Phoksundo Lake Trek in Dolpa

Sep 11, 2023   |   By    |   1393 Views

The Phoksundo Trek is an amazing adventure in the far west region of Nepal! Trekking to the Dolpo region and enjoying the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding landscapes is an amazing and truly memorable experience. Here is a 13-day trekking plan for the Phoksundo Lake Trekking.

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu.

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Meet the Himalayan Paradise Trek representative who will transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest and relax at the hotel, recovering from your journey. In the evening, gather for a meeting with the trekking crew for introductions and a briefing about the trek.
  • The leisure time allows you to acclimatize to the new environment and meet the team you will be embarking on the adventure with. Remember to use this time to ask any questions you might have about the trek and make any necessary preparations before setting off on the Phoksundo Trek.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Kathmandu      Altitude: 1350m  

Day 02:  Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. 150m.
  • Free time in the morning. Remember that the key to a leisurely morning is to go at your own pace and do what brings you joy and relaxation. As for your afternoon flight to Nepalgunj, make sure you plan your morning activities accordingly to have enough time to check out of your accommodation and have lunch before heading to the airport.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Nepalgunj      Altitude: 150m

Day 03:  Nepalgunj to Dunai 2140m.
  • Fly early morning from Nepalgunj to Juphal Airport and after breakfast trek to Dunai. From Nepalgunj, you will take a domestic flight to Juphal Airport. The Flights to Juphal can be quite weather-dependent, so it's a good idea to have some flexibility in your travel schedule.

  • Juphal is the gateway to the Dolpa region. It's a small and scenic airport, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The trek from Juphal to Dunai takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way.
  • Explore Dunai village in the afternoon. 
Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Dunai     Altitude: 2000m
 
Day 04:  Dunai to Chhepka.
  • The trek typically starts in Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpa district. It takes you through Phoksundo National Park and follows the Bheri and Suli Ghat Rivers. Along the way, you will pass through villages, forests, and terraced fields before reaching Chepka. This route offers stunning landscapes and opportunities to engage with the local communities.

  • Phoksundo National Park is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The Bheri and Suli Ghat Rivers provide a scenic backdrop as you make your way through this picturesque area. Trekking through forests and terraced fields offers a mix of natural beauty and agricultural landscapes. You might also encounter unique flora and fauna that are native to the area. Reaching Chepka is a significant landmark on this trekking route.
  • Overnight stay in Chhepka.
Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Chhepka      Altitude: 2838m
 
Day 05:  Chhepka to Samduwa.
  • Starting from the village of Chhepka, the trail continues along the Phoksundo Khola.! The journey from Chhepka to Samduwa offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a chance to immerse oneself in the local way of life. The gradual ascents and descents at the beginning of the hike provide a nice transition from the village atmosphere to the more remote wilderness.
  • The highlight of the trek appears to be the ascent to higher altitudes, where trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The rugged and untouched landscapes of the Dolpo region are likely to leave a lasting impression on anyone who undertakes this journey.
  • Arriving at the village of Samduwa seems like a serene conclusion to the trek. Surrounded by mountains and adorned with prayer flags, this village provides a tranquil setting for trekkers to relax and unwind after their adventure. The availability of accommodations in teahouses or lodges ensures a comfortable stay while being deep in the natural beauty of the region.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Samduwa or Jarna      Altitude: 2960mm

Day 06: Samduwa to Ringmo 3640m.  
  • Today's hike promises a fascinating journey through gorgeous landscapes. Throughout your hike, you will have the opportunity to traverse through a mix of environments, including forests, rocky, and widespread valleys. The harmonious symphony of flowing water from the Phoksundo River will be your constant companion, creating a soothing and refreshing atmosphere that complements the natural beauty around you.
  • On this route, you'll also encounter picturesque winter settlements along the path. These settlements offer an invaluable window into the lives and traditions of the residents. As the trail gradually ascends, your senses will be treated to the mesmerizing sight of the Phoksundo waterfall the grandest waterfall in Nepal.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Ringmu Phoksundo Lake      Altitude: 3640m

Day 07:  Shey Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Exploration

  • As the day begins, you embark on an early morning hike to the Shey Phoksundo View Point. The trail takes you through amazing landscapes, and challenging passes along the Phoksundo Lake. Upon reaching the Shey Phoksundo View Point, the panoramic view that greets you is nothing short of breathtaking. Its tranquil waters reflect the sky and the surrounding mountains. The contrast between the tranquil lake creates a breathtaking scene that is a feast for the eyes. You find yourself immersed in the moment, absorbing the peacefulness and magnificence background of the Himalayas. 
  • After taking in the majestic view and capturing the scene in your memory, you begin your descent back to Ringmu village. The hike back gives you a different perspective of the landscape, allowing you to appreciate its nuances and diversity even more.
  • Upon returning to the base, you enjoy a lunch that replenishes your energy. With your hunger satisfied, you now turn your attention to exploring Bon Gompa. The monastery stands as a testament to the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. Its architecture is a fusion of shamanic and Buddhist influences, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of these traditions.
  • The visit to Bon Gompa offers not only a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Himalayas but also a moment of personal connection with the ancient wisdom that has flourished in this remote region. The memories of the Shey Phoksundo View Point and Bon Gompa will remain with you as a cherished reminder of the thoughtful experiences that the Himalayan Paradise has to offer.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Phosundo Lake     Altitude: 3640me     Altitude: 3640m

 

Day 08:  Phoksundo to Chhepka
  • Departing from Phoksundo, revisiting some familiar landscapes, and passing through picturesque areas you previously encountered on your way to Phoksundo Lake. As you approach Chhepka, the trail ascent for half an hour to 1 hour and mostly descends gradually. 
  • Chhepka is likely one of the villages along the trail that trekkers often pass through when exploring this region. It's common for trekkers to retrace their steps on certain parts of the trail when returning from their destination, giving them a chance to enjoy familiar views from a different perspective. Taking a rest in Chhepka and spending the night in a lodge is a common practice during multi-day treks, allowing trekkers to rest, refresh, and enjoy the local hospitality.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Chhepka     Altitude: 2838m

Day 09 Khhepka to Juphal
  • The trek begins with a sense of excitement from the village of Cheppka. The trail takes you through various villages on your way to Juphal. Each village you encounter offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the people who live in these remote villages. The journey about about experiencing diverse landscapes.

  • As you approach Jhupal, the trail gradually ascends, leading you through paths that offer a gentle uphill slope. There is an option to drive by local jeep from Suli Ghat to Juphal depending on your schedule. Completing your trek is a moment to celebrate the physical and mental challenges you have overcome and the memories you have created along the way.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Kathmandu      Altitude: 1350m

Day 10: Juphal, Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
  • Starting with an early morning flight from Juphal Airport to Nepalgunj, you will be able to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. Once in Nepalgunj, you will have breakfast at the hotel and then explore the area. There will be a short visit to the Indian border this could be a chance to witness the cultural and geographical closeness between Nepal and India.
  • Afterward, you are free to shop in do activities you like to do on your own in Nepalgunj. Finally, after your exploration and activities in Nepalgunj, we will take a flight to Kathmandu in the afternoon. The flight will likely provide more stunning views of Nepal's landscapes.

    Your guide will be there to assist you and ensure a smooth transition to the hotel.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Kathmandu      Altitude: 1350m

Day 11: Reserve a day in Kathmandu if the flight is canceled due to bad weather.
  • Today we have a contingency plan for your travel itinerary in case the flight from Dunai to Nepalgunj gets canceled due to bad weather. If the flight does get canceled, you would like to allocate this day as a reserve day.
  • However, if the flight operates as scheduled, we plan to use this day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. The alternative plan for sightseeing in Kathmandu is to ensure that you have a flexible time for your international flight

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Kathmandu      Altitude: 1317m

Day 12: Farewell dinner

  • Spending the day relaxingin the cafes of thamel and  exploring nearby areas in Kathmandu can be a delightful experience. Take a stroll through the lively streets of Thamel. Explore the colorful shops, vibrant markets, and unique boutiques. You might find traditional crafts, clothing and other souvienirs that catch your eye. 
  • Explore the shops again, this time focusing on buying souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Look for handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, or traditional Nepali art. In the evening representatives of the Himalayan Paradise Trek will oraganize a farewell dinner.

Meals: BB Plan       Accommodation: Hotel       Place: Kathmandu      Altitude: 1317m

Day 13:  Transfer to the airport for departure.
  • Our representative will pick you up from the hotel and drop you off at the Tribhuwan International Airport for departure. 

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