Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
9Days
Max Elevation
3,500m at Phoksundo Lake
Group Size
2-8 People
Accommodation
MODE OF TREK Camping
Transportation
Camping
Start / End
Jhuphal / Phoksundo Lake
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where our office staff will give you a brief orientation about the trek and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal. In the evening our staff will guide you to visit Boudhanath Stupa, which is 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel. After returning to the hotel, enjoy the spa and a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Hyatt Regency
Max Altitude: 1,300m
After an early morning breakfast, drive to the airport at 6 o’clock by private vehicle, from where you will take an hour’s scenic flight by the latest model private chartered B3E helicopter to Juphal. We fly over the Himalayan foothills, with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Note: the helicopter may stop for about 15 minutes in Pokhara Airport and 15 minutes in Nepalgunj Airport for re-fueling purposes. On arriving at Jhuphal our trekking staff will receive you.
After lunch, prepared by our staff, the adventure begins with a downhill walk of an hour through the village below the airstrip, through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and a narrow gorge. Another 2 to 3 hours walking takes us to our overnight camp at Dunai. This is a small township and it is the main administrate headquarter of the Dolpo region.
Overnight stay: Luxury Tented Camp Max Altitude: 2,475m
Duration: 04 Hrs
From the camp at Dunai, the route diverts across a suspension bridge and turns west. The path soon begins to climb up the side of the treeless Thulo Bheri Valley, where it crests on a ridge and then enters the Phoksundo River Valley, finally reaching another ridge which is marked by cairns at 2,499m. Offering excellent views of the Kagmara Peak, the trail leads to a large canyon, then descends gently on a long downhill slope through scattered houses and walnut groves (2,810m). The trail then follows a stream to Dhera, a winter settlement where people from higher villages keep herds of cows and goats. Climbing to Rahagaon, a Thakuri village at 2,900m, there is a gompa dedicated to the local god, Mastha, guardian of this village. From here we pass through the lower part of Rahagaon and then descend to Phoksundo River. Passing through another canyon, the path heads downhill through a dark forest to a large stream, finally emerging at the entrance to the Shey Phoksumdo National Park at Ankhe, were we camp overnight.
Overnight stay: Luxury Tented Camp Max Altitude: (2,896M)
Duration: 6 HRS
Today the trek starts with small ups and downs along the forested riverbed, ascending steeply to about 2,900m. Although a bit tiring there are plenty of small streams where you can cool off, walking at your own pace. The trail eventually leaves the forests to cross a grassy slope high above the river. Descending again into a forest, we reach a cliff, and carefully go down a wobbly stone staircase to the river bank below. After reaching the river at 2,950m, the trail becomes a collection of rocks forming a dyke along the river bank. Our journey continues upstream to a bridge near Ryajik village where we camp overnight. Interestingly, the three villages that we pass through on this day, have distinctive names: Parela, meaning eyelash, Rahagaon meaning eyebrow, and Ankhe meaning eye.
Overnight stay: Luxury Tented Camp Max Altitude: (2,282M)
Duration: 6 HRS
Our journey continues along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksumdo and Pungmo Rivers. After crossing to the western side of the Phoksundo River by wooden bridge, the path follows the west bank of the Pungmo River all the way to Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village. Today we pass through a cedar forest and Palam, a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo. From here our route heads up to open country, at an altitude of around 3,350m. From the ridge one can see the distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular 300m high waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. After a brief stop here to enjoy the views, the trail descent through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River, and then to the picturesque settlement of Ringmo. From here it is a short walk to the shores of Phoksumdo Lake for our overnight camp.
Overnight stay: Luxury Tented Camp Max Altitude: 3,500m
Duration: 6 Hrs
From Phoksundo you can explore the village of Ringmo and its Tibetan Buddhist monastery, mud plastered chortens and mani walls. Or simply enjoy the beauty of the clear blue waters of the lake.
Overnight stay: Luxury Tented Camp Max Altitude: 3,500m
Duration: 6 Hrs
After having a champagne breakfast we depart the area by the latest model private chartered B3E helicopter for Kathmandu. Upon landing in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you and escort you to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. In the late afternoon, our staff will guide you to visit Boudhanath Stupa which is 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel, should you have not had time to do this on your arrival day. In the evening, you will enjoy an authentic Nepali farewell dinner.
Overnight stay: Hotel Hyatt Regency. Duration: 1.5 HRS
Our staff will take you to the airport in time for your international flight. Please ensure you have reconfirmed your flight. We can do this for you.
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