Rukumkot – Jufal -Phoksundo Trek

  • Duration:16 Day(s)
  • Destination:Nepal

This incredible trek takes you through the untouched and culturally rich regions of western Nepal, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. The journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Rukumkot, passing through Pokhara and Burtibang, where travelers can enjoy views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges.

From Rukumkot, the trek slowly ascends through charming villages, lush forests, and open meadows. Along the way, trekkers will experience the warm hospitality of the Magar and Dolpo communities, known for their rich traditions and unique lifestyles. The trail offers stunning views of Sisne Himal (5,911m), the Dhaulagiri range (8,167m), and the Kanjirowa Himal (6,883m) as you trek through varying landscapes.

One of the major highlights of the trek is reaching Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611m), famous for its deep blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Trekkers will also cross Dwari Pass (3,500m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Himalayan ranges.

For those who want to explore more, there are optional trips to traditional villages like Tiptara and Thula Bheda, where travelers can experience authentic village life. An extended trek also passes through Gotamkot and Shyarpu Lake, known for their stunning alpine scenery and remote landscapes.

The final part of the trek descends through diverse forests and rolling hills, leading back to Rukumkot. Travelers can return to Kathmandu via Pokhara or choose a shorter route by flying from Jufal Airport to Nepalgunj.

This trek is perfect for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore Nepal’s hidden and less-traveled trails while enjoying spectacular mountain views and cultural experiences.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist/Micro Bus

Day 2 – Pokhara to Burtibang then change vehicle going from Burtibang to Rukumkot

Day 3 – Rukumkot to Deukhola on a jeep thentrek to Bhattechaur

 

Site Trip:

             Day 4 – Trek From Deukhola to tiptara village lunch there and walk towards Laipa.

             Day 5 – Trek From Laipa to Gupta Daha

             Day 6 – Visit Bigger Gupta Daha and trek to Damar village lunch and trek to Pakhapaani

             Day 7 – Trek From Pakhapaani to Sisne village

 

Day 4 – Trek From Bhattechaur to Sisne village

Day 5 – Sisne village to Purmuli

 

Site Trip:

              Day 6-- Sisne village to ThulaBheda

              Day 7 – ThulaBheda to Naudaha & join Purmuli

 

Day 6 – Trek from Pulmuri to Dwari Pass going through Tori Pass and camp at Ruppatan

Day 7 – Trek from Ruppatan to Taali village and take a jeep to Majfal village and towards Jufal

Day 8 -- Trek from Jufal to Chepka

Day 9 -- Trek from Chepka to Jharana Hotel

Day 10 – Explore The Sheyphoksundo Lake

Day 11 – Trek from Phoksundo to Chepka

Day 12 – Trek from Chepka to Tripurakot

Short Trip Option:

                            Day 13 – Tripurakot to Jufal Airport

                            Day 14 – Jufal Airpoart to Nepalgunj

                             Day 15 – Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

 

Day 13 – Tripurakot to Rimna by Jeep

Day 14 – Rimna to Rukumkot by Jeep

Day 15 -- Rukumkot to Pokhara by jeep or bus

Day 16 – Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus

Extended trip:

                   Day 13:  Tripurakot to Mulbazar by Jeep and then to Gotamkot

                   Day 14: Trek from Gotamkot to Pahada

                   Day 15: Trek from Pahada to Thumna

                   Day 16: Trek from Thumna to Dammana

                   Day 17: Trek from Dammana to Shayarpu Lake

                   Day 18: Trek from Shayarpu to Harlaboth

                   Day 19: Trek from Harlaboth to Rukum (Pokhara) to Rukumkot by Jeep

                   Day 20: Rukumkot to Pokhara by Jeep or Bus

                   Day 21: Pokhara to Kathmandu on Bus or Jeep

 

Day to day outline itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 02: Pokhara to Burtibang to Rukumkot

Day 03: Rukumkot to Deukhola by Jeep, Trek to Bhattechaur Mode: Jeep + Trek

Day 04: Trek From Bhattechaur to Sisne Village

Day 05: Trek From Sisne Village to Purmuli

Day 06: Trek From Purmuli to Dwari Pass via Tori Pass, Camp at Ruppatan

Day 07: Trek From Ruppatan to Taali Village, Jeep to Majfal and Jufal

Day 08: Trek From Jufal to Chepka

Day 09: Trek From Chepka to Jharana Hotel

Day 10: Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake

Day 11: Trek From Phoksundo to Chepka

Day 12: Trek From Chepka to Tripurakot

Day 13: Tripurakot to Rimna by Jeep

Day 14: Rimna to Rukumkot by Jeep

Day 15: Rukumkot to Pokhara by Jeep/Bus

Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Kathmandu to PokharaMode: Tourist/Micro Bus
Distance: 200 km (approx.)
Elevation: Kathmandu (1,400m) to Pokhara (822m)
Views: Scenic drive along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, with glimpses of Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

Day 02Pokhara to Burtibang to RukumkotMode: Bus/Jeep
Distance: 250 km (approx.)
Elevation: Pokhara (822m) to Rukumkot (2,100m)
Views: Rolling hills, lush green forests, and picturesque villages.
Key Stops: Baglung, Kushma, and Burtibang for rest and local sightseeing.

Day 03Rukumkot to Deukhola by Jeep, Trek to Bhattechaur Mode: Jeep + TrekDistance: 25 km (Jeep) + 8 km (Trek)
Elevation: Rukumkot (2,100m) to Bhattechaur (2,400m)
Views: Dense pine forests, terraced farmlands, and glimpses of Sisne Himal.
Activities: Interaction with local Magar communities and experiencing rural lifestyle.

Day 04Trek From Bhattechaur to Sisne VillageDistance: 12 km
Elevation: 2,400m to 2,900m
Views: Magnificent views of Sisne Himal (5,911m).
Local Activities: Observe local farming practices and traditional homes.


Day 05Trek From Sisne Village to PurmuliDistance: 12 km
Elevation: 2,900m to 2,600m
Views: Dense rhododendron forests and rolling hills.
Campsite: Stay in a scenic forest clearing with a starry night sky.

Day 06Trek From Purmuli to Dwari Pass via Tori Pass, Camp at RuppatanDistance: 15 km
Elevation: 2,600m to 4,700m (Dwari Pass), Camp at 3,200m
Views: Stunning Himalayan views, alpine meadows.
Challenges: Steep ascents and unpredictable weather conditions.

Day 07Trek From Ruppatan to Taali Village, Jeep to Majfal and JufalDistance: 10 km trek + 40 km Jeep
Elevation: 3,200m to 2,500m (Jufal)
Views: Vast landscapes and transitioning ecosystems.
Local Trade: Explore Jufal’s small market for handmade crafts.

Day 08Trek From Jufal to ChepkaDistance: 12 km
Elevation: 2,500m to 2,670m
Views: Lush forests and turquoise rivers.
Highlights: Suspension bridges and scenic waterfalls along the route.

Day 09Trek From Chepka to Jharana HotelDistance: 14 km
Elevation: 2,670m to 3,100m
Views: Waterfalls and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Accommodation: Stay at a cozy lodge with traditional food options.

Day 10Explore Shey Phoksundo LakeElevation: 3,611m
Views: Breathtaking turquoise lake, towering cliffs, and snow-capped peaks.
Activities: Short hikes around the lake and meditation near the water.

Day 11Trek From Phoksundo to ChepkaDistance: 14 km
Elevation: 3,611m to 2,670m
Views: Retrace scenic trails along Phoksundo River.
Photography: Capture the picturesque landscapes and yak caravans.

Day 12Trek From Chepka to TripurakotDistance: 16 km
Elevation: 2,670m to 2,100m
Views: Descending valley trails with diverse vegetation.
Cultural Spot: Visit the famous Tripurakot temple.

Day 13Tripurakot to Rimna by JeepDistance: 60 km
Elevation: 2,100m to 1,800m
Views: Remote villages and river valleys.
Break Points: Tea houses for refreshments along the way.

Day 14Rimna to Rukumkot by JeepDistance: 70 km
Elevation: 1,800m to 2,100m
Views: Green pastures and rolling hills

Day 15Rukumkot to Pokhara by Jeep/BusDistance: 250 km
Elevation: 2,100m to 822m
Views: Hills transitioning into urban areas.

Day 16Pokhara to Kathmandu by BusDistance: 200 km
Elevation: 822m to 1,400m
Views: Tranquil highways and river valleys.