🏔️ Trekking Guide: Dunai to Shey Phoksundo Lake

A Journey to the Deepest Blue – Updated for Late 2026

Experience the raw beauty of Dolpa without the filter. This guide covers the trail from Dunai (District HQ) to the mesmerising Phoksundo Lake and the Bon-Po village of Ringmo.

🗺️ Trip Overview

• Duration: 4–5 Days (Round trip from Dunai).

• Difficulty: Moderate (Steep climbs, dusty trails).

• Max Elevation: 3,641m (Phoksundo Lake).

• Permits Required:

  1. Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit: ~NPR 3,000 (Foreigners) / NPR 100 (Nepali).

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dunai (2,140m) to Chhepka (2,670m)

• Walking Time: 6 – 7 Hours.

• The Route: Cross the major suspension bridge at Dunai and follow the Bheri River to Suligad Ghat (Park Checkpoint). From here, turn north into the V-shaped valley of the SuliGad river. The trail passes through the villages of Kageni and Shyanta before reaching Chhepka.

• Overnight: Chhepka. A small settlement in a narrow gorge surrounded by millet fields and forests.

Day 2: Chhepka to Jharana / Ringmo (3,640m)

• Walking Time: 6 – 7 Hours.

• The Route: The trail crisscrosses the river multiple times on wooden bridges. You will pass Rechi (a common lunch spot) and Amchi Hospital.

• The Highlight: The steep climb to the Waterfall Viewpoint (3,300m) offers your first look at the 167m Phoksundo Waterfall and the distant lake.

• Overnight: Ringmo Village. A traditional Bon village situated on the landslide dam that formed the lake.

Day 3: Explore Phoksundo Lake

• Highlights:

  • Walk along the silver shores of the turquoise lake.

  • Visit the 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa (Bon Monastery) on the eastern ridge for the iconic panoramic view.

  • Explore the stone-walled lanes of Ringmo village.

• Overnight: Ringmo Village.

Day 4: Ringmo to Chhepka

• Walking Time: 6 Hours.

• The Route: Retrace your steps. The descent is faster but can be slippery due to loose dust.

• Overnight: Chhepka.

Day 5: Chhepka to Dunai

• Walking Time: 4 – 5 Hours.

• The Route: An easy walk out to Suligad Ghat. From there, it is a short walk or jeep ride back to Dunai to celebrate the completion of your trek.

💰 Accommodation & Food Costs (2025 Estimates)

Prices in Dolpa are higher than in other regions due to the cost of mule transportation. Please budget accordingly.

1. In Dunai (District HQ)

• Estimated Cost: NPR 2,000 – 2,500 per person (Includes Dinner, Night Stay, and Breakfast).

• Group Saving: If you are traveling in a group and sharing rooms, the cost per person will reduce significantly.

2. On the Trail (Dunai to Phoksundo)

Accommodation here is in basic Tea Houses or Local Lodges.

• Room Rates: NPR 1,500 – 2,500 per room.

  • Note: The price varies depending on the number of beds in the room (Twin, Triple, or Dormitory style).

• Food Menu:

  • Veg Meal: NPR 350 – 550 (Dal Bhat, Noodles, etc.)

  • Non-Veg Meal: NPR 550 – 800 (Dried Meat Curry, etc.)

3. Extra Charges (Not included in room rent)

Be prepared to pay extra for amenities that are scarce in this remote region:

• Electricity / Charging: NPR 200 – 500 per device (Solar power is limited).

• Hot Water: NPR 300 – 500 per bucket (Gas or wood fire).

• Wi-Fi: Available in Ringmo