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Shey Phoksundo National Park, located in the remote Dolpa region, is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Home to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, diverse wildlife, and ancient monasteries, the park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether youโ€™re trekking through its rugged landscapes or exploring its spiritual sites, Shey Phoksundo promises an unforgettable experience.

History & Significance

Establishment of the Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park was established in 1984 to protect the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Dolpa region. Covering 3,555 square kilometers, it is Nepalโ€™s largest national park and a haven for rare wildlife and pristine landscapes.

Cultural Importance

The park is deeply intertwined with the culture of the local people, who follow ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Sacred sites like Shey Gompa and Thashung Gompa are central to the spiritual life of the region, attracting pilgrims and travelers alike.

Ecological Significance

Home to diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows to high-altitude deserts, the park supports rare species like the snow leopard, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr. Its conservation efforts are vital for preserving Nepalโ€™s natural heritage.

Phoksundo Lakeโ€™s Role

The iconic Phoksundo Lake, located within the park, is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site. Its turquoise waters and surrounding landscapes are a major draw for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Discover the Wild Side of Shey Phoksundo National Park

๐Ÿ“ How to Reach Shey Phoksundo National Park?

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour).
  • Take a connecting flight to Juphal (35 minutes).
  • Trek from Juphal to Shey Phoksundo (~2 days).
  • Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by bus/jeep (~10-12 hours).
  • Drive to Dunai (~8-10 hours).
  • Trek to Shey Phoksundo (~3 days).
By Air

๐Ÿ“ Kathmandu โ†’ Nepalgunj (50 min flight)
๐Ÿ“ Nepalgunj โ†’ Juphal Airport (45 min flight)
๐Ÿšถ Juphal โ†’ Dunai (~2 hrs trek)
๐Ÿšถ Dunai โ†’ Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry (~1 day trek)

By Road + Trek

๐Ÿ“ Kathmandu โ†’ Nepalgunj (12-14 hrs bus)
๐Ÿ“ Nepalgunj โ†’ Jajarkot โ†’ Tribeni (10-12 hrs bus)
๐Ÿšถ Tribeni โ†’ Tripurakot (~1 hr trek)
๐Ÿšถ Tripurakot โ†’ Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry (~3-4 days trek)

By Bike (Off-road Adventure)

๐Ÿ๏ธ Kathmandu โ†’ Surkhet (12-14 hrs bike)
๐Ÿ๏ธ Surkhet โ†’ Jajarkot โ†’ Dunai (10-12 hrs, rough terrain)
๐Ÿšถ Dunai โ†’ Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry (~2 days trek)

๐Ÿ•๏ธ Best Time to Visit

โœ… Spring (Marchโ€“May): Clear skies, best for trekking
โœ… Autumn (Septemberโ€“November): Mild weather, great visibility
๐Ÿšซ Avoid Monsoon (Juneโ€“August) โ€“ Heavy rain & landslides

Nearby Attractions

Upper Dolpo

Remote Himalayan region with rugged terrain, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan culture...

Phoksundo Lake

Deepest lake in Nepal...

๐ŸŽซShey Phoksundo National Park Permits & Entry Fees

Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

๐Ÿ“œ Required for: All visitors entering the park
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost:

  • Foreigners: 3,390 NPR (~USD $34) (3,000 NPR + 13% VAT)
  • SAARC Nationals: 1,500 NPR
    ๐Ÿ“ Where to get it? Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Dolpo Region (For Foreigners Only)

๐Ÿ“œ Required for: Trekking beyond Shey Phoksundo Lake (Dolpo is a restricted area)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost: Varies based on trek duration and route
๐Ÿ“ Where to get it? Nepal Immigration Office, Kathmandu

Trekkerโ€™s Information Management System (TIMS) Card (Currently Suspended)

๐Ÿ“œ Required for: Trekker registration (currently unavailable)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost:

  • Foreigners & SAARC Nationals: 1,000 NPR (~USD $10)
    ๐Ÿ“ Where to get it? Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu (Currently not issued due to technical issues)
Where to Buy These Permits?

โœ… Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu (Pradarshani Marg)
โœ… Department of Immigration, Kathmandu (For RAP)
โœ… Authorized Trekking Agencies

๐Ÿ“Œ Pro Tip: Get your permits before heading to Dolpo, as there are limited options locally.

Address

Shey Phoksundo National parkย 
Dolpa District, Nepal

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