Shey Phoksundo Lake trek

Catch a scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj is a town located in the western Terai near the Indian Border and the Bardia National Park. Nepalgunj is also the business center and major transportation hub for many regions of Nepal. In the afternoon, we also go to visit Bageshwori temple. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj.

Today we fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj enjoying the view of mighty snowcapped mountains throughout the flight. After the 35-minute flight, we reach Juphal, which is the starting point of our trek. The trail from Juphal descends through maize fields and local villages. We walk alongside the bank of Bheri River and pass by Roop Ghar with watermill to finally arrive in Dunai. Dunai is the administrative capital of Dolpo. Overnight in lodge. 

Leaving behind Dunai, today we head towards Chhepka. The trail descends through the streets of Dunai and crosses the bridge over Bheri River. We continue to trek through the northern bank of the river to reach Sulighat, followed by Shey Phoksundo National Park check post. From there, we ascend along the rock-strewn trail and trek further through a series of hemp farms until we reach Kageni. Relishing the views of waterfalls and lush vegetation, we make our way through the tropical forest to reach the village of Chhepka. Overnight in lodge. 

Today we head towards Jharana Hotel, ascending through a forested path filled with big cedar. We also walk through a winter settlement and gradually climb up through wide meadows situated above the gorge of Phoksundo River, from where we get a great view of a high waterfall and a faraway view of Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at Jharana Hotel. 

Leaving behind Jharana Hotel, today we head towards Phoksundo Lake descending steeply through forests filled with birch trees to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola. We then cross a bridge and continue to walk north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. From there, we trek through the shores of the lake close to the point where the Phoksundo Khola streams out of the lake. Overnight at lodge. 

Today we spend the day exploring the area nearby the tranquil Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo is a beautiful alpine turquoise colored freshwater lake, which is also the deepest lake in Nepal. With the view of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) in the background, we relish the sheer beauty of Phoksundo Lake. We also visit several monasteries and Bon-po religious sites inside the park. Overnight at lodge. 

Leaving behind the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, we head towards the village of Shyanta. We ascend along the steep trail for half an hour until we reach the top of the hill which offers the last view of Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to the village of Chunuwar, followed by Rechi. From there, we walk along the river bank and keep descending until we arrive in Chhepka. Overnight in lodge. 

Trek through rocky trail along the Bheri River. Accompanied by the beautiful landscape in the background, we continue to trek and leave the Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then head east towards Juphal Airport passing through the small village of Kalagauda. After 5 hours of walk, we finally arrive in Juphal. Overnight stay in the lodge.

Leaving behind Jhupal, we fly back to Nepalgunj taking an early morning flight, as flights are not possible in the afternoon due to the strong winds. After reaching Nepalgunj, we catch another flight back to Kathmandu, relishing the scenic views throughout the flight.