Nepal

Phoksundo Lake

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Dolpo Trek: Explore Phoksundo Lake & Hidden Nepal Trails

Sapphire hues of the deepest lake in Nepal

Journey to Dolpo, Nepal, and the sacred Phoksundo Lake. Camp, trek, & experience Tibetan culture with a remote Himalayan expedition.

55-65km

Total Trekking Distance

5,115m

Highest Altitude

Sep-Oct

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Phoksundo National Park

Explore the monument that honours Dolpo's distinct biodiversity

Phoksundo Lake

Witness the stunning beauty of Dolpo's deepest lake, arguably its most captivating feature

People of Dolpo

The people in the region are a window into the deeply spiritual Tibetan culture

Turquoise Alpine Lake

The unreal blue waters of Phoksundo Lake, set against barren cliffs and snow-dusted peaks, create one of the most iconic and photogenic landscapes in the Himalayas.

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Kang La Pass (5,115 m)

Region:

Western Nepal

10

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Return to Kathmandu and conclude expedition.

9

Day 9: Trek to Juphal

Complete the trek and prepare for departure flight.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

8

Day 8: Trek back to Chhepka

Begin descent through forests and river trails.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

7

Day 7: Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake

Explore the lake, visit Ringmo village, and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

6

Day 6: Trek to Phoksundo Lake

Climb along dramatic cliffs and reach the spectacular Phoksundo Lake.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

5

Day 5: Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel

Walk through cedar forests and pass Nepal’s highest waterfall.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

4

Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka

Follow the Phoksundo River through forests and narrow gorges.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

3

Day 3: Fly to Juphal & Trek to Dunai

Fly to Juphal airstrip and begin trekking to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

2

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj

Take a short flight to Nepalgunj near the Nepal–India border. Rest and prepare for mountain flight.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

1

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Trek briefing and preparation for the remote Dolpo region.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

Key Notes

The journey to Phoksundo Lake is a remote Himalayan adventure through dramatic gorges, ancient villages, and pristine wilderness. Located inside Shey Phoksundo National Park in the mystical region of Dolpo, the trek rewards you with the surreal sight of Nepal’s deepest turquoise lake set beneath towering barren peaks

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

Meals As indicated in the itinerary

Transport Innova car with driver throughout the trip

Services of local guides and trekking support

Not Included

Airfare or train tickets to and from the trip start and end points

Alcoholic beverages

Any additional transport outside the planned itinerary

Personal expenses & tips

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

At Juniper Outdoor, this journey is thoughtfully crafted for fit beginners and intermediate adventurers who are ready to step beyond the ordinary — seeking a meaningful, immersive outdoor experience that challenges and inspires, without requiring commitment to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Experienced trekkers who have completed at least one high-altitude Himalayan trek and are comfortable with remote, multi-day trekking and basic teahouse or camping conditions.

Challenges to Expect

Long trekking days, high-altitude pass crossing, remote trails, cold nights, limited facilities, river crossings, and risk of altitude sickness.

Fitness Expectations

Good to strong fitness level with the ability to walk 6–7 hours daily for multiple days. Prior altitude experience and regular endurance training recommended.

FAQs

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

Are your trips environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive?

As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.

Key Highlights

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