Phoksundo lake

Phoksundo is the most beautiful lake in trans-Himalayan region of northwest Nepal. It is located in Dolpa district at an elevation of 3612 meters above sea level. It is the gems of lower Dolpo that offers an amazing Shey Phoksundo lake trek with in Shey Phoksundo national park.    

Phosundo lake is the major destiny of Phoksundo lake trek in far western region of Nepal. It is amazing lake in the dry landscape of Dolpo well identified as the deepest lake in Nepal. It takes four days to reach Phoksundo lake from Juphal. The bank of Shey Phoksundo river and greenery of Shey Phoksundo national park is major landmark to reach the Phoksundo lake.

Why to visit Phoksundo lake?

The major reasons behind Phoksundo lake visit are as follows:

• Largest lake in Nepal within largest national park
• Amazing landscape with pristine wilderness
• Tibetan Buddhist culture and Tibetan Bon religon
• Unique Himalayan flora and fauna
• Ancient trade route to Tibet
• Remote lifestyle
• Mesmerizing view of Phoksundo lake and 100m high Phoksundo waterfall
• Century old Bon settlement - Ringmo village
• Rocky cliffs, barren highlands and pine forests
• Off beaten trekking trail

How to reach Phoksundo lake?

We can reach Phoksundo lake by taking flights to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and then to Juphal. The trekking to the lake begins from Juphal and passes through Chhepka, Jharana hotel and reaches Ringmo Phoksundo lake. 

There are tea houses available on the Phoksundo lake trekking trail. We can stay overnight near the lake and trek to viewpoint in the early morning. After that we can descend to Shyanta and reach Juphal.

The brief outline of Phoksundo lake trek

• Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
• Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu
• Day 3: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai
• Day 4: Trek to Chhepka
• Day 5: Trek to Jharana Hotel
• Day 6: Trek to Ringmo Phoksundo lake
• Day 7: Explore around Phoksundo lake
• Day 8: Trek to Shyanta
• Day 9: Trek to Juphal
• Day 10: Flight to Nepalgunj to fly back to Kathmandu
• Day 11: Final departure

Best time to visit Phoksundo lake

The best time to visit Phoksundo lake is March, April, May, September, October and November. The months of spring and autumn are the best for visiting Phoksundo lake because of the best weather and moderate temperature during this time. 

The Phoksundo lake froze in winter whereas the weather remains foggy in summer. Therefore, it is always best to choose either spring or autumn for enjoying the natural beauty of the place.

What are the difficulties of reaching Phoksundo lake?

Phoksundo lake trek is moderately difficult trek in far western region of Nepal. There are some possible obstacles that may appear in Shey Phoksundo lake trek. 

• Limited flight to Juphal
• Remote area
• Limited accommodation
• Transportation

Limited flight to and from Juphal

There are limited aircraft heading to Juphal from Nepalgunj. We should have pre-booking before heading to Nepalgunj. The weather is another factor that may affect flight. It will be delayed or postponed due to poor visibility. 

Thus, trekkers planning for Phoksundo lake should have buffer days to wait for the Juphal flight in bad weather conditions.

Remote area

Trekkers cannot expect luxury services in the tea houses of Phoksundo lake trail. We can get normal tea houses for night stay. Trekkers can enjoy the local food and local lifestyle. You can enjoy the off beaten trekking trail. 

Limited accommodation

There are least tea houses developed for trekkers in Phoksundo trail. We may have to stay in tentunless getting rooms. We should have pre booking to get better place for night stay.

Transportation

Trekking to Phoksundo lake without flight is very difficult. Driving to Juphal from Nepalgunj is a long travel in bumpy roads which is comparatively difficult than taking flight.

Permits to visit Phoksundo lake

lot of travellers are confusion that they have to issue permit or not for Phoksundo lake and Answer is Yes. If you Nepali Citizen you don't Need make anything but if your are forginers  than yes you have make Shey phoksundo National Park Permit and Restriction are permit and cost is 3000 and 20 USD per person. 

Phoksundo national park permit cost

Phoksundo national park permit cost varies for people of SAARC nation and foreigners. The cost is shown on the table below.

Conclusion of Phoksundo lake

Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake of Nepal in far western Nepal. It is the best trekking destination offering off beaten trail with remote life and ancient society. The Shey Phoksundo trek route covers the mind-blowing beauty of Phoksundo national park, rivers, water falls and lakes in dry landscape of Dolpo, Nepal.