Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek and Lumbini
Those who want Dolpo without the 5,000 m passes, followed by the serenity of Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha.
Dive into Dolpo, a remote and mystical region of Nepal, on one of the most spectacular treks in the country. This route takes you to the sacred lake of Shey Phoksundo, with its turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs and forests. Rich in cultural encounters, this trek offers an immersion in Bön and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with ancient monasteries and the way of life of the Dolpo-pa, an authentic and preserved people. A physical and spiritual journey into wild and majestic nature.
Lumbini: the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), Lumbini is a sacred site and a symbol of universal peace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and many international monasteries with varied architecture. Between spiritual visits, meditation and archaeological discoveries (Tilaurakot, Kudan), Lumbini is a peaceful cultural stop, ideal after a trek or for a spiritual stay.
Trek level: Moderate
Accommodation: In lodges
Duration: 13 days including Lumbini, 5 to 7 hours of walking per day
Maximum altitude: 3,641 m
Highlights of this trek
- Shey Phoksundo Lake: a high-altitude lake with turquoise waters, considered one of the most beautiful and sacred in Nepal
- Tibetan spirituality: Buddhist monasteries such as Tshowa Gompa, more than 900 years old
- Wild landscapes: cedar forests, waterfalls, isolated valleys, high Tibetan plateaus and spectacular mountain views
- Meeting the Dolpo-pa culture: the preserved people of Dolpo, living by ancestral Tibetan Buddhist traditions
- Off the beaten track: an authentic trek far from the tourist bustle, with a unique feeling of exploration
- Rare wildlife: chance to spot the snow leopard, the bharal (blue sheep) or the golden eagle
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 1 : Flight to Nepalgunj, at the gateway to the Terai (150 m)
Day 2 : Early-morning flight to Juphal, then transfer by jeep to Dunai
(2,140 m)
Day 3 : Start of the trek – gradual climb to Chhepka
(2,720 m)
Day 4 : Hike through forests and along rivers to Jharana, near a large waterfall (3,040 m)
Day 5 : Short but spectacular climb to Ringmo, a Tibetan village overlooking the lake (3,641 m)
Days 6 & 7 : Rest and exploration days around Shey Phoksundo Lake: breathtaking panorama, visit of Tshowa monastery
Day 8 : Gentle descent to Chhepka through cedar and pine forests
Day 9 : Back to Juphal via Dunai – a last walk through the landscapes of Dolpo
Day 10 : Return flight to Nepalgunj, then transfer by road to Lumbini
LUMBINI – A centre of peace and Buddhism. A spiritual journey in the heart of Nepal, in the footsteps of the Buddha. Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique experience between historic sites, monasteries from all over the world and a serene atmosphere. This stay includes an archaeological excursion to Tilaurakot
Day 11 : Arrival in Lumbini (by road or by air). Visit of the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and the Pushkarini pond
Evening in the Sacred Garden and traditional dinner
Day 12 : Morning: visit of the monasteries of the East Zone (Theravada tradition: Thailand, Sri Lanka…)
Afternoon: monasteries of the West Zone (Mahayana/Vajrayana: China, Japan…). Visit of the World Peace Pagoda and the Lumbini Museum
Day 13 : Excursion to Tilaurakot and departure. Morning: visit of the ruins of Tilaurakot, ancient capital of the Shakya kingdom. Option: stop at Kudan, linked to the life of the Buddha.
Afternoon: back to Lumbini, last visit or transfer to Pokhara or Kathmandu depending on your programme.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek and Lumbini
Best time to go
May to October, including the monsoon: the region is sheltered behind the Himalayan range. Tiji festival in May in Mustang.
Who is it for?
Those who want Dolpo without the 5,000 m passes, followed by the serenity of Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m.
What the price includes
- Private airport transfers at the start and end of the trip
- Return domestic flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal for you and your guide, return private jeep Juphal – Dunai
- Shey Phoksundo National Park, Lower Dolpo special permit and taxes
- Licensed French- or English-speaking guide, porters (1 for 2) or mules, all team costs included
- 1 night with meals in Nepalgunj, then nights in lodges with full board during the trek
What the price does not include
- International flight, Nepal visa and mandatory travel insurance
- Hotel and meals in Kathmandu (can be booked on request)
- Extra nights and meals in Nepalgunj or Dunai if flights are delayed by the weather
- Wi-Fi, charging, drinks and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| Shey Phoksundo National Park | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
| Lower Dolpo restricted area permit | $20 per week |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) (3,640 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek and Lumbini take?
Allow 12 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Challenging. Good physical condition needed: 5 to 8 hour days, nights at altitude, one or more sections above 4,000 m. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek and Lumbini?
May to October, including the monsoon: the region is sheltered behind the Himalayan range. Tiji festival in May in Mustang. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: Shey Phoksundo National Park (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)), Lower Dolpo restricted area permit ($20 per week). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 3,640 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek and Lumbini cost?
From €1,550 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.