A short trek to Dolpo

Exploring one of the most remote regions of the entire nation, the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a natural and cultural marvel. While the magnificent Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range shines on the horizon, the ancient valley slowly springs to life with the lush green forests. During the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, you will get a chance to experience this culture as you make your way to Shey Phoksundo Lake. Enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and the Himalayas glistening in the skyline, and visit Buddhist and Bon Po monasteries in the region.

This 11-day Shey Phoksundo Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you head to the far western city of Nepalgunj through a short flight. From here, you fly to the hamlet of Juphal from where we begin our trek. A pleasant ascending trail takes us to Dunai for our first night on the go before setting off through the lush green forests toward the hamlet of Chhepka. Trekking to Jharana waterfall, we continue our ascending run headed towards the Tibetan village of Ringmo. You will spend two nights in Ringmo. From Ringmo, with the majestic Dhaulagiri (8167m), Dhaulagiri II (7751m), and other peaks in the Dhaulagiri range on the horizon, we continue our journey to Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo Lake has a beautiful turquoise color and the sight of the mountain alongside is breathtaking. Explore the nearby Tshowa Gompa, a Bon Po monastery, amid the lush greenery and serene lakeside. After exploration, we return to Ringmo. For the descending journey, we set off through the familiar trail heading back towards Chhepka. The final day of the trek sees us back at Juphal. From Juphal, you will first fly to Nepalgunj and then catch another flight back to Kathmandu thus, ending our journey.

Nepal Ascent Treks is a pioneer in various tours. Our specialized tour guides and staff can cater to your every need and our cost-effective rates are unparalleled. We also provide various packages and customization options on all trips. For further information, please contact us.

Trip Highlights:

Explore the off-the-beaten paths of Lower Dolpo
Experience the unique and ancient culture of the Thakuri community
Witness the stunning beauty of the Himalayas alongside the lush green valleys

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1300m]
Day 2 : Fly to Nepalgunj, gateway to the Far West
Day 3 : Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai [2140m] 3 hours trek
Day 4 : Trek to Chhepka Village [2520m] 6-7 hours trek
Day 5 : Trek to Jharana Waterfall [2670m] 5-6 hours trek
Day 6 : Trek to the Tibetan village of Ringmo [3641m] 5-6 hours trek
Day 7 : Explore sacred Phoksundo Lake [3600m] and Tshowa Gompa
Day 8 : Trek to Chhepka Village 6-7 hours trek
Day 9 : Trek to Juphal 6-7 hours trek
Day 10 : Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Day 11 : Departure day

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu [1300m]

Once you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our office representatives who will drive you directly to your hotel. Once you prepare for the trek, you have the rest of the day to do as you please. You can explore the city or just rest at the hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj, gateway to the Far West

Today, we make our way out of Kathmandu heading towards the Terai city of Nepalgunj. The flight which takes about an hour will take us to the far western border of Nepal. The aerial view will give you a contrasting set of landscapes beginning from the lush green hills to the plain Terai landscapes. Nepalgunj is serves as an important trading route.

Day 3: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai [2140m] 3 hours trek

Another early day today, we make our way out of Nepalgunj heading towards the town of Juphal. The half an hour flight takes us back to the stunning hills of Nepal. After a brief rest at Juphal, we head south east gradually ascending through Thuli Bheri Valley reaching the hamlet of Kalagauda. Finding the southern banks of Bheri River, we head past Roop Ghar before reaching Dunai.

Day 4: Trek to Chhepka Village [2520m] 6-7 hours trek

The journey begins with a lovely descend through the cobbled streets of Dunai as we cross over the Bheri River and head for lush green forest ahead. Through the northern banks of the River, the trail winds towards the hamlet of Suligad Ghat. Beyond it, we enter the naturally rich Shey Phoksundo National Park. Climbing onto a ridge above Suligad River, the journey winds up towards Shyanta, and finally goes to Chhepka.

Day 5: Trek to Jharana Waterfall [2670m] 5-6 hours trek

Through the lush green forests adorned with cedar trees and past the winter settlement used by the locals of Ringmo. The trail from here on ascends as we continue through the forests finding Jharana Waterfall right at the end. One of the highest waterfalls throughout the nation, the 1083 foot waterfall also offers enchanting Himalayan views.

Day 6: Trek to the Tibetan village of Ringmo [3641m] 5-6 hours trek

Heading out of Jharana, the journey continues to ascend through the upper ridges of the Phoksundo River. Continuing through the lush green forests, we head towards the northern edge of the valley. We cross a suspension bridge and head over to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. The final stretch of the journey takes us through the bank of Phoksundo River and over to Ringmo for the night.

Day 7: Explore sacred Phoksundo Lake [3600m] and Tshowa Gompa

A traditional Bon Po hamlet, Ringmo is one of the few places where the religion is practiced till date. The day begins with a lovely tour around the village before we make our way towards the stunning Phoksundo Lake. We also take our time to enjoy the turquoise blue water alongside the stunning Himalayan panorama surrounding the lake. Perched atop the hill is a 900 year old Bon Po monastery, Tshowa Gompa, adorned with ancient relics and artifacts.

Day 8: Trek to Chhepka Village 6-7 hours trek

We begin descending and make our way back to the hamlet of Chhepka following the stream which originates from the lake itself. Reaching the hamlet of Suligad Ghat through the rocky hill trail, we continue our journey to Renje. The final stretch of our journey is a pleasant one to arrive at Chhepka.

Day 9: Trek to Juphal 6-7 hours trek

Today is our final day of trekking and we retrace our steps heading for the hamlet of Juphal. Once again, the trail finds the impressive set of water mills at the hamlet of Roop Ghar before reaching the northern banks of Bheri River. Crossing the hamlet of Kalagauda, the trail descends through maize fields slowly exiting the Thuli Bheri Valley to arrive at Juphal.

Day 10: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

We make our way back to Nepalgunj from Juphal, bidding goodbye to the mesmerizing beauty of lower Dolpo. Through the lush green hills, we once again descend towards the landscapes of Terai reaching the city of Nepalgunj. After resting for a fair bit, we board a flight back to the capital city which ends our journey. In Kathmandu, we head straight to the hotel and rest.

Day 11: Departure day

Our company representatives will drop you back to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again. Farewell!

What's included ?

Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jufal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu flight tickets
Insurance of guide and porter.
Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
First aid medical kit
Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Airport pickup and drop facility.
A porter and his entire expenses.
1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
Lodge expenses during the trek.
Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.

What's excluded ?

Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Nepal arrival visa.
Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
Cost for additional trips.

The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please write us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Please Check Available Dates for The Year of:

Start Date	End Date	Status	Price
1st Apr, 2024	11th Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
4th Apr, 2024	14th Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
7th Apr, 2024	17th Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
10th Apr, 2024	20th Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
13th Apr, 2024	23rd Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
16th Apr, 2024	26th Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
19th Apr, 2024	29th Apr, 2024	Available	USD 1974
22nd Apr, 2024	2nd May, 2024	Available	USD 1974
25th Apr, 2024	5th May, 2024	Available	USD 1974
28th Apr, 2024	8th May, 2024	Available	USD 1974