Phoksundo Lake Trek , 12 Days

Upon arriving at Kathmandu airport, a team member will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. In the evening, join us for a delightful dinner at one of the city's renowned restaurants, where you'll have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and discuss the exciting Phoksundo Lake Trek adventures ahead.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.

In the afternoon, begin your journey with a scenic 1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a bustling town near the Indian border and Bardia National Park. If time permits in the evening, visit the Bageshwori Temple, a significant Hindu shrine.

Today marks the start of your main Lower Dolpo Trekking adventure. After enjoying a delicious breakfast in Nepalgunj, you'll take a scenic and brief flight to Juphal. Once you arrive in Juphal, you'll begin your trek towards Dunai. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). The trek takes you through terraced farms, leading you to the Bheri River. From there, you'll continue through a narrow canyon, eventually reaching Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpo region.

Depart Dunai and cross the Bheri River, trekking along its northern bank to reach Sulighat. After passing the Shey Phoksundo National Park check post, ascend a rocky trail through hemp farms to Kageni. Enjoy views of waterfalls and lush vegetation as you continue through a tropical forest to Chhepka

We'll start our day with an early morning hike to Jharana Waterfall. The trail will take us through a beautiful cedar forest and past a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. As we continue, we'll walk through open fields until we reach Jharana Hotel, which sits at an impressive altitude of 3370 meters.

Once we arrive at Jharana Hotel, we'll call it a day and settle in for the night. From here, you'll have an incredible view of the magnificent 330-meter Jharana Waterfall, one of the tallest in Nepal. And as an extra treat, you'll also get to enjoy a breathtaking glimpse of Phoksundo Lake in the distance. It's the perfect reward for your efforts!

You'll hike uphill through birch trees until you reach Ringmo village at 3460 meters. From there, follow the trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. Finally, continue on to the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, which is a Tibetan Bons town, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we'll explore the beautiful area around Phoksundo Lake. We'll start by visiting the village of Ringmo. Then, we'll head to Tshowa Gompa, a monastery that's been around for 900 years. It sits on a hill above the lake and is part of the Bon religion.

Phoksundo Lake is very special to Buddhists and followers of the Bon religion. They believe the lake is like an underwater palace and a sacred place for spiritual practices. The lake is famous for its striking turquoise color and awe-inspiring scenery. Plus, there are lots of gorgeous glaciers nearby and above the lake area for us to see.

Today, we'll return to Chhepka. We'll follow a river that flows from the lake towards Sulighad. Along the way, we'll pass through the village of Renji and hike through forests filled with fires and larches next to the Sulighat River until we reach Chhepka, which is at an altitude of 2600 meters.

Trek through a rocky path alongside the Bheri River, leaving Shey Phoksundo National Park. Head east towards Juphal Airport, passing the village of Kalagauda. After 5 hours of walking, arrive in Juphal.

Catch an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, avoiding afternoon winds. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, take another flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views. Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is reserved in case of any flight delays or cancellations between Nepalgunj and Juphal . If all flights operate on schedule, this day offers an excellent opportunity for additional sightseeing. We can arrange an optional tour to the historic cities of Bhaktapur and Patan.

Optional Sightseeing Tour:

Bhaktapur: Explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur, renowned for its rich culture, temples, and intricate wood, metal, and stone artworks. Highlights include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and the Pottery Square.

Patan: Visit the historic city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, famous for its architectural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Key attractions include Patan Durbar Square, the Krishna Mandir, and the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar).

This optional tour provides a deeper insight into the cultural and historical richness of the Kathmandu Valley, making your trek experience even more memorable.

On your final day after completing the Phoksundo Lake Trek with Himalayan Dream Team, it's time to bid farewell. With hearts filled with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, our dedicated representative will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to the international airport.

As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences and knowledge gained during your trek. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and best wishes for your future endeavors