Phoksundo Turquoise Lake Trail (10 Days)
The Phoksundo Turquoise Lake Trail Trek (10 Days) is an extraordinary, accessible Himalayan pilgrimage to the deepest and most visually striking alpine lake in Nepal. Located at an altitude of 3,611 meters inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, the lake’s mesmerizing cobalt-blue waters change color with the sunlight and are framed by towering snow-dusted crags and ancient pine forests.
Unlike Upper Dolpo’s strenuous high-altitude pass crossings, the 10-day Phoksundo Lake route follows gentle river valleys through pine and birch woodlands, passing the majestic 167m Suligad waterfall to reach the ancient mud-and-stone village of Ringmo. Here, you will immerse yourself in the 900-year-old Bon Thasung Gompa, circumambulate holy chortens counter-clockwise, and hike along the dramatic "Caravan" cliff trail carved high into sheer rock faces.
Deepest Alpine Lake in Nepal (3,611m)
Marvel at the 145-meter-deep cobalt-turquoise water that never supports fish life due to extreme purity.
900-Year-Old Bon Thasung Gompa
Explore the ancient monastic sanctuary in Ringmo, practicing pre-Buddhist counter-clockwise rituals.
167m Plunging Suligad Waterfall
View Nepal’s highest single-drop waterfall roaring from the natural rock dam of Phoksundo Lake.
The "Caravan" Cliff Trail (3,750m)
Hike the cliff trail featured in Eric Valli's movie with views over the turquoise expanse.
National Park Forests & Wildlife
Walk through pine and cedar forests inhabited by musk deer, blue sheep, and Himalayan monal pheasants.
Rain Shadow Trekking (All Summer/Monsoon)
Enjoy clear dry skies during the monsoon months as Phoksundo sits in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri.
Why Trek Phoksundo Lake with Best Treks Nepal?
We include all 4 domestic flights (KTM ⇄ Nepalgunj ⇄ Juphal), guarantee handpicked lakeside teahouse rooms in Ringmo, and provide native Dolpo guides fluent in Bon-po cultural traditions.
All 4 Domestic Flights Included
Round-trip flights KTM ⇄ Nepalgunj and twin-otter mountain flights Nepalgunj ⇄ Juphal included in standard price.
2 Full Days at Phoksundo Lake
Ample time to explore 900-yr Bon Thasung Gompa, hike the Caravan cliff trail, and photograph sunrise over the lake.
Native Dolpo & Sherpa Guides
Led by government-certified mountain guides with deep knowledge of Bon Buddhist mythology and Dolpo history.
Lower Dolpo & NP Permits Included
All Lower Dolpo restricted permits and Shey Phoksundo National Park conservation fees fully covered.
Pre-Booked Lakeside Lodges
Guaranteed cozy rooms in traditional stone teahouses in Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana, and Ringmo village.
15% Deposit & Lifetime Protection
Reserve with a 15% deposit ($217). Free date changes up to 30 days prior with lifetime validity.
10-Day Phoksundo Turquoise Lake Detailed Itinerary
Fly to Juphal via Nepalgunj, trek through the pine gorges of Shey Phoksundo National Park, spend two days exploring Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo, and return seamlessly.
Day 1
Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) & Dolpo Orientation
150m
55 min Flight
+
Take a scenic afternoon flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the southwestern plains. Transfer to your hotel and join your guide for a full briefing on Phoksundo Lake geography and culture.
Day 2
Morning Flight Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m) & Trek to Dunai (2,140m)
2,140m
40m Flight + 3 hrs Trek
+
Board an early morning twin-otter flight into Juphal (2,475m) with sweeping views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Meet your porter team and walk downhill through terraced fields along the Thuli Bheri River to Dunai (2,140m).
Day 3
Trek Dunai to Chhepka (2,838m) via Sulighat National Park Gate
2,838m
6 hrs / 14 km
+
Cross the suspension bridge at Sulighat and register your permits at the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Follow the Phoksundo Khola through lush pine, spruce, and bamboo woodlands to Chhepka (2,838m).
Day 4
Trek Chhepka to Jharana Hotel (3,110m) with 167m Waterfall View
3,110m
5.5 hrs / 12 km
+
Ascend through cedar forests along the river canyon. Climb switchbacks to Jharana (3,110m) to witness the spectacular 167-meter Suligad waterfall plunging dramatically from the lip of Phoksundo Lake.
Day 5
💎 Trek Jharana to Ringmo & Turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,611m)
Phoksundo 3,611m
4.5 hrs / 10 km
+
Ascend through birch and pine forests and cross the crest of a ridge to behold the magnificent cobalt-blue expanse of Phoksundo Lake (3,611m). Walk into the traditional stone village of Ringmo and check into your lodge.
Day 6
Full Exploration: Phoksundo Lake, 900-Yr Bon Thasung Gompa & Trails
3,611m
Full Day Exploration
+
Spend a full day exploring the shores of Phoksundo Lake. Visit the 900-year-old Thasung Gompa on the eastern cliffside, observing the unique murals, statues, and counter-clockwise rituals of the ancient Yungdrung Bon tradition. Wander through Ringmo village and interact with local Loba families.
Day 7
Day Hike on the "Caravan" Cliff Trail to Northern Viewpoint (3,750m)
Cliff Trail 3,750m
5 hrs / 8 km
+
Take a thrilling day excursion on the trail blasted into sheer cliffs rising above the western shore of Phoksundo Lake. Reach a high promontory at 3,750m with a panoramic view of the entire lake and Kanjiroba peak before returning to Ringmo.
Day 8
Trek Ringmo to Chhepka (2,838m) via Forest Descents
2,838m
6 hrs / 17 km
+
Say farewell to turquoise Phoksundo Lake and descend through birch, cedar, and pine forests past Jharana waterfall back to the riverside lodge in Chhepka (2,838m).
Day 9
Trek Chhepka to Juphal (2,475m) via Dunai & Thuli Bheri River
2,475m
6 hrs / 16 km
+
Trek past the park checkpoint at Sulighat, follow the Thuli Bheri River to Dunai, and make the final climb up the ridge to Juphal (2,475m) to celebrate the trek with your guide and porter crew.
Day 10
Morning Flight Juphal to Nepalgunj, Connect to Kathmandu (1,400m)
1,400m
2 Flights
+
Early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, connecting onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and join us for a farewell dinner with completion certificates.
Phoksundo Turquoise Lake Package Tiers
All tiers include 4 domestic mountain flights (KTM ⇄ Nepalgunj ⇄ Juphal), Shey Phoksundo National Park & Lower Dolpo permits, licensed guide, porters, accommodation, and full board meals.
- ✓ 4 Domestic Flights (KTM ⇄ Nepalgunj ⇄ Juphal)
- ✓ Shey Phoksundo National Park & Lower Dolpo permits
- ✓ 7 nights teahouse accommodation on trek
- ✓ All 3 meals daily on trek (Full Board)
- ✓ Licensed WFR Dolpo Sherpa Guide & Porters
- ✓ Free 100L duffel bag & -15°C down sleeping bag
- ✓ Everything in Standard, plus:
- ✓ 4-Star luxury hotel in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj
- ✓ Best private rooms in all lodges
- ✓ Free hot gas showers & battery charging
- ✓ Fresh seasonal fruits & hot drinks at viewpoints
- ✓ Kathmandu cultural heritage tour
- ✓ Everything in Comfort Plus, plus:
- ✓ 5-Star luxury resort in Kathmandu (Dwarika's)
- ✓ Dedicated 1:1 Senior Dolpo Cultural Guide
- ✓ 1 porter per trekker
- ✓ Direct helicopter flight Juphal ➔ Kathmandu
Read Before You Book — Phoksundo Knowledge Base
Essential preparation on Phoksundo's unique cobalt color, Bon religion rituals, 167m waterfall, and flights.
Phoksundo Readiness Tracker
You have reviewed 0 of 12 preparation topics.
1. Why is Phoksundo Lake Deep Cobalt Blue? +
Phoksundo is oligotrophic with extreme water purity and a depth of 145m. It contains virtually no microscopic algae or aquatic life, allowing light to scatter pure blue wavelengths across the surface.
2. 900-Year-Old Bon Thasung Gompa in Ringmo +
Thasung Gompa is an ancient monastery belonging to Yungdrung Bön, the indigenous spiritual tradition of Tibet. Pilgrims walk around the gompa and stupas counter-clockwise, opposite to Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Suligad Waterfall (167m): Nepal's Highest Single Drop +
Originating from the natural landslide dam forming Phoksundo Lake, Suligad Waterfall plunges 167 meters through vertical rock canyons and is viewed from a scenic ridge at Jharana (3,110m).
4. The "Caravan" Cliff Trail (3,750m) +
The trail leading to the northern shore is carved into vertical limestone cliffs high above the water. It was featured in the 1999 French-Nepali movie Himalaya / Caravan.
5. No $500 RAP Permit Needed for Phoksundo +
Phoksundo Lake is in Lower Dolpo and does not require the expensive $500 Upper Dolpo permit. Only a standard Lower Dolpo permit ($20 USD) and Shey Phoksundo National Park permit are needed (both included).
6. Summer Monsoon Rain Shadow Trekking +
Phoksundo Lake sits in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri. June, July, and August offer warm sunny trekking, lush green pine forests, and virtually no monsoon rains!
7. Altitude & Acclimatization (3,611m Max Alt) +
With a maximum elevation of 3,611m at Ringmo (3,750m on the cliff trail), altitude risks are very low compared to 5,000m high-pass treks, making this accessible for all fit hikers.
8. Teahouse Accommodation Standards +
Teahouses along the route offer clean twin bedrooms, solar lighting, dining hearths, and warm local hospitality with Tibetan food and hot teas.
9. 4 Domestic Flights: KTM ⇄ Nepalgunj ⇄ Juphal +
The route requires 4 flights. Morning flights between Nepalgunj and Juphal take 40 minutes and provide breathtaking aerial views over western Nepal.
10. Cultural Etiquette: Why Swimming is Forbidden +
Phoksundo Lake is considered sacred by Bon-po and Buddhists. Swimming, bathing, or washing in the lake is strictly forbidden to preserve its spiritual sanctity and purity.
11. Medical Safety & Rescue Protocol +
Your guide carries pulse oximeters and medical kits. Helipads are available at Juphal and Ringmo for immediate evacuation if necessary.
12. Flexible 15% Deposit Guarantee +
Book with a 15% deposit ($217). Free date changes up to 30 days prior with lifetime validity protection.
10-Day Topographic Elevation Profile
Visualizing the steady climb through the pine forests of Sulighat (2,282m) to the turquoise shores of Phoksundo Lake (3,611m).
Phoksundo Lake Weather & Temperature Model
Calculated across waypoints from Juphal (2,475m), Dunai (2,140m), Chhepka (2,838m), to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m).
Blooming rhododendron forests, pleasant daytime walking, and clear morning lake reflections.
Rain shadow protection! Very dry and warm trekking weather with vibrant green pine forests.
Prime trekking season with deep cobalt skies, golden larch needles, and crystal mountain reflections.
Cold alpine winter with peaceful snowy lakeshores; local teahouses in Ringmo close partially.
Guaranteed Small-Group Departures (Max 12)
Guaranteed flight bookings, National Park permits, and certified native Dolpo leadership.
| Departure Dates | Season | Status | Price / Pax | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 12 – Apr 21, 2026 | Spring Bloom | ✓ Confirmed (4 seats left) | $1,450 USD | Book Seats |
| May 10 – May 19, 2026 | Spring Clear Skies | ⚡ Filling Fast (3 seats left) | $1,450 USD | Book Seats |
| Jul 15 – Jul 24, 2026 | Summer Rain Shadow | ✓ Confirmed (5 seats left) | $1,450 USD | Book Seats |
| Aug 14 – Aug 23, 2026 | Summer Rain Shadow | ✓ Confirmed (6 seats left) | $1,450 USD | Book Seats |
| Oct 05 – Oct 14, 2026 | Prime Autumn Peak | ✓ Confirmed (2 seats left) | $1,450 USD | Book Seats |
| Nov 08 – Nov 17, 2026 | Autumn Clear Skies | ✓ Confirmed (6 seats left) | $1,450 USD | Book Seats |
We organize private tailor-made treks for couples, families, researchers, and photographers.
Lakeside Teahouses, Meals & Trail Hospitality
Authentic Dolpo stone teahouse lodges with central dining hearths and wholesome mountain food.
Lakeside Stone Lodges
Stay in traditional stone-and-wood lodges in Ringmo with views directly overlooking the cobalt waters of Phoksundo.
Wholesome Mountain Food
Full board meals: Dal Bhat, Tibetan momos, noodle thukpa, buckwheat pancakes, tsampa porridge, and butter tea.
Solar Lighting & Charging
Solar-powered dining rooms and electronic device charging available at Dunai, Chhepka, and Ringmo teahouses.
Hot Bucket & Gas Showers
Hot bucket and gas showers available in Dunai and Ringmo lodges after daily trail trekking.
Wilderness Safety Standards & Medical Protocols
Daily pulse oximetry checks, wilderness first responder guides, and direct helicopter evacuation links.
Twice-Daily Pulse Oximetry
Daily oxygen saturation tracking and health assessments by your Wilderness First Responder certified guide.
Alpine Medical Kit
Comprehensive medical kit with Diamox (acetazolamide), electrolyte hydration salts, blister care, and trauma supplies.
24/7 Operations Desk Link
Continuous mobile/satellite communication linking your guide with our Kathmandu & Nepalgunj Operations headquarters.
Helicopter Standby Access
Helipad evacuation access at Juphal and Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) for immediate emergency response if required.
Essential Packing Gear Checklist
Recommended gear for 10-day alpine lake trekking up to 3,611m (Ringmo).
🧥 Upper Body & Thermal Layers
- 2x Merino thermal base layer tops
- 4x Quick-dry trekking shirts
- 1x Mid-weight fleece jacket
- 1x High-loft -15°C down jacket
- 1x Waterproof outer shell jacket
👖 Lower Body & Pants
- 2x Thermal long underwear bottoms
- 2x Technical trekking pants
- 1x Waterproof rain pants
- 5x Merino wool trekking socks
- 1x Warm fleece lodge pants
🥾 Footwear & Trail Gear
- 1x Ankle-support waterproof hiking boots
- 1x Set of sturdy adjustable trekking poles
- 1x Headlamp with spare batteries
- 1x Polarized UV400 sunglasses (crucial for lake glare)
- 1x Buff / neck gaiter & sun hat
🎒 Hardware & Accessories
- 1x 30L Daypack with rain cover
- 1x 100L Duffel bag (provided free)
- 1x -15°C Down sleeping bag (provided free)
- 2x 1L Reusable water bottles
- 1x High-SPF 50+ sunscreen & lip balm
Book Phoksundo Turquoise Lake Trail (10 Days)
Lock in your 2026/2027 trek dates with a 15% flexible deposit ($217 per person). Free cancellation and date transfers up to 30 days before departure.
What Travelers Say About Phoksundo Turquoise Lake
"The cobalt blue color of Phoksundo is completely impossible to capture on a camera—you must see it with your own eyes. Ringmo village and the Bon Gompa were so serene and welcoming. 10 days was the perfect duration."
"We trekked in July during the monsoon and didn't see a single drop of rain once we passed Sulighat into the park. The cliff trail hike on Day 7 was breathtaking!"
"Suligad waterfall was roaring and the pine forests in autumn were scented and peaceful. Best Treks Nepal took care of all the flight logistics with zero stress."
"A truly spiritual journey. The Bon monastery of Thasung is fascinating. The food was hot and delicious every single day. Highly recommend this 10-day itinerary!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers regarding lake access, permits, cliff trail safety, teahouse accommodation, and weather.
How deep is Phoksundo Lake and why is it turquoise? +
Phoksundo is the deepest lake in Nepal with a maximum depth of 145 meters. Its stunning cobalt-turquoise color is caused by extreme water purity and sunlight scattering across dissolved glacial minerals.
Do I need the expensive $500 Upper Dolpo permit for this trek? +
No! Phoksundo Lake is situated in Lower Dolpo and only requires a standard Lower Dolpo permit ($20 USD) and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, which are 100% included in this package.
Can solo trekkers do the Phoksundo Lake trek? +
Yes. Unlike Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo which require a mandatory minimum of 2 people for restricted area permits, solo trekkers can travel to Phoksundo Lake with our licensed guide.
What is the Bon religion practiced in Ringmo? +
Yungdrung Bön is the indigenous shamanistic spiritual tradition that predates Buddhism in Tibet. In Ringmo, villagers circumambulate the 900-year-old Thasung Gompa and mani walls counter-clockwise.
Are all 4 domestic flights included in the package price? +
Yes. The package includes all 4 flights: Kathmandu ➔ Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj ➔ Juphal, and the return flights Juphal ➔ Nepalgunj ➔ Kathmandu, including airport transfers and luggage allowances.
Is it safe to hike the "Caravan" cliff trail on Day 7? +
Yes. The trail is wide enough for pack yaks and mules and is well-maintained by park rangers. It offers spectacular aerial views over the turquoise lake and requires standard sure-footedness.
How difficult is the Phoksundo Lake trek? +
It is graded moderate (3/5). Maximum altitude is 3,611m at Ringmo (3,750m on the cliff viewpoint). The trail follows gentle river valleys and pine forests without crossing high mountain passes.
Can I trek Phoksundo during the summer monsoon (June–August)? +
Yes! Phoksundo Lake is protected by the Dhaulagiri rain shadow. While lower valleys experience light showers, the lake region enjoys dry, sunny days and lush blooming meadows.
How does the 15% flexible deposit work? +
You pay 15% ($217) online to lock in your flight reservations and permits. The remaining 85% is paid upon arrival in Kathmandu. Deposits have lifetime validity with free date changes up to 30 days prior.
What accommodation and food is available? +
You stay in traditional teahouse lodges with twin beds and dining rooms. Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) includes Dal Bhat, momos, noodle soups, porridge, eggs, and hot tea.
Why are people not allowed to swim in Phoksundo Lake? +
Phoksundo Lake is a deeply revered sacred site in Bon and Buddhist cosmologies. Swimming, washing, or entering the water is forbidden out of cultural respect and to preserve its pristine purity.
What equipment is provided free by Best Treks Nepal? +
We provide a complimentary 100L waterproof duffel bag, high-grade -15°C down sleeping bag, and branded trek shirt upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
Ready to Discover the Turquoise Jewel of Phoksundo?
Our Kathmandu operations desk and senior Dolpo expedition leaders are available 24/7 on WhatsApp.
