A Quick Stroll to Shey Phoksundo
Right off the beaten path, Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the many hidden jewels of Nepal. Set up in the Dolpo Region of Western Nepal the lake is located at an altitude of 3,611 meters above sea level.
On your way to the alpine freshwater lake, you can also indulge yourself in the magnificent beauty of Shey Phoksundo National Park.
And not to mention the majestic Mount Kanjirowa being reflected off the heavenly lake.
You’ll also be pleasantly surprised with the Bon Po religion followed in this region.
Likewise, Shey Phoksundo is also home to some rare species of birds and animals, if you’re lucky you may even encounter a Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, or a herd of Mountain Goats.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
The trek to Shey Phoksundo may take anywhere from 8 – 15 days depending on your itinerary. Along the way, you get to expose yourself to the diverse nature and culture harvested by the Dolpo Region.
After you’ve arrived in Nepalgunj you need to take another short trip to Juphal from where the trek begins.
Juphal is a small hill town located at an altitude of 2,475m. From there you’ll trail down a motorable track and go up the valley of Thulo Bheri.
Your first pit stop being the village of Kalagaunda which can be reached following the south bank of the Bheri River towards Dunai.
Then following the northern bank and crossing the big suspension big you’ll find yourself in the small yet beautiful village of Sulighat which will soon be followed by the Shey Phoksundo National Park check post.
There on, the trail ascends through a rocky route, passing through a series of fluttering prayer flags, waterfalls, and lush greeneries to Kageni.
On passing Kageni, the trail further ascends upwards to the winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo Village. The path then climbs up to wide meadows situated above the gorge of the Phoksundo River.
There you’ll be greeted with astonishing views of high waterfalls.
The trail after that becomes much easier and flatter, passing through a dense coniferous forest and reaching Ringmo, your final pit stop.
There you’ll be surprised by the settlement of flat-roofed stone houses at the foot of a rocky cliff.
Continue on your current path, and you’ll cross a bridge reaching the north ranger station of Phoksundo River which in turn leads you to the majestic alpine-colored freshwater lake.
Mount Kanjirowa also stands tall and bold in the reflection of the water in the lake.
The awe-inspiring Shey Phoksundo Lake also happens to be the deepest lake in Nepal at a depth of 145m.
Further adding to the spiritual aspect of the lake there’s Tshowa Gompa a 900-year-old Bon Monastery uniquely situated on a ridge above the lake.
The layout of nature with the peaceful monastery on the ridge makes you feel like you’ve reached the spiritual plain.
