Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu valley, you are warmly welcomed by a representative of Kai Expedition. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you will be greeted with traditional hospitality and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey and soak in vibrant atmosphere of Nepal’s capital city. A short briefing about the upcoming adventure will be provided later in the evening.
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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
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Day 2 Sightseeing and trekking preparation
Today is dedicated to securing all necessary permits, such as restricted area and Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit entry; while your guides handle the paperwork in Kathmandu. With preparation underway, you will have time to explore the city’s cultural highlights, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath, or the vibrant streets of Thamel. The day offers a relaxed yet meaningful blend of administrative readiness and enriching sightseeing before your journey into Dolpa begins.
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Day 3 Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (fly)
You will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a city in the lowlands of western Nepal that serves as the gateway to the remote Dolpa region. The short flight offers beautiful views of the Himalayas before you land in the warm plains near the Indian border. After checking into your hotel in Nepalgunj, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the vibrant markets and multicultural atmosphere in preparation for the next day journey towards Shey Phoksundo.
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Day 4 Nepalgunj – Juphal (fly) – Dunai (trek)
You will take a brief morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, a small airstrip perched above the Dolpa region. After landing at Juphal, the real adventure begins as you start trekking on a scenic trail that descends gently toward the Bheri River. Passing through terraced fields, traditional villages, and views of surrounding hills, you will follow the riverbank until you reach Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpa. Here, you settle in for the night, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and preparing for the deeper journey into the remote Shey Phoksundo.
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Day 5 Dunai to Chhapka
The trail from Dunai to Chhapka begins with a gentle walk along the Bheri River before ascending through lush forests and traditional Thakuri villages. As you enter Shey Phoksundo National Park, the scenery becomes wilder, with cascading streams, terraced fields, and narrow Cliffside paths. The sounds of the river accompany you through the trees. After several hours of steady trekking, you will arrive at the peaceful village Chhapka, surrounded by pine forests and open meadows, which is an ideal place to rest for the night. -
Day 6 Chhapka to Jharana Hotel
The trek from Dhhapka to Jharana Hotel follows a beautiful route through dense pine forests and alongside the roaring Phoksundo River. As you ascend steadily, the landscapes open up to dramatic cliffs and deep gorges carved by centuries of flowing water. The path becomes increasingly scenic, offering your first breathtaking glimpses of the waterfall that feeds Shey Phoksundo Lake. After a rewarding hike, you reach Jharana Hotel, located near stunning viewpoint overlooking Nepal’s highest waterfalls, an inspiring place to rest before continuing toward the lake.
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Day 7 Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake
The trail from Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake is a breathtaking journey that gradually descends through pine forests and rocky pathways before opening into the stunning turquoise waters of the lake. As you approach, the landscapes transform dramatically, with the towering cliffs and serene alpine surroundings creating a truly magical atmosphere. The day’s trek is relatively gentle, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the beauty of one of Nepal’s most iconic high-altitude lakes.
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Day 8 Acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake
Today is an acclimatization day at the stunning Phoksundo Lake, giving you time to enjoy the serene beauty of the area. You can take short hikes around the lake, explore nearby viewpoints, or visit the traditional Bon village of Ringmo. The day is relaxed and peaceful, allowing you to soak in the turquoise waters, surrounding cliffs, and quiet alpine atmosphere around the beautiful lake.
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Day 9 Phoksundo Lake to Sangta
The trail takes you from the serene turquoise shores of Phoksundo Lake towards the remote settlement of Sangta. The trail begins with a peaceful walk along the pine and juniper forests, gradually leaving the lake’s dramatic cliffs behind. As you ascend, the landscapes open into wider valleys with scattered pastureland and views of rugged Dolpa terrain. The route is quieter and more isolated, giving a true sense of wilderness. By afternoon, you will reach Sangta, a small, traditional village where you can rest and enjoy the calm atmosphere surrounded by mountains and highlands culture. -
Day 10 Sangta to Juphal
The trek leads you from the quiet village of Sangta back towards the more populated trails as you descend to Juphal. The walk begins with gentle downhill sections, gradually merging into well-used paths that overlook the Thuli Bheri River valley. As the terrain becomes warmer and greener, you will pass small settlements and terraced fields, signaling your return to lower elevations. By afternoons, you reach Juphal, a lively hilltop town and gateway to Dolpa, where the trek concludes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Day 11 Juphal- Nepalgunj- Kathmandu (fly)
On the final day of the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, you take an early morning flight from the small mountain airstrip at Juphal to Nepalgunj, enjoying one last look at the dramatic landscapes of Dolpa from the air. After a brief stop in Nepalgunj, you board a connecting flight to Kathmandu, leaving behind the remote serenity of the Himalayas and returning to the bustling capital. This day marks the end of the trek, offering time to reflect on the journey’s rugged trails, pristine lakes, and unforgettable cultural encounters.
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Day 12 Departure day
Your final day begins with a peaceful morning giving time to pack up, enjoying a last Nepali breakfast and perhaps packing up a few souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you have a chance to stroll around Thamel or have a quiet moment of reflections. Our team member will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport with a heartfelt farewell, making the end of your unforgettable journey through the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek. We hope you leave with lasting memories and deep connections of Nepal’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.