Shey Phoksundo Lake, located in Dolpa District of Karnali Province, is the deepest and second-largest lake in Nepal. Situated inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, the lake rests at an elevation of 3,611 meters (11,849 feet) and is famous for its brilliant turquoise-blue waters, rugged alpine cliffs, and remote Tibetan-influenced villages. It is often referred to as one of the most beautiful and mystical lakes in the world.

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Quick Facts about Shey Phoksundo Lake

• Province: Karnali Province

• District: Dolpa

• Elevation: 3,611 meters (11,849 ft)

• Surface Area: 4.94 km²

• Depth: 145 meters (deepest lake in Nepal)

• Location: Shey Phoksundo National Park

• UNESCO Status: Tentative World Heritage Site

• Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–November

• Known For: Stunning alpine lake, remote trekking, Dolpo culture, Bon and Tibetan Buddhist heritage

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Geographic and Natural Significance

• Formed by a glacial dam, Shey Phoksundo Lake is completely free of aquatic life due to its mineral content

• Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and rocky cliffs, the lake’s vibrant color and clarity remain visually unmatched

• The Phoksundo Waterfall, Nepal’s highest free-falling waterfall (167 meters), is located at the lake’s southern end

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Trekking and Adventure

Phoksundo Lake Trek (Lower Dolpo)

• Juphal → Dunai → Chhepka → Ringmo Village → Shey Phoksundo Lake

• Trek duration: 7–10 days round-trip

• Ideal for those seeking remote, off-the-beaten-path adventures

Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo Extension

• From Shey Phoksundo, experienced trekkers continue on to Shey Gompa, the Crystal Mountain, and Upper Dolpo

• Requires special trekking permits and camping arrangements

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Cultural and Religious Importance

1. Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Traditions

• The lake and surrounding region are spiritual to both Bonpo (pre-Buddhist faith) and Tibetan Buddhists

• The nearby Tshowa Gompa (Bon monastery), built over 900 years ago, is a key site of pilgrimage and meditation

2. Ringmo Village

• A traditional Tibetan Bonpo village situated on a ridge above the lake

• Houses are built in Tibetan flat-roof style, and locals retain ancient rituals, costumes, and beliefs

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Flora and Fauna

Shey Phoksundo National Park is Nepal’s largest national park and a biodiversity hotspot:

• Home to snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and red pandas

• Forests of pine, juniper, oak, and rhododendron surround the lake

• Bird species include Himalayan monal, snow partridge, and Tibetan snowcock

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How to Reach Shey Phoksundo Lake

Option 1: By Air + Trek

• Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (~1 hr)

• Then flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (~35 min)

• Trek begins from Juphal, taking 4–5 days to reach the lake

Option 2: By Road + Trek

• Long and rugged route via Surkhet, Jumla, and Dolpa (rarely chosen due to road conditions)

There is no direct road to the lake — trekking is mandatory.

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Permits Required

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit ($20/week per person)

• Upper Dolpo (if trekking further) requires an additional special permit

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Accommodation and Food

• Basic teahouses and lodges are available in Ringmo Village and some trail points

• Common foods include tsampa (roasted barley), dal bhat, Tibetan bread, potatoes, and noodles

• Carry energy snacks and purification tablets, as facilities are limited

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Challenges and Travel Tips

Challenges:

• Remote location with limited infrastructure

• Altitude sickness risk above 3,000 meters

• Limited medical access and connectivity

Tips:

• Acclimatize gradually

• Travel with a guide or experienced trekking group

• Best visited in spring or autumn for clear skies and stable trails

• Avoid monsoon (June–August) and heavy snowfall in winter

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Fun Trivia

• Shey Phoksundo Lake was featured in the Oscar-nominated movie “Caravan (Himalaya)”, which showcased the life of Dolpo people

• The lake’s deep blue color is so intense that it looks artificial in photos — but it’s all natural

• Local Bonpo legends describe the lake as home to protective deities, and swimming in the lake is considered sacrilegious

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Final Thoughts

Shey Phoksundo Lake is a masterpiece of nature, spirituality, and cultural preservation. Unlike any other destination in Nepal, it offers a glimpse into ancient Bonpo culture, alpine wilderness, and solitude away from the tourist crowds. For those willing to make the journey, Phoksundo delivers an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.