9-Day trek in the heart of wild Dolpo

Phoksundo Lake

A timeless journey through Tibetan villages, sacred lakes, and Himalayan peaks

Explore the turquoise lake (3,612 m), the deepest and one of the most enchanting lakes in Nepal, nestled in the heart of Dolpo with stunning views of Kanjitowa Himal (6,612 m), the region’s iconic peak. This 9-day trek takes you off the beaten path, through alpine forests, traditional villages, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Phoksundo lake

From $ 1309 / person, full board and transfers included

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What’s included in your adventure

9 days & 8 nights
A fully private, tailor-made adventure crafted around your desires
Transfers included from your hotel in Nepalgunj
Round-trip flight Nepalgunj – Juphal
Entrance fees to Phoksundo Park
Dolpo Valley permit
Tour with Daman, an English-speaking guide and certified tracker
Full board
Mountain lodges included

What makes this adventure special?

An expert guide

Daman is not only an experienced tracker but also a certified mountain guide who accompanies you for an in-depth understanding of the terrain and spotting of wildlife.

You may observe tahr, blue sheep, gorals, and possibly… the snow leopard. A remote, rarely visited area, ideal for discreet wildlife watching.

Hike to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,612 m), a true natural gem of Dolpo. Breathtaking landscapes: oak and conifer forests, towering waterfalls, and deep gorges.

The wildlife of the Himalayas

A spectacular itinerary

Crossing Thakuri and Tibetan villages: an immersion in rich and welcoming mountain cultures. Visit monasteries perched by the lake or isolated at high altitudes, spiritual sites rarely accessible.

Encounters

Trek itinerary

Trek to Phoksundo Lake – 9 Days of Adventure in Dolpo

This 9-day trek begins in Nepalgunj, in the western Terai plains, just a few kilometers from the Indian border. We start with a flight to Juphal, the gateway to the trek.

Level: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 3,612 m
Starting point: Dunai
About 5 to 6 hours of walking each day.

Day 1 | Nepalgang – Juphal – Dunai – Shepka (2670 m)

Arrival in Nepalgunj, followed by a flight to Juphal, the entrance to Dolpo. Transfer by 4x4 to Dunai, where the trek begins. First hike toward Shepka, a small mountain village where you will spend the night.

Day 2 | Shepka – Saaijol – Mountain Camp (3031 m)

Hike through rolling landscapes, passing forests and traditional villages. Experience local life and discover the daily routines of the inhabitants.

Day 3 | Saaijol – Rigmo – Phoksundo Lake (3612 m)

Arrive at the stunning Phoksundo Lake, with its turquoise waters contrasting against steep cliffs. Overnight stay in Rigmo, a village perched on the lake’s shores.

Day 4 and 5 | Phoksundo Lake

Days dedicated to exploring the area, with walks around the lake and immersion in monastic life.

For those who wish, an extra day can be arranged for a hike to the perched monasteries and spectacular viewpoints, with the rare chance of spotting the legendary snow leopard.

Day 6 | Rigmo – Chepka

Begin the descent toward Chepka, following trails lined with forests and villages.

Day 7 | Chepka – Dunai

Continue descending to Dunai, the capital of Dolpo.

Day 8 | Dunai

Explore the town and its lively streets.

Day 9 | Dunai – Juphal – Nepalgang

Transfer to Juphal airport for the flight back to Nepalgunj, where travelers returning to Kathmandu will disembark.

A 4x4 will be available for those wishing to extend their journey with a stay in Bardia.

An authentic immersion in mountain life

On this Nepal trekking adventure, authenticity takes precedence over comfort. Experience genuine local hospitality as you share meals carefully prepared by your hosts and spend the nights in small, simple, yet welcoming mountain lodges. Each stop along this off-the-beaten-path trek becomes a unique cultural encounter, offering travelers an authentic taste of Nepal’s mountain life.

All our meals will be taken in the small mountain lodges. Our hosts carefully prepare dishes using their own produce, as supplies in the villages are limited.

The charming mountain lodges offer simple rooms, often with outdoor bathrooms, providing an authentic and rustic experience. Guests are warmly welcomed into a shared wooden kitchen, where a central stove creates a cozy gathering place to connect with fellow travelers.

Perched Villages and Turquoise Waters

Embark on a short and accessible trek to discover one of Nepal’s most spectacular and deepest lakes: Phoksundo Lake. Nestled in the alpine region, this freshwater gem boasts intensely blue waters and holds deep spiritual significance for followers of Buddhism and Bön. Experience a journey that perfectly blends pristine natural beauty with vibrant local spirituality.

Along the trails to the sacred lake

In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard

The trail winds through lush oak, pine, and fir forests, punctuated by spectacular waterfalls and traditional villages like Chhepka and Jharana. Along the way, you’ll encounter one of Nepal’s highest waterfalls and may spot a variety of Himalayan wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, goral, blue sheep, and, at higher altitudes, the elusive snow leopard.

Upon arrival, Phoksundo Lake greets you with a moment of calm and contemplation. Its turquoise waters, framed by the majestic Kanjirowa Himal and serene lakeside monasteries, create a setting that is both awe-inspiring and profoundly peaceful. Visitors can set their own pace—relax by the lake or embark on an excursion to the high-altitude monasteries.

A magical Dolpo

So many wonderful memories with Daman and his team during this trek to Phoksundo Lake!

What an incredible change of scenery — a true immersion far from the hustle of everyday life, yet deeply connected to local communities. We spotted wildlife thanks to Daman’s sharp eye, and everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. I’ll be back for sure!

What travelers say about us

leygonie anne

★★★★★

Victoria Girard

★★★★★

An Unforgettable Experience in Phoksundo Lake

For our very first trip to Nepal, discovering Phoksundo Lake was at the top of our wish list — and the experience far exceeded all our expectations. Daman is a true gem. Passionate, deeply kind, and with exceptional knowledge of the region, he turned our trek into a truly unique adventure. Thanks to him, we were able to observe local wildlife and flora, meet mountain communities, immerse ourselves in Himalayan culture, and admire some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Nepal. Everything was perfectly organized and carried out in complete safety. Very quickly, a genuine relationship of trust and connection developed with Daman, making our journey even more authentic and meaningful. We are already looking forward to meeting him again for our next adventure in Nepal!