Phoksundo to Rara Trek

Duration:23 Day(s)
Destination:Nepal
Max. Altitude:4,800 m at Kagmara High Camp
Grade:Strenuous

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Transportation: Public Vehicle

Accommodation: Local Home Stay

Max. Altitude: 4,800 m at Kagmara High Camp

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Highlights

□ Trek through the heart of Dolpa and Mugu, Nepal's least explored districts.

□ Visit the spectacular Shey Phoksundo Lake, known for its vibrant blue waters
and Bon- po culture.

□ Cross the remote Kagmara La region, reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters.

□ Reach the serene Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake, surrounded by alpine forests.

□ Experience authentic village life in Pungmo, Chaurikot, and Khali Gaon.

□ Scenic flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and remote mountain airstrips.

Embark on one of the most secluded and awe-inspiring trekking adventures in Nepal — the Shey Phoksundo Lake to Rara Lake Trek. This off-the-beaten-path trail offers a rare opportunity to witness pristine landscapes, ancient cultures, and high-altitude wilderness far from the crowds of Everest and Annapurna. Stretching from the turquoise depths of Phoksundo Lake to the tranquil expanse of Rara Lake, this 23-day journey is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.

This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, cultural depth, and natural grandeur. With multiple high passes, remote stretches, and limited infrastructure, it demands strong physical fitness and mental resilience.

The Shey Phoksundo to Rara Lake Trek is a deep dive into one of Nepal’s most mystical and untouched regions. With every step, trekkers are rewarded with dramatic scenery, sacred lakes, and a cultural richness that only remote Nepal can offer. Whether you're chasing spiritual serenity or raw adventure, this trail promises a life-changing journey.

The route between them would pass through rugged mountainous terrain, steep ridgelines, river valleys, and forests, requiring careful planning. This trail holds immense potential for adventure and eco-tourism development of the Karnali Province. The idea of planning these two majestic lakes through a trail would offer an extraordinary adventure, enabling trekkers to experience diverse landscapes, cultures, and natural beauty.

Highlights

□ Trek through the heart of Dolpa and Mugu, Nepal's least explored districts.

□ Visit the spectacular Shey Phoksundo Lake, known for its vibrant blue waters
and Bon- po culture.

□ Cross the remote Kagmara La region, reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters.

□ Reach the serene Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake, surrounded by alpine forests.

□ Experience authentic village life in Pungmo, Chaurikot, and Khali Gaon.

□ Scenic flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and remote mountain airstrips.

Day to day outline itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan Int'l Airport, Kathmandu~ 1,400 m

Day 02: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (flight)~150 m

Day 03: Early morning flight 35 min from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m) then trek to Dunai (2140m)

Day 04: Dunai – Chhepka~2,838 m

Day 05: Chhepka – Chunuwar~3,110 m

Day 06: Chunuwar – Phoksundo Lake~3,600 m

Day 07: Rest/Exploration at Phoksundo Lake~3,660 m and visit Gompa & Bon Village

Day 08: Phoksundo Lake – Pungmo~3,500 m

Day 09: Pungmo – Kagmara High Camp~4,800 m

Day 10: Kagmara High Camp –Kagmara Phedi~2,900 m

Day 11: Kagmara Phedi – Toijum~2,920 m

Day 12: Toijum – Chaurikot~3,060 m

Day 13: Chaurikot~3,060 m – Chotra

Day 14: Chotra – Gothichaur~2,650 m

Day 15: Gothichaur – Jumla~2,540 m

Day 16: Jumla – Khali Gaon~3,685 m

Day 17: Khali Gaon – Bulbule~3,182 m, 6-7 Hrs

Day 18: Bulbule – Jhyari (via Ghuchi Lagna Pass)~3,480 m

Day 19: Jhyari – Rara Lake~2,980 m,4-5 hrs

Day 20: Rest/Exploration of Rara Lake

Day 21: Rara – Murma Top~3,700 m

Day 22: Rara – Talcha, 4-5 Hrs,

Day 23: fly from Talcha – Nepalgunj~45 min – Kathmandu~55 m

Cost Details

Cost Exclude

flight ticket

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival at Tribhuvan Int'l Airport, Kathmandu~ 1,400 mPreparation in Kathmandu

Day 02Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (flight)~150 mTransit, stay in hotel.

Day 03Early morning flight 35 min from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m) then trek to Dunai (2140m)Trek commences

Day 04Dunai – Chhepka~2,838 mForest and riverside trail

Day 05Chhepka – Chunuwar~3,110 m Includes waterfall views.
Overnight at Jharana Hotel.

Day 06Chunuwar – Phoksundo Lake~3,600 m Arrival at Phoksundo Lake

Day 07Rest/Exploration at Phoksundo Lake~3,660 m and visit Gompa & Bon VillageExplore Phoksundo Lake & Visit Gompas and Bon villages

Day 08Phoksundo Lake – Pungmo~3,500 mRemote cultural village

Day 09Pungmo – Kagmara High Camp~4,800 mHigh-altitude ascent

Day 10Kagmara High Camp –Kagmara Phedi~2,900 mSteep descent

Day 11Kagmara Phedi – Toijum~2,920 mRugged, isolated trail

Day 12Toijum – Chaurikot~3,060 mForested and hilly terrain

Day 13Chaurikot~3,060 m – Chotra Variable trail conditions

Day 14Chotra – Gothichaur~2,650 m Alpine meadow

Day 15Gothichaur – Jumla~2,540 mEntry to Jumla district

Day 16Jumla – Khali Gaon~3,685 mModerate to steep ascent, which is 6 hrs of trek.

Day 17Khali Gaon – Bulbule~3,182 m, 6-7 HrsThrough pine and oak forests

Day 18Bulbule – Jhyari (via Ghuchi Lagna Pass)~3,480 mHigh pass crossing

Day 19Jhyari – Rara Lake~2,980 m,4-5 hrsThrough pine and oak forests

Day 20Rest/Exploration of Rara LakeOptional excursions

Day 21Rara – Murma Top~3,700 mViewpoint above Rara

Option:
21. Trek Rara - Masane
22. Masane - Pilichaur - Kolti by Jeep ~3 hrs
23. Pilichaur/ Kolti - Nepalgunj buy bus
24. Nepalgunj - KTM by flight.

Day 22Rara – Talcha, 4-5 Hrs, End of Trail

Day 23fly from Talcha – Nepalgunj~45 min – Kathmandu~55 mReturn back Kathmandu.