Phoksundo Lake Trek
Nepal's deepest lake, in the remote trans-Himalayan desert of Lower Dolpo
Phoksundo Lake Trek overview
Made famous by Peter Matthiessen's 'The Snow Leopard' and Eric Valli's film 'Himalaya', Dolpo is Nepal's remotest trekking region — a high, arid trans-Himalayan landscape culturally and geographically closer to Tibet than to the rest of the country. This trek flies into the tiny airstrip at Juphal and follows the Thuli Bheri and Suli Gad rivers up to Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m), a mineral-turquoise lake often cited as Nepal's deepest, ringed by sheer cliffs and fed by one of the country's highest waterfalls. The route passes through Ringmo, a traditional Bon-po (pre-Buddhist) village, and the ancient monastery above the lake shore. Because the region receives so little rainfall, the landscape is starkly beautiful — bare rock, wind-carved cliffs, and pockets of juniper forest — and the area's isolation means genuinely few other trekkers on the trail. This itinerary explores the lake and lower valley without crossing into restricted Upper Dolpo.
Country
Nepal
Duration
13 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
3,611 m (Phoksundo Lake)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Challenging
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Evening trek briefing.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu flights
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 15 kg limit per trekker)
- Tea house / camping accommodation for the duration of the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- First aid kit carried by guide
- Emergency rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Flight delays or cancellations between Nepalgunj and Juphal (common in poor weather — buffer days recommended)
- Wi-Fi, battery charging, and hot showers at lodges
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from