PHOKSUNDO LAKE TREK
GRADE: Family Trek – Moderate
DURATION: 11 Days (8 days on the trail).
BEST SEASON: March – May. Sept. to Nov.
GROUP SIZE: Min 2 to maximum 8 trekkers.
TREK COST: US$ 1850/p
Explore the most iconic Phoksundo lake and the land of the oldest Bonpo tradition. Situated in Lower Dolpo in Shey Phoksundo National Park in the Mid Western part of Nepal, it is considered as one of the most beautiful and exotic trekking destinations.
The famous movie Caravan directed by Eric Valli (known as Himalaya in the West) was filmed in this region. The turquoise blue lake, the ancient Bonpo culture, Kanjirowa Mountain range, the Phoksundo waterfalls, the biggest herd of yaks, more than 800 years old Ringmo monastery, are the main highlights of the trek.
TREK ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Arrive in Kathmandu. Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Rest.
DAY 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu.
Trek preparation. Full day sightseeing of Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Sightseeing tour and heritage entrance fees included. Back to hotel. B&B only.
DAY 3: Morning flight to Jufal. 55mins. Drive to Suligad. Trek to Swagat Hotel. 5hrs.
Take the early morning scenic flight to Jufal airport. Flight duration 50mins. Take one of the local Utility vehicles to Suligud. 1 hours. Trek to Swagat Hotel. 4 hours.
DAY 4: Trek to Reichi or Jharna Hotel. 5-6hrs.
Trek from Swagat Hotel to Reichi or Jharna Hotel. 6 to 7 hours.
DAY 5: Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake. Check into one of the hotels in Shey village.
Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake. 5 to 6 hours. Check into a lodge.
DAY 6: Rest day. Explore the lake and the surrounding area.
Rest day. Walk around the lake and enjoy the turquoise blue lake. Visit the Ringmo Monastery, a pleasant 30 minutes walk and enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere. One can also cross the suspension bridge and walk for about 20 minutes to the yak pasture and enjoy yaks grazing with Kanjirowa mountain 6883m in the distance. Around mid afternoon the yaks run down to the river to quench their thirst and that is quite spectacular to watch. The famous movie Caravan (The Himalaya as known in the west) was shot around the lake.
DAY 7: 2nd Day at the Lake. Hike up the view point.
Hike up to the view point roughly 3 hours trek from the lodge to view the Y shape of the turquoise blue lake. Some part of the narrow trails overlooking the deep blue lake was used in the movie Caravan. Walking on them give you the thrill of a lifetime.
DAY 8: Trek back to Reichi. Stay at Pahunaghar Guest House.
We start our return trek. Trek to Reichi and stay at Pahuna Ghar. 6 hours.
DAY 9: Trek back to Kagani. 5hrs.
Easy trek back to Kagani following the milky white Phoksundo river.
DAY 10: Trek back to Suligad. 4hrs. Drive back to Jufal.
Easy trek back to Suligad. Catch a local Utility vehicle and drive back to Jufal. Check into a hotel.
DAY 11: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalganj.
Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalganj. Jufal to Nepalganj. 45minutes. Nepalganj to Kathmandu. 55mins. Transfer to hotel. Done and dusted. Celebration dinner.
INCLUDES: Airport pickup and drop. Sightseeing around Kathmandu on a private car. Kathmandu to Jufal round trip domestic air ticket. Trek guide. Porter with Pony hire. One pony per two trekkers. Trekking permits. SUV hire from Jufal airport to Suligad. 3 nights in Kathmandu hotel with breakfast only. Hotel/Lodge on twin sharing basis during the trek with all three meals. Sleeping bags and towels. A basic first-aid-kit. Wild Tracks trek t-shirt and a cap. Duffel bags.
EXCLUDES: International air tickets. Nepal visa fee. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except celebration dinner on Day 11. Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages. Use of wifi wherever charge is applicable. Personal trekking gear including walking poles. Emergency rescue. Travel and medical insurance.