Author: explore_nepal
🏞️ Shey Phoksundo Lake & Shey Phoksundo National Park
📍 Dolpa District, Karnali Province, Nepal
🗻 Altitude: 3,611 m (11,849 ft)
📐 Area of Lake: ~4.94 km²
🌐 National Park Area: 3,555 km² (Nepal’s largest national park)
✨ Why Visit Shey Phoksundo Lake
- 💧 Deepest Lake in Nepal → ~145 meters deep, with crystal-clear turquoise water.
- 🏔️ Stunning Himalayan Landscape → Sheer cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, and alpine forests make it a photographer’s paradise.
- 🧘 Peaceful & Spiritual Ambience → The lake is sacred to both Bon (pre-Buddhist) and Tibetan Buddhist communities, giving it a serene, mystical aura.
- 🐾 Rich Biodiversity → The national park shelters rare wildlife like snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and over 200 bird species.
- 🏕️ Adventure Trekking → It’s a highlight of the Dolpo trekking route, made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book “The Snow Leopard.”
🕌 Cultural Significance
- The Dolpo region is often called “Little Tibet of Nepal” due to its Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, traditional dress, and centuries-old Bon religion.
- Villages like Ringmo (near the lake) showcase unique mud houses and warm local hospitality.
- Ancient monasteries, prayer walls, and chortens surround the lake, enhancing its spiritual charm.
🧭 How to Reach Shey Phoksundo
- ✈️ Flight Route (Common):
Kathmandu ✈ Nepalgunj ✈ Juphal Airport (Dolpa)
Then trek ~2–3 days through Dunai and Ringmo village to reach the lake. - 🥾 Trekking Route (Adventure Lovers):
Many trekkers choose the Upper Dolpo Circuit or Lower Dolpo Trek for a longer wilderness journey (10–20 days).
Trails pass through remote villages, forests, suspension bridges, and scenic high passes.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons bloom; pleasant trekking weather.
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, breathtaking mountain views.
- ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb): Very cold; snow may block access but the lake looks surreal.
📸 Fun Fact
- A magnificent waterfall (~167 m) flows out of the lake — one of the highest in Nepal.
- The turquoise blue color of the lake remains crystal clear because no aquatic life grows in it!
