Discover the hidden gem of Western Nepal with the Phoksundo Lake Trek, a journey into the soul of Shey Phoksundo National Park. This 8-day itinerary offers a rare blend of rugged Himalayan landscapes, ancient Bon culture and the mesmerizing sight of Nepal’s deepest lake.
Unlike the crowded trails of Everest or Annapurna, the Phoksundo Lake Trek remains a pristine sanctuary. It is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking spiritual solace. With a maximum altitude of 3,610 m, it is a perfect moderate-level trek for those who want high-altitude beauty without the extreme physical strain of 5,000 m passes.
The adventure starts with a scenic drive from Nepalgunj to Dunai, the administrative hub of Dolpa. On Day 2, the trek officially begins as you enter the National Park, trekking 13 km along the emerald Suligad River to reach the peaceful settlement of Chepka. As the altitude increases to 3,530 m, the landscape shifts from sub-tropical forests to alpine meadows. After passing through Tapriza, you will reach the crown jewel—Phoksundo Lake. The first sight of its deep blue waters framed by rugged cliffs is a moment of pure magic. A dedicated rest day at Ringmo Village allows for deep exploration. Visit the ancient Tshowa Gompa on the lake’s edge, hike to local viewpoints, and immerse yourself in the unique Tibetan-influenced lifestyle of the Dolpa people. Retrace your steps through the scenic valleys of Shayanta and Suligad back to Dunai. The journey concludes with a drive back to Nepalgunj, leaving you with memories of a landscape that feels frozen in time.
Trek Cost
Add-on Service
Starting From
₹29,999 +5% GST
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Overview
Trek Name: Phoksundo Lake Trek
Days: 8
Adventure Type: Trekking
Base Camp: Nepalgunj
Season: Autumn | Spring
Month: March | October
Country: Nepal
Altitude: 3,610 m
Grade: Moderate
Rail Head: Gorakhpur
Stay: Hotel and Teahouse
Food: Veg And Non-veg as per availability
Location: Dolpo Region, Nepal
Trek Distance: 55 Km.
Drive Distance: 540 Km.
Trail Type: Mix Terrain
AirPort: Nepalgunj
Mandatory Documents & Key Points
Voter Card or Passport.
Passport size Photo.
Travel insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).
Medical fitness certificate must for every Participant.
Fixed Departure Dates
Itinerary
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Nepalgunj - Dunai. Drive Duration- 14 hours. Drive- 270 km. Accommodation in Hotel.
Day 2: Dunai - Suligad - Chepka. Altitude: 2,670 m. Trek Duration- 6 hours. Trek- 13 km. Accommodation in Tea House.
Day 3: Chepka - Tapriza. Altitude: 3,530 m. Trek Duration: 7 hours. Trek- 11 km. Accommodation in Tea House.
Day 4: Tapriza - Phoksundo lake. Altitude: 3,610 m. Trek Duration - 5 hours. Trek – 6 km. Accommodation in Tea House.
Day 5: Rest day at Ringmo Village (explore Phoksundo Valley). Accommodation in Tea House.
Day 6: Ringmo Village - Shayanta village. Altitude: 2,850 m. Trek Duration - 7 hours. Trek - 17 km. Accommodation in Tea House.
Day 7: Shayanta - Suligad – Dunai. Altitude: m. Trek Duration- 7 hours. Trek-12 km. Accommodation in Hotel.
Day 8: Dunai - Nepalgunj by Car. Drive Duration- 14 hours. Drive- 270 km.
Who Can Participate
Basic Criteria
• Minimum age limit 10 years.
• Anyone can join the trek must having prior experience and good physical conditions.Fitness Criteria
• The Trekker should have sufficient physical ability to complete a jogging activity of 5 km distance in 40 minutes or 7 km distance in 1 hour without stress.
• If a trekker prefers cycling, he/she has to be completed a distance of 15 km within 45 minutes.
• If a trekker wants to carry a backpack, then he/she should be able to carry an 7 kg backpack. If he/she is off-loading, then the trekker should be able to carry minimum 3 kg backpack.
Health & Fitness Information
Health & Awareness
Medical requirements & guidelines
Kids Guidelines
Special instructions for children
Fitness Required
BMI calculator & fitness criteria
Mandatory Documents
Useful resources & documents
Health and Awareness
1. Physical Preparation (Pre-Trek)
Conditioning your body is the best way to prevent injuries like sprains or extreme fatigue.
- Cardio & Endurance: Focus on leg-based cardio such as cycling, swimming, and brisk walking. Aim for 30–45 minutes, 4–5 times a week.
- Leg & Core Strength: Squats, lunges, step-downs, and calf raises help build strength and balance.
- Weighted Training: Start 4 weeks before the trek. Walk with a backpack similar to your trek load. If offload service is availed, you must still carry 3kg or more.
- Footwear Preparation: Never wear brand-new boots on a trek. Break them in with local walks to avoid blisters.
2. High Altitude Awareness (AMS / HAPE / HACE)
If your trek goes above 2,500m (8,000 ft), altitude sickness is a risk regardless of fitness.
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)
HAPE is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to low oxygen pressure at high altitude.
Common Symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- Breathlessness even at rest (major red flag)
- Persistent cough with frothy or pink sputum
- Chest tightness
- Bluish lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
Prevention & Action:
- Climb high, sleep low
- Ascend gradually (300–500m per day)
- Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- If symptoms persist → descend immediately
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)
HACE is the most severe form of altitude sickness, caused by swelling of the brain due to low oxygen.
Key Warning Signs:
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
- Severe headache not relieved by medication
- Loss of consciousness
Immediate Treatment:
HACE is a medical emergency. Immediate descent and hospitalization are critical.
3. Prevention Tips
- Climb high, sleep low
- Gradual ascent above 3,000m
- Stay hydrated and avoid sedatives
- If confusion or balance issues occur, descend immediately
4. On-Trail Health & Safety
- Hydration & Nutrition: Carry ORS and high-energy snacks.
- Sun & Eye Protection: Use SPF sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses.
- Medical Kit: Carry personal medication as advised by your doctor.
- Hygiene: Use sanitizer and drink only filtered or boiled water.
- Slowest Hiker Rule: Always match the pace of the slowest trekker.
5. Environmental Awareness
- Weather Monitoring: Mountain weather changes rapidly; carry layered clothing.
- Leave Only Footprints: Respect nature. Pack out all trash and stay on trails.
Kids Guidelines
Trekkers Age Policy & Guidelines
To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, we have established the following age-related guidelines for our trekking expeditions:
Young Explorers (Under 15 Years)
Safety is our top priority for our youngest adventurers. Trekkers under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the duration of the trek.
This ensures a supportive environment where children can build confidence, resilience, and essential outdoor skills in a safe and controlled setting.
Independent Trekkers (15 to 18 Years)
Participants aged 15–18 years may trek solo with a Parental Consent & Disclaimer Form signed and submitted before the trek.
Why These Guidelines Matter?
- Safety First: High-altitude trekking needs maturity.
- Legal Compliance: Consent ensures emergency readiness.
- Better Experience: Correct supervision improves safety.
Fitness Required
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BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category | Trek Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16.5 | Severely Underweight | Not recommended |
| 16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight | Consult coordinator |
| 18.5 - 25 | Normal | You're fit! |
| 25 - 30 | Overweight | Consult coordinator |
| Above 30 | Obese | Not recommended |
Mandatory Documents
Mandatory Documents to Bring on A Trek How to pay Add-ons, Submit Medical Forms, and Dietary Preferences.
Inclusions
1. Accommodation
Day 1st and Day 7th accommodation in Hotel. Day 2nd to Day 6th Accommodation in Teahouse.
2. Food (Veg + non-Veg)
Day 1st Dinner only. Day 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner and two time Tea.
3. Medical Support
Strong Medical kit, Oxygen can, Oximeter.
4. Transportation
Nepalgunj to Dunai both way car service.
5. Permit
All Necessary Trek Permit.
6. Group Leader
Experienced Trek Leader.
7. Safety Equipment
Micro Spike and Gaiter (as per snow condition)
8. Additional Service
Trek Completion Certificate.
1. Personal insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance)
2. Any kind of personal expenses.
3. Offloading Charges – 5,000/- INR for entire trek per backpack up to 7kg.
4. Wi-fi, Hot water, Meals outside of our pre-approved menu.
5. Emergency evacuation and hospitalization charges.
Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:
Note 1: In the event that an extra day is required for the trekking itinerary due to unforeseen weather conditions, government orders, socio political unrest, self-injury or any others illness during trek. Additional cost of ₹3,000/- (Three Thousand Indian Rupees) per day will be incurred. This cost must be paid by the trekkers.
Note 2: In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek.
Booking Policy
30% of the entire amount as Advance for Booking.
Rest amount will be paid 15 days before date of journey.
Cancellation Policy
30 Days Prior: Full Refund as a voucher.
15-29 Days Prior: 75% Refund as a voucher.
08-14 Days Prior: 50% Refund as a voucher.
0-7 Days Prior: No Refund.
Reschedule Policy
30 Days Prior: No Reschedule Charges.
15 – 29 Days Prior: 10% Charges will apply from Trek cost.
08 – 14 Days Prior: 20% Charges will apply from Trek cost.
0 – 7 Days Prior: No Reschedule or No Refund.
Non - appearance on the trek start day No refund.
Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:
Note 1: In the event that an extra day is required for the trekking itinerary due to unforeseen weather conditions, government orders, socio political unrest, self-injury or any others illness during trek. Additional cost of ₹3,000/- (Three Thousand Indian Rupees) per day will be incurred. This cost must be paid by the trekkers.
Note 2: In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek.
Trek Essentials
Personal Trekking Gear List
Backpack
1. Rucksack with Rain cover, 2. Knapsack.Footwear
1. Trekking Shoes (consult trek manager/trek leader), 2. Back belt Sandal.Accessories
1. Sunglass (UV Protected), 2. Head Torch (with Extra batteries), 3. Water bottle, 4. Trekking Poles, 5. Power Bank, 6. Lunch Box & Spoon.Clothing
1. Sun Cap, 2. Woolen Cap, 3. Buff/Balaclava, 4. Full sleeve T-shirts (2), 5. Half Sleeve T-shirts (2), 6. Fleece (1), 7. Feather Jacket (1), 8. Trek Pants (2), 9. Rain pants (1), 10. Socks (Cotton 4 + Woolen 1), 11. Gloves.Personal Items
1. Sunscreen, 2. Toothbrush, 3. Toothpaste, 4. Paper soap/Sanitizer, 5. Lip Balm, 6. Toilet tissue (Roll).
Gallery
Trek Cost
Add-on Service
Starting From
₹29,999 + 5% GST
Enquire