rugged hills, deep gorges, Himalayan range including Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa and the winding Thuli Bheri River far below. After landing at the small mountain airstrip, Juphal (2,503 m), we will officially begin our first day of the Shey Phoksundo Trek, by gradually descending toward Dunai (2,150 m) through peaceful village trails.

You start out from Juphal and walk along the Thuli Bheri River. The path winds through terraced fields and old villages. At Roop Ghar village, you will notice traditional water powered mills that is still used by the locals for grinding grain. When we reach to Dunai, which is the district headquarters of Dolpa, we will spend overnight here, enjoying a comfortable rest and tasty meals before heading deeper into our Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek adventure.

After having breakfast, we will leave Dunai and the trail gradually descends briefly to cross the Bheri river through high suspension bridge and then follows the Phoksundo Khola towards Sulighat, where we will officially enter into the Shey Phoksundo National Park. At Sulighat, our permits will be checked before path continues towards cultivated fields and the small villages like Kagbeni and Shyanta. From here, gradually the scenery shifts into the narrow gorges with towering rock walls, which marks our deeper entry to the remote Dolpo Trekking region.

Beyond Sulighat, the trail winds through the lush rhododendron, pine and oak forests, which is also accompanied by cascading waterfalls and the constant roar of the river. On clear days, trekkers can enjoy the distant views of the Dhaulagiri range and Kagmara ridges. If we get, lucky we can witness blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan Thar and colorful birds. After a long 7-8 hours of trekking, we will reach Chhepka (2,630 meters) for well-earned rest and sleep.

Today’s trek continues deeper into the heart of the Shey Phoksundo Trek, by following the scenic river through dramatic narrow gorges and the lush green forests. The trail gently climbs alongside the river by crossing several wooden bridges while waterfalls pouring down to steep cliffs, especially during the warmer months. Dense forests of pine and oak create a cool and shaded walk, which makes this section as one of the most scenic parts of the Shey Phoksund Lake Trek Itinerary.

After passing a seasonal settlement and the yak pastures, we will reach at Rechi village, which is common rest and lunch stop. As altitude increases gradually, the thick and green vegetation is slowly replaced by the alpine scenery. From here we will pass a local school before we arrive at the Chunuwar (3,110 meters) village which is famous for its traditional Amchi Hospital, where ancient Tibetan herbal medicine is practiced. On clear days, we can get the distant views of Kanjirowa Himal from local teahouse which rewards the today’s long walk. We will spend overnight at Chunuwar.

Today is shorter yet the spectacular day of the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, where we will be covering 6 to 7 km in about 4-5 hours. From Chunuwar, the trail steadily climbs through the dense pine and oak forests leading us to the viewpoint near Jharana Hotel, where the majestic Phoksundo waterfall (167 meters), the highest waterfall of Nepal comes into the full view. From the ridge, we can witness the deep blue turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake that is framed by the rugged trans-Himalayan cliffs.

After spending sometime at viewpoint, we will continue along the lake’s edge until we reach Ringmo Village. Ringmo village is high altitude village which is situated at 3,660 meters and a hub of Bonpo religion with flat roofed stone houses and white washed stupas. The village sits on the natural dam that formed the Phoksundo Lake. Nearby from the village, travelers can also visit the 900-year-old Thasung Tsholing Gompa, which offers a perfect blend of spiritual heritage and Himalayan scenery. We will spend overnight stay at Ringmo, as it allows for full immersion into local life and the serenity of Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek.

This day is meant for relaxation, adjustment, and sightseeing since it allows trekkers to reduce altitude sickness risk on Phoksundo Lake Trek journey. After having breakfast, we will walk along the turquoise shores of the Shey Phoksundo lake, while capturing magical photographs and observing the rare vegetation and wildlife of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The Shey Phoksundo Lake is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquility. Birdwatchers here can spot rare Himalayan species, while the surrounding cliffs and the waterfalls including Shey Phoksundo Waterfall adds the dramatic alpine scenery.

In the afternoon, we will head towards Tshowa Gompa, which is a significant and an important spiritual center for Bonpo religion and Dolpo culture People. Tshowa Gompa monastery is believed to be 800-900 years old and is perched on a ridge above Phoksundo Lake and offers a sweeping view of the whole Trans-Himalayan region. Spending the day here immersed Nepali culture and the surreal beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek adventure while rewarding yourself with the high-altitude landscapes and ancient spiritual heritage of the Dolpo region. We will spend overnight at Ringmo Village.

After having breakfast, we will descent towards Chhepka (2,670 m) from Ringmo (3,612 m), retracing our steps through the heart of the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The day here starts with a short climb to a ridge, providing a final and iconic view of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake. After saying final goodbye to Phoksundo lake, we will descend sharply along the Phoksundo Khola, passing though arid upper valleys while gradually entering lush green forests. This gives trekkers a last glimpse of the unique flora and fauna around Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Along the way, we will cross narrow gorges, traditional wooden bridges, and past key landmarks like Phoksundo Waterfall and the winter settlement of Polam (3,266 m). The trail also passes through Rechi Village which is perfect spot for lunch and short break. If trekkers get lucky, they can witness rare wildlife of Dolpo region like Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Goral and colorful birds. We will spend night at Chhepka (2,670 m) in local tea house accommodation, local Nepali culture immersion while reflecting the unforgettable Shey Phoksundo Trek adventure.

Today marks as the final day our Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, as we will descend from Chhepka to Juphal, while covering total distance of 19 Km in 8-9 hours. Today’s journey retraces the earlier route we followed through the Phoksundo Khola and Thuli Bheri River. The half of the day is steady descent through the lush rhododendron and pine forests and narrow gorges, which then gradually open to the cultivated fields and traditional Dolpo Trekking villages. These settlements offer one last impression of the Bonpo culture and the unique lifestyles of the region.

Key landmarks today include Syangta and Kageni, where locals tend vegetable and apple farms and Sulighat, which is the final Shey Phoksundo National Park exit checkpoint. Then trail continues through the Roopghar, while offering the jaw dropping views of roaring rivers, dramatic gorges and the stunning views of the Trans-Himalayan landscape. Upon arriving at Juphal, trekkers can explore the local market or settle for the night, by celebrating the completion of an unforgettable Shey Phoksundo Trek adventure.

Today we will take an early morning flight from Juphal (Dolpa) to Nepalgunj, which offers a one last breathtaking view of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa massifs. The short mountain flight lasts approximately about 35-45 minutes and allows you to admire the rugged Trans-Himalayan region and the deep river gorges you observed during your Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek days.

Upon arriving in Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to a domestic flight to Kathmandu, which takes about 45-55 minutes. From the air, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the western Himalayas and the rolling landscapes of Nepal. Once we reach in Kathmandu (1,400 m), you will be transferred to your three-star categorized hotel to relax and celebrate your Shey Phoksundo Trek adventure with a hot shower, comfortable bed and an optional farewell group dinner. Night at Kathmandu helps travelers to reflect on the unique Nepal Trekking experience through this less crowded and culturally rich region.

After completing our unforgettable Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek, today is the reserved for rest, shopping and the cultural exploration in Kathmandu, as it allows trekkers to recover from high altitude trekking and immerse themselves in Nepali culture. Travelers can spend time in Nepal which is the hub for souvenirs and handicrafts. You also can enjoy tea, coffee or meals at Nepali local restaurants. A day at Kathmandu offers you a perfect opportunity to reflect on your Shey Phoksundo Trek Adventure, photos from Phoksundo Lake and the Trans-Himalayan region landscapes you explored.

You can also explore the bustling markets of Asan and Indra Chowk, which is filled with spices, textiles and the traditional clothing. Additionally, travelers also can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Patan Durbar Square and more, of which 7 out of the 10 in Nepal are inside Kathmandu city. This reserve day provides a gentle conclusion to your Dolpo Trekking experience which allows you to rest, shop and appreciate the unique culture of Nepal, while reviewing your Shey Phoksundo lake Trek itinerary and the memorable encounters with Nepali traditional lifestyles, Bonpo culture and the high-altitude Himalayan scenery.

As your 12 Days Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek comes to an end, its time to say goodbye to Nepal. But those memories, you will keep them forever. From the turquoise edges of Phoksundo Lake to the wandered trails of the Trans-Himalayan region, this Shey Phoksundo lake Trek has been more than just a trek and has been a profound journey of discovery and resilience while connecting your heart to the Himalayas. You leave behind the silence of mountains, the rhythms of yak trails and the warmth of Dolpo’s traditional villages while carrying with you a once in a lifetime experience with you.

While returning home, you will carry a new perspective that is shaped by less crowded treks in Nepal, encounters with Bon culture, and the days we spend walking through the Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek. The experience of high-altitude trekking, simple teahouses stays and raw natural beauty often changes how one sees the world. Though the 12 days Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek journey ends here, the real spirit of the Shey Phoksundo Trek adventure stays with you forever, reminding you that some paths are truly the once in a lifetime experience.