Shey Phoksundo Lake in Dolpa Nepal

Shey Phoksundo Lake is situated in the Dolpa district in a very secluded area of the country and the place is breathtaking. This is arguably one of the world’s most enticing lakes which is also a religious site and a significant tourist attraction of the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Here’s all the information about this remarkable location you’ll ever need.

Where is Shey Phoksundo Lake?

Shey Phoksundo Lake, situated at an elevation of 3,611 meters, is the deepest lake in Nepal, with a maximum measured depth exceeding 145 meters. Landslides formed more than 30,000 years ago and the water of the lake is untouched and looks lifeless and there is no sign of fish or any other animals present in it. 

This kind of remoteness adds to its otherworldly attractiveness remarkably. The nearby terrains, steep rock formations, frozen summits, and green pines make not only landscape lovers and hikers desire to visit this place.

Journey to Shey Phoksundo Lake

The route to Shey Phoksundo Lake may be considered to be the major masterpiece of the region. most treks start from Juphal a small town which is just a 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj. This will take you through some of the village of Dolpa, through forests and steep cliffs through rocky tracks that present a stunning outlook towards this lake. 

A walk along the trail may be accompanied by a halt to see the lovely village of Ringmo that is situated in the proximity of the lake; paying attention to the lifestyle of the local Bon and Tibetan B. 

When it comes to trekking this place is the most attractive for tourists who have the first look at this lake. It has a blue color of water and lying between the snowy mountain tops, it seems almost more like a picture of a fantasy look.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

People need to realize that Shey Poksundo Lake is not just a natural lake filled with material blessings; it is also a center of cultural and spiritual significance. In addition to the established presence of Tibetan Buddhism, the surrounding region is deeply connected to the Bon religion, which predates the former.

Ringmo village with old monasteries preserved in the houses of the people still performs the traditional beliefs of the ancestors. People tour around the lake expecting to see prayer flags hanging and mani walls which signify religious taboos associated with the lake.

The people claim that the water of the lake is holy and serves as an important source for washing ceremonies. These cultural aspects make the trek different from all other adventures while making you connect with the culture of the people and the land.

Shey Phoksundo National Park and Biodiversity

It is located in Shey Phoksundo National Park: the largest national park in Nepal and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park holds great potential for species diversification including snow leopards, blue sheep, musk deer, and other endangered animals. Bird lovers will not be disappointed because various species of highland birds are also found within the park.

As a result, the park is an ideal place for researchers in the sectors of ecology and culture protection as well as tourists.

Best Time to Visit Shey Phoksundo

It would be best if the place is visited during the spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November). It is cooler during these months with clear skies ideal for trekking because the weather remains constant the whole year around. 

The best time to visit the island is during the dry season because even though the trails become difficult during the monsoon season, there are cases of landslides.

Tips for Travelers

• Permits: Just trekking into the Dolpa region needs the Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and the Restricted Area permit.
• Preparation: Difficult path trekking and needs physical health. Travelers must pay special attention to temperature regulation due to the event’s high altitude, as the climate requires some time to acclimate.
• Sustainability: Also, the tourists should act appropriately by observing and honoring the local cultural enforcement, avoiding throwing litter, and supporting local investors.

Why Visit Shey Phoksundo Lake?

Overall, it was really fun and compelling to traverse through Shey Phoksundo Lake. This encompasses glamour; history and heritage; and excitement; of a hitherto largely unexplored and untouched wilderness of nature. 

Regardless of whether one is a trekker in search of a rocky dirt road that provides a bumpy uphill ride, a lover of sceneries naturally wishing to explore them, or else a spiritual soul searching for a place of ultimate solace with equal measure of natural beauty and serenity, Shey Phoksundo Lake is not a place to miss.

Located in the midst of the Himalayan ranges of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo Lake is still as fresh as the first drop of dawn. A trip here is not about getting to a place; it’s about experiencing a journey that is good for the soul and helps people get back in touch with the earth.

The easiest way to get to Shey Phoksundo Lake is by hiring a car from Dolpa.

Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the least accessed parts of the world, and it is in Nepal; so getting to the site is quite challenging. Part isolation is what makes it appealing; it is still rather challenging to get here as it requires flying and hiking across the Himalayas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

Reaching Dolpo Nepal

However, to get here you first have to fly to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Katmandu, the capital of Nepal. From Kathmandu, you will fly to Dolpa, the entry point to Shey Phoksundo Lake.

Travel to Juphal (Entry Point for Dolpa Region)

By Air:

The easiest way to get to the Dolpa region is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which is in the western region of Nepal. The flight lasts about an hour.

After reaching Nepalgunj, you’ll fly to Jhuphal – the beginning point to trek towards Shey Phoksundo Lake. This particular flight provides the clients with extravagant views of the Himalayas and lasts about half an hour to forty-five minutes.

By Road (Optional):

In case you’re looking for an overland expedition, you can take a Shared/bus or taxi from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then take the flight to Juphal. The road distance to Nepalgunj is about 12-14 hours of car travel.

Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake ( Itinerary for Shey Phoksundo)

The trek from Juphal to Shey Phoksundo Lake is through villages, beautiful terrains, and healthy forests. The trail usually ranges between 4 to 6 days in length and depends on the day-by-day schedule the hiker chooses.

Day 1: Juphal to Dunai is, crossing a height of 2,140 meters.

An easy 3-4 hour trek brings you through fields of terrace and local houses and finally to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.

Day 2: Dunai to Chhepka (2,670meters)

An arduous trek takes approximately 6-7 hours, passes through the Suli Gad River, and passes bamboo thickets and small houses.

Day 3: Most of these passes included the Chhepka to Ringmo Village pass, which lies at an altitude of 3,640 meters.

This is a 6-7-hour hike over rocks, including peeks at waterfalls and mountains.

Day 4: Ringmo to Shey Poksundo Lake

It takes about a 2-3 hour hike to reach the lake, which is turquoise-colored, and the surrounding area offers breathtaking views.

Optional Side Trips

• Shey Gompa: In case you have more time and energy, you could start your trek to Shey Gompa an old monastic monastery, situated to the north of the lake.
• Explore Local Villages: Tibetan Buddhist Culture in villages around the lakes should also take time to be studied especially that of the Bon culture.

Day 5. After flying earlier around Shey Phoksundo Lake.

As a result, at the end of your time at the lake you will follow the same path back to Juphal. From there it is possible to fly to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu.

Key Considerations for Travel

Permits:

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit: Males had to cross the border into the national park.
• To enter Dolpa, a protected area, travelers must obtain a special permit, which is typically acquired through a trekking company.

Trekking Guides and Porters:

• This is wise to have a guide and a porter with you for safety and convenience particularly when in this part of the world.

Physical Fitness:

• Difficulty level of the trek may be considered moderate to high. They would make adequate preparation and acclimatization very important.

Travel Insurance:

Check that your insurance policy includes trekking at high altitudes and evacuation.

It may not be easy to get to Shey Phoksundo Lake, but the journey of reaching the place will be worth it because of the vantage point to a breathtaking view of the blue Waters, the natural environment, and the cultural heritage that adds to it.