Phoksundo Lake

소개

Phoksundo Lake (3,612m) is Nepal’s deepest and second-largest alpine lake — a sacred turquoise jewel in Shey Phoksundo National Park, sacred to both Buddhists and the pre-Buddhist Bön religion.

위치 Dolpa 고도의 지구 3,612 m (11,850 ft), Phoksundo Lake is a key stop on the Dolpo Circuit Trek within the Dolpo Region. Locally it is known as Shey Phoksundo. The nearest settlement is Ringmo. On foot from Juphal (5–7 days) or from Do Tarap via the high passes. Trekkers reach Phoksundo Lake as part of the standard trekking route.

역사

Phoksundo Lake features in the classic film “Himalaya” (1999); the Bön monastery at Ringmo preserves one of the oldest surviving pre-Buddhist religious traditions in the Himalaya, dating back over 3,000 years.

The dolpo region has been a corridor for trade, pilgrimage, and mountaineering for centuries. Phoksundo Lake has witnessed the evolution of Nepal’s trekking industry, from the early expeditions of the 1950s to the modern tea-house network that today supports thousands of trekkers each year.

Local traditions reflect the deep cultural heritage of the Himalayan peoples, including the Dolpo-pa, Ringmo villagers. Oral histories, monastery records, and oral traditions document centuries of settlement, religious practice, and adaptation to high-altitude life.

지리 및 풍경

Phoksundo Lake lies in the Dolpo Region of Nepal at 3612 metres above sea level. The landscape is characteristic of the Nepal Himalaya — dramatic valleys, glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and forested ridgelines shaped by tectonic uplift and glacial retreat over millions of years.

The surrounding topography includes peaks, ridges, and river systems that define the trekking approach. The altitude places Phoksundo Lake in the sub-alpine zone, with corresponding vegetation and wildlife.

고도 및 위치

• 높이: 3,612 m / 11,850 ft
• 좌표: 29.1833° N, 82.9333° E
• 지구: Dolpa
• 지역: 돌포 지역
• 경로: 돌포 서킷 트레킹
• Municipality: Shey Phoksundo

도달 방법

On foot from Juphal (5–7 days) or from Do Tarap via the high passes.

이전 정류장에서 도보 시간: 2 days from Do Tarap (via Numla La and Baga La passes) (15+ km).

트레킹 경로 정보

• 난이도: Challenging
• 도보 시간: 2 days from Do Tarap (via Numla La and Baga La passes)
• 이전과의 거리: 15+ km
• 최고의 시즌: Summer (Jun–Sep), Autumn (Oct)

Trail condition: High pass crossings (Numla La 5,360m, Baga La 5,170m) then descent to the lake.

기대하는 것

A typical day at Phoksundo Lake begins with the morning Himalayan light filtering through the peaks, followed by breakfast at a teahouse, a steady walk along the trail, and an evening in a warm lodge sharing dal bhat with fellow trekkers and local hosts. The altitude (above 3,500m) requires careful acclimatization and the weather can change rapidly — pack layers and stay hydrated.

할 일

• Walk the shore of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake (sacred to Bon and Buddhists)
• Visit Ringmo village and the ancient Bön monastery
• Cross the high passes (Numla La 5,360m, Baga La 5,170m)
• Spot blue sheep and snow leopard habitat
• Photograph the iconic turquoise lake with snow peaks behind

숙박 및 찻집

Phoksundo Lake has approximately 6 teahouses and lodges, with lodges, camping. Rooms are typically basic — twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Meals include dal bhat, momos, and Tibetan-style dishes.

음식 및 다이닝

Tsampa, butter tea, yak dairy, buckwheat, dal bhat Teahouse menus typically feature dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), Tibetan bread, tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and seasonal vegetables. At higher altitudes, menus are more limited and prices rise due to the cost of transporting supplies.

문화와 커뮤니티

• 민족 그룹: Dolpo-pa, Ringmo villagers
• 언어: Dolpo, Tibetan, Nepali
• 복장과 문화: Tibetan chuba, distinctive Dolpo ornaments

The communities of the Dolpo Region have preserved their distinctive traditions through centuries of relative isolation. Daily life blends religious practice, agriculture, herding, and — increasingly — trekking tourism.

종교와 전통

• 수도원: Ringmo Gompa and Shore Gompa (Bön and Buddhist)
• 축제: Lhosar
• 전통: Bon and Nyingma Buddhism; the lake is sacred

종교적 풍경은 티베트 불교, 힌두교, 그리고 일부 지역에서는 불교 이전의 뵐과 샤머니즘 전통을 혼합합니다. 기도 깃발, 마니 벽, 초르텐, 곰파는 일상 생활의 일부입니다.

야생 동물과 자연

The ecosystems around Phoksundo Lake may include Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan marmot, pika, lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, and Himalayan monal and blood pheasant. Flora ranges from alpine meadow and juniper scrub to alpine meadow.

방문하기 가장 좋은 시간

Summer (Jun–Sep), Autumn (Oct). Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms and warming temperatures, while Autumn (September–November) offers the clearest skies and most stable weather. Summer (June–August) is the monsoon season with rain, leeches, and reduced visibility, though the rain-shadow regions of Mustang, Dolpo, and upper Manang remain accessible.

사진

• 포토 스팟: Phoksundo Lake turquoise waters with peaks
• Sunrise viewpoints: Phoksundo Lake eastern shore

최고의 빛은 일출 후와 일몰 전의 골든 아워입니다. 눈을 위한 편광판, 풍경을 위한 광각, 먼 봉우리와 야생 동물을 위한 망원을 휴대하세요. 사람을 촬영하기 전에 항상 물어보십시오.

여행 팁

• 점차적으로 적응하십시오 — 하루에 3,000m 이상에서 수면 고도가 400-500m 이상 증가하지 마십시오.
• 현금(네팔 루피) — ATM은 지역 본부보다 드물다.
• 팩 레이어 — 고도와 시간에 따라 온도가 급격히 흔들립니다.
• 리필 가능한 물병과 정수 정제 또는 필터를 가져오십시오.
• 지역 문화 존중 — 사리탑과 마니 벽을 시계 방향으로 둘러싸고 사람들을 촬영하기 전에 물어보고 겸손하게 옷을 입습니다.
• 5,000m 이상의 헬리콥터 대피를 보장하는 여행 보험에 가입하십시오.

인근 명소

Shey Phoksundo National Park, Ringmo, Bön monastery

Side trips: Ringmo, Shore Gompa, Shey Gompa (longer)

자주 묻는 질문

What is the elevation of Phoksundo Lake?

Phoksundo Lake is at an elevation of 3,612 m (11,850 ft).

Is there Wi-Fi at Phoksundo Lake?

Wi-Fi is limited or unavailable; check with individual teahouses.

When is the best time to visit Phoksundo Lake?

Summer (Jun–Sep), Autumn (Oct).

How do I reach Phoksundo Lake?

On foot from Juphal (5–7 days) or from Do Tarap via the high passes.

결론

Phoksundo Lake is a memorable stop on any Dolpo Region trek — combining rich cultural heritage, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Nepal’s mountain communities. Combine careful planning with an open mindset to make the most of the journey to this remarkable corner of the Nepal Himalaya.