Phoksundo Lake Trek - 9 Days

When is the best time to trek Phoksundo Lake?

The best seasons to explore Phoksundo Lake in Nepal stand out to be spring, from March to May, and autumn, starting from September to November. During these typical timeframes, the weather remains clear, with a very low chance of rain and snowfall, making the trail easy to proceed. Due to no precipitation, the trails tend to stay dry and smoothly undertaken, with no risk of slippery, muddy, or snowy pathways, perfect for beginners too. Apart from that, as the journey starts with a flight, it is very important that the climate remains predictable to avoid flight delays and cancellations, and these particular seasons mark a perfect time for those with limited time, as the chances of flight disruptions are low as well.

While mentioning all this, not to forget, the temperature is chilly and mild, and the clear views of the mountains and landscapes make the trip even more engaging. You do not have to worry about getting accommodations, as during the peak season, the tea houses operate fully, and the possibility of route blockage is nearly zero. Hence, the ideal time to go trekking to Phoksundo Lake is spring and Autumn, just like any other Himalayan treks.

How difficult is the Phoksundo Lake Trek?

The Phoksundo Lake Trekking is considered a moderate adventure that does not demand any technical skills or prior trekking experience. The trails neither include any high mountain passes nor base camps above 4000 meters, which makes it altitude-friendly and can be approached by first-timers as well. However, trekkers must be ready for walking varied terrain and long daily hikes of 5-6 hours, through rocky, steep, rugged, and narrow sections with several ups and downs. Rather than the distance covered, what makes the trek hard is the trail isolation and distant lodges, which may be frustrating for beginners, but as long as you are hiking in the company of the trekking guide, such problems won't bother you at all. 

You don't need any previous Himalayan experience, but it is highly suggested that you engage in physical activity (strengthening), like cardio, short hikes, or workouts, so that your legs and muscles become ready for long walks. While altitude sickness is not much of a concern, as it reaches its highest point just at 3610 meters, it is essential that you watch out for symptoms, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and reach out to your guide if such happens or if any discomfort occurs. The trip can be best described as moderate or a bit more challenging than easy, due to remoteness, weather uncertainty, and high altitude.

Foods and Accommodations

The meals and lodges along the way are on a simple basis, hosted by the local people themselves. The tea houses have a limited food menu, yet are specialized to cater to the tastes of hikers all across the globe, and offer vegan, veg, and non-veg options as well. They are filling, locally cooked; some of the popular dishes include dal bhat, soup, noodles, potatoes, bread items, and local meals, like butter tea, spinach Tibetan momo, and tsampa. Menu choices may be limited, and supplies can be more difficult to find farther along the trail, so bring any favorite snacks or special dietary items.

Accommodation is usually in basic teahouses or local homestays, with simple rooms and shared facilities rather than hotel-style comforts. Hot showers, charging points, and other amenities may be limited or unavailable in some villages; the available services are charged depending on usage hours. For communication, you will find, wi-fi, at every tea house, which can be connected in the communal dining hall; sometimes it may not work perfectly, but overall, it can be accessible for quick calls or texts. The rooms provided to you depend on your group size; for instance, if you are travelling solo, then a single room will be provided, whereas travelling with a partner means a twin room will be given; hence, your comfort and safety are highly prioritized.

Permits for the Phoksundo Lake Trekking

For the standard regular Phoksundo Lake route, there are two permits required: firstly, the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, and the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit. These permits can only be obtained through local registered trekking operators, where one must hire a local guide through the agency itself, as independent hiking is not permitted to date. With the new regulation, one can hike privately, without having to join a group or a partner; hence, even if you are travelling solo, you can get the permits, fulfilling legal obligations. 

• Shey Phoksundo Park permit costs approximately NPR 3000 (USD 28) for foreign visitors, whereas for SAARC nationalities, it is priced at only USD 12 (NPR 1500) and NPR 25 for Nepalese visitors.
• Restricted Area Permit for Dolpo only costs approx. USD 20 (NPR 2500) for the first week (7 days), and if additional days are added, then each additional week costs USD 5 per head.

After the booking is confirmed, the required permits will be arranged by us.

Is hiring a guide compulsory for trekking Phoksundo Lake?

Yes, for the Phoksundo Lake Trek, it is mandatory to hire a local guide, that too through a registered local trekking company, like Destination Himalaya Treks. Even though a minimum of two trekkers in a group is no longer compulsory, hiring a guide remains compulsory, as the trail also covers the restricted area of the lower Dolpo region. Meanwhile, if you are an experienced hiker and confident that you do not need any support to carry your gear, then you can skip hiring a porter, but having a strong porter always helps to make the trip smooth and make the walk quite easier.

Local guides and porters are your experienced best friends that you can always count on, from the worst to the best. They are excellent navigators and cultural ambassadors who not only lead you to your destination safely but also help you to overcome the cultural and linguistic barriers between you and the locals. Known for immediate response in case of emergency, hiring guides in Nepal, hiring guides is recommended.

Booking Procedure

Reserve your Phoksundo Lake Trek with a 10% advance payment of the total trip cost. You can pay the remaining balance after arriving in Kathmandu using cash or another agreed payment method. For advance payments, bank transfer is available.

Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition is a registered trekking and tour operator in Nepal. Once your booking is confirmed, please send us a copy of your passport, passport-size photos, and your flight details, if available, within a few days. We’ll use these details to prepare the arrangements for your Phoksundo Lake Trek.

For bookings or questions about the trek, email [email protected] or call +977 9851016814. You can also reach us by WhatsApp, Viber, or IMO.