Table of Contents
Introduction
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a 12-day trek from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then Juphal, and onwards to the magnificent Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres in the remote landscapes of Dolpo.
The walk is a combination of domestic flights and mountain trekking, going through Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa to reach Phoksundo Lake. After spending a full day resting and exploring the lake, you retrace the trail towards Juphal before flying back through Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
The itinerary includes a dedicated day at Phoksundo Lake and an extra day in Kathmandu, allowing for a more relaxed experience of the destination.
Why Choose Phoksundo Lake Trek?
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a trek for those who wish to visit one of the remote mountain destinations of Nepal but do not wish to embark on a much longer trek to Dolpo.
The walk is a mix of:
- Phoksundo Lake (3,611m)
- Remote mountain landscapes of Dolpo
- Domestic flights to scenic destinations in Nepal, such as Nepalgunj and Juphal
- Walking in Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa
- A special day of rest and exploration at Phoksundo Lake
- A gradual journey from the lower trekking areas towards the lake
- A return trip via Juphal and Nepalgunj
Phoksundo Lake Trek from Kathmandu
Phoksundo Lake is a trek from Kathmandu.
It starts at 1,400 metres in Kathmandu and then goes to Nepalgunj at 150 metres. The next day you fly to Juphal, the beginning of the trekking part.
The path then leads to Kageni (2,550m), Chhepka (2,680m) and Sumduwa (3,070m) from Juphal.
The trek then goes on to the main destination of the trek, Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres, from Sumduwa.
Trekking Through the Dolpo Landscape
The walking section begins from Juphal and gradually moves towards the higher ground around Phoksundo Lake.
The trail goes through a number of trekking villages such as Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa before reaching the lake. The journey into the remote mountain landscape of Dolpo continues each day.
The route is planned according to the route of the trail, the highest point of which is Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres.
Phoksundo Lake – Rest and Exploration
Once you arrive at Phoksundo Lake, the itinerary includes a dedicated day of rest and exploration at 3,611 metres.
This day gives you more time to enjoy the lake before you start your journey back. It also provides an opportunity to explore the surroundings of Phoksundo Lake and enjoy the mountain landscape at a more relaxed pace.
Return Journey from Phoksundo
The return journey takes you back from Phoksundo towards Juphal after the day of exploration.
From Phoksundo Lake (3,611m), you descend towards Chhepka (approximately 2,680m). From Chhepka, the trail continues to Juphal (2,475 metres), completing the walking section of the trek.
From Juphal, you fly to Nepalgunj and then continue by flight to Kathmandu at 1,400 metres.
Phoksundo Lake Trek – 12 Days Itinerary
The Phoksundo Lake Trek – 12 Days begins in Kathmandu and combines domestic flights with trekking through the remote landscapes of Dolpo. The route passes through Nepalgunj, Juphal, Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa before reaching Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres. After a dedicated day to rest and explore the lake, the route retraces the trail towards Juphal before returning to Kathmandu through Nepalgunj. An additional spare day in Kathmandu is included before departure.
| Day | Route / Activity | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 2 | Fly Kathmandu – Nepalgunj | 150 m |
| Day 3 | Fly Nepalgunj – Juphal and trek to Kageni | ~2,550 m |
| Day 4 | Kageni – Chhepka | ~2,680 m |
| Day 5 | Chhepka – Sumduwa | ~3,070 m |
| Day 6 | Sumduwa – Phoksundo Lake | 3,611 m |
| Day 7 | Rest and explore Phoksundo Lake | 3,611 m |
| Day 8 | Phoksundo Lake – Chhepka | ~2,680 m |
| Day 9 | Chhepka – Juphal | 2,475 m |
| Day 10 | Fly Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 11 | Spare day in Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 12 | Departure from Kathmandu | — |
The complete day-by-day itinerary is provided separately in the Detailed Itinerary section.
Trek Length and Altitude
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a 12-day trek, including arrival and departure days, domestic flights, trekking days, a rest/exploration day at Phoksundo Lake and a spare day in Kathmandu.
The trek starts at 1,400 metres in Kathmandu, goes to Nepalgunj at 150 metres, and then continues towards Juphal, Kageni, Chhepka, Sumduwa and Phoksundo Lake. The highest elevation mentioned in the itinerary is 3,611 metres at Phoksundo Lake.
The return journey follows the route from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka and Juphal, followed by flights through Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Best Time to Visit Phoksundo Lake
The ideal time to visit Phoksundo Lake is from May to September.
The source itinerary provided for this package does not specify a particular best trekking season. Hence, this section should be included only after the months and seasonality of the package have been confirmed.
Accommodation and Meals
This package includes an itinerary, but does not indicate the category of accommodation, meal plan or individual lodges. These details should therefore be added when the package inclusions are finalised.
Trek Difficulty
The route and elevations are given in the provided itinerary but there is no official trek difficulty grade. Once this is confirmed, the company’s chosen difficulty classification should be included on the final package page.
Permits and Trekking Arrangements
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is conducted in the Dolpo region and requires the necessary trekking permits and arrangements for the trek. The trip involves domestic flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Juphal and trekking through Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa to Phoksundo Lake.
Trekking Permits
The trekking route is inside Shey-Phoksundo National Park and the necessary National Park entry permit has to be arranged for the trek.
Lower Dolpa restricted areas are also traversed along the way. Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality Wards 8 and 9 are currently under the restricted area of Nepal Tourism Board and require a restricted area trekking permit. The listed fee is currently USD 20 per person per week and USD 5 per person per extra week.
The specific permit and fee will depend on the confirmed trekking route and the restricted area section. These permits must be organised by the registered trekking agency prior to entering the relevant area.
Guide and Porter Services
Guide and Porter Services are available.
There are guide and porter services available for a fee.
The trek goes through a remote mountain region, trekkers can hire an experienced trekking guide and porter support. The guide offers route guidance and helps with the day-to-day trekking arrangements.
Porter service is an option and the porter will carry the bulk of the trekking gear and the trekkers will usually carry their lighter day packs. The number of guides and porters should be agreed upon at the time of booking the trek.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, trekkers need to hire a government-registered trekking agency and a licensed trekking guide for routes that require a guide and TIMS Card. It has a list of routes that are subject to this requirement, and Lower Dolpo Trek is currently on the list.
Domestic Transportation
The following domestic flights are included in the itinerary:
Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal
and on the return:
Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
After Juphal, the trekking section goes through:
Juphal – Kageni – Chhepka – Sumduwa – Phoksundo Lake.
The trekking route back from the rest and exploration day at Phoksundo Lake is:
Phoksundo Lake – Chhepka – Juphal
Trekking Route
The walking part is along the following route:
Juphal – Kageni – Chhepka – Sumduwa – Phoksundo Lake
The return path is:
Phoksundo Lake – Chhepka – Juphal is a trek from Phoksundo Lake to Juphal.
The track leads up to Phoksundo Lake (3611m) and then down to Juphal for the return flight.
What Is Covered
Depending on the final package arrangement, the Service Includes section should clearly state which of the following are included:
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit is required.
- Lower Dolpo restricted-area trekking permit is required.
- Domestic flights as per the itinerary
- If selected, trekking guide
- If desired, porter service is available.
- TIMS Card (if applicable)
- Guide and porter insurance (if applicable)
- As per confirmed package accommodation and meals
- Local transportation (if applicable)
- Government and local taxes (if applicable)
What Is Not Covered
Any items not listed in the confirmed package should be listed under Price Excludes and include:
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for trekking staff
- All extra expenses due to flight delays, cancellations or unexpected events
- All services not specifically listed under Service Includes
Phoksundo Lake Trek Is Suitable For
The route is ideal for those who want to enjoy a shorter trek in the Dolpo region, with Phoksundo Lake as the primary attraction.
This 12-day tour includes domestic flights, a few days of trekking, a full day to explore Phoksundo Lake and a spare day in Kathmandu, which is a focused tour for those who do not wish to do a much longer trek to Dolpo.
FAQs
What is the level of difficulty of the Phoksundo Lake Trek?
The trek is from Juphal to Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa to the Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres. The given itinerary does not have an official difficulty grade.
How high is Phoksundo Lake?
Phoksundo Lake is at 3,611 metres above sea level and is the highest elevation mentioned in the itinerary.
How many days trek is Phoksundo Lake trek?
The route includes a few days of trekking between Juphal, Kageni, Chhepka, Sumduwa and Phoksundo Lake and then back to Juphal. The full 12-day programme also covers domestic flights, a rest day and a spare day in Kathmandu.
Where do you go through on the journey?
The trekking route goes through Juphal, Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa and then leads to Phoksundo Lake. The way back is from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka and Juphal.
What is the starting point of the trekking section?
After the flight from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, the actual walking part starts at Juphal.
Is Phoksundo Lake the main destination of the trek?
Yes. The main attraction of this 12-day tour is the Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres.
How long do you stay at Phoksundo Lake?
There is one full day of rest and exploration at Phoksundo Lake on Day 7.
Is it possible to visit Phoksundo Lake on the rest day?
Yes. Day 7 is allocated for rest and exploration, giving you time to explore the surroundings of Phoksundo Lake and spend more time at the main destination.
Which flights are on the itinerary?
The tour involves flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Juphal. The way back is from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu.
Is there an extra day in the trip?
Yes. Day 11 is a spare day in Kathmandu, which is an extra day prior to the final departure.
What occurs on the last day?
Day 12 is the departure from Kathmandu after the spare day in Kathmandu.
Is Phoksundo Lake Trek appropriate for a shorter Dolpo trek?
The route is planned as a 12-day trek on Phoksundo Lake and not a much longer trekking programme through Dolpo. It includes domestic flights, a few trekking days, one day at Phoksundo Lake and one day in Kathmandu.
Are trekking permits required for Phoksundo Lake Trek?
The package information provided indicates that the trek involves the necessary trekking permits for the Dolpo region, such as the Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit and, if applicable, a Lower Dolpo restricted-area trekking permit.
Can I hire a guide and porter for the trek?
Yes. Trekking guides and porters are available. Final arrangements and number of guides/porters to be confirmed at the time of booking.
What kind of accommodation is offered on the trek?
The provided itinerary does not include the individual lodges or accommodation category. This information should be verified in the final package arrangements.
Are meals included in the Phoksundo Lake Trek?
The itinerary itself does not specify the meal plan. Meals should be confirmed in the final Service Includes section of the package.
In the event of a flight delay, what happens?
The package information states that additional costs due to flight delays, flight cancellations or unforeseen events are not covered unless expressly mentioned in the confirmed package.
Conclusion
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a 12-day trek into the remote landscapes of Dolpo with a focused trekking itinerary towards Phoksundo Lake and domestic flights.
The trekking route passes through Kageni, Chhepka and Sumduwa, and finally arrives at Phoksundo Lake at 3,611 metres.
There is also a rest and exploration day at Phoksundo Lake, where you can enjoy more time at the main destination before heading back to Juphal and then flying through Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
This tour offers a short and focused experience of the Phoksundo region in 12 days with mountain trekking, remote landscapes, domestic flights and time at Phoksundo Lake.
