Phoksundo lake Dolpo trekking is a famous trekking tour destination for local trekkers as well. Nepali people by nature; do not trek as much as foreigners come for trekking in Nepal – but still the amount of Nepali folks trekking to Phoksundo lake is tremendous.
Dolpo region itself is famous for its isolated location in Nepal Himalaya & famous for being connected with Tibet. In fact, Dolpo region lies in the Tibetan plateau.
Phoksundo lake and reflection of the white himalaya in the green lake of Phosundo has added a huge impact for attracting both – domestic as well as foreign tourists. Untouched nature & culture of the region makes trekking to Phoksundo a perfect destination for a 2 weeks holiday in Nepal.
Because of the roadway connectivity – there are various places which can be accessible by road but still; to get by the lake of Phoksundo trekkers must have to walk on foot. This walk is certainly worth it with the degree of natural beauty and peacefulness.
For those who would like to go to Tibet but don’t have access to that, Dolpo trekking in Nepal Himalaya is a perfect destination with resemblance of Tibetan culture and tradition. Local people doing their daily chores and herds of sheep coming back home from the pastures in the evenings creates a nice combination.
Phoksundo lake Dolpo Trekking is the best combination of freshwater lake, antique culture & different landscape of Nepal Himalaya.
Renowned land of the Bon-Po faith, Dolpo is one of the famous trekking trails in Nepal Himalaya. Similar to the western part of Tibet, this part of Nepal has a different Buddhist culture than you’ve seen before. Once you visit Dolpo, you will see the people worshiping God from the left side: when they rotate prayer wheels they do it left, when the shrine of the Monastery is placed, it is on the left.
This is an extremely different Buddhist practice in the Birth country of Buddha. Dolpo people have their own lifestyle, culture and tradition, hence the way of worshiping Buddha is also different and unique to the region. In addition to the culture and people, the panoramic landscape of Dolpo will give you a lot to marvel about. Video Gallery
People & Nature
If you are trekking during May/June, the crowd of people walking uphill will amaze you. During this season the people in Dolpo and people from the other parts of Nepal will gather in this area to collect Yarsa Gumba. Yarsa Gumba is one of the famous herbs found in this region.
The cost of Yarsa Gumba and the crowds collecting it will answer your question of how important is this Yarsa Gumba? Numa-La and Baga-La are major passes of this region with Mt.Kanjiroba and Phoksundo Lake inside Phoksundo National Park.
We believe one important aspect of travelling is gathering experiences with people, so along with exploring the natural beauty of Dolpo, we help you to see and learn about the local culture. How do they work and eat and sit? We have special guides with social relations, which means your trek will add more to your travelling experience here with us.
A fun fact about Dolpo: this place is a hidden valley of Nepal where Oscar nominated film “CARAVAN” was filmed. It’s an awesome hidden treasure in Nepal, and now it’s your turn to explore it, leave your thoughts. More itinerary options for Phoksundo lake Dolpo Trekking are listed in Lower dolpo section of this article, check this.
Looking forward to Phoksundo lake Dolpo trekking
Among all the restricted trekking trails of Nepal – lower dolpo trek with phoksundo lake makes a complete trekking experience for first time visitors as well as returning visitors in Nepal.
Do not get confused with Upper dolpo trekking and Phoksundo lake dolpo trekking. Because – Phoksundo lake Dolpo trekking in a lower dolpo trek but Upper dolpo trek takes you higher than Phoksundo lake. However – both of these treks have a common route in regard to Phoksundo lake visit.
Also – Lower dolpo trek do not need to be a camping trek whereas; upper dolpo trek must need camping nights.
If you want to explore more options about remote trekking in Nepal read our recent blog on our picks for remote/restricted region trekking in Nepal.
Phoksundo lake Dolpo trekking Outline itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive to Tribhuwan international airport & our company representative will assist you to transfer to your hotel
- Day 2 – Your Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Company will arrange the Lower Dolpo permit this day.
- Day 3 – Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
- Day 4 – Fly to Juphal & short hike to Dunai.
- Day 5 – Trek starts from Dunai to Tarakot.
- Day 6 – Trekking from Tarakot to Laini.
- Day 7 – Trek to Nawarpani.
- Day 8 – From Nawarpani to Dho Tarap.
- Day 9 – Acclimatization day at Dho Tarap. Today is rest day.
- Day 10 – Trekking to Numla phedi.
- Day 11 – Trek to Numala pass base.
- Day 12 – Trek to Pelung Tang via Numa La pass.
- Day 13 – Trek Dajok Tang via Baga La Pass.
- Day 14 – Trekking to Ringmo.
- Day 15 – Rest day & Day hike to Phoksundo Lake.
- Day 16 – Ringmo to Chepka.
- Day 17 – Trek back to Jhupal.
- Day 18 – Connect flight to Nepalgunj & then to Kathmandu.
- Day 19 – Guided Shopping and rest day at Kathmandu / spare day
- Day 20 – Drop to airport by our vehicle, for your onward destination.
Download Detail itinerary of Phoksundo lake Dolpo trekking
Cost of Phoksundo lake Dolpo Trekking– Nepalgram Adventure
| S.No. | Luxury | All Incl | Service | |
| 1 | Cost (in USD $) Details | 2380 | 1235 | 670 |
| 2 | Licensed Guide | √ | √ | √ |
| 3 | Accommodation during trek | Standard | Private | Shared |
| 4 | Transportation to trek start point | Private | Shared | Shared |
| 5 | Shower | √ | √ | √ |
| 6 | Airport/bus terminal Shuttle service | Private | Private | × |
| 7 | Hotel at KTM/Pokhara | 5 Star | Standard | × |
| 8 | Food on trek(BLD) | Unlimited Meal | 3 Meal | × |
| 9 | Desert | From Menu | Fresh Fruit | × |
| 10 | Soft drink | unlimited | 1 | × |
| 11 | Porter | Private | Shared | × |
| 12 | Company Cap & T-shirt | √ | √ | × |
| 13 | Dawn Jacket & Sleeping – bag to be returned | √ | √ | × |
| 14 | Hard drink | Local Brand | × | × |
| 15 | Warm up hike | √ | × | × |
| 16 | Farewell party/dinner | √ | × | × |
| 17 | Buffer day for trek | √ | × | × |
| 18 | Food in the city | × | × | × |
Note – Minimum people in group must be 02 so as to apply above price range.
Phoksundo lake Dolpo trekking itinerary
• Altitude - 1380 meters
• Time – 30 minutes hotel transfer time
• Activity – Relax at hotel
Company representative will assist you and check in to Hotel.
• Altitude - 1380 meters
• Special – Kathmandu City tour
• Time – Full day
• Activity – Sightseeing of UNESCO world heritage site
Kathmandu Tour will be with a local (licensed) guide in A/C car. Our guide will take you to major 4 destination of Kathmandu. Swyambhu famous for self-created Buddhist stupa, Boudhnath famous for stupa built on the relics of Kanakmuni Buddha, Pashupatinath famous for Hindu cremation and a holiest place in for Shivaism and Kathmandu Durbar Square famous for the living goddess “Kumari”. Our aim is to give our clients an exotic experience.
• Altitude - 2540 meters
• Special – Scenic view from plane
• Time – 1 hour flight
• Activity – Flying in plane
Today you’ll be heading to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai close to the Indian border and doorway to the Western region of Nepal.
• Altitude - 2150 meters
• Special – Scenic view during flight and trek
• Time – 35 minutes flight and 3 hours trek
• Activity – Flying in plane and short hike
Today you will fly to Juphal, the starting point for the trek to Phoksundo Lake. The trail ascends southeast, high above Thulo Bheri Valley, then winds through maize fields to the village of Kalagaunda. You will follow the southern bank of the Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar, where you can see a traditional water mill, before finally reaching the village of Dunai.
• Altitude - 2450 meters
• Special – View of mountains
• Time – 6 hours trek
• Activity – Trekking through crossing rivers and villages
The route involves walking along the bank of the river which will lead you towards a lush forest. After walking for some time, you will reach Tarakot. You will visit the Sandul Gompa at Tarakot. It is 8 kilometers away from the village and sits at the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu.
• Altitude - 3135 meters
• Special – River where Tarap chu and barbung chu mix
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – Crossing through longest suspension bridge of the valley
It takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Laini from Tarakot. You will be staying overnight in Laini. From Laini, you will be ascending on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The hike will be quite exciting as you will encounter narrow gorges that in some places you can jump from one side to another.
• Altitude - 3780 meters
• Special – Beautiful view of surrounding
• Time – 5/6 hours
• Activity – Walking uphill and downhill
We climb on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani.
• Altitude - 3950 meters
• Special – Exploration of small settlement and monastery
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – Trekking through crossing the river
You will be walking through narrow gorges along trails uphill and make your own trail in a specific place in the river. This day is a very interesting walk along juniper bush and roses. Finally, get in the highest village of Dolpo, Dho-Tarap where inhabitants by Tibetan people have stayed here since ancient times.
• Altitude - 3950 meters
• Special – Exploring Dho Tarap
• Time – Full day
• Activity – Rest and Explore
The day off will assist with acclimatization and allow some bodily rest. We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. During today’s short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa (Buddhist sects). Overnight in Dho Tarap.
• Altitude - 4535 meters
• Special – Numla Phedi
• Time – 3/4 hours
• Activity – Trekking
We will follow the trial leading us to Numla Phedi. We continue our ascend up the northern valley in the Himalayan Desert. Beautiful view of the snowcapped mountains will keep us refreshed throughout the trek.
• Altitude - 5360 meters
• Special – numla pass base
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – Trekking
6/7 hours of hike from Numla phedi will take you to Numla base camp. You can enjoy the view of snow capped mountains.
• Altitude - 4465/5190 meters
• Special – Numa la pass
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – Trekking through Numa la pass
You will continue your journey crossing Numa La pass at 5,190m, the trial goes to a steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with fantastic views of the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. The view of the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distant snow-capped peaks is so spiritually invigorating. After a breathtaking moment at the pass, almost three hours of descending will bring you to Pelung Tang 4,465m or further for the overnight camp just before Baga-la or Basi-la pass.
• Altitude - 4080 meters
• Special – baga la pass (5070 meters)
• Time – 6 hours
• Activity – Crossing through baga la pass
After breakfast we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.
• Altitude - 3600 meters
• Special – Ringmo village
• Time – 3/4 hours
• Activity – Trekking
Today your trail will continue along the forest of pine and alpine all the way and reach Ringmo Village where you can observe the lifestyle of local people who belong to Tibetan culture. You can see the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery too.
• Altitude - 3600 meters
• Special – Exploring around Phoksundo Lake
• Time – Full day
• Activity – rest and short hike to Phoksundo lake
Exciting day because we are going to hike around the deepest and beautiful Lake in Lap of the Dolpo region.After exploring the Lake , we then turn to look around the Buddhist Monasteries, some of Monasteries influenced by the Tibetan Bon Po Buddhist region.some of Monateries are 900 years old, quite interesting and worth exploring and observing the Monasteries and Ringmo Village.Over night in Camp.
• Altitude - 2678 meters
• Special – greenery
• Time – 5/6 hours
• Activity – Trekking downhill
Today, we trek down to Chhepka. It is the easy way down through the forest. We can see the beautiful waterfall running out from Shey-Phoksundo Lake. The trail is craggy and dusty which descend down to Amchi Hospital. We can visit the Amchy Hospital and the Amchy monks. The monks are found collecting herbs, grind the herbs and distributed to the needy people. Overnight at Hotel.
• Altitude - 2320 meters
• Special – Scenic view on the trail
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – Trekking
Start early after breakfast. There are no major uphills or torturous downhill except for the last 2.5 hours stretch to Jufal. The distance covered today is quite a conquest.
• Altitude - 1380 meters
• Special – Scenic view from plane
• Time – 1 hour and 35 minutes flight
• Activity – Flying in plane
In the early morning, you will fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and on to Kathmandu, where you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy some sightseeing or rest in your hotel.
• Altitude - 1380 meters
• Special – Shopping
• Time – Full/Half Day (as per your choice)
• Activity – Shopping and Relax at hotel
• Time – 30 minutes airport transfer time
• Activity – Flying back to origin or next destination
Our representative will drop you the airport.
We are happy to have you and take you in this tour. But time has come to farewell you with promise to see you again. Have a safe travel back.
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