Where Nature and Culture Meet in the Himalayas

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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 you’re trekking through its rugged landscapes or exploring its spiritual sites, Shey Phoksundo promises an unforgettable experience.

History & Significance

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 Nepal’s largest national park and a haven for rare wildlife and pristine landscapes.
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.
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 Nepal’s natural heritage.
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

πŸ“ 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

πŸ“ Kathmandu β†’ Nepalgunj (50 min flight)
πŸ“ Nepalgunj β†’ Juphal Airport (45 min flight)
🚢 Juphal β†’ Dunai (~2 hrs trek)
🚢 Dunai β†’ Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry (~1 day trek)

By Road + Trek

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

By Bike (Off-road Adventure)

🏍️ Kathmandu β†’ Surkhet (12-14 hrs bike)
🏍️ Surkhet β†’ Jajarkot β†’ Dunai (10-12 hrs, rough terrain)
🚢 Dunai β†’ Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry (~2 days trek)

πŸ•οΈ Best Time to Visit

βœ… Spring (March–May): Clear skies, best for trekking
βœ… Autumn (September–November): Mild weather, great visibility
🚫 Avoid Monsoon (June–August) – Heavy rain & landslides

Nearby Attractions

Upper Dolpa

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

Phoksundo Lake

Deepest lake in Nepal...

🎫Shey Phoksundo National Park Permits & Entry Fees

Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

πŸ“œ Required for: All visitors entering the park
πŸ’° Cost:

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

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

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card (Currently Suspended)

πŸ“œ Required for: Trekker registration (currently unavailable)
πŸ’° Cost:

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

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

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

Address

Shey Phoksundo National parkΒ 
Dolpa District, Nepal

Contact Personals

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