Shey Phoksundo National Park is one of Nepal’s most enchanting and lesser-visited national parks, located in the Dolpo region of the country. It is renowned for its rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and pristine beauty. The park is home to diverse wildlife, Tibetan culture, and the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake. This travel guide will help you navigate your way through the park and make the most of your adventure!
Essential Information
- Location: Shey Phoksundo National Park is situated in the far northwestern region of Nepal, spanning across the Dolpo district in the Karnali Province.
- Area: The park covers 3,555 square kilometers, making it one of Nepal’s largest national parks.
- Established: The park was established in 1984 to protect the region’s unique flora, fauna, and its cultural heritage.
- Altitude: The park’s elevation ranges from 2,130 meters to 6,019 meters above sea level.
- Climate: The park experiences a high-altitude climate with cold winters and mild summers. Best visited from March to November.
Interesting Facts
- Breathtaking Phoksundo Lake: The park is home to Phoksundo Lake, a deep blue, pristine lake that is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and highest lakes.
- Wildlife Haven: Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to rare species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and red panda.
- Tibetan Influence: The Dolpo region has a strong Tibetan cultural influence, with monasteries, prayer flags, and ancient Tibetan villages dotting the landscape.
- UNESCO Tentative List: The area is a part of the UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage sites due to its cultural and natural significance.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest airport to Shey Phoksundo National Park is in Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you can take a domestic flight to Juphal Airport (the gateway to Dolpo). There are also flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
- By Road: While the park is quite remote, you can drive to Nepalgunj and then take a jeep to Juphal or start a trek from Juphal to the park. The road is rough, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
- By Trekking: The best way to access Shey Phoksundo National Park is by trekking from Juphal, passing through several beautiful villages and landscapes. The trek itself can take up to 8-10 days, depending on the route you take.
Best Things to Do
- Trek to Phoksundo Lake: One of the highlights of the park is trekking to Phoksundo Lake, a serene, turquoise water body surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green hills. The journey itself is breathtaking, passing through dense forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages.
- Explore Tibetan Culture: Visit the ancient monasteries like the Ringmo Monastery, where you can witness Tibetan Buddhist rituals and explore Tibetan villages.
- Wildlife Watching: If you’re a nature enthusiast, Shey Phoksundo offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Look out for the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep, and other unique wildlife that roam freely in the park.
- High-altitude Trekking: For adventurous trekkers, Shey Phoksundo provides a challenging but rewarding high-altitude trekking experience that involves crossing narrow ridges and valleys.
Best Accommodation
- Teahouses: While there are no luxury hotels in the park, trekkers can stay in teahouses along the trekking routes. The teahouses offer basic but comfortable lodging with home-cooked meals and a cozy atmosphere.
- Camping: For a more immersive experience, you can opt to camp in designated camping sites. Camping near Phoksundo Lake offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Dolpo Lodge: In Juphal or Dunai, you can find small guesthouses and lodges offering basic amenities for trekkers.
Good Attractions
- Ringmo Village: Ringmo is a Tibetan village that offers an excellent insight into the traditional lifestyle of the people in this remote region. The village is also home to the Ringmo Monastery, which holds significant religious value.
- Shey Monastery: Located near Phoksundo Lake, Shey Monastery is an important Buddhist monastery and a key cultural attraction.
- Kang La Pass: For those looking for a more challenging trek, crossing the Kang La Pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
- Buddhist Chortens and Mani Walls: Throughout the trek, you will encounter Buddhist chortens and mani walls, which are sacred symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.
Getting Around
- Trekking: The most common way to get around Shey Phoksundo National Park is by trekking. There are well-established trekking routes that take you through the park’s diverse landscapes.
- Local Transport: You can also hire porters, yaks, or horses to carry your equipment and supplies while trekking. Local guides are available in Juphal, who can help navigate the park.
- 4×4 Vehicles: In some areas, you can hire jeeps to travel over rough roads to certain trailheads.
Day Trips
- Trekking to Chhepka: From Juphal, you can take a short trek to Chhepka, which is a nice starting point for trekking further into the park.
- Visit to the Monasteries: Take a day to visit the Ringmo and Shey Monasteries, which offer stunning views and cultural insights.
- Exploring the Surrounding Villages: Take a short trek to explore the villages of Dolpo, where you can learn about traditional life and local customs.
Practical Tips
- Permits: You need to acquire a permit for trekking in Shey Phoksundo National Park and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) if you are trekking through that area.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is between March and November, as the weather is favorable for trekking. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) when trails can be slippery.
- Trekking Gear: Ensure that you bring proper trekking gear, including a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a warm jacket, a sleeping bag, and a first-aid kit.
- Acclimatization: The trek takes you to high altitudes, so it’s important to acclimatize slowly to avoid altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and take rest days when needed.
- Local Customs: Respect the local customs, especially when visiting monasteries or interacting with the local people. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites.
Conclusion
Shey Phoksundo National Park is a remote gem in Nepal, offering an unforgettable trekking experience amidst some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. With its diverse wildlife, serene lakes, and rich Tibetan culture, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventurers. Though it’s a bit off the beaten path, the rewards are more than worth the effort. Whether you’re trekking to Phoksundo Lake or exploring the surrounding villages, Shey Phoksundo promises an extraordinary experience that’s sure to leave you in awe.
