PhoksundoLakeComplete Travel Guide & Trek Details
Explore Phoksundo Lake with our complete guide. Discover trek itineraries, weather, altitude, maps, and travel tips for an unforgettable Nepal adventure.
Discover the Magic of Phoksundo
Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal’s most breathtaking hidden gems, famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and serene surroundings. Learn why this remote lake captures the hearts of trekkers and nature lovers alike.
PHOKSUNDO
ADVENTURE
Once at Phoksundo, the lake and surrounding villages offer breathtaking scenery, culture, and wildlife. Discover the highlights of the area, including local communities and unique natural features.
Trekking to Phoksundo Lake
Trek through varied terrain to the vibrant Phoksundo Lake with spectacular Himalayan vistas.
Cultural Exploration
Explore Tibetan/Bonpo villages and Shey Gompa for a glimpse into local traditions.
SEASONAL WONDERS OF PHOKSUNDO LAKE
Each season in Shey Phoksundo National Park tells a different story—from vibrant wildflowers and Himalayan trekking trails to cultural festivals, clear skies, and the iconic turquoise beauty of Phoksundo Lake.
Featured Adventure: Upper Dolpo Trek
Discover Phoksundo Lake, Dolpo Phoksundo & Shey Phoksundo Dolpa Nepal
Discover Nepal’s last hidden kingdom where ancient Tibetan culture meets high-altitude wilderness. Explore the Phoksundo Lake Trek, Dolpo Phoksundo, Shey Phoksundo Dolpa Nepal, the spiritual depth of Phoksundo, the region known as Phoksundo District, and the serene beauty of Phoksundo Tal.
Shey Phoksundo Lake - Nepal's deepest turquoise alpine lake
Ancient Shey Gompa monastery
Traditional Dolpo village with Tibetan architecture
Getting There: How to Reach Phoksundo Lake
Reaching Phoksundo Lake requires planning, as it lies in Nepal’s remote Dolpa region. Here’s a breakdown of routes, flights, and alternatives to get you to this spectacular destination.
Phoksundo Lake Trek: Dolpo Villages
Discover ancient villages on the Phoksundo Trek in Dolpo
Explore traditional Dolpo villages on the Phoksundo Lake Trek, from the turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake to locations featured in the Phoksundo Lake Nepal map. Learn about Phoksundo Lake altitude, weather, detailed trek itineraries, maps, routes, lake height, and estimated trekking costs.
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Ringmo (Tshowa) Village
A charming settlement on the banks of the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Locally known as ''Tsho-wa,’’ meaning lakeside village in Tibetan, this hidden gem of Nepal is located at an elevation of 3,660 metres in the lower Dolpo region, surrounded by thick alpine forest. Best known as a living museum, it showcases ancient highland ways of living, with locals preserving their culture and traditions.
Upper Dolpo Region
Saldang Village
One of the largest settlements in the region and a vital center for trade and commerce, Saldang sits in the heart of upper Dolpo at an elevation of 3,770 meters above sea level, near the Tibetan border. Known for its cold, deserted landscapes and surreal high mountain passes, this village is distinguished by its historic stone houses, terraced barley fields, and ancient monasteries. Reaching Saldang requires physical and mental fitness due to its location behind a mountain pass at 3,856m, serving as a turning point for the Dho Tarap valley.
Heart of Tarap Valley
Dho Tarap Village
A picturesque settlement nestled in the scenic Tarap Valley, Dho Tarap is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage at an elevation of 4,067 meters above sea level, one of the highest human settlements in the world. Formed by the combination of 'Dho' and 'Tokyu' settlements, this largest village in the Dolpo region was once a major trading hub. Surrounded by high mountain passes and seasonal vegetation like wheat, potatoes, and celestial barley, it showcases traditional stone houses with elaborate wood carvings, colorful prayer flags, and numerous important monasteries.
Shey Gompa Festival
Crystal Mountain Pilgrimage
Ancient Bon Traditions
Living Himalayan Heritage
Cultures & Festivals
Experience the profound spiritual heritage of Upper Dolpo, where ancient traditions come alive through sacred festivals and timeless cultural practices.
Shey Gompa Festival
Sacred celebration held once every 12 years featuring ancient Kora rituals around Crystal Mountain
Ancient Bon Culture
18,000-year-old spiritual traditions preserved in remote monasteries and nomadic communities
Discover Sacred Monasteries
Explore the ancient monasteries of the Dolpo region, where timeless Buddhist traditions and serene Himalayan landscapes offer a profound spiritual journey.
A Sacred Haven by Phoksundo Lake
Ringmo Bon Gompa
Nestled gracefully on the northern shore of the breathtakingly serene Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo Bon Gompa, also known as Tshowa Bonpo Gonpa, stands as a magnificent testament to Dolpo's ancient and deeply rooted Bonpo heritage. This sacred sanctuary, founded over 800 years ago by a revered lama from the mystical Pungmo Valley, offers visitors an extraordinary and rare glimpse into the authentic Bon tradition with its beautifully simple yet profoundly moving spiritual ambiance. The gentle 25-minute pilgrimage walk through fragrant pine forests and across the crystal-clear Phoksundo Khola river leads devoted seekers to this holy site, where ancient ochre and red-painted chortens and carefully maintained mani walls serve as spiritual guides, creating a path that itself becomes part of the transformative journey toward this remarkable repository of Bon wisdom and practice.
The Spiritual Heart of Upper Dolpo
Shey Gompa
Perched near the sacred Crystal Mountain, Shey Gompa stands as the revered spiritual center of Upper Dolpo. Known as the 'Crystal Monastery,' this ancient complex was established in the 11th century and serves as the beating heart of Buddhist spirituality in the region. The monastery's two-story structure, adorned with ancient murals of Buddhist deities, reflects classic Tibetan architecture that has withstood centuries of harsh Himalayan conditions. Every twelve years, the spectacular Shey Mela festival transforms this sacred space into a vibrant celebration, symbolizing the victory over evil spirits and drawing devoted pilgrims from across the Himalayas who journey through treacherous mountain passes to witness this rare spiritual gathering. Nestled near the sacred Crystal Mountain, Shey Gompa isn't just one monastery — it's a cluster of three spiritual gems, each radiating ancient wisdom and serene energy.
Hidden Himalayan Retreat
Namgung Monastery
Located approximately 15 kilometers from the vibrant village of Saldang, Namgung Monastery stands as a remarkably serene Himalayan sanctuary that has been devotedly preserving and maintaining ancient spiritual practices since the 17th century. This extraordinary monastery is nestled harmoniously among quiet, pristine valleys and sacred meditation caves that have been blessed by centuries of devoted practice, offering visitors and resident monks alike a profoundly peaceful retreat environment where traditional meditation techniques, sacred rituals, and profound Dharma teachings continue to flourish under the careful guidance of the Nyinchung lineage. Those fortunate enough to visit this hidden jewel can feel the deep spiritual calm that permeates the monastery grounds as they explore the ancient buildings, witness time-honored sacred ceremonies, and immerse themselves completely in the centuries-old traditions that have been lovingly maintained and passed down through generations of dedicated practitioners.
Shey Phoksundo National Park : Nepal’s Natural Wonder
The national park surrounding Phoksundo Lake is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as conservation efforts protecting this unique ecosystem
Rhododendrons
Various rhododendron species bloom across the slopes, adding vivid hues to the park's natural beauty.
Snow Leopard
Critical habitat for the elusive snow leopard, symbolizing the wildness of the Himalayan region.
Himalayan Monal
Brilliant multicolored plumage in males, inhabiting conifer forests and alpine meadows.
Kanjirowa Himal
Stunning mountain range with sharp peaks and glaciated ridges at 6,883m elevation.
Discover Remote Hotels & Lodges
Immerse yourself in the authentic hospitality of the Dolpo region, where cozy lodges and homestays offer a glimpse into ancient traditions amidst stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Juphal
Hotel Sambriddhi and Lodge
Nestled in the heart of Juphal, Hotel Sambriddhi and Lodge offers a cozy retreat for travelers exploring the rugged beauty of Dolpo. With warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations, this lodge is an ideal base for trekkers heading to Phoksundo Lake or the remote trails of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Enjoy stunning mountain views and authentic Nepali cuisine in a serene, rural setting.
Dunai
Hotel Blue Sheep Inn
Located in the vibrant town of Dunai, Hotel Blue Sheep Inn welcomes adventurers with its rustic charm and warm ambiance. Named after the elusive Himalayan blue sheep, this inn provides a comfortable stay with easy access to Dolpo’s cultural and natural wonders. Perfect for trekkers and explorers seeking a blend of local hospitality and serene mountain surroundings.
Dunai
Hotel Murmur
Hotel Murmur and Garden Restaurant in Dunai offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and traditional Dolpo hospitality. Surrounded by lush greenery, this hotel is a haven for travelers seeking relaxation after exploring the region’s ancient monasteries and rugged trails. Savor delicious meals in the garden setting while soaking in the tranquil mountain atmosphere.
What Our Travelers Say
Discover why adventurers from around the world choose us for their Phoksundo and Dolpo expeditions. Real stories from real travelers.
"Trekking to Phoksundo Lake was an unforgettable experience. The serenity of the turquoise water, the rugged mountain trails, and the warmth of local hospitality made it a journey of a lifetime. It wasn’t just an adventure, it was a journey that left me with lasting memories and a renewed sense of connection to Nepal’s untouched beauty."
Bikesh Kawan
Bhaktapur, Nepal
"One of the best place of Nepal located at Dolpa. Must add this place in your bucket list. It is almost 10-12 days trek according to your planning. Not easy to reach here but also not that hard. One heavenly place of Nepal."
Ragini Lama
Nepal
"unveiling nature's masterpiece shey phoksundo serenade. A little peace of heaven. Phoksundo Lake is an alpine fresh water oligotrophic lake in Nepal's Shey Phoksundo National Park, located at an elevation of 3,611.5 m in the Dolpa District. Phoksundo Lake is 494 ha in size"
Pradeep Khanal
Nepal
"Nice place with beautiful scenery of the lake. Gumba is situated at the lap of phoksundo lake. People of the village are very kind and welcoming. We visited all parts of the lake. Everyone are treated equally. They practise Bon religion rather than buddhist culture . We can see different type of religion and dress code at the village"
GenX Roger
Nepal
"A place you would never believe looks as such unless you witness with your own eyes. A heavenly feeling on earth, take 10 days out of your schedule and visit this place to find peace"
Abhinit Dutta
Nepal
"Very nice place for nature lovers. This place is so peace your mind becomes fresh after seeing the natural beauty of lake surrounded by himalayas and coniferous trees. People of SheyPhoksundo national park are so friendly. I guarantee you, After you reached that beautiful lake then you will realize i had done great adventure."
Avinash Mahato
Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Time to Visit
Plan your adventure for Spring (March–May) to enjoy blooming rhododendrons and clear skies, or Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and stunning views. Winter (December–February) brings harsh, snowy conditions, making trekking challenging. Monsoon (June–August) has less rain due to the rain-shadow effect, but trails can still be difficult.