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Vivid turquoise Phoksundo Lake framed by dark rocky ridges and distant snow peaks

Phoksundo Lake Trek (Lower Dolpo)

A 10-day trek into Shey Phoksundo National Park to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake, with flights to Juphal and no restricted-area permit.

  • Hari10
  • Ketinggian maks.3.640 m
  • Jarak90,4 km
  • Pendakian4.535 m
  • KesulitanSedang
  • Bulan terbaikApr–Jun, Sep–Nov
  • Izin2

Foto: Kiran Dhodari · CC BY 4.0

Written by FindTrekkingPartner teamDitinjau oleh FindTrekkingPartner teamCara kami meninjauFindTrekkingPartner

Phoksundo Lake Trek (Lower Dolpo) adalah trek 10 hari di wilayah Dolpo, Nepal, yang mendaki hingga 3.640 m. Trekker asing dapat mencari teman untuk trek ini di FindTrekkingPartner dengan memposting trip berisi tanggal, anggaran, dan kecepatan mereka. Kecocokan tetap privat sampai kedua trekker setuju, dan layanannya gratis. Pada tarif menengah, pemandu berlisensi memerlukan sekitar USD 93 per orang selama 10 hari jika empat trekker berbagi, dibandingkan USD 373 untuk satu trekker sendirian. Musim terbaik adalah May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Ini adalah area terbatas, sehingga pemandu berlisensi yang disewa melalui agen terdaftar menjadi bagian dari izin, dan seluruh grup bepergian dengan satu izin agen. Trip terbuka untuk rute ini tercantum di bawah, lengkap dengan bulan berangkat, ukuran grup, dan sisa tempat. Terakhir diverifikasi: 19 Oktober 2026. Sumber: Nepal Tourism Board, DNPWC, Department of Immigration.

Sumber:Department of Immigration, NepalNepal Tourism BoardDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Ikhtisar

Mulai dari Kathmandu10 hari · maks. 3.640 m

Musim terbaik: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov · Izin: Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, TIMS card where required

The Phoksundo Lake trek is a 10-day journey into the lower valleys of Dolpo, in Dolpa District of north-west Nepal, ending beside one of the country's deepest and most beautiful lakes. It flies from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and on to Juphal, walks along the Thuli Bheri and Suligad rivers through Dunai and Sulighat to Chhepka and Ringmo, spends a rest day at the lake at about 3,610 m, and returns the same way before the flights home. The walk covers about 90 km with 4,500 m of climbing and, unlike Upper Dolpo, needs no restricted-area permit, only the Shey Phoksundo National Park permit. It is a moderate trek with long days, simple lodges and a remote feel, suitable for fit walkers. April to June and September to November are the best months. Allow spare days for the flights, which are weather dependent.

What the trek is like

From Juphal the trail drops to Dunai, a small district town on the Thuli Bheri river, then follows the Suligad river into a deep, dry gorge. After the park entrance at Sulighat it climbs through blue pine, birch and juniper to Chhepka, a village of stone houses and fields. The last day to the lake climbs through forest and past waterfalls to a high saddle and the first view of Phoksundo, a turquoise lake in a bowl of rock and snow. Ringmo sits at the southern end, with chortens, a Bon monastery and flat-roofed houses. The return takes the same route in shorter days.

Highlights

  • Phoksundo Lake, which covers about 494 hectares and was designated a Ramsar site in 2007
  • The waterfall of about 167 m where the lake drains
  • Ringmo village and its Bon monastery and chortens
  • The Suligad gorge, dry forest and walnut and apple trees near Dunai
  • A rest day with time to see the lake from several viewpoints

Permits and rules

You need the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, arranged through your agency or bought at the checkpost, and a TIMS card where the local office asks for it. The Phoksundo trek is not a restricted-area trek. The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas, and 2026 operator reports say checkpoints enforce it in Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang (the strictest) and most other parks, but not in Khumbu, where the municipality opted out (checked 19 October 2026). See the guide rule by region. Ask for current fees and check them with the park or the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Best season

April to June and September to November are the best months. Spring has clearer air and flowers, and autumn brings stable weather. Dolpo lies in the rain shadow, so the monsoon is milder than elsewhere, but flights are often disrupted by cloud over Nepalgunj and the airstrip. Winter is cold, with snow around Ringmo and a frozen lake.

Altitude

Ringmo, at about 3,640 m, is the highest point. Chhepka (about 2,660 m) and Ringmo are separated by a long, steep climb of nearly 1,700 m, so take it slowly. The rest day at the lake helps acclimatisation, and you sleep at the same altitude. Watch for headache, nausea and poor sleep, never ascend with symptoms, and descend if they worsen. Discuss altitude medicine with your doctor.

Getting there and away

Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then Nepalgunj to Juphal on a small plane. The return reverses this. Both flights depend on weather, and Juphal flights are often delayed, so keep one or two spare days. There is no road to Ringmo.

Lodges, food and costs

Simple lodges operate at Juphal, Dunai, Chhepka and Ringmo, with dal bhat, noodles, eggs and tea. Rooms are basic, with blankets and sometimes heating, and hot showers are rare. Many agencies still provide tents and a cook for flexibility. Prices rise with altitude, and you should bring cash for the whole trek, because Dunai has few services.

Packing list

Broken-in boots, waterproof layers, a down jacket, a sleeping bag rated to about minus 10 C, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sun cream, trekking poles, a headlamp, water purification and a first-aid kit. A sun hat is useful, because the valley is bright and dry.

Who this trek suits and how to prepare

The trek suits fit walkers who want a remote trek without extreme altitude or a restricted-area permit. The days are long, with 20 to 25 km on two of them, so prepare with hill walks and some days with a loaded pack. Previous multi-day trekking is helpful.

The plan at a glance

Days 1 and 2 fly to Nepalgunj and Juphal. Day 3 walks to Chhepka and day 4 to Ringmo, with a rest day on day 5. Days 6 to 8 return to Chhepka, Dunai and Juphal, and days 9 and 10 fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Extensions

Add a day or two for weather at Juphal or Nepalgunj. For a longer trek, continue from Ringmo to Lar Tsa along the lake, or join the Upper Dolpo trek over the Kang La, which needs a restricted-area permit. You can also visit the Dunai bazaar and the monasteries near Juphal.

Practical tips from the trail

  • Walking times in the day plan are estimates from distance and climb, checked against operator itineraries; real times differ with pace, load and weather.
  • Keep spare days for the Juphal flights.
  • Start early on the long climb from Chhepka to Ringmo.
  • Carry sun protection and water, because the trail is dry and exposed.
  • Respect the monasteries and walk clockwise around chortens.
  • Do not swim or wash in the lake, which is sacred and protected.

Responsible trekking

Take rubbish out, use filtered water, avoid wood fires in the national park and buy from local families. Ask before photographing people and ceremonies.

Sorotan

  • Phoksundo Lake, a Ramsar lake at about 3,610 m
  • Ringmo, a Tibetan-style village beside the lake
  • The 167 m waterfall at the lake outlet
  • Dunai and the Thuli Bheri valley of lower Dolpo
  • Bon and Buddhist monasteries, chortens and mani walls

Peta rute

Hari demi hari

Aklimatisasi

Ketinggian tempat tidur malam demi malam. Batang merah naik lebih dari 500 m dari malam sebelumnya; hari istirahat ditandai.

  • Ketinggian tempat tidur
  • Kenaikan lebih dari 500 m
  • Hari istirahat

Biayanya

Perkiraan biaya total per orang: lodge dan makanan menurut ketinggian, transportasi, izin, serta pemandu dan porter. Semakin banyak trekker berbagi pemandu dan porter, semakin sedikit yang dibayar tiap orang. Per Oktober 2026.

Gaya1 trekker berbagi2 trekker berbagi4 trekker berbagi
HematUS$380–US$580*US$380–US$580*US$380–US$580*
MenengahUS$720–US$1.100*US$580–US$890*US$540–US$820*
NyamanUS$800–US$1.250*US$710–US$1.100*US$670–US$1.050*

Rincian untuk 2 trekker berbagi

ItemHematMenengahNyaman
Lodge dan makananUS$160–US$280US$230–US$370US$310–US$490
TransportasiUS$200–US$290US$200–US$290US$200–US$290
IzinUS$20–US$30US$20–US$30US$20–US$30
Pemandu—US$80–US$140US$80–US$140
Porter—US$40–US$80US$90–US$160

Hemat memakai transportasi umum dan tanpa porter; menengah berbagi satu porter untuk dua trekker dan kendaraan pribadi; nyaman memberi setiap trekker seorang porter. Pemandu disertakan jika diwajibkan atau gayanya menengah atau nyaman.

Lodge dan makanan per malam (kamar dan seporsi dal bhat)

5 malam Below 2,500 m: kamar US$2–US$9, dal bhat US$4–US$7 · 4 malam 2,500 to 3,800 m: kamar US$4–US$11, dal bhat US$5–US$11

Biaya izin (sumber resmi)
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit: NPR 3.000 per masuk Sumber
Sumber biaya

Perkiraan dari panduan operator, bukan penawaran harga. Tip, asuransi, perlengkapan, dan hotel di Kathmandu tidak termasuk; USD dengan kurs platform.

Pertanyaan yang sering diajukan

No. Phoksundo and lower Dolpo need only the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit. Upper Dolpo, beyond the Kang La, is a restricted area.

The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas, and 2026 operator reports say checkpoints enforce it in Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang (the strictest) and most other parks, but not in Khumbu, where the municipality opted out (checked 19 October 2026). Confirm with a registered agency. A guide is advised on this remote trail in any case.

Ten days from Kathmandu on this plan, including the flights to Nepalgunj and Juphal, two days of walking to Ringmo, a rest day and three days of walking back. Flight delays can add days.

About 3,611 m. Ringmo village is at about 3,640 m, and the lake is among the deepest in Nepal, measured at 136 to 145 m in surveys.

April to June and September to November. The monsoon is milder in Dolpo, but flights are often delayed, and winter freezes the lake.

Moderate. The altitude is below 3,700 m, but two days are long at 20 to 25 km, and the climb from Chhepka to Ringmo is about 1,700 m.

No. The lake is sacred and protected, and washing or swimming is discouraged.

Sumber

Di sepanjang jalur

Penginapan, bantuan medis, air, dan pemandangan di setiap hari rute.

  1. 1. Kathmandu → Nepalgunj

    • Tribhuvan International Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 1.340 m
    Show all 2 places
    • Tribhuvan International Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 1.340 m
    • Nepalgunj Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 165 m
  2. 2. Nepalgunj → Juphal

    Belum ada yang dipetakan untuk hari ini.
    Belum ada yang dipetakan untuk hari ini.
  3. 3. Juphal → Chhepka

    • Dolpa Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 2.489 m
    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 2.044 m
    • Rupgar hotel · Penginapan · 2.070 m
    • District hospital · Medis · 2.090 m
    • Thapa Hotel · Penginapan · 2.091 m
    • स्वास्थ्य चौकी कार्यालय परीला डोल्पा · Medis · 2.535 m
    • Shyanta · Penginapan · 2.490 m
    • Jharana Hotel · Penginapan · 2.666 m
    Show all 9 places
    • Dolpa Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 2.489 m
    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 2.044 m
    • Rupgar hotel · Penginapan · 2.070 m
    • Army helipad · Bandara & transportasi · 2.103 m
    • District hospital · Medis · 2.090 m
    • Thapa Hotel · Penginapan · 2.091 m
    • स्वास्थ्य चौकी कार्यालय परीला डोल्पा · Medis · 2.535 m
    • Shyanta · Penginapan · 2.490 m
    • Jharana Hotel · Penginapan · 2.666 m
  4. 4. Chhepka → Ringmo

    • Shey Karnali Hotel · Penginapan · 3.120 m
    • Saijol Health Post · Medis · 3.118 m
    • Phoksundo Hotel · Penginapan · 3.132 m
    • Jharana Hotel · Penginapan · 3.131 m
  5. 5. Ringmo

    • Stupid Hotel & Lounge · Penginapan · 3.626 m
    • Shey Shikhahr Lakeside Hotel&Lodge · Penginapan · 3.632 m
    • Himalayan Hotel & Lodge · Penginapan · 3.641 m
    • Mount Kailash Guest House · Penginapan · 3.640 m
    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 3.640 m
    • Phoksundo Lake · Alam · 3.612 m
    Show all 10 places
    • Sherpa Hotel&Lodge · Penginapan · 3.640 m
    • Stupid Hotel & Lounge · Penginapan · 3.626 m
    • Shey Shikhahr Lakeside Hotel&Lodge · Penginapan · 3.632 m
    • Himalayan Hotel & Lodge · Penginapan · 3.641 m
    • Mount Kailash Guest House · Penginapan · 3.640 m
    • Shey Phoksundo Hotel view point · Penginapan · 3.637 m
    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 3.640 m
    • Ringmo · Penginapan · 3.640 m
    • New tourist Guest House · Penginapan · 3.650 m
    • Phoksundo Lake · Alam · 3.612 m
  6. 6. Ringmo → Chhepka

    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 3.645 m
    • Viewpoint · Titik pandang · 3.647 m
    • Chunuwar Health Post · Medis · 3.136 m
    • Amchi Hospital · Medis · 3.129 m
    • Samshana Hotel · Penginapan · 3.055 m
    • Hotel Pahuna Ghar · Penginapan · 3.032 m
    • Keshang Hotel · Penginapan · 3.032 m
  7. 7. Chhepka → Dunai

    • Hotel Swagat · Penginapan · 2.492 m
    • Sunita Hotel · Penginapan · 2.287 m
  8. 8. Dunai → Juphal

    • स्वास्थ्य सेवा कार्यालय, दुनई-डोल्पा · Medis · 2.088 m
    • Dolpa District Hospital · Medis · 2.090 m
    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 2.174 m
    • Hotel Tripura · Penginapan · 2.487 m
    • Hotel Mount Putha & Restaurant · Penginapan · 2.475 m
    • Dolpa Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 2.499 m
    • Mount putha · Penginapan · 2.482 m
    Show all 8 places
    • स्वास्थ्य सेवा कार्यालय, दुनई-डोल्पा · Medis · 2.088 m
    • Dolpa District Hospital · Medis · 2.090 m
    • Drinking Water · Praktis · 2.174 m
    • Jufal health post · Medis · 2.434 m
    • Hotel Tripura · Penginapan · 2.487 m
    • Hotel Mount Putha & Restaurant · Penginapan · 2.475 m
    • Dolpa Airport · Bandara & transportasi · 2.499 m
    • Mount putha · Penginapan · 2.482 m
  9. 9. Juphal → Nepalgunj

    Belum ada yang dipetakan untuk hari ini.
    Belum ada yang dipetakan untuk hari ini.
  10. 10. Nepalgunj → Kathmandu

    Belum ada yang dipetakan untuk hari ini.
    Belum ada yang dipetakan untuk hari ini.
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