7N 8D PHOKSUNDO LAKE TREK | Buddha Holidays

Package Cost (1 X)		xxxx
VAT (13%)		-
Flight Charges		Included
TOTAL	NPR xxxx

Overview

Trek to Phoksundo Lake and discover one of Nepal’s most remote areas. This lake is located within the Shey Phoksundo National Park in Mustang. The lake is a freshwater lake located at 3611 meters, making it one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Phoksundo and its surrounding areas include the Tibetan Ringmo village, a 900 year-old Buddhist monastery, a waterfall and the beautiful landscape of the Himalayas. Witness the lake changing colors and marvel at its natural beauty. This lake is also regarded as a sacred site by the Bon Buddhists of the region who believe that the Lake hides an underground palace.

The Phoksundo Lake trek offers a fairly easy trek in terms of altitude and terrain. You can also get good access to hotels and tea houses to stay the night. This trek can be started from Nepalgunj with the first part of the trek starting from Juphal, Dolpa. Non-Nepali trekkers are required to get a permit to get access to Shey Phoksundo National Park and a restricted area permit.

Going trekking in Phoksundo Lake? Here is a detailed itinerary and everything you need to know before going on the trek.

Trekking in Phoksundo Lake Quick Facts

Highest altitude: 3630 meters
Best season: March - June, September - October

Highlights of Phoksundo Trek:

-   Visit the freshwater lake at the highest altitude in world and watch its turquoise water change colors throughout the day
-   Visit a 900 year-old monastery
-   Visit an old Bon village of Ringmo
-   Witness the tallest waterfall of Nepal at Jharana Waterfall which is 1000 feet long!
-   Marvel at the natural beauty of Shey Phoksundo national park
-   Experience trekking at one of the remotest regions of Nepal.

Places to Stay:

You will find several tea houses and hotels throughout the trek from Juphal to Ringmo village. The hotels will provide decent rooms during the trek.

Day to Day Itinerary of Phoksundo Lake Trek:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 2: Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai
Day 3: Dunai to Chhepka
Day 4: Chhepka to Ringmo
Day 5: Explore Phoksundo Lake
Day 6: Return from Phoksundo to Chhepka
Day 7: Chhepka to Juphal
Day 8: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and back to Kathmandu

Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Your trek starts with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Take the day the prepare for the trek and explore the city of Nepalgunj. You can explore the main bazaar area or visit some of its popular sites such as Bageshwori temple and Mahendra Park.

Day 2: Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai

The next day, a flight will connect you from Nepalgunj to Juphal in the Dolpa district. You can either start your trek from Juphal or take a vehicle to Dunai. On foot, the trail ascends towards Thulo Bheri then goes towards Kalagaunda. Follow the banks of the Bheri river and walk ahead towards Dunai village. Rest for the night.

Day 3: Dunai to Chhepka

Start your day early and head out from Dunai. You will come through a descent and cross the Bheri River. Then walk along the river bank to Sulighat before reaching Shey Phoksundo National Park. Check in at the entrance and get your permits. Then once you enter the National Park, you will come across trails around the Suli Ghad river towards Kageni. Walk through the walnut and maple forests and make stops at tea houses where you will get to experience glimpses of Tibetan culture. Observe the lush greenery and nature along with beautiful waterfalls. Then walk ahead towards Shyanta village at 2500 meters. But move ahead with the trail and reach Chhepka after another hour and a half of walking at 2670 meters.

Day 4: Chhepka to Ringmo

Today, you will walk through an alpine forest heading towards Ringmo village, a Tibetan settlement which sits right next to Phoksundo lake. On the way, you can also visit Jharana waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Nepal. Today’s trek is challenging as you have to climb up for 3 hours to reach the Jharana viewpoint. After passing the view point, walk towards Ringmo village situated right next to Phoksundo Lake.

Day 5: Explore Phoksundo Lake

Spend the day exploring Phoksundo lake and its surroundings and watch the colors of the lake change throughout the day. You can go towards various surroundings of the Lake to get the best views. Also visit the Tibetan Ringmo Monastery and observe the daily life of the Tibetan villages.

Day 6: Return from Ringmo to Chhepka

We trace our footsteps back with the same route as before moving towards Chhepka. Stay the night at Chhepka for the next destination at Juphal tomorrow.

Day 7: Chhepka to Juphal

Return from Chhepka towards Juphal. As you walk across the same path as before, walking alongside the river. Spend the night at Juphal.

Day 8: Juphal to Nepalgunj

From Juphal, take a flight back to Nepalgunj. On the same day, you can also return to Kathmandu via a flight or take a vehicle.

Tips for Trekking in Shey Phoksundo National Park

1.   Pack Light: Do not carry too many things and don’t overpack. Only carry the essentials and keep your backpack as light as possible to improve your walking speed.
2.   Drink plenty of water: It is essential to stay hydrated as you can lose a lot of sweat while walking. Drinking water can also prevent altitude sickness. Carry a water purifier or purification tablets and you can refill from the local water source.
3.   Dress appropriately: Dress in layers so that it is easy to take off your outer layer when the weather gets warmer. Make sure to carry a raincoat or a weather proof jacket as weather can sometimes get unpredictable at high altitude.
4.   Don’t rush it: Do not rush your trek and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Do not rush your ascent even if others seem to be moving faster than you. Acclimatization is different for everyone depending on age, fitness and health.
5.   Hire a guide or a porter: Hiring a guide to carry your luggage can make it easier for you. It will help to make your trek comfortable and also provide valuable insights about the environment and local culture.
6.   Respect nature: Make sure to leave no plastics or non-degradable trash behind. This is a protected conservation area, so make sure that you do not leave any garbage on the road or anywhere else. Carry it back with you when you head out of the national park.
7.   Respect the local culture: This trek includes villages which have lived a certain way of life for ages. Respect the local customs and traditions and try to understand the way of life in the mountains. The local community will gladly share their customs with you.

Hotel Details

Our Partners

Flight Details

KATHMANDU

12:00 am
NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am

NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am
KATHMANDU

12:00 am

NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am
JHUFAL

12:00 am

JHUFAL

12:00 am
NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am

Altitude Map

Itinerary

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Kathmandu - Nepalgunj
visit Bageshwori temple
Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhufal & Reach Chunuwar
Jhufal - Syangta
Syangta - Chunuwar
Chunuwar - Phoksundo
Phoksundo Lake & Bon Gomba
Phoksundo
Explore Phoksundo
Phoksundo - Chepka
Chepka
Chepka - Jhufal
Jhufal
Jhufal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
Returning back to Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Kathmandu - Nepalgunj
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to a domestic flight.
visit Bageshwori temple
Reach Nepalgunj & Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 - Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhufal & Reach Chunuwar

Jhufal - Syangta
Breakfast at hotel Mount Putha & Drive from Jhufal to Sullighat on the way visit Tripura Sundari & walk till Chunuwar

Overnight Stay at the hotel [ Hotel swagat]
Syangta - Chunuwar
Walk towards Chunuwar and Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 3 - Chunuwar - Phoksundo

Phoksundo Lake & Bon Gomba
Breakfast at Chunwar & Phoksundo-lunch time and
after lunch explore Bon Gomba beside the lake.
Overnight Stay at the hotel

Day 4 - Phoksundo

Explore Phoksundo
Exploration day on the next side of the lake & View Point
Overnight Stay at the hotel

Day 5 - Phoksundo - Chepka

Chepka
Now we return to Chepka from Phoksundo
Overnight Stay at the hotel

Day 6 - Chepka - Jhufal

Jhufal
Now walk from Chepka to Jhufal
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7 - Jhufal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

Returning back to Kathmandu
Fly from Jhufal to Nepalgunj& then to Kathmandu

Inclusion/Exclusion

inlcusion

3 Star Accommodation (Twin Sharing and BB basis)
Airfare [ Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Dolpa/Jhufal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu]
Airport Pick up and Drop
Guide
Tea House in Trekking region

exclusion

Anything which is not included in the inclusion

Trip Notes

Passports, visas and entry requirements

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for you to travel internationally. Similarly, your passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity remaining to travel in most of the countries. We recommend you take copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well. And also please ensure that the name on your passport and airline ticket matches exactly.

VISAS

Entry necessities can alternate at any time. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time.

NEPAL :

All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) require a visa to enter Nepal. In the arrivals hall, you’ll find electronic kiosks that read your passport, take your photo, and print out a completed form. Take your completed form to the payment counter where you'll pay for your visa, and then head to the immigration line for "Visa on Arrival". You may also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars (subject to change, cash only). Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. The following costs were correct at time of writing:

- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$30

- Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$50

- Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$125

Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country.

Medical and health information

GENERAL HEALTH

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19. See your doctor or travel clinic to have a basic health check-up, ask if your travel plans may affect your health, plan any vaccinations you need. Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Vaccination Policy

All travellers on Nepal trips (outside Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands) are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. From 1 December 2021, all travellers on trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

AIR POLLUTION:

Air quality in Nepal can be poor, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution. Seek medical advice if you're concerned about the effects of air pollution.

MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:

Malaria and Dengue fever is a risk in various part of Nepal . Mostly, during the monsoon season . Protect yourself against insect bites by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, including repellent sleeping under a net.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TREATMENT:

Healthcare services are unevenly distributed across the country and access to care in some areas may be limited. Healthcare in Kathmandu generally meets international standards but healthcare throughout the rest of the country may be inadequate. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Hospitals in Nepal typically require upfront payment in cash or credit card, regardless if you have travel health insurance.

Food and dietary requirements

FOOD IN NEPAL:

In Kathmandu and Pokhara there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for all tastes and budgets. Nepal caters very well towards vegetarians and vegans with almost all restaurants having a veg section of the menu.

Accommodation

Transport

LUGGAGE LIMITS:

Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.

ROAD TRAVEL:

Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.

MONSOON:

The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.

INTERNAL FLIGHTS:

There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for included internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Yeti Air & Tara Air.

Money matters

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your needs when travelling outside of these cities. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Namche, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park), and Bhaktapur. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Packing

You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. We'll take care of everything else. A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail. Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday.

- Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, trip notes

- Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets

- Spare passport photos

- Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card

- Money belt

- Small padlocks

- Personal first-aid kit

- Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)

- Electrical adapter plug

- Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes

- Insect repellent

- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat and sunglasses

- Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)

- Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)

- 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)

- Refillable water bottle

- Phrase book

- Warm clothes - when travelling in cooler climates

- Wind and waterproof jacket

- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks

- Camera/phone (with charger)

- Binoculars

Informal clothing is all that is required. Remember to dress in a modest fashion. Light clothing is usually all that will be required for most of the year. During the winter months, December to February, it will be chilly and possibly foggy in the early mornings, with temperatures dropping down to a minimum of around 0ºC on some days. A warm, windproof jacket will be required.

Climate and seasonal information

Nepal's climate varies greatly depending on the season:

JUN - SEP: the monsoon rains (mostly at night) bring landslides in regional areas. Cloud cover often obscures mountain views with rain, mud, and leeches deterring most trekkers at this time of year. Treks running in September can be hot and very humid at lower altitudes.

MAR-APR: Spring brings warm weather and spectacular rhododendron blooms. A popular time to visit and one of the peak times to trek.

OCT - NOV: Clear skies and warm days make autumn the peak season.

DEC - FEB: Winter brings cold temperatures and snow to the mountains. Good trekking, but remember to rug up.

Phone and internet access

Hotels in Kathmandu generally have excellent WiFi connections. Most hotels offer free WiFi in public areas, with some also offering in-room WIFI, sometimes for an additional fee.

Group Leader

The goal of the group leader is to make your travels easier and to help you have the best trip possible. Have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Safety

We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy.

Strikes :

Strikes happen on a very frequent basis in Nepal. Most, but not all, of the recent strikes are political in nature and are generally called for the night before with little or no warning. If you arrive as a tourist during a busy political time of year there's a strong chance you might not be able to travel the country as much as you would normally.

INSURANCE:

Travel protection is highly recommended to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may occur during or before our trip. Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs.

FESTIVALS:

The weather is not the only factor when thinking about when to go to Nepal. This Himalayan nation has a rich history, which can be discovered through its festivals. Nepal’s festival calendar fills every month of the year with colourful celebrations that offer interesting insights into the local culture. Stumbling onto a local festival may prove to be the highlight of your travels in Nepal – and given the sheer number of them, you’d be unlucky not to. Festivals may be Hindu, Buddhist, animist or a mix of all three. Travelling in Nepal during Holi Festival (28-29 March 2021, 27-28 March 2022), can at times be dangerous due to revellers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger. Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (4 November 2021, 24 November 2022) can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks.

Culture shock

Not all cultures share the same beliefs and values. These differences can cause severe culture shock. Some culture shocks that travellers might find while travelling in Nepal are:

Don’t assume people to speak your language. In cultures where you don’t speak the language, simple tasks suddenly become more complicated- like riding a bus, ordering food at a restaurant.

Some Asian cultures such as Indian, Korean and Chinese openly spit on the sidewalk same with Nepal.

In some Asian countries such as Thailand, India, Nepal and some Muslim countries such as Morocco, using water and your hands, not toilet paper, is considered much cleaner than using toilet paper.

There is poverty all over the world but it never seems real until you experience it firsthand. There are number of homeless beggars and slums in Nepal. There are piles of garbage next to rivers, people sleeping in gutters, meat being butchered on a tarp next to the street.

After your arrival you will run into people who will offer you a taxi ride or a cheap hotel. When you hop into a car and leave through the gate of the airport you will see the snake driving of vehicles. There are dividers but the car might go to the wrong side to overtake, which is very normal here, and therefore no reason to worry.

When in Nepal, don’t expect things to go on time. You will face delay almost in all activities. There is even a phrase “Nepali Time” which is used sarcastically to point out delay in activities.

You might see guys holding hands when they are walking down the street. Guys holding hands in Nepal is a sign of a good friendship and brotherhood.

At monuments, museums, Durbar Squares etc if someone starts following you and explaining things, they are hiring themselves as your guide and expecting to be paid at the end. Tell them clearly their services are not required pronto, or things are going to get awkward.

(Travel Restrictions, COVID Tests & Quarantine Requirements)

Vaccination Requirements: Nepal is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. However, vaccinated individuals can bypass the testing rules that require travellers to provide proof of a negative corona virus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. All travellers regardless of vaccination status must have travel insurance that covers health, immediate crisis or rescue for the duration of the trip; proof of accommodation in Nepal; a completed International Travel Arrival Form; and either a Nepalese visa or a recommendation from the tourism board.

1. Passengers must have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. This does not apply to Nationals of Nepal, Passengers of Nepali origin (Non-Resident Nepali (NRN)) and their family members, Passengers with a visa issued by a diplomatic representation of Nepal.

2. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Tests accepted are Gene X pert, NAAT and RT-PCR. This does not apply to passengers younger than 5 years.

3. Passengers must obtain an International Traveller Online Arrival Form at https://ccmc.gov.np/

4. Passengers must have a hotel reservation confirmation. This does not apply to nationals of Nepal, Spouses of Nepali nationals, Passengers of Nepali origin and their family members.

5. Passengers could be subject to hotel quarantine for 10 days at their own expense. This does not apply to passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival.

6. Visa on arrival facilities restarted for eligible passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. This does not apply to passengers travelling with an emergency passport, a temporary passport or a temporary travel document.

Policies

Payment Policy

The company accepts all major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa Cards).

The client also has the option to wire transfer the payment of booking the package to the following bank account in Nepal:

Name of Account Holder: Buddha Holidays Tours and Travel Pvt. Ltd., Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
Account Number (USD): 006 08082190011
Account Number (NPR/INR): 006 08082190019
Name of the Bank: Himalayan Bank Ltd, Patan Branch, Lalitpur
Swift Code: HIMANPKA

Cancellation Policy

The following cancellation policies are applicable under the following scenarios:

1. If cancelled by the Company:

The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances. The company will not cancel a tour less than 30 days before the start date of the tour except for force majeure or failure on the client’s part to make all due payments or if the client fails to comply with any requirements of the booking conditions.

If the Company has to cancel, you will be informed as soon as possible.

If there is time to do so before departure and the cancellation does not result from your failure, then the Company will offer you a choice to purchase an alternative tour as a result of consolidation or another available tour offered by the company. In either case, paying or receiving a refund in respect of difference in price or receiving a full refund of all monies paid to the Company.

It is advisable to only book fully flexible transport and other arrangements which can be cancelled or changed without charges, as the Company is not liable to pay the Client any cancellation, amendment or other changes the Client may need to make as a result of the cancellation of the tour.

As a minimum, the Company, where compensation is due will pay a compensation of USD 100 per confirmed passenger. The Company is not liable for compensation if the booking is cancelled as a result of force majeure.

2. If Cancelled by the Clients

Clients have the option to cancel their booking as per the following policies of the Company:

10% of the advanced payment will be retained by the Company if cancellation is done 30 days prior to the start date of the tour.
50% of the advanced payment will be retained by the Company if cancellation is done 2 to 3 days prior to the start date of the tour.
100% of the advanced payment is retained by the Company is the cancellation is done less than 2 days before the start of the tour date.

In case of non-payment of the remaining balance before the due date, the Company reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled and 100% of the advanced payment will be retained as a cancellation charge by the Company.

PHOKSUNDO LAKE TREK [BHPLTR] [6N 7D] [ DOLPA REGION]

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Trip Summary

Overview

Hotel Details

Our Partners

Included Flights

KATHMANDU to NEPALGUNJ

NEPALGUNJ to KATHMANDU

NEPALGUNJ to JHUFAL

JHUFAL to NEPALGUNJ

Flight Details

KATHMANDU

12:00 am

NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am

NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am

KATHMANDU

12:00 am

NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am

JHUFAL

12:00 am

JHUFAL

12:00 am

NEPALGUNJ

12:00 am

Altitude Map

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Day 2 - Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhufal & Reach Chunuwar

Day 3 - Chunuwar - Phoksundo

Day 4 - Phoksundo

Day 5 - Phoksundo - Chepka

Day 6 - Chepka - Jhufal

Day 7 - Jhufal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

Inclusion/Exclusion

inlcusion

exclusion

Trip Notes

Policies

Payment Policy

Cancellation Policy

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