July 28, 2025

Shey Phoksundo National Park is Nepal’s largest national park, covering a vast area of 3,555 square kilometers in the Dolpa District. Known for its pristine wilderness, dramatic mountain landscapes, and deep cultural significance, this park is a sanctuary for rare Himalayan wildlife and offers a truly remote adventure for travelers.

The park is centered around the stunning Phoksundo Lake, a turquoise glacial lake that is sacred to local Tibetan Buddhist communities. Shey Phoksundo encompasses rugged high-altitude terrain, alpine forests, deep river valleys, and snow-capped peaks.

Location and Landscape

  • District: Dolpa
  • Province: Karnali Province
  • Elevation: 2,140 to 6,883 meters (Mount Kanjiroba)

The landscape features coniferous forests, alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and steep cliffs. The park’s remote valleys are home to traditional Tibetan-speaking communities with ancient monasteries.

Wildlife Highlights

Mammals

  • Snow Leopard
  • Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal)
  • Musk Deer
  • Red Panda (rare sightings)
  • Tibetan Wolf
  • Himalayan Tahr
  • Himalayan Black Bear

Birds (Over 200 species)

  • Himalayan Monal (Danphe)
  • Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
  • Snow Partridge
  • Golden Eagle
  • Himalayan Griffon Vulture

Aquatic Life

  • Phoksundo Lake supports unique cold-water fish species including the endangered Snow Trout.

What Makes Shey Phoksundo Special

  1. The largest protected area in Nepal, with vast wilderness and minimal tourism impact
  2. Home to elusive snow leopards and rare high-altitude wildlife
  3. Sacred cultural sites tied to Tibetan Buddhism, including Shey Monastery
  4. The stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s deepest lakes
  5. A gateway to some of the most remote trekking routes in the Himalayas

Things to Do in Shey Phoksundo National Park

  • Trekking through Dolpa’s rugged terrain, including to Phoksundo Lake
  • Wildlife spotting and birdwatching in alpine forests and meadows
  • Visiting Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and interacting with local communities
  • Exploring the park’s glacial landscapes and dramatic river valleys
  • Photography of pristine natural and cultural scenes

Best Time to Visit

  • Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best weather and trekking conditions.
  • Winter months are harsh and most routes are inaccessible.
  • Monsoon season (July–August) brings heavy rains and landslides.

How to Get There

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then take a charter flight to Juphal (the park’s gateway)
  • Overland routes are challenging and involve multi-day treks through remote areas

Where to Stay

  • Basic guesthouses and homestays are available in local villages like Ringmo and Juphal
  • Accommodation is rustic and focused on community-based tourism

Shey Phoksundo National Park: At a Glance

CategoryHighlights
Signature SpeciesSnow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Monal
LandscapeAlpine forests, glaciers, deep valleys, turquoise lakes
Wildlife ExperienceRemote high-altitude wildlife tracking and birding
CultureTibetan Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages
Adventure TypeRemote trekking, wildlife photography, cultural exploration
Conservation FocusPreservation of high-altitude ecosystems and cultural heritage