11-Day Phoksundo Lake Trek in Dolpo with Ringmo and Tshowa Gompa

11 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on an 11-day trek through Nepal's Dolpo region, starting in Kathmandu and flying to Juphal via Nepalgunj. Trek through picturesque villages such as Dunai...

Duration: 11 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Not included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Nepalganj, Kathmandu, Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park · Languages: English

Know before you go: Travel insurance: All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. The policy should cover personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other illness covered by the insurance plan. We highly advise acquiring a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.; Passport and visa: Every client must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity from the return date. A Nepal visa can be obtained through the Nepalese consulate in your country or from the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

About Nepalganj

Nepal

Nepalganj

One of Nepal’s few lowland cities, Nepalganj is a lively town of Indian undercurrents that’s home to the Bengal tiger populations of Bardia National Park. Discover it all with help from a local guide.

Explore Nepalganj Nepal All destinations

What's Included

All private transportation, including airport transfers
Meals (breakfast, dinner, and supper) during the trek
Insurance for the guide
All necessary permits, paperwork, and TIMS card
A basic first-aid box
Emergency rescue operation (only if you have travel insurance)
All government and local taxes, and official expenses
Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural shows

Not Included

Nepal entry visa fees: you can quickly obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Food and hotels before and after the trek
All kinds of beverages, including tea, water, wine, and more
Additional costs beyond management control due to natural calamities, weather conditions, and similar circumstances
Personal expenses, including snacks, laundry, telephone, Wi-Fi, and hot showers at tea houses during the trek
Personal trekking equipment for this trek
Tipping for the guide and staff (recommended)
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Include section of this trek

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

Once you arrive at the airport terminal, our representative will welcome you, assist with your transfer to the hotel, and help you check in. Nestled in a deep valley, Kathmandu is surrounded by rolling green hills. The city blends the traditional and the contemporary, with historic areas dating back to the Middle Ages alongside modern urban architecture. Later that evening, your trekking guide will give you a pre-hike briefing. Check your trekking gear, and if you have missed anything, you may rent or buy it from the shops around Thamel. Thamel, a major tourist attraction, offers a wide range of stores selling and renting hiking gear.
2

Day 02

Fly to Nepalgunj, Gateway to the Far West

Today, you will board a morning flight to Nepalgunj, which takes around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at the airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation, and you will have plenty of time to explore the city.
3

Day 03

Fly to Juphal and Trek to Dunai

After breakfast, drive to Nepalgunj's airfield to board an early morning flight to Juphal. You will begin your trek after landing at Juphal Airfield, following the path to Dunai. The trail gradually changes as it passes through verdant meadows and gently descends to Kalighat. It continues along the Thulo Bheri riverside, passing Roop Ghar's watermill before arriving at Dunai. This is the district headquarters and the largest settlement in the Dolpo district, bordered by verdant hills on the banks of the Thulo Bheri River. Explore the village and learn about the residents, their culture, and their way of life by visiting the local marketplace in Dunai.
4

Day 04

Trek from Dunai to Chhepka Village

You will begin your hike on a wooded trail with breathtaking natural landscapes along the banks of the Bheri River, cross the river, and head north to Sulighat, a small but lovely hamlet. After a short hike, you will reach the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. Shey Phoksundo National Park is Nepal's only trans-Himalayan national park and one of the nation's largest. From here, the trail proceeds downward to the little settlement of Chhepka, following a woodland route.
5

Day 05

Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Village

Early in the morning, you will leave Chhepka village and proceed to Jharana, home to one of the most significant waterfalls in the Dolpo region. Along the way, you can admire picturesque views of the Bheri Valley while hiking through a forested cedar route. You will continue your ascent while taking in breathtaking views of Phoksundo Lake's gorge and proceed to Jharana village, admiring the spectacular beauty of Jharana, one of Nepal's highest waterfalls.
6

Day 06

Trek to Ringmo, a Tibetan Village

Today, you will hike from Jharana waterfall toward Shey Phoksundo Lake and then descend a steep downhill trail to Ringmo, a Tibetan settlement. Following the trail, you will arrive at Ringmo village after passing through dense birch and coniferous forest. Nestled on remote mountain hillsides away from the effects of urbanisation, Ringmo has preserved the locals' houses and lifestyles, making it yet another remarkable sight to observe.
7

Day 07

Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa

Today, you will explore the turquoise-blue Shey Phoksundo Lake, situated at 3,660 metres above sea level. Several endangered species, such as blue sheep and musk deer, may be seen grazing near the waterfront. The glamorous Phoksundo Lake is just around the corner from Ringmo Village. You will have an entire day to relax while admiring the lake's tranquil waters and also explore Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bonpo monastery of historical significance situated on the Phoksundo Lake ridge.
8

Day 08

Trek from Ringmo back to Chhepka

You will leave Ringmo village after a hearty breakfast, carrying an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime, and continue on the trail, this time walking alongside the Phoksundo River. The rugged trail descends gently through magnificent green meadows, passing Renji village, while spectacular snow-capped mountains accompany you on your journey. You will travel along the Sulighat River until you reach Chhepka village, passing through pine and juniper forest areas.
9

Day 09

Trek from Chhepka to Juphal

Finally, the adventure comes to an end as you continue the downhill route to Juphal after breakfast in Chhepka. Hiking through fantastic mountain landscapes, captivating meadows, stunning pastures, terraces, farms, and villages will make this a journey to remember.
10

Day 10

Fly from Juphal to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Early in the morning, you will catch a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then onward to Kathmandu. Both flights provide stunning scenery of snow-capped peaks, verdant hillsides, and scenic valleys. Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. You may spend the remaining day relaxing or strolling around Thamel for some last-minute shopping. Later in the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant while participating in a cultural event with our representative and your trekking guide.
11

Day 11

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Three hours before your flight's departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please let us know if you would like to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries, or let us create a journey just for you.