Shey Phoksundo Lake: Location, Altitude & Trek Guide
Shey Phoksundo Lake, known as the turquoise lake of Nepal, is located in Dolpa District, Karnali Province, inside Shey-Phoksundo National Park, at an altitude of 3,611.5 m (11,849 ft). Its maximum depth is 136.2 m (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, 2019), and its clear, deep water gives it the distinctive turquoise color it is famous for. Ringmo village sits at the southern end, and the lake has been a Ramsar-listed Wetland of International Importance since 2007.
This guide covers the lake’s location, altitude and depth, why the water is turquoise, how to get there from Kathmandu, trek difficulty, the 12-day itinerary, permits and fees, costs, where to stay and the best time to go.
Quick Summary: Phoksundo Lake
- Location: Dolpa District, Karnali Province, northwestern Nepal (29°12'N, 82°57'E)
- Altitude: 3,611.5 m (11,849 ft) above sea level.
- Maximum depth: 136.2 m (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, 2019). An earlier 2004 survey gave 145 m
- Surface area: 4.849 km² (DHM, 2019)
- Protected status: Shey-Phoksundo National Park; Ramsar site no. 1694 (designated 23 September 2007)
- Access: flights to Nepalgunj and Juphal, then about 3 days on foot
- Best seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)
- Permits: Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, Lower Dolpa permit, and a licensed guide
Where Is Shey Phoksundo Lake Located in Nepal?
Phoksundo Lake lies in Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality-8, Dolpa District, about 285 km northwest of Kathmandu in a straight line (calculated from the Ramsar coordinates). Dolpa is Nepal's largest district by area and sits behind the main Himalayan range, so it receives far fewer visitors than Everest or Annapurna.
The Shey Phoksundo National Park covers 3,555 km² and ranges from 2,130 m to 6,885 m in elevation. Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation lists it as the country's largest national park.
The lake's southern end is next to Ringmo, the village most trekkers use as their base. The usual route runs from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by air, then to Juphal, then on foot. Dunai, the district headquarters, is an important stop on the approach to Phoksundo Lake.
How far is Phoksundo Lake from Kathmandu? There is no single road distance, because the trip combines flights and walking.
- Straight line: about 330 km (205 miles) northwest of Kathmandu
- Flights: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (about 1 hour), then Nepalgunj → Juphal (about 35 minutes)
- On foot: about three days from Juphal
What Is the Other Name of Phoksundo Lake?
Locals call it "Phoksundo Lake", named after the nearby Shey Gompa monastery, a sacred Bon Buddhist site. This other name hints at its spiritual roots, where legends say the lake's colors come from a demon's defeat.
Phoksundo Lake is also known as Ringmo Lake because the village of Ringmo is situated on its banks, and many people refer to the lake by the name of the nearby village. The lake is surrounded by tall snowy mountains, including the Kanjirowa Himal to the west and Norbung Kang to the south, and dotted with old Buddhist monasteries, creating a peaceful and magical feeling.
Phoksundo Lake also gained fame as the filming location for the movie "Caravan", which showcased its mesmerizing beauty to a wider audience.
How to Reach Phoksundo Lake from Kathmandu by Flight & Road
Getting to Phoksundo Lake takes effort, but that's part of the excitement. The Kathmandu to Phoksundo Lake distance is around 650km by road and flight combo, taking 1-2 days total.
Here's a simple solution-based guide for you:
- Fly to Juphal: Start with a 55-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and a 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Jufal Airport (book via Dolpo Caravan to avoid sold-out seats). It is scenic and skips rough roads.
- Trek In: From Jufal, hike 3-4 days through forests and villages to Phoksundo Lake. Total trek: 7-10 days round trip.
- How to Reach Phoksundo Lake by Road? If flying isn't your thing, take a bus from Kathmandu to Dunai (18-20 hours, NPR 4000-5000), then a jeep to the trailhead. But roads are bumpy, our jeeps with expert drivers make it comfy and safe.
Pro tip: Weather can close flights, so build in buffer days. We solve this with flexible itineraries and backup plans, ensuring you reach Phoksundo Lake without stress.
The best time to visit Phoksundo Lake is from April to October, when the weather is clear and trails are open. You’ll need a Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and a Lower Dolpo trekking permit.
Want to experience Dolpo Region without stress? Our travel experts can help you plan your Phoksundo Lake trek from permits to local guides. Contact us today!
How deep is Phoksundo Lake, and is it Nepal's deepest?
Phoksundo Lake is 136–145 m deep, and Rara Lake is deeper. A 2004 survey by Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology measured 145 m, the figure still quoted on most travel pages. A detailed 2019 bathymetric survey by the same department measured 136.2 m.
Rara Lake measures 167 m at its deepest point, with a surface area of 10.8 km² at 2,990 m elevation, making it Nepal's largest and, by most measurements, deepest lake. Ramsar's 2007 site description still calls Phoksundo the deepest, and Dolpa residents disputed the 2004 report that placed Rara ahead. Safe wording for your own pages: "one of Nepal's deepest lakes" or "Nepal's second-deepest lake after Rara".
Travel Tips for Visiting Phoksundo Lake
- Carry cash; ATMs are rare after Dunai.
- Get both Shey Phoksundo and Lower Dolpo permits early.
- For altitude safety, spend a rest day in Ringmo.
- Hire local porters; it supports Dolpo’s economy and ensures safe trekking.
- Don’t miss the side trip to Shey Gompa Monastery.
Final Thoughts
Phoksundo Lake offers stunning views of clear turquoise water surrounded by snowy mountains and ancient Buddhist culture. The trek is peaceful and special, located deep in Nepal’s remote Dolpo region. It is moderately hard, great for anyone ready to explore nature and old traditions far from busy places.
This journey is more than a hike. It is a chance to feel the calm, sacred spirit of the Dolpo area. Whether you love nature, photography, or spiritual travel, Phoksundo Lake gives you a memorable and life-changing experience.
Nepal is a country filled with multiple adventure and one of the best places to go on treks. If you want to see one of Nepal’s most beautiful and magical lakes, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is a perfect choice.
Ready to stand before Nepal’s bluest lake? Let us craft your Phoksundo Lake trek where nature’s silence and spirituality meet. Start your Dolpo journey today!
All About Dolpo
Dolpo Region | Dolpo History | Dolpo Himalaya | Dolpo Geography | Dolpo People & Ethnic Groups | Dolpo Flora & Fauna | Bon Religion in Dolpo | Shey Festival | Shey Gompa | Shey Phoksundo National Park | Dolpo Yarsagumba | Dolpo Caravan Trade
Popular Dolpo Trekking Packages
Upper Dolpo Trek | Lower Dolpo Trek | Beni Dolpo Trek | Phoksundo Lake Tea House Trek | Phoksundo Bon Cultural Trek | Mugu Dolpo Trek | Jumla Kagmara Dho Tarap Culinary Trek
FAQs
Where is Phoksundo Lake located?
Phoksundo Lake is in Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, Dolpa District, Karnali Province, western Nepal, inside Shey Phoksundo National Park at about 3,611 m. The nearest village is Ringmo on the southern shore.
How do I get to Phoksundo Lake?
You can get to Phoksundo Lake by flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or Jumla and then trekking for a few days. Another option is taking a bus to Dunai and continuing by jeep and hike. Booking a guided package makes the trip easier by handling flights and permits.
How deep is Shey Phoksundo Lake?
Phoksundo Lake is 136–145 m deep. A 2004 government survey measured 145 m; a more detailed 2019 bathymetric survey measured 136.2 m.
Which is the deepest lake in Nepal?
Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest in Nepal at around 145 meters, beating out others like Rara Lake in depth. Even though some lakes are bigger in size, Phoksundo stands out for its impressive depth in the Himalayan region. This fact draws many visitors interested in Nepal's geography.
What is the other name of Phoksundo Lake?
The other name of Phoksundo Lake is Shey Phoksundo Lake, which comes from the nearby Shey Gompa and its Bon Buddhist roots. This name highlights the lake's spiritual importance in the area. It's often used in travel guides to connect it with the local culture.
How far is the Kathmandu to Phoksundo Lake distance?
The distance from Kathmandu to Phoksundo Lake is about 200 kilometers, but the actual trip takes 1-2 days because of flights and trekking. This remote location adds to the adventure, so using packages can simplify things with direct bookings. It's a journey that shows off Nepal's diverse landscapes.
How to reach Phoksundo Lake by road from Kathmandu?
You can reach Phoksundo Lake by road from Kathmandu by taking a bus to Dunai, which takes 18-20 hours, and then a jeep to the trailhead for a short hike. The roads can be rough, so choose reliable transport for safety and comfort, like options with stops for breaks. This route is a good way to see the countryside before the trek.
How does Phoksundo Lake compare to Rara National Park?
Phoksundo Lake is deeper and more remote in Dolpa, so the treks there are quieter and peaceful, with many cultural places to visit. Rara National Park in Mugu has a bigger lake, but more people go there. Both places have amazing mountain views, but Phoksundo feels calmer and private. If you want to visit both lakes, you can take a multi-lake tour for a complete experience.
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