Phoksundo Lake Trek

Overview

Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal’s true hidden gems, a turquoise, glacially fed lake sitting at 3,611 metres inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest protected area in the country. Unlike the longer Lower Dolpo Circuit, this trek is a more direct out-and-back journey to the lake itself, making it a shorter and more accessible way to experience the remote Dolpo region without crossing any high passes.

The trek begins with flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and on to Juphal, followed by a walk to Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpo. From there the trail follows the Thuli Bheri and Phoksundo rivers through Chhepka and Shyanta, climbing gradually through pine forest and past dramatic river gorges to reach Ringmo village and the lake itself. Ringmo sits on an ancient landslide dam that holds the lake in place, with the Phoksundo waterfall cascading over the far side, and the small Thashung monastery overlooking the water.

What makes this trek especially appealing is how much of Dolpo’s remote character it delivers without the demands of crossing a high mountain pass. The trail follows a dramatic river gorge for much of its length, with the scenery shifting from pine forest to sheer rock walls before opening onto the lake’s striking turquoise water. Because there are no passes above 5,000 metres on this route, it suits trekkers who want a genuine taste of Dolpo’s isolation and Bon Buddhist culture without committing to the longer, more physically demanding Lower Dolpo Circuit

Permits for this trek are issued under Nepal’s Department of Immigration Trekking Permit system, alongside the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee.

If you’d prefer the longer circuit with high passes, see our Lower Dolpo Trek and for the deeper, more remote version of this region, see our Upper Dolpo Trek.”