Phoksundo Lake trekking - 12 Days

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Trekking Mart will welcome you and arrange for you to be taken to your hotel. In the evening, we will have a dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant where we can eat authentic, delicious Nepali cuisine and have a short cultural program and presentation as well.

After breakfast today, we start the guided tour of Kathmandu's most historical and spiritual spots with a tour of four of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. The expert city guide will guide you to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the most sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we will meet with the guide and have a briefing about the trek as we prepare your trekking permit, and you prepare your trekking stuff.

Today, we will take off from Kathmandu to the western city of Nepalgunj, enjoying wonderful vistas of western Nepal from your airplane window. Be sure to get a seat on the right-hand side so you can see the mighty snowcapped peaks. After reaching Nepalgunj, transfer into a hotel and explore the city for the rest of the day. Nepalgunj is well-known for its street cuisine and the different combinations of Indian and Nepali cultures. We will also go to the well-known Bageshwori Temple, which is one of Nepal's major Hindu pilgrimage places. Spend the night in Nepalgunj.

Early in the morning, we take a wonderful 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the main gate of the restricted Dolpo region. The flight is north towards the Himalayas as we fly over the middle hills. The flight offers amazing sight of Himalaya foothills plus the snow topped peaks that are scattered way beyond the horizon, including the wonderful Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. We are welcomed by the clean mountain air and peaceful, lovely setting of the small mountain village of Juphal right after our entry. The rest of the day will be used to prepare our final trek, hire porters and check the equipment. Overnight at Juphal.

After having breakfast, we start our journey from Juphal by walking towards Thuli Bheri River through terraces and timeless villages. By crossing a hanging bridge, we get access to Shey Phoksundo National Park. We check through the entry point and move along a beautiful Suligad River which is surrounded by forests consisting of pine juniper fir, and bamboo. We occasionally get a fantastic glimpse of the Dhaulagiri mountain as well. After crossing the stunning surroundings and pure water, we finally reached the small, peaceful village of Chhepka. We stayed at Chhepka for the night.

We trek from Phoksundo to Palam throughout the day via beautiful forests and the river valley which line has some gentle uphill and downhills. We cross Reechi village and after crossing over two small bridges, we witness the spectacular confluence of two Himalayan rivers of different colors that after mixing together, the Phoksundo River is formed. The trail to Palam goes by the way of Chumuwar, which is the location of a traditional Tibetan Medicine: Amchi Hospital. The Amchi uses traditional healing Himalayan herbs as medicine. The night will be spent at a tent camp in Palam with full board.

Today, one of the highlights of the trek is getting to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. As the path slowly rises, it unveils magnificent scenes of the 107-meter-high Phoksundo Waterfall - one of Nepal's highest. After crossing the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers, we go down to the lovely Ringmo Village which is famous for its ancient Bönpo culture, mani walls, and chortens. We continue towards the deep turquoise blue crystal-clear waters of the Phoksundo Lake after the permit check is complete. Overnight at a tented camp with full-board meals included.

At Phoksundo, we take a rest day to admire the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and acclimatize our body. If you want, you can even swim in the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. Many do. However, be warned that the waters are glacier fed and you may turn your own beautiful shade of blue! Better to go on short hike to Ringmo village. The local tradition, lifestyle and Tibetan Buddhist Monastery are the unique attraction of the place. Overnight at Tented Camp, inclusive of full board meal.

Today we returned after completed our trek from Phoksundo Lake. Along the way, we followed the gorgeous Suligad River, surrounded by beautiful mountain views, and slowly went down to the quiet town of Chhepka. We stayed in a tented camp at Chhepka.

After breakfast, we begin the last day of our trek. Along the way we find ourselves heading through traditional villages and dense forests by the Suligad River. We leave the remote Shey Phoksundo National Park behind as we gradually ascend to Juphal via suspension bridges. Once we get there, we enjoy our last evening in the mountains and toast to the end of our fantastic Dolpo trek. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Juphal.

Early morning, we will take a flight from Juphal airport to Neplagunj, it takes 35 minutes to reach the Neplagunj. we again fly back to Kathmandu on connecting flight. On arrival in Kathmandu airport, transfer you to the hotel and enjoy free time ahead. Experience a relaxing departure dinner with your Trekking Mart friends as you discuss how you can return to the enchanting lands of the Himalayas.

Our amazing journey comes to an end today. A Trekking Mart representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight. Trekking Mart family wishes you the best time ahead.