Trans Himalayan Tour (P) Ltd.
Over 50 years of Delivering Himalayan Adventures
Lower Dolpo Phoksundo Lake Trek
Trip facts
Imagine the romance of trekking in one of the most remote regions in Nepal where trekkers are in much lower numbers than the popular Everest and Annapurna treks. Doplo is the largest territorial district of Nepal, occupying around 15% of the land mass. Within this area is the Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest protected area with 3,555 sq km. Established in 1981, inside this national park is the most stunning turquoise blue lake called the Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by Bon monasteries, pine and birch trees and beautiful rugged mountains. Many recognize this lake from the famous movie ‘Caravan’ directed by Eric Valli, and you can see part of the trail along the lake where this movie was shot.
This trek in the lower Dolpo region is perfect for summer (late July – Sept) as Dolpo falls within the rain shadow, which means there is not much rain here even during the monsoon season. Late summer is when the rich variety of wildflowers such as edelweiss and ground orchids are in bloom and the national park is also abundant in wildlife such as the blue sheep, Himalayan tahrs, snow pigeons and Himalayan griffons. The trail passes through riverbanks and pine forests, wooden bridges and picturesque Hindu and Tibetan villages, and also the highest waterfall in Nepal. You can visit some Bon monasteries, a Shamanistic religion that was spread in the region through Tibet before the influence of Buddhism. It is said that Tibetans migrated into Dolpo and Humla during the 6thand 7thcentury and while the lowlands of Western Nepal is predominantly Hindu, another name for Dolpo among the Tibetan Buddhists is ‘bae-yul’ which means the ‘hidden land’. A truly fascinating wilderness trek, a trip to Phoksundo Lake in the remote region of Dolpo will be one to remember for a lifetime.
BRIEF DETAILS
DAY 01:
International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
DAY 02:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 55 minute domestic flight
DAY 03:
Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m): 35 minute domestic flight. From Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m): 3 hrs
DAY 04:
Dunai to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 05:
Chhepka to Jharana Hotel: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3110m
DAY 06:
Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3620m
DAY 07:
Phoksundo Lake exploration
DAY 08:
Phoksundo to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 09:
Chhepka to Juphal: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2475m
DAY 10:
Juphal to Nepalgunj (35 min flight), then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (55 min flight)
DAY 11:
Kathmandu Full Day Sight Seeing
DAY 12:
Kathmandu Local Adventures
DAY 13:
International Departure
INCLUDED IN COST
International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu
Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel
Domestic flights and ground transportation
Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for every two trekkers.
Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation
Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available
3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek
A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep
Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek
First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide
Trekking permits and entrance fees
Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary
All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax
BRIEF DETAILS
DAY 01:
International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
DAY 02:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 55 minute domestic flight
DAY 03:
Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m): 35 minute domestic flight. From Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m): 3 hrs
DAY 04:
Dunai to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 05:
Chhepka to Jharana Hotel: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3110m
DAY 06:
Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3620m
DAY 07:
Phoksundo Lake exploration
DAY 08:
Phoksundo to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 09:
Chhepka to Juphal: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2475m
DAY 10:
Juphal to Nepalgunj (35 min flight), then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (55 min flight)
DAY 11:
Kathmandu Full Day Sight Seeing
DAY 12:
Kathmandu Local Adventures
DAY 13:
International Departure
Day 1 | International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 | Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 55 minute domestic flight
We take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which is a major transportation gateway into Western Nepal. Nepalgunj is close to the Indian border and the famous Bardia National Park, and lies in the lowlands of western Tarai, a scene that is very different to Kathmandu. The afternoon can be spent walking around the town and visiting Bageshwori temple. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 3| Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m): 35 minute domestic flight. From Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m): 3 hrs
Today we take an early morning flight into Juphal, from where our trek to Phoksundo Lake starts. We take the trail that traverses through maize fields and local villages and we walk alongside the riverbanks of the Bheri River. You will pass through a traditional water mill at Roop Gaad before reaching the town of Dunai. Being the administrative capital of Dolpo district, Dunai is a big town with government offices, health posts, schools and police stations. Your camping trek also starts from today where you will spend the night in a tent.
Day 4 | Dunai to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
Today we will walk along the river valley and head towards Chhepka. After crossing a suspension bridge and walking along the northern bank of the Bheri River, you will be passing through the Shey Phoksundo National Park check post and the park is abundant in flora and fauna. Trekking through pastures and huts, lush green vegetation and rocky paths, you will arrive at Chhepka for the night.
Day 5 | Chhepka to Jharana Hotel: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3110m
Crossing several wooden bridges and forested paths filled with cedar and fir trees, you make your way deeper into the national park. The trail stays close to the river banks and walking along wide meadows and forests, you will be making an altitude gain of 400m today. You may see villagers drying out the leaves of wild plants to be used as condiments to their food.
Day 6 | Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3620m
Hiking up the switchbacks along a sandy trail, you will be rewarded by an amazing view of the highest water fall (330m) in Nepal, appropriately named the Jharana Waterfall. It is a spectacular sight and the size of the waterfall is definitely a wow factor. Soon afterwards, you will get your first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake even if it is a bit far away. You will also be passing through the winter settlement in Polam, where the villagers from Ringmo come down during the winter months. Ringmo is a picturesque Tibetan settlement with the traditional flat roofed stone houses and ancient chortens. We will hike further towards the point where Phoksundo River flows out of the lake. We setup camp in the designated national park camp site, overlooking the stunning Phoksundo Lake.
Day 7 | Phoksundo Lake exploration
Today we spend a well-deserved day by the spectacularly beautiful Phoksundo Lake. With its tranquil Tibetan turquoise blue color that seems to change throughout the day, this freshwater lake is known to be the deepest lake in Nepal at 650m. In the backdrop are rugged mountains as well as centuries old Bon monasteries. We will be visiting some of these Bon gompas, a religion that predates the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. Surrounding by pine trees and birch trees, Phoksundo Lake is regarded as sacred by both Buddhist and Bon religion followers.
We will also be able to see the route to Upper Dolpo where the famous film Caravanby Eric Valli was shot. The campsite near the lake is simply mesmerizing.
Day 8 | Phoksundo to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
After a day well spent, we will retract our trail back to Chhepka, which will be mostly downhill.
Day 9 | Chhepka to Juphal: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2475m
A charming walk through jungles, villages and river valley, we will reach Juphal after 6-7 hours oftrekking. Overnight in Juphal to catch an early morning flight to Nepalgunj.
Day 10 | Juphal to Nepalgunj (35 min flight), then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (55 min flight)
The day starts early with a morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, from where you will catch another flight back into Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day can be spent relaxing.
Day 11 | Kathmandu Full Day Sight Seeing
The day can be arranged for some sight-seeing around the famous World Heritage sights in Kathmandu, highly recommended are Patan Dubar Square, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath temple (monkey temple). Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12 | Kathmandu Local Adventures
Today you will get a close hand experience to what it is like to be a local in Kathmandu. The tour starts with a walk through the spice markets of Asan, from where you will buy the necessary ingredients for your cooking class ‘Cook like a Local’. You will be making items such as momos (everybody’s favorite), and the staple Nepali dish of Dal Bhaat. The rest of the afternoon can be spent for shopping and leisure.
Day 13 | International Departure
As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. We will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again!
Include:
International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu
Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel
Domestic flights and ground transportation
Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for every two trekkers.
Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation
Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available
3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek
A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep
Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek
First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide
Trekking permits and entrance fees
Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary
All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax
Exclude:
International flight tickets
Lunch & dinner outside of trekking (not included in Kathmandu/other cities)
Nepal entry visa fee – visa is available upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
Medical insurance – please make sure you have travel insurance for Nepal
Alcoholic beverages/soft drinks/bottled water
Tips (tipping is expected)
Trip facts
Imagine the romance of trekking in one of the most remote regions in Nepal where trekkers are in much lower numbers than the popular Everest and Annapurna treks. Doplo is the largest territorial district of Nepal, occupying around 15% of the land mass. Within this area is the Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest protected area with 3,555 sq km. Established in 1981, inside this national park is the most stunning turquoise blue lake called the Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by Bon monasteries, pine and birch trees and beautiful rugged mountains. Many recognize this lake from the famous movie ‘Caravan’ directed by Eric Valli, and you can see part of the trail along the lake where this movie was shot.
This trek in the lower Dolpo region is perfect for summer (late July – Sept) as Dolpo falls within the rain shadow, which means there is not much rain here even during the monsoon season. Late summer is when the rich variety of wildflowers such as edelweiss and ground orchids are in bloom and the national park is also abundant in wildlife such as the blue sheep, Himalayan tahrs, snow pigeons and Himalayan griffons. The trail passes through riverbanks and pine forests, wooden bridges and picturesque Hindu and Tibetan villages, and also the highest waterfall in Nepal. You can visit some Bon monasteries, a Shamanistic religion that was spread in the region through Tibet before the influence of Buddhism. It is said that Tibetans migrated into Dolpo and Humla during the 6thand 7thcentury and while the lowlands of Western Nepal is predominantly Hindu, another name for Dolpo among the Tibetan Buddhists is ‘bae-yul’ which means the ‘hidden land’. A truly fascinating wilderness trek, a trip to Phoksundo Lake in the remote region of Dolpo will be one to remember for a lifetime.
BRIEF DETAILS
DAY 01:
International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
DAY 02:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 55 minute domestic flight
DAY 03:
Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m): 35 minute domestic flight. From Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m): 3 hrs
DAY 04:
Dunai to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 05:
Chhepka to Jharana Hotel: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3110m
DAY 06:
Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3620m
DAY 07:
Phoksundo Lake exploration
DAY 08:
Phoksundo to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 09:
Chhepka to Juphal: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2475m
DAY 10:
Juphal to Nepalgunj (35 min flight), then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (55 min flight)
DAY 11:
Kathmandu Full Day Sight Seeing
DAY 12:
Kathmandu Local Adventures
DAY 13:
International Departure
INCLUDED IN COST
International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu
Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel
Domestic flights and ground transportation
Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for every two trekkers.
Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation
Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available
3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek
A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep
Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek
First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide
Trekking permits and entrance fees
Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary
All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax
BRIEF DETAILS
DAY 01:
International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
DAY 02:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 55 minute domestic flight
DAY 03:
Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m): 35 minute domestic flight. From Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m): 3 hrs
DAY 04:
Dunai to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 05:
Chhepka to Jharana Hotel: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3110m
DAY 06:
Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3620m
DAY 07:
Phoksundo Lake exploration
DAY 08:
Phoksundo to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
DAY 09:
Chhepka to Juphal: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2475m
DAY 10:
Juphal to Nepalgunj (35 min flight), then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (55 min flight)
DAY 11:
Kathmandu Full Day Sight Seeing
DAY 12:
Kathmandu Local Adventures
DAY 13:
International Departure
Day 1 | International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 | Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 55 minute domestic flight
We take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which is a major transportation gateway into Western Nepal. Nepalgunj is close to the Indian border and the famous Bardia National Park, and lies in the lowlands of western Tarai, a scene that is very different to Kathmandu. The afternoon can be spent walking around the town and visiting Bageshwori temple. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 3| Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m): 35 minute domestic flight. From Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m): 3 hrs
Today we take an early morning flight into Juphal, from where our trek to Phoksundo Lake starts. We take the trail that traverses through maize fields and local villages and we walk alongside the riverbanks of the Bheri River. You will pass through a traditional water mill at Roop Gaad before reaching the town of Dunai. Being the administrative capital of Dolpo district, Dunai is a big town with government offices, health posts, schools and police stations. Your camping trek also starts from today where you will spend the night in a tent.
Day 4 | Dunai to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
Today we will walk along the river valley and head towards Chhepka. After crossing a suspension bridge and walking along the northern bank of the Bheri River, you will be passing through the Shey Phoksundo National Park check post and the park is abundant in flora and fauna. Trekking through pastures and huts, lush green vegetation and rocky paths, you will arrive at Chhepka for the night.
Day 5 | Chhepka to Jharana Hotel: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3110m
Crossing several wooden bridges and forested paths filled with cedar and fir trees, you make your way deeper into the national park. The trail stays close to the river banks and walking along wide meadows and forests, you will be making an altitude gain of 400m today. You may see villagers drying out the leaves of wild plants to be used as condiments to their food.
Day 6 | Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo: 5-6 hrs. Ending Elevation: 3620m
Hiking up the switchbacks along a sandy trail, you will be rewarded by an amazing view of the highest water fall (330m) in Nepal, appropriately named the Jharana Waterfall. It is a spectacular sight and the size of the waterfall is definitely a wow factor. Soon afterwards, you will get your first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake even if it is a bit far away. You will also be passing through the winter settlement in Polam, where the villagers from Ringmo come down during the winter months. Ringmo is a picturesque Tibetan settlement with the traditional flat roofed stone houses and ancient chortens. We will hike further towards the point where Phoksundo River flows out of the lake. We setup camp in the designated national park camp site, overlooking the stunning Phoksundo Lake.
Day 7 | Phoksundo Lake exploration
Today we spend a well-deserved day by the spectacularly beautiful Phoksundo Lake. With its tranquil Tibetan turquoise blue color that seems to change throughout the day, this freshwater lake is known to be the deepest lake in Nepal at 650m. In the backdrop are rugged mountains as well as centuries old Bon monasteries. We will be visiting some of these Bon gompas, a religion that predates the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. Surrounding by pine trees and birch trees, Phoksundo Lake is regarded as sacred by both Buddhist and Bon religion followers.
We will also be able to see the route to Upper Dolpo where the famous film Caravanby Eric Valli was shot. The campsite near the lake is simply mesmerizing.
Day 8 | Phoksundo to Chhepka: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2670m
After a day well spent, we will retract our trail back to Chhepka, which will be mostly downhill.
Day 9 | Chhepka to Juphal: 6-7 hrs. Ending Elevation: 2475m
A charming walk through jungles, villages and river valley, we will reach Juphal after 6-7 hours oftrekking. Overnight in Juphal to catch an early morning flight to Nepalgunj.
Day 10 | Juphal to Nepalgunj (35 min flight), then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (55 min flight)
The day starts early with a morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, from where you will catch another flight back into Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day can be spent relaxing.
Day 11 | Kathmandu Full Day Sight Seeing
The day can be arranged for some sight-seeing around the famous World Heritage sights in Kathmandu, highly recommended are Patan Dubar Square, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath temple (monkey temple). Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12 | Kathmandu Local Adventures
Today you will get a close hand experience to what it is like to be a local in Kathmandu. The tour starts with a walk through the spice markets of Asan, from where you will buy the necessary ingredients for your cooking class ‘Cook like a Local’. You will be making items such as momos (everybody’s favorite), and the staple Nepali dish of Dal Bhaat. The rest of the afternoon can be spent for shopping and leisure.
Day 13 | International Departure
As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. We will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again!
Include:
International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu
Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel
Domestic flights and ground transportation
Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for every two trekkers.
Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation
Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available
3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek
A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep
Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek
First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide
Trekking permits and entrance fees
Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary
All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax
Exclude:
International flight tickets
Lunch & dinner outside of trekking (not included in Kathmandu/other cities)
Nepal entry visa fee – visa is available upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
Medical insurance – please make sure you have travel insurance for Nepal
Alcoholic beverages/soft drinks/bottled water
Tips (tipping is expected)
