Phoksundo lake trek 13 days
BookThe phoksundo Lake trek takes you to the alpine fresh water lake located at altitude of 2,611m (11,849 ft) of Shey Phoksundo National Parks in the Dolpa districts. Trek to Phoksundo Lake also referred as Shey Phoksundo Lake has been emerging one of the enchanting destination for the adventure offering the stunning beauty of Dolpa. The phoksundo lake is isolated by the difficult topography behind the Dhaulagiri massif offering to explore the unexplored territory and meet the unexposed people and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
The phoksundo trek begins with the flight to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal and following the trail that skirts through the ancient villages where the life style and tradition is still the centuries behind. The trekking trail cuts off through the forest of pine, oak and juniper inhibited by endangered animals like the Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep and snow leopard.
Itinerary
Our Phoksundo lake trek 13 days itinenary is designed by the team of experts working in himalayan adventure field for more than decade. This trek itinerary carefully offers rest and exploration day in Phoksundo to acclimatise safely against the altitude problems. On the high altitude adventure we never rush a trek and taking a few extra days is good to enjoy more of the trek of life time.
Day 1 : Pick up in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Welcome greeting at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu by the representative from Wild Stone Adventure. You will then transfer to the Hotel for refreshment where you will be served with welcome drinks. Depending on your interest and condition you can either rest, hang around the street or visit our office for rest of the day. Included: Welcome Drinks
Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing, trek briefing and preparation
We will start guided tour to several major historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The tour cover UNESCO World Heritage Sites including historical Durbar Square, Sacred Hindu Temple (Pahupati Nath) ,popular monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists Shrine (Buddha Nath). After completion of city tour you will meet with guide and other helping staffs, you will be explained with nature of your trek and your trekking gears will be checked. Included: Breakfast
Day 3 : Fly Kathmandu - Nepalgunj
After Breakfast, drive to airport and fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is boarder town which lies in the in the western Terai. After checking into Hotel, we might explore the bazaar.
Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 : Fly Nepalgunj - Juphal (2475m) and trek to Dunai (2150)
We fly to Juphal, flight departs early morning to avoid the harsh afternoon winds that blow through the high passes of Mahabharata range. As it is the first day of our trek we will make short walk to Dunai. We walk downhill through meadows and passes through a Dalit village. Then we follow the river trail upstream to Dunai.
Trek Time : 2 hrs Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 : Trek Dunai - Chhepka (2838m)
Leaving the Dunai early after breakfast, we cross suspension bridge over Bheri and continue our walk toward Suligad. We follow the upstream and cross a wooden bridge in Kageni and continue narrow trail uphill which leads to Jalash. From here the strenuous uphill trail starts and last for 2 hours finally we arrive at Chhepka.
Trek Time : 7 hrs Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 : Trek Chhepka – Chunuwar (3110m)
Today, we hike through the beautiful forest of pines, oaks, maple and Birch. The trail passes mostly along the river making easy up and down. After we pass the village of Rechi we cross the bridge and continue our walk Chunuwar.
Trek Time : 8 hrs Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities : Visit Amchi Hospital
Day 7 : Trek chunuwar – Phosksundo Lake
Today is the shortest hike but the involves long steep climbs and altitude crosses 3500 meters. The steep climb is definitely strenuous but the reaching the top of pass is reward in itself. We can see the spectacular waterfall of 167 meter high and first view of the Phoksundo Lake is quite breathtaking. From here we descend till we get to the river , which we follow until we reach the Phoksundo Lake.
Trek Time : 4 hrs Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 : Explore in Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo
Explore the beautiful phoksundo lake and visit charming village of Ringmo. The Ringmo village lies on the bank of Shey Phoksundo Lake. The people of Ringmo are Bonpos, the followers of Bon tradition. Here
Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 : Trek Phoksundo – Chunuwar (3110m)
Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 : Trek chunuwar – Sangta(2421m)
Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 : Trek Sangta – Juphal(2475m)
Included:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 : Fly Juphal – Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu
Included:Breakfast & Cultural Dinner
Day 13 : Farewell
Your Phoksundo Lake Trek 13 days has come to an end. Wild Stone Adventure representative will transfer you to International airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Included:Breakfast
Price Includes
Money Matters so we would like to explain what you are paying for. We are local operator providing world class services to the travelers yearning to be foot on Himalayan trail. We provide you with the minimum price possible for fully inclusive trips .We are proud to guarantee NO HIDDEN COST.
- Airport Pick up and drop.
- Delux accomodation in Kathmandu
- All surface transfer as per the itinerary.
- Kathmandu city tour by English Speaking Guide on Private Vehicle.
- All the standerd meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during trekking.
- Safe and ozonated water throughout the trek.
- Tea House Acomodation during trekking.
- Registered and trained Guide.
- Required number of insured Porter (2 trekkers: 1porter)
- Langtang National Park permit.
- All Surface transfer for your guide, porter and necessary cargo.
- Staff insurances.
- Government taxes and official charges. Visa charge not included here.
- Attractive First Aid Kits.
- Farewell Cultural Dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
This package doesnot cover following cost and should be personally paid by the traveller.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Beverages and other hard drinks cost
- Nepal Entry visa fee and airport taxes.
- Expences of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks etc
- Rescue and emergency cost/ Insurance cost but we will help to carry of the procedure.
- Personal trekking equipments
Trip Notes
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Your safety is our paramount concern while trekking with Wild Stone Adventure. Your Leader has full authority to amend any part of the itinenary due to safety reason. Every effort will be made to keep up with the above itinerary however it is the adventure in remote himalayan zone we cannot guarantee it! Wether condition, physical condition of trekkers and unexpected natural disasters can force to alter the itinerary.Your Leader will forward you with the alternatives so please be prepared to be flexible.
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Arrival
Upon your arrive at Tribhuban International Airport (TIA), Wild Stone Adventures' representative will greet you and transport you to your Hotel. The rest of the day depends on your interest and condition, you can either take a rest or visit our office.The next day you will be formally introduced to your Guide, brief about the trek and enjoy sightseeing tour of the city's most influential cultural and historical landmarks.
Accommodation
Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing basis with private facilities which are of Western style.
Whilst trekking accommodation is in lodges and teahouses and is of a basic standard. Rooms may be twin or multi share with basic shared toilet facilities. Hot showers and Laundry facilities are available in some places for a small charge.
Transportation
Wild Stone Adventure use high quality private transportation to get in and off the trekking put in point and put out point.On longer routes, we use private or tourist buses, which provide a slightly higher degree of comfort and safety.For air transportation Wild Stone uses modern, comfortable and most - reliable airline operator.In trekking region, transportation mean is hiking and in some cases Yaks / horses / mules / donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major mean of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters and/or animals.
Meals
We provide quality food in sufficient quantities during your trip period. Phoksundo Lake Trek cost include breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara and three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses menu while on trek. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.
Trekking Group
For Phoksundo Lake Trek, there will be one leader (5 trekkers:1 leader)and the required number of sherpa porter(2 trekkers:1 porter).As you will be travelling in the group you will be exposed to all the pleasure of travelling in group. We can run annapurna circuit trek for any group size but generally we have maximum of ten people, we we found this to be best group size for the optimal success.
Group Leader and Support Staffs
All our trips are accompanied out by one of our local group Leaders. The aim of the group leader is make your Phoksundo Lake Trek successsful, enjoyable, memorable and hassle free. Our leader will provide informationa on the culture, geography, ecosystem, flora and fauna of the place your are travelling. They will also offer suggestions for the optional activities and thing to do, recommend great places and introduce you to the local people. Our leader will also assist you to learn the local language.
All our outdoor guides are licensed from the Government of Nepal. Beside the license they have numbers of certificates including Wilderness First Aid, certificate from Kathmandu Education Projects, certificate from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, and Eco friendly guiding certificates.
Trip Grade
Our Phoksundo Lake Trek 13 days trek is a moderate trek suitable for passionate hiker. Walking in the higher altitude with a day pack is physically demanding than in a lower elevation, however if you are physically fit, self confidence and have stronger determination, you can accomplish this trek successfully.
No previous experience required, you should be physically fit and enjoy walking in high altitudes.
Physical Preparation
For the Phoksundo Lake Trek the general rule is you will need to be fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking at very high altitudes with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. We recommend you to undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to boost your fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trip to its fullest.
Best Season
Autumn (September - December) and Spring (March-May) are the best seasons for the Phoksundo Lake trekking. The weather is excellent and offers tantalizing mountain views, but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing in higher elevations. Winter (Dec - Feb) is also good for Phoksundo Lake trek, only issue is cold and might be problem in the higher pass pass due to snow. Monsoon (June -August) can be the perfect time to capture the beauty of flowers and lush vegetation in higher valleys. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy the best of nature.
Currency Exchange
The official currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee (NRs)
It is best to bring a mixture of cash and travelers checks in major currencies - USD, CAD, EUR, AUD - and ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations. Money may easily be exchanged at Kathmandu airport on arrival and banks and licensed moneychangers in cities. Credit card cash advances and ATM withdrawals are in NPR only.
Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency in small denominations as change is hard to find in the villages ( 100 rupee are easy to trade )
Extra Pocket Money
While trekking with wild Stone adventure, all meals are included in your trip cost . You will need very little local currency for meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara extra snacks, soft drinks or souvenirs along the trail.
Extra money dependa upon your spending habit. Please consider your own spending habits when you count for extra pocket money.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances beyond our control ( natural disaster, extreme weather, nepal strikes) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Travel Insurence
Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability.
Etiquette
When visiting and entering temples and Nepalis house you must remove your shoes. In some temples, it is forbidden to wear any leather goods. Other temples, such as those in Pashupatinath, do not allow foreigner besides hindu to enter. These are normally marked with a sign in English, and we urge you to respect such practices.
Always ask permission before taking photos inside any temples, and before photographing any local people. When permission is granted, always be sensitive when photographing people, and non-intrusive when shooting inside temples when prayers are in progress. Generally, photography is allowed outside Buddhist and Hindu temples and at religious ceremonies and festivals.
You are guest in Nepal and it is appriciated if you behave like Nepali (Local):
- Dress Respectfully (no short shorts or revealing clothes)
- Do not show affection in public.
- Do not buy antiques.
- Do not point your feet (unclean) to people and point with full hand not with one finger.
- Do not step over persons.
- Do not touch or step over offerings (red powder, flowers/rice)
- Do not use your left hand (dirty)
- Receive and give with two hands.
- Ask permission before taking people's photographs.
- Discourage begging, pay fair price
- Take off your shoes before entering a monastery or Nepali house.
- Go clockwise roung the stupas, temples etc
- Avoid touching monks / lamas.
Clothing
Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool during hiking. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unaccepted. While visiting temples,monasteriesand other religious sites men need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels and tea houses for a small charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your ownlaundry so we suggest you bring biodegradable soap.
Packing List
While packing for “ Phoksundo Lake trek” it essential to considered weather condition and time of year you are travelling.
Please Click here for the complete packing list for this trip.
Tipping
Tipping is expected but not compulsory and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your trip.
Responsible Tourism
Being a responsible trek operator is at the heart of what Wild Stone Adventure is all about. The beautiful environment of the Himalaya is also an extremely fragile one. At Wild Stone Adventure , we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact as much as possible.We are committed to responsible tourism and it is implemented in every trip through the following means.
- Leave no Trace
- Discourage deforestation
- Keep Water Source Clean
- Plant Saplings
- Plants Left in Their Natural Environment
- Alternative Source of Energy for Fuel
- Employ local leaders and supporting staffs
- Use local tea house and home stay
- Consume local food
- Reduce, Reuse and Recyle
Suggest reading for Phoksundo Lake Trek.
- Dolpo: A Trekking Guide- Kev Reynolds
- The Snow Leopard - Peter Matthiess
- Vanishing Tracks: Four Years Among the Snow Leopards of Nepal - Hillard Darla
- Nepal Travel Guide – Lonely Planet
- Himalayan Hermitess: The Life of a Tibetan Buddhist Nun -Kurtis R. Schaeffer
- Trekking in Nepal –Antoine d’ Abbundo
- Rough guide to Nepal – David Reed
- Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya – Stan Armington
- Nepal Himalayas -Shirahata Shiro
- Mountain sickness -Peter Hackett
- Pocket first Aid and Wilderness Medicine -Dr. Jim Duff & Dr. Peter Gormly