Phoksundo Lake,Nepal

• Phoksundo Lake itself (spectacular turquoise waters and dramatic shoreline)
• Ringmo village (traditional stone-and-wood village overlooking the lake)
• Phoksundo Waterfall (plunges below the lake; among Nepal's tallest cascades)
• Shey Phoksundo National Park landscapes (high valleys, alpine meadows, cliffs)
• Wildlife viewing opportunities (blue sheep, Himalayan marmot, birds of prey)

• Altitude and color: High-altitude setting (≈3,611 m) and vivid turquoise-blue color from mineral content and clarity
• Depth and size: One of Nepal's deepest lakes (max depth ~145 m) and roughly 4.9 km² in area
• Cultural interface: Strong Tibetan/Bon cultural presence in nearby settlements (prayer flags, mani walls, small gompas)
• Waterfall: A dramatic drop below the lake creating photogenic scenes and a cool microclimate

• Day hikes and short treks around the lake and to nearby viewpoints
• Photography of the lake, waterfall, and traditional village scenes
• Cultural interaction in Ringmo (observe local customs, gompas, prayer wheels)
• Wildlife and birdwatching (season-dependent)
• Multi-day treks into upper Dolpo for more remote landscapes and high passes

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for stable weather, clear skies, and trekking conditions. Summer (monsoon) brings rain and leeches at lower elevations; winter (Dec–Feb) is very cold with heavy snow and many routes impassable.

High-altitude alpine climate: large diurnal temperature swings, cold nights (often below freezing at the lake), mild to warm days in summer; unpredictable storms at higher elevations. Expect strong sun and UV exposure.

Access requires a domestic flight or long road travel plus trekking. Typical approach: fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpa Airport), then trek 1–3 days to Ringmo/Phoksundo depending on route and pace. Alternative is an extended overland/trek approach from Dunai and other valley routes. No regular public transport to the lake; remote-area logistics often require hiring local guides, porters, or joining organized treks.

For a focused visit to Phoksundo Lake allow 2–4 days from Juphal (return or onward) including time to explore Ringmo and viewpoints. For a fuller experience of Dolpo region treks, plan 10 days to several weeks depending on route and acclimatization needs.

Lightweight layers, warm insulated jacket, fleece, thermal base layers, waterproof shell, sturdy hiking boots, hat and gloves, sun hat and sunglasses (high UV), trekking poles, water purification (tablets/filters), basic first-aid and altitude-sickness awareness medication. Cash (Nepalese rupees) — ATMs are not available in remote Dolpa.

Local foods: Tibetan-influenced items such as tsampa (barley flour), yak cheese, butter tea and simple dal-bhat in teahouses. Souvenirs: prayer flags, handwoven yak-wool garments, small Buddhist prayer items (mani stones, prayer beads), and local handicrafts—buy respectfully and support local vendors.