Shey Phoksundo Lake
In Nepali: शे–फोक्सुण्डो ताल · Also known as: Shey Phoksundo · फोक्सुण्डो ताल
Phoksundo lies at 3,611 m in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal's largest national park. Formed by an ancient landslide dam, it is about 145 m deep, and its colour is an astonishing turquoise. Below the dam, the Phoksundo Khola pours over a cliff in one of the tallest waterfalls in Nepal.
On the shore sits Ringmo, a village of stone houses and chortens, and Thasung Tsholing, a monastery of the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. The lake featured in Peter Matthiessen's 'The Snow Leopard' and the film 'Himalaya'. The trek from Juphal takes 2–3 days; beyond it lies restricted Upper Dolpo.
What to see and do
Walk up from Chhepka and Amchi Hospital, past the thundering Phoksundo waterfall, to the first view of the lake from the ridge — one of the most astonishing sights in Nepal. Stay in Ringmo, visit the Bon Thasung Tsholing monastery on the eastern shore, and walk the narrow cliffside path along the western shore (the route towards the Kang La and Shey).
Good to know
Shey Phoksundo National Park fees apply; Lower Dolpo requires a special trekking permit and guide. Flights from Nepalgunj to Juphal are weather-dependent. Swimming or boating in the lake is prohibited for religious reasons. Lodges in Ringmo are simple.
Quick answers
- Where is Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- Shey Phoksundo Lake is in Dolpa district, Karnali Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- About 3,611 m (11,848 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- For a 8-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 99,500 (≈ US$735) per person on a budget, or NPR 110,500 (≈ US$820) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, permits, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 41,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- Plan 6 nights there for the trek; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 8 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- Yes. Foreign visitors need a restricted-area permit of about US$20 per person per week, issued only through a licensed trekking agency. You also pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter Shey Phoksundo National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- Yes. Restricted areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two.
- When is the best time to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- May–October (Dolpo is in the rain shadow)
- How do I get to Shey Phoksundo Lake?
- Fly Nepalgunj–Juphal, then 2–3 days' trek; permits required. It is about 149 km (straight line) from Pokhara, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Shey Phoksundo Lake called in Nepali?
- शे–फोक्सुण्डो ताल
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