Shey Phoksundo Trek
Code: NPL-TRK-SP
Description
The turquoise-colored Shey Phoksundo Lake abundant in aquatic life and bounded by rocks, forests, and snowcapped peaks, has been progressively emerging as a charming destination for adventure and ethno cultural tourism in Nepal. Situated in the western part of Nepal in the Dolpo region, such is its beauty of Shey Phoksundo that it has been termed as one of the world’s “Natural Hidden Wonders”.
Shey Phoksundo Trek is a 14-day journey where you move through wonderful Himalayan forests and picturesque traditional villages. The trip starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jhupal. Moving to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo, will be the initiation of the trek. Walking through the maple forest, you reach Chhepka. Walking upstream crossing small streams, the trail broadens inexplicably to reach Samduwa. The forested trail alongside Phoksundo River then takes to the beautiful village of Ringmo, situated right at the starting point of Shey Phoksundo. The sheer beauty of the tranquil lake is so peaceful to look at that you almost forget to notice the shining Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) in the backdrop. There is an old Bon monastery in Ringmo, which you will be visiting to get acquainted with the Bon practices and tradition. The Chorten at the entry of the monastery is captivating, for it has large horns of either Blue Sheep or Himalayan Thar. A hike above Ringmo village to the Lake Viewpoint allows you to get a bird’s eye view of the majestic lake, whereas the waterfall raging down from Shey Phoksundo is another astonishing view. You follow the same path to move back to Juphal and finally take a flight back to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu, marking the end of the wonderful journey.
Epic Adventures is one of the most popular travel agencies in Nepal, most known for the impeccable services provided to global clients. Our trips are well designed and extremely well facilitated by experts who have been active in the industry for more than a decade. With our fully experienced guides, no matter where you go, you will come back with a jaw-dropping the story that would leave everybody astonished.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | TIA Kathmandu |
| DIFFICULTY LEVEL | Medium/Hard |
| HIGHEST ALTITUDE | 4600 m |
| COST INCLUDES |
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| COST EXCLUDES |
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Important Note: Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Epic Adventures. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu |1,300m|
Welcome and Namaste! We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Enjoy your welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and trek preparation
Today you go for a guided tour of the world heritage sites in Kathmandu. You will be visiting Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square to get to know the architectural facts and historical importance of the ancient Kathmandu city. Later in the day, you will meet the experts who will give you the details of the trek and help you prepare for it. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj| 1 Hrs| and Trek Preparation
Start early by moving to the domestic airport and catching the first flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling city in the southern plains of Nepal. Upon arrival, the change in topography and climate is felt. Here, you will meet other team members who will guide you through the basic procedure of the trek. Safety measures and precautions will be given. You can also go for a quick tour of the busy city whose markets are influenced by the neighboring town of India. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
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Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal|2475|45 Minutes| and trek to Dunai |2,140m|2-3 hours trek
Today you take a 35 minutes scenic flight to Juphal, the starting point of the trek. The trail then goes downhill and winds through local settlements. You hike on the banks of Thuli Bheri River and cross Roop Ghar with the water mill to arrive in the village of Dunai (2150m). Dunai, the administrative capital of Dolpo, is home to some government offices, a police check post, and the Central Gompa. Overnight in Dunai.
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Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka |2678m| 6-7 Hrs |
Start early to cross Thuli Bheri River on a suspension bridge and move towards Suligad, situated at the union of Thuli Bheri and Suli Rivers. Get your permits checked and registered at the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park before moving ahead through the path covered in shrubs. At Kageni, pass a wooden bridge and ascend on the left bank above the Suli River Gorge. The fine trail takes you to a wide waterside called Jalash. Slowly ascend through the maple, oak and pine forest to incline to a wood crossing. From here to Chepka is a vigorous ascend passing a smaller stream in Shyanta. Overnight in Chhepka.
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Day 6: Trek from Chhepka to Samduwa (Boarding) |3038m |8 Hrs|
Today is a real test of stamina and patience. There are three main ascents and descent at places where the gorges go deep and constricted. The first 2 hours from Chhepka is a relaxed walk through the pines, oaks, and birches. The trail is broader and mostly alongside the bank of Phoksundo River. In the mornings, the moist dark soil often holds footprints of larger mammals and animals. At Reiji, there is an abandoned cottage and a camping site. The trail then broadens inexplicably to reach Samduwa. Camps are set in a green meadow overseeing the peak of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m). Overnight in Samduwa.
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Day 7: Trek from Sunduwa to Ringmo |3000m|
Today is the shortest yet most exciting day of the entire trek. The elevation crosses 3000 meters and the trail on the cliff is slender and vertical with unclear overflows of loose soil and rocks. The flora changes vividly with the presence of light juniper shrubs and a few cypresses. The sheer hike definitely burns calories but reaching the waterfall standpoint is satisfying. The 270-degree sight of lovely terraced farms of Reike, Samduwa, and the surrounding peaks is quite wonderful. About 30 meters above this point, the trail finishes with the first sneak peek of the turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake. From here, it is a half hour of easy descent through pine groves to reach the village of Ringmo. Overnight in Ringmo.
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Day 8: Guided tour of Ringmo Gaon |3641m| Full day
The village of Ringmo (3640m) is on the bank of Shey Phoksundo Lake. About 20 Tibetan styled houses bunch in a close-knit fashion to form the village bounded by dispersed cairns and Chortens. The people in Ringmo follow the pre-Buddhist culture, that is, Bon Po. They are subsistence farmers and also raise yaks and some horses. Bonpos are strict supporters of peacefulness and hence abstain from any form of animal sacrifices. There is an old Bon monastery in Ringmo. The Chortens at the entry of the monastery is captivating, for it has large horns of either Blue Sheep or Himalayan Thar. There is also a small gallery at the monastery. The friendly Lama will guide you through the monastery. You can later spend some time around the tranquil Shey Phoksundo. Overnight in Ringmo.
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Day 9: Guided hike to Lake viewpoint/Caravan Yak Drop OR guided tour of the waterfall and Amchi healing center.
The camp is on the southern bank and the high hills enclose the lake for the finest spot to sight the entire lake. The hike to the standpoint crosses through the Yak Drop point, as included in Eric Valley’s “CARAVAN”, along a pine grove with a sharp climb. The lake sits peacefully reflecting the variously shaped clouds on its turquoise surface. A short hike takes you to the waterfall which is possibly one of the most magnificent in Nepal. The crystal clear water of Phoksundo forms an intense giant cotton ball influence while making a booming landing about 100 feet below. Afterward, you will visit the Amchis, traditional healers of Dolpo. Their exercise is still largely predominant in Upper Dolpo. The Amchis use the variation of natural herbs and minerals to cure sicknesses. Identifying the usefulness of Amchis and in an effort to help the understanding of traditional indigenous drug, an Amchi hospital is built nearby Chunuwar. Overnight in Ringmo.
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Day 10: Trek from Ringmo/Samduwa-Chhepka|2678m|5-6hrs|
The descent from Ringmo to Samduwa is quite sharp. A lone Lammergier can be seen on top of the edge as the trail moves along the cliff above Phoksundo River. Throughout the trek, the snowy peak of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) accompanies you. A pleasant descent through the pine forest and across small streams finally ends in Chhepka. Overnight in Chhepka.
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Day 11: Trek from Chepka-Juphal|2475m|4-5 Hrs|
Start early in the morning along the banks of Suli River to reach Suligad. There are no steep ascents or descents on this trail except for the last couple hours climb to reach Juphal. The trail is dotted with small settlements situated below the hills and beside small streams. Overnight in Juphal.
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Day 12: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj |45 minutes| to Kathmandu|1 Hrs
Taking a scenic flight in the early morning, you fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you take a connecting flight that brings you back to Kathmandu. Both the flights serve you some of the most astonishing views of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel for the overnight stay.
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Day 13: Rest day in Kathmandu
Today will be a rest day in Kathmandu. You can either rest or do some fun activities such as shopping, explore places, and so on. Enjoy the delicious food of Kathmandu as you explore the many markets. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 14: Final Departure
After breakfast, we will drive you to the airport to connect you to your scheduled flight.
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