Shey Phoksundo National ParkShey Phoksundo National Park is a protected area in northwestern Nepal in Karnali Pradesh, established to conserve high Himalayan ecosystems and cultural sites; the park was designated in 1984 and covers roughly 3,555 square kilometres. It contains notable high-altitude terrain and one of Nepal’s most recognised mountain lakes.
The park is centred on Phoksundo Lake, a deep, clear high‑altitude lake set in a steep valley, and nearby traditional Tibetan-Buddhist settlements and monasteries. Visitors also encounter extensive alpine pastures, steep gorges and areas used for seasonal yak and sheep grazing.
Shey Phoksundo was created by the Government of Nepal in 1984 to protect the lake, alpine ecosystems and local cultural heritage. Over time the area has been managed both for biodiversity conservation and to support traditional pastoral livelihoods.
The park lies in Dolpa and adjacent districts of northwestern Nepal, in a remote trans-Himalayan zone. Access requires travel from lowland roadheads followed by multiple days of trekking or regional air links to mountain airstrips and then overland approach.
- Remote access: Access typically requires a multi-day trek from local roadheads or a domestic flight to nearby mountain airstrips followed by overland travel.
What to See#
- Phoksundo Lake: High-altitude freshwater lake set in a steep-sided valley; one of the park’s best-known features and a focal point for local communities and visitors.
- Shey Gompa monastery: Remote Buddhist gompa located near the lake and associated settlements, serving as a cultural and pilgrimage site for local Tibetan-Buddhist communities.
- Highland pastures and plateaus: Expansive protected area of trans-Himalayan landscapes that includes alpine pastures, cliffs and seasonal grazing lands used by local communities.
Best Time to Visit Shey Phoksundo National Park#
Spring and autumn are the best windows for clear views and comfortable hiking conditions; winter is fine for shorter walks with proper layering.
Weather & Climate near Shey Phoksundo National Park#
Shey Phoksundo National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 10°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -17° - -7° | -17° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Poor | -16° - -5° | -16° | 48 mm | overcast | 71% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.0h |
| March | Poor | -12° - -1° | -12° | 40 mm | overcast | 73% | 4.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Acceptable | -9° - 3° | -7° | 14 mm | overcast | 70% | 3.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Acceptable | -5° - 7° | -3° | 9 mm | overcast | 69% | 4.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Good | -1° - 10° | 1° | 4 mm | overcast | 73% | 4.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Poor | 1° - 9° | 2° | 103 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Poor | 1° - 9° | 3° | 90 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Acceptable | -1° - 8° | 1° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Acceptable | -7° - 4° | -6° | 30 mm | some cloud | 66% | 3.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| November | Acceptable | -13° - -2° | -12° | 10 mm | some cloud | 56% | 2.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.6h |
| December | Poor | -15° - -4° | -15° | 37 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Shey Phoksundo National Park#
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is immediately north of Kathmandu. Popular trailheads include Sundarijal (about 12 km northeast of central Kathmandu) and Budhanilkantha (10-15 minutes by taxi from Thamel). Local buses and taxis run to Sundarijal; permits are required and can be obtained at park entry points.
Tips for Visiting Shey Phoksundo National Park#
- Start at Sundarijal or Budhanilkantha for the popular Shivapuri trails and avoid the crowded Nagarkot/Bhaktapur viewpoints.
- Hire a local guide for the longer Nagarjun Ridge trek to interpret monasteries, stupas and remote hamlets along the route.
- Visit early in the morning for cloud-cleared views of the Kathmandu Valley and for the best chance of spotting Himalayan birds.