Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek (GHT)

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.
Driving Time: Approximately 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative holding a “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in and freshening up, our representative will meet you to provide a detailed briefing on your upcoming itinerary, along with important safety guidelines and hygiene practices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.
Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

9:00 AM – Guided Cultural Tour of Kathmandu Valley
Start your day with a guided cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley, exploring the city with expert guides who will share insights into its rich history and heritage.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka Durbar), a royal historical complex filled with temples, palaces, and shrines dating back to the 15th century. Highlights include Kumari Ghar, the residence of the living goddess, and Kasthamandap, an architectural marvel constructed from a single tree.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Next, head to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, a sacred site for both Hinduism and Buddhism. Admire the striking white dome and golden spire while soaking in the serene atmosphere of incense, prayer wheels, and panoramic city views.

Boudhanath Stupa
In the afternoon, visit the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual center of Tibetan culture. Witness colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, monks performing rituals, and devotees chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum.”

Pashupatinath Temple
Conclude your tour at Pashupatinath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites, situated along the Bagmati River. Here, observe profound spiritual rituals, including the moving sight of open-air cremations, which hold deep cultural and religious significance. After this immersive experience, you will return to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: 2,100 m / 6,889 ft.
Flight duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Hiking duration: Approximately 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Camping 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a scenic mountain flight to Juphal—an unforgettable journey offering panoramic aerial views of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This short domestic flight is a perfect introduction to the remote Himalayan trekking experience.

Upon arrival in Juphal (the starting point of the Upper Dolpo trek), you’ll meet your trekking crew and enjoy an early lunch before beginning your hike. The trail descends through beautiful terraced farmlands, gradually reaching the banks of the Bheri River. As you follow the river through a dramatic narrow gorge, you’ll experience the untouched natural beauty of the region.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Dunai, the administrative headquarters of the Dolpa district. This culturally rich village is nestled amidst rugged hills and offers a glimpse into authentic Himalayan life. After exploring the village, we’ll set up camp at a suitable site nearby and spend the night under the stars.

Altitude above sea level: 3,130 m / 10,269 ft. – Amchi Hospital
Hiking duration: 6–7 hours approx. (12 km / 7.5 mi)
Ascent: 600 m / 1,968 ft.
Descent: 160 m / 525 ft.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you follow the Phoksundo Khola (river) upstream, moving north through scenic forest areas. You trek along the riverbank through forests of bamboo, pine, and conifers, crossing the river twice on suspension bridges. You pass through the small village of Rechi, located at around 3,010 m / 9,872 ft, which often serves as a lunch stop. After Rechi, the gorge begins to widen, making the trail slightly easier. You reach the campsite near the confluence of the Phoksundo and Yulung Khola rivers at Sumduwa, with the Amchi Hospital (clinic) located just across the river.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the higher altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. We will remain at the same elevation to allow proper rest and adaptation before continuing our ascent.

You’ll have the chance to explore the breathtaking surroundings of Phoksundo Lake, a crystal-clear freshwater lake renowned for its turquoise waters and serene setting. Take a leisurely walk through the traditional Ringmo Village, where you can experience the unique Bon culture, observe local customs, and interact with friendly villagers.

A highlight of the day is a visit to Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery perched on a ridge above the lake. Here, you can witness ancient Bon rituals and spiritual practices, while enjoying panoramic views of the Phoksundo region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This day provides a perfect blend of rest, cultural immersion, and spiritual insight.

Altitude above sea level: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft–Renji
Hiking duration: 5–6 hours (10 km / 6 mi)
Ascent: 100 m / 328 ft.
Descent: 911 m / 2,988 ft.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you retrace the same scenic trail back from Phoksondo Lake. The day begins with a short, easy walk from Ringmo, followed by a gentle ascent to the viewpoint above the lake and waterfall for one last breathtaking view. From there, the main section of the trek involves a steep descent through cedar and birch forests down to the river level. The trail then follows the Sulighat River (Phoksundo Khola) downstream, passing the Amchi Hospital area (Chunuwar/Sumduwa). Finally, you cross the river via suspension bridges and continue through forested areas and meadows until you reach the village of Renji.

Altitude above sea level: 2,475 m / 8,120 ft.–Juphal
Hiking duration: 5–6 hours (approx.) (12 km / 7.5 mi)
Ascent: 400 m / 1,312 ft.
Descent: 173 m / 568 ft.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, the trail follows the Suli Gad and Bheri rivers, moving from National Park forests to village areas. From Kageni to Sulighat, it descends gently past forests and waterfalls to the park’s check post. From Sulighat to Dunai, the path is mostly flat along the Bheri River. The final stretch from Dunai to Juphal includes a bridge crossing and a steady climb through villages and terraced fields to reach the airstrip.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,272 ft
Flight duration: 35 minutes (Juphal–Nepalgunj) / 45 minutes (Nepalgunj–Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Juphal Airport for your flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, marking the end of your memorable trekking adventure through the stunning landscapes of Dolpo.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast

This day is reserved as a buffer for potential flight delays due to weather conditions in Lukla. Use this leisure day to shop for authentic Nepalese souvenirs, explore Kathmandu’s vibrant culture, or simply unwind after your epic trekking adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, it’s time to fly back home, cherishing all the incredible memories of Nepal. A representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Please make sure to check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight for a smooth departure.