Phoksundo

Phoksundo Lake (also spelled Phoksumdo) is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake located in Nepal's Shey Phoksundo National Park, in the Dolpa District. Phoksundo is situated at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters (11,849 feet) above sea level.

The lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise color and pristine natural environment. It is fed by glacial meltwater and several streams. Ringmo village, a Tibetan settlement, lies on a landslide dam just south of the lake, which formed the lake itself.

Shey Phoksundo National Park, established in 1984, is Nepal's largest national park and protects a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and various bird species. The park also contains the culturally significant Shey Gompa monastery.

Access to Phoksundo Lake generally requires trekking, often as part of a longer circuit of the Dolpo region. The area is remote and requires permits for entry, and the trek offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape and an insight into the unique cultural heritage of the local people. The lake is considered sacred by the local Buddhist communities.