Lower Dolpa Phoksundo Lake Trek
Lower Dolpa Phoksundo Lake Trek
Tour Date : August 19, 2026 - August 31, 2026
Overview
Trip Details
- Duration: 12 Days
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Start / End: Kathmandu – Kathmandu
- Maximum Altitude: 3,610 m
- Best Season: March–May & August–November
Highlights
- Adventurous flights Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal and return
- A true off-the-beaten-path trek curated by Equator Expeditions
- Changing perspectives of the majestic Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba Himalayan ranges
- Deep cultural immersion in Ringmo village with Tibetan & Bon Poinfluences
- Wildlife and rare flora encounters inside Shey Phoksundo NationalPark
- Reach the sacred turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,610 m), one of Nepal’s most pristine alpine lakes
Trip Overview
The Phoksundo Lake Trek with Equator Expeditions is a journey intoNepal’s most remote and unspoiled Himalayan landscapes. Set in the heart of Dolpo, this 12-day adventure leads you to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,610 m)—a spiritual and natural jewel revered by Bon Po and Tibetan Buddhists alike. The trek is ideal for fit beginners and deeply rewarding for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude and authenticity.
Your adventure begins with scenic flights to Nepalgunj and Juphal, followed by immersive trekking into Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park. Along the trail, you’ll walk beneath snow-capped peaks, cross dramatic gorges, and pass traditional settlements where ancient cultures remain beautifully intact. Opened to visitors only in 1990, this region still feels timeless and serene.
With Equator Expeditions, every detail is handled for a smooth, safe, and enriching experience—experienced local guides, reliable porters, permits, logistics, and responsible trekking practices suited for remote and restricted areas. Limited lodges and basic facilities add to the adventure, while our careful planning ensures comfort where it matters most.
If you’re looking for a life-changing Himalayan journey far from the crowds, Phoksundo Lake Trek by Equator Expeditions is a must.
Best Phoksundo Lake Trek Itinerary
The 12-day Phoksundo Lake Trek itinerary with Equator Expeditions begins with your arrival in the Kathmandu Valley. After scenic flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and onward to Juphal, the real adventure starts as you trek deeper into the remote Dolpo region. From Day Four, the trail leads you steadily toward the realm of the crystal-clear Phoksundo Lake, with an overnight stop at Dunai—marking your true entry into the wilderness.
This carefully designed Phoksundo Lake trekking itinerary is a standard route refined by local Himalayan experts. While the journey can be customized to suit your pace, interests, and fitness level, our 12-day plan is thoughtfully balanced with proper acclimatization, rest days, and cultural exploration, ensuring a safe and deeply rewarding experience.
The itinerary takes you through rugged trans-Himalayan landscapes, traditional villages, and protected natural areas, gradually building up to the breathtaking arrival at Phoksundo Lake. The sense of isolation, spiritual depth, and raw Himalayan beauty makes this trek unforgettable—whether you are a first-time trekker or a seasoned adventurer.
Schedule Details
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (Approx.1,400m)
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Equator Expeditions representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip, then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at the hotel.
- AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
- Max. AltitudeApprox.1,400m
Day 2: Sightseeing and preparation day in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (a famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) and Boudhanath (a massive Buddhist stupa). Visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago. Finally,Patan, the city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things.
- AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
- MealsBreakfast
- Max. AltitudeApprox.1,400m
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of the airport and take a flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and to Bardiya National Park. It is a major transport focal point for the western, midwestern, and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay at a hotel.
- AccommodationLocal Lodge
- MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. AltitudeApprox.1,400m
Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2,475m), Trek to Dunai (2,150m)
Following the morning breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport in Nepalgunj, from where you will take a 35-minute flight to Juphal, where our trek begins.The trail descends and winds through local villages. By the riverside, you will pass Roop Ghar and finally reach the village of Dunai (2150m). Dunai has a village school,a police checkpoint, and some government offices. It is also the administrative capital and the headquarters of the Dolpa district, and call it a day in one of the guesthouses.
- AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
- MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude2,475m
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Chhapka (2,670m)
You will wake up early in the morning and have breakfast and tea at the guest house. The trek then starts from Dunai, and you will walk until Chhapka, which has a few houses and a lodge where you will stay overnight.
- AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
- MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude2,670m
Day 6: Trek from Chhapka (2,670m) to Jharana Hotel (3,170m)
After breakfast at the local lodge, you climb early in the morning and make your way towards Jharana Hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs gradually throughout open country to an elevation of 3370ma faraway view of Phoksundo lake, and stops atJharana (waterfall) Hotel.
- AccommodationLocal-Guest-House
- MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude3,170m
Day 7: Trek from Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake (3,610m)
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, you finally make your way toPhoksundo Lake. Expecta steep descent through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River. Then follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. Continuingto the shores of the lake near the point where the river flows out of the lake, the destination of the day is there for you.
- AccommodationLocal-Guest-House
- MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude3,610m
Day 8: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake
After breakfast at the hotel, explore the area around the glorious Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its outstanding turquoise color and amazing scenery. There are many monasteries (gompas) and Bon religious sites in the park that you can visit. The most famous, Shey Gompa, was established in the 11th century. Make the best out of learning the nature & lifestyle.
- AccommodationLocal-Guest-House
- MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude3,610m
Day 9: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sangta (2,520m)
Now begins the descending journey to return to Kathmandu, and the goal for this day is to make it to Sangta. An enjoyable and insightful visit to the Shey Phoksundo Lake, then start. It will take around four to five hours to reach Sangta, where you will stay overnightat a hotel.
- Accommodation: Local-Guest-House
- Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude: 3,610m
Day 10: Trek from Sangta to Juphal
On the 10th day of the itinerary package, you will trek through Sangta to Juphal, the place from which the journey to Phoskundo Lake Hiking had started a week ago. Following the completion of the lake tour, you will return to Jhuphal. Overnight stay at a hotel or lodge.
- Accommodation :Local-Guest-House
- Meals : Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
- Max. Altitude: 2,520m
Day 11: Fly Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu | Farewell Evening
After breakfast, you take a scenic mountain flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu on the same day. By evening, you arrive back in the capital—a smooth transition from remote Dolpo to city comforts.In the evening, enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner with your teammates, sharing memories of the Phoksundo Lake adventure and celebrating a successful journey organized by Equator Expeditions.Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Three-Star Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Maximum Altitude: 2,475 m
Day 12: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Today marks the conclusion of your 12-day Phoksundo Lake Trek. Asper your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your onward journey to your home country or next destination.
Thank you for trekking with Equator Expeditions. We hope the Himalaya has left you inspired—and we look forward to welcoming youagain for another unforgettable adventure in Nepal.