Swagat Holiday Treks & Expeditions Pvt Ltd.
+977-9851002768 / +977-9860460464

Shey Phoksundo Trek- 12 Days

Trip Introduction


Shey Phoksundo Trek
Shey Phoksundo Trek is an emerging adventurous trekking trip. Phoksundo Lake (second largest Lake of Nepal) is one of the beautiful lakes in Nepal, and it is situated in Dolpa (Dolpo in Tibetan) district, and lies are Shey Phoksundo National Park- largest National Park at an elevation of 3610m. Absent of aquatic life and mirroring the snowy Kanjiroba massif, the crystal clear turquoise lake water looks heavenly. The trek is easy as no high passes are involved. Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to various species of rare flora and fauna and still preserves the centuries-old traditions of Bon Po and Buddhism untouched by any sort of modernization. The Crystal Mountain is the same region that is considered holy by the people of Dolpo.
Dolpo to Shey Phoksundo Lake is a newly modified, non-touristic, and only one remote lodge trek destination of mid-west Nepal, Karnali zone. Dolpo knows as little Tibet and it is the largest territorial district (by geographical area) of Nepal to Tibet Border. By culturally, naturally ranking this area trek route is still untouched and very less tourist destination. The Phoksundo lake itself gifted by Nature and the people from Dolpo are able to preserve their hundred years old Buddhist culture, traditions, and lifestyle which we can touch along the Phoksundo Lake trekking after talking flight from Kathmandu-Nepalgunj to Juphal. It is the lake and region where many international filmed and documentary shoots by the most popular producers. Caravan or Himalaya is one of the movies that was filmed by Eric Valli. It is a moderate trek can be reached by using domestic flight and probably one of the best hiking experience in the moderate zone with the scenic beauty of natural sources, you will able to visit some of peace-full, colorful and yaks caravan in the villages Ringmo, Phoksundo around and in route from Dunai.
Dolpo to turquoise Phoksundo lake trek can be done by organizing camping preparation with the special trekking permit for Lower and Upper Dolpo via Phoksundo lake and National Park. This trek route passes through not only the wonderful mountain forest and covered the Kanjiroba Himalayan range till Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west, but also you will reach vibrant Buddhist culture, get knowledge of local traditional life and wilderness. It is a relatively expensive lodge trek than other routes of Nepal because of remote areas and domestic flights.

 


Group Size : 02 Minimum Max - altitude : 3612m/11850ft
Destination : Destiny Country Fitness level : Adventure
Arrival : Kathmandu Departure from : Kathmandu
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation : Double/Twin Sharing in Hotel/Lodge
 
Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, Duration: One hour
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2850m/9348ft), Duration: 45 min flight, 2-3 Hrs trek
Day 05: Trek Dunai to Chhekpa (2670m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 06: Chhekpa to Jharana Hotel (3038m/9967ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 07: Jharana Hotel to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3612m/11850ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 08: Rest day (Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake)
Day 09: Trek from Phoksundo to Shyanta (2520m/8268ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 10: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2475m/8120ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 11: Flight from Juphal –Nepalgunj- Kathmandu
Day 12: End of the tour and time for the final flight to home
Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences. For more information please contact us at [email protected]

 


Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
 You will arrive in Nepal at Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport is the only airport in Nepal. You can meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition outside the airport terminal. A signboard that “Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition” will help you find these representatives easily. You can check into your hotel with them. You have a couple of options as to how you spend your day/evening. Either you can relax in the hotel or you can go for exploring small towns likes Thamel on your own.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
                                                                                                                  
Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
You will meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition in the morning and discuss your Salleri (Phaplu) Everest Base Camp Trek. In this pre-Trip meeting, you will have plenty of information about the weather, difficulty, etc. during the trip. You can meet your guide and meet the various members of your trip.
You will get for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after the briefing. The many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu make it a beautiful place for an excellent sightseeing tour.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple lies on the bank of the Bagmati River, is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The main temple is two-storeyed. It also has smaller monuments as well as places for pilgrimage surrounding it.
Baudhanath and Swayambhunath
Baudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most famous Buddhist temples you will go to on this trip. The feel of the Buddhist culture, as well as the peaceful setting of these two monasteries, makes for a wonderful visit to these places.
You will also get to two Durbar Squares- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Square- during this trip. Historical temples like Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Dhoka, museums, and other smaller temples make these two squares some of the most delightful in this trip. You can see the perfect representations of the medieval architecture of Nepal in these two squares.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, Duration: One hour
We take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in western Nepal. Our scenic flight over the terraced hillsides and thatched villages of Nepal’s green middle hills takes us to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj, the largest city in the western Terai. Nepalgunj, set in the steamy plains of southern Nepal, less than ten kilometers from the border of India, is a jumping-off point for many flights and buses into western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we can visit the local market, mini-zoo, and nearby villages. It is quite hot and tropical. We will stay overnight in Nepalgunj.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2850m/9348ft), Duration: 45 min flight, 2-3 Hrs trek
Today early in the morning we will take a forty-five-minute flight to Juphal (although the exact departure time is determined by the Mahendra airport that morning). Dolpo flights are always scheduled early in the morning. This is because high winds in the Thulo Bheri Valley begin around 10 am, making later flights impossible. We are treated to fantastic views of the great wrinkle of green ridges peppered with small, terraced villages and surrounded by snow-capped peaks from our small yeti plane as we head north towards Juphal, the main airport of the Dolpo (Dolpa) region. And it’s quite an exciting landing on their small landing strip, built right at the top of the village on a small ridge. Once we arrive at Juphal (2500m), we start out on the short walk from Juphal to Dunai. Juphal and the surrounding villages, built high above the Thulo Bheri River, are a mix of Hindu and Buddhist inhabitants with many ancient animists and shamanistic elements thrown in, an interesting vignette of the culture of the middle hills of Nepal. Women wear traditional Nepali dress, sarong-like skirts, and adorn themselves with gold nose-rings and earrings and thick, colorful strands of glass beads. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night and explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 05: Trek Dunai to Chhekpa (2670m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Today we begin the trek after breakfast and descend through the streets of Dunai Town to cross the bridge over Bheri River. Then we chase the northern bank of the river for an hour to reach Sulighat. Then we head north to reach Shey Phoksundo National Park Check Post. Beyond the check post, we gradually climb up along the rock-strewn trail that lies above the serpentine Suli Ghat Khola. As the trail stretches higher through the series of hemp tree we arrive at Kageni. Further trekking through a beautiful tropical forest dominated by walnut and maple trees, we begin to see the first glimpses of Tibetan culture. Savoring the views of fluttering prayer flags, flora and fauna biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation we arrive at the village of Shyanta 2520m. Almost ninety minutes of an uphill trek from Shyanta along the narrow trail brings us to Chhekpa 2670m. We will stay overnight in a lodge at Chhekpa.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 06: Chhekpa to Jharana Hotel (3038m/9967ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
We will wake up early in the morning and after breakfast, we will make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. You will have an amazing view of cedar forests and Bheri Valley. The trail goes uphill and you can see Phoksundo Lake’s gorge as well. Once you view Jharana (Waterfall); one of the highest (330m long) and most beautiful waterfalls of Nepal, you will then head to the Jharana village. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Jharana.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 07: Jharana Hotel to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3612m/11850ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Today we will trek to our main destination – the Phoksundo Lake. You will have an early breakfast and follow the trail that goes through birch forests. Then the trail goes along the Phoksundo River; after crossing the river, you will reach Ringmo, a rustic Tibetan village. You will have your lunch there and rest for a while, after which you will continue along the banks of the river and reach the lake. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Phoksundo Lakeside.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 08: Rest day (Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake)
Today, you will explore the surroundings of turquoise-colored Lake. From here, you can see amazing views of Mt. Kanjiroba and other peaks from many different points; you can also enjoy the serenity of the lake and its surrounding as well. You can explore the Tshowa Gompa, located at the ridge of the lake, which is an important site for Buddhists. You can also visit the monasteries and religious sites of the neighboring villages like Ringmo.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 09: Trek from Phoksundo to Shyanta (2520m/8268ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
You will have an early breakfast and leave the beautiful lake behind to follow the trail that first ascends to a hill where you can see the entire lake for the last time. From there, you will start to descend to the banks of the Phoksundo River. Along the way, you will pass by villages like Chunuwar, followed by Rechi. From there, we walk along the river bank and keep descending until we arrive in Chhekpa. We then enter the forested path to finally reach Shyanta for overnight.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 10: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2475m/8120ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After breakfast we will hit the trail again through the rocky path, going alongside the Bheri River. Accompanied by the beautiful landscape in the background, we continue to trek and leave the Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then head east towards Juphal Airport passing through the small village of Kalagauda. After 4 hours of walk, we finally arrive in Juphal. We will stay overnight in a local lodge in Juphal.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 11: Flight from Juphal –Nepalgunj- Kathmandu
Leaving behind Juphal, we fly back to Nepalgunj taking an early morning flight, as flights are not possible in the afternoon due to the strong winds. After reaching Nepalgunj, we catch another flight back to Kathmandu, relishing the scenic views throughout the flight. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu for the overnight stay.
Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 12: End of the tour and time for the final flight to home
This will be your final day in this awesome country of the Himalayas Nepal. We will drop you at the airport a couple of hours before your scheduled flight. Before leaving for the airport, you need to confirm that you have secured tour air ticket as well as other travel-related documents. We wish you have a wonderful departure back home. We can also arrange for another trip to Nepal in case you want to.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast

 


COST INCLUDE 
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).
  • Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
  • 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.
  • A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.
  • We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.
  • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
  • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.
 COST EXCLUDE
  • Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
  • All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
  • Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation
  • In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.
     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.
 

Leave a Review


Rating

Important Note:      
Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.
 Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
In case the flight delays/cancellation happens at the start of the trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight. However, please note that there will be no refund if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and Breakfast in a guest house in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.
 
CONCLUSION
Shey Phoksundo Trek will provide you with different new exciting experiences. You should go for this trek if you are seeking for wonderful adventures. It is best you prepare yourself before leaving for Shey Phoksundo Trek.

 


Equipment and Gears
  • Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)
  • One pair of a walking stick
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • Sun Hat/Cap
  • Basic Medical Kits
  • Head Lamp
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Trekking towels
  • Sunglasses (UV Protection)
  • Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweeter
  • Raincoat
  • 5/6 pairs of good quality socks
  • 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts
  • 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Good quality Sleeping Bag
  • Camera and Batteries
 

Trip Location Map