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Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Trek to the iconic Phoksundo Lake in Shey Phoksundo National Park. This moderate trek is the most accessible way to experience the magic of Dolpo's incredible turquoise lake and surrounding wilderness.

12 Days
3612m Max
Moderate

From

$1099

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4.8(89 reviews)
Juphal to Juphal

About This Trek

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is one of the most rewarding and authentic trekking experiences in the Dolpo Region of Nepal. This 12-day journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayas, reaching a maximum altitude of 3612m.

Trek to the iconic Phoksundo Lake in Shey Phoksundo National Park. This moderate trek is the most accessible way to experience the magic of Dolpo's incredible turquoise lake and surrounding wilderness.

Throughout the trek, you'll experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the local communities. The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints. Our experienced guides ensure your safety and comfort while sharing their deep knowledge of the region's history, flora, and fauna.

This trek is rated as "Moderate" and is ideal for trekkers with some experience who want a genuine mountain challenge without extreme technical demands.

Duration12 Days
Max Altitude3612m
DifficultyModerate
Group Size2-12

Trek Highlights

Stunning Phoksundo Lake

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Waterfall viewpoints

Remote Thakuri villages

Pristine forest trails

Rich wildlife — blue sheep, Himalayan tahr

Ancient Bon culture

Turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and trek briefing with your guide. Explore Thamel district if time permits.

1400m
17km approx.

Travel to the trek starting point. Depending on the route, this may involve a scenic flight or a drive through beautiful Nepalese countryside. Brief orientation walk in the afternoon.

2781m
11.9km approx.

Trek through lush valleys, suspension bridges, and terraced hillsides. Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

2789m
10.7km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 8 hours.

3002m
9.8km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 5 hours.

3195m
8.2km approx.

Early morning start to reach the highest point of the trek at 3375m. Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This is the highlight of your Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek. Descend to a lower camp for the night.

3612m
16.3km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

3546m
14.5km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 5 hours.

3380m
10.2km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 8 hours.

3152m
16.1km approx.

Trek through lush valleys, suspension bridges, and terraced hillsides. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

2965m
15.6km approx.

Final day of trekking. Descend through forests and villages. Celebration dinner with the trekking team in the evening.

2583m
10.3km approx.

Return to Kathmandu by flight or vehicle. Free time for shopping and sightseeing. Farewell dinner with the team to celebrate your achievement.

1400m
10.8km approx.

What's Included

Included

  • Airport & hotel pickup/drop-off
  • All ground transportation
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • Comfortable teahouse accommodation
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All necessary permits and entry fees
  • First aid kit and oximeter
  • Sleeping bag (if required)
  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
  • Trek completion certificate
  • Government taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal trekking gear and clothing
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages
  • Hot showers and device charging (where available)
  • Emergency evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
  • Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather or health

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this trek.

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is rated as "Moderate". This trek requires a good level of fitness and some prior trekking experience. You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours per day on varied terrain. We recommend starting a fitness routine at least 6-8 weeks before your trek.
The best seasons for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek are Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov). During these periods, you can expect stable weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain views. The autumn season (September-November) typically offers the clearest visibility, while spring (March-May) brings beautiful rhododendron blooms. Monsoon (June-August) and winter (December-February) are generally not recommended due to heavy rainfall and extreme cold respectively.
The trek price of $1099 per person includes airport/hotel transfers, all ground transportation, experienced English-speaking guide, porters (1 per 2 trekkers), all accommodation during the trek, three meals per day, necessary permits and entry fees, first aid kit, and a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. Government taxes and service charges are also included.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation up to $50,000, trek-related accidents, trip cancellation, and medical treatment at altitudes up to 3612m. We can recommend reputable insurance providers that cater specifically to high-altitude trekking.
We recommend starting your training at least 6-8 weeks before the trek. Focus on cardiovascular fitness (running, cycling, swimming), leg strength exercises (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and practice hikes with a loaded backpack. Try to include some uphill walking to simulate trail conditions. Yoga and stretching are also beneficial for flexibility and mental preparation.
The Dolpo Region is a restricted trekking area in Nepal. You will need a Special Restricted Area Permit in addition to the standard TIMS card. These permits require trekking with a registered agency (which we provide) and a minimum group size. All permit costs are included in our trek price, and we handle the entire permit application process on your behalf.