Phoksundo lake
Punam Phuyal
Shey 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.
Shey Phosundo lake is the major destiny of Shey 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 Shey Phoksundo lake?
We can reach Shey 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 Shey 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.
