Boating · Nepal
Phoksundo Lake
A stunning turquoise lake at about 3,611 m in Shey Phoksundo National Park, deep in remote Dolpo.
Phoksundo Lake is the jewel of Dolpo — a stunning turquoise lake at about 3,611 m in Shey Phoksundo National Park, deep in Nepal's remote west. Its almost unreal blue water, set against bare cliffs and Tibetan-Buddhist villages, makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Overview
Phoksundo lies in Dolpa district within Shey Phoksundo, Nepal's largest national park. The lake owes its extraordinary turquoise colour to its glacial source and the near absence of fish or aquatic vegetation, which keeps the water exceptionally clear; depending on the light it shifts from emerald to deep cobalt. Near the village of Ringmo, just below the lake, the outflow tumbles over a cliff to form one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. The whole region has a strong Tibetan-Buddhist and Bon cultural character, with whitewashed chortens, mani walls and ancient monasteries, and it served as the dramatic backdrop for the Oscar-nominated film "Caravan" (Himalaya), which brought Dolpo to wider attention.
How to get there and visit
There is no road to the lake. The standard route is a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the small airstrip serving Dolpa, then a multi-day trek through the district headquarters of Dunai and up the valley past Ringmo to the lakeshore. This can be done as a shorter lower-Dolpo itinerary or as the opening stage of the longer Upper Dolpo trek. Permits for Shey Phoksundo National Park are required, and Upper Dolpo beyond the lake is a restricted area that needs a special permit, a registered guide and travel in a group. Flights into Juphal are small and highly weather-sensitive, so build generous buffer days into any plan. Lodging near the lake is limited to basic teahouses and camping in and around Ringmo, so come self-sufficient and prepared for cold nights.
Things to do
- Reach the lakeshore — the walk up past Ringmo and the high waterfall to the brilliant blue water is the highlight.
- Visit Ringmo village — explore the traditional Bon and Buddhist settlement and its monastery.
- Photograph the colour — early light brings out the lake's deepest turquoise tones.
- Continue into Upper Dolpo — push on toward Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain on the longer restricted-area trek.
For another remote, deep-blue lake in the far west, compare it with Rara Lake, Nepal's largest.
The trek up to Phoksundo is itself a highlight. The trail climbs steeply beside the high waterfall on a narrow path cut into the hillside before levelling out at the lakeshore, where the sudden expanse of turquoise water against red-brown cliffs is genuinely startling. Most visitors spend a night or two at Ringmo to rest, visit the village's Bon monastery on a small peninsula, and walk part of the way along the western shore. Because Dolpo is one of the least-developed regions in the country, expect minimal facilities, limited connectivity and a slow pace, and plan to carry cash, warm gear and patience. The reward is one of the most beautiful and least-visited corners of the Himalaya.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,611 m |
| Size | About 4.9 sq km |
| Region | Dolpa, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Karnali Province |
| Best season | September to November and May to June |
Phoksundo is the most striking of the remote entries among the best lakes in Nepal. The journey is demanding, so plan it as part of the Upper Dolpo trek with the right permits and a guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Phoksundo Lake?+
Phoksundo Lake lies at about 3,611 metres in Dolpa district in Nepal's remote west, inside Shey Phoksundo National Park — the country's largest national park. The lake is the centrepiece of the lower Dolpo region.
Why is Phoksundo Lake so blue?+
The lake's vivid turquoise colour comes from its glacial origins and the absence of fish or significant aquatic life, which keeps the water exceptionally clear. The deep basin and surrounding cliffs intensify the blue.
How do you get to Phoksundo Lake?+
The usual route is a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal in Dolpa, then a multi-day trek through Dunai and Ringmo village to the lake. There is no road, so the only way in is on foot after the flight.
Is there a waterfall near Phoksundo Lake?+
Yes. Near Ringmo village, just below the lake, is one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal, fed by the outflow of Phoksundo. The trail passes close to it on the way up to the lakeshore.
When is the best time to visit Phoksundo Lake?+
Autumn (September to November) and spring (May to June) offer the most stable weather and the clearest views of the lake's colour. Winter is harsh and snowbound, and the monsoon disrupts the flights into Juphal.
