Shey Phokshundo Lake Helicopter Tour

Dolpo Shey Phoksundo, is a charming lake in Nepal’s Dolpo district that lies in the western part of the country beneath the Kanjirowa Himalayan range.

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Good To Know

  • Duration 1 day
  • Activity Helicopter Tour
  • Difficulty Type Moderate
  • Best Season Sspring and autumn
  • Max. Altitude 3611.5 m
  • Accommodation Deluxe Hotels & Tea House
  • Meal Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu

Dolpo Shey Phoksundo is a charming lake in Nepal’s Dolpo district that lies in the western part of the country beneath the Kanjirowa Himalayan range.  Dolpo is a land of breathtaking scenery, with strewn areas of breathtaking topography, locals, and scenic elements like hills, lakes, and mountains coming together to enthrall every visitor entering this otherworldly region. 

Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal’s best places to go hiking. Rich in fauna, visitors have unrivaled chances to see rare animals including Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, blue sheep, Tibetan sheep, and snow leopards. The backdrop of the spectacular Kanjirowa HIaml, which rises to a lofty 6612 meters, further enhances the spectacle. 

Shey Phoksundo Lake is currently well known for helicopter tours in addition to trekking. These trips take visitors to Nepal’s stunning far-western regions, where they are treated to unmatched aerial views of snow-capped peaks and surrounding scenery. Suppose you are unable to participate in traditional treks because of physical limitations or other personal reasons. In that case, the helicopter trip offers an amazing chance to spend less time in nature and fully experience its beauty.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter Tour Highlights

1. Enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride from Kathmandu, witnessing stunning Himalayan vistas.

2. Explore the mesmerizing beauty of one of Nepal’s highest freshwater lakes, with its deep blue waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.

3. Marvel at snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and remote villages from the aerial perspective.

4. Indulge in a delightful lakeside picnic, savoring local delicacies amidst serene mountain scenery.

5. Take short hikes around the lake, encountering unique flora and fauna in the pristine wilderness.

6. Get an opportunity to explore Tibetan culture in the village of Ringmo.

Best time for the Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter Tour

The best times to take the Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter tour are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies and favorable weather conditions, ensuring a smoother flight and better visibility.

Spring Season (March to May)

The spring season is one of the best times for the helicopter tour in the Mid-Western Region, including the Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter Tour. During this season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C at lower elevations, while higher elevations are cooler.
  • Clear Views: The skies are typically clear, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Kanjiroba Himal, Dhaulagiri Range, Norbu Kang, and Crystal Mountain.
  • Crowds: Since the tour is a popular season, the Shey Phoksundo area remains more crowded than other places.

Autumn Seasons ( September to November)

Autumn is considered as another best season for the Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour. During this season:

  • Weather Condition: The weather condition is stable with clear skies, low humidity, and pleasant temperature, similar to spring. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C at lower elevations, while it is cooler at higher altitudes.
  • Clear View: Autumn is ideal for the crisp air, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding peaks and landscapes.
  • Festivals: This season aligns with major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar, offering cultural insights and opportunities to experience local traditions.
  • Crowds: Autumn is the peak season for the Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour, but the Gosaikunda area remains more crowded than other places.

Off-season Consideration 

Although spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for the tour in Shey Phoksundo, some people choose to go during the off-season in search of a more distinctive experience. But these times come with difficulties:

  • Winter Season (December to February):  Tour in the winter season contains various challenges such as unpredictable weather, cold temperatures, and the risk of altitude sickness at the 3611.5-meter altitude, limited daylight hours, and foggy climate.
  • Monsoon Season (June to August): Tour during the rainy season poses challenges due to heavy rainfall, low visibility, and unstable terrain. Cloud cover and high altitudes exacerbate navigation difficulties and safety concerns for pilots and passengers alike: limited availability and the risk of flight cancellations.

Overall, the greatest seasons for the Shey Phoksundo Tour are spring and fall since they provide the best views, weather, and cultural experiences. When planning a trip in the off-season, be ready for extra difficulties and verify trail conditions and weather forecasts beforehand.

Itinerary

  • Accommodation Deluxe Hotels & Tea House
  • Max Altitude 3611.5 m
  • Meal Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

As dawn breaks, our tour guide will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport’s domestic terminal. Upon arrival, standard security protocols are followed before we commence our journey. After these inspections, our experienced guide will give a thorough briefing on the voyage ahead, including important tips on what to do and what not to do during the flight. As the excitement builds, we’ll head to the helipad and get ready to take off in search of the captivating Shey Phoksundo Lake. We’ll be treated to breathtaking views of charming settlements like Dolpa, Dhading, Gorkha, Mustang, Kaski, Parbat, Magdi, and Banke as the chopper soars through the air, with majestic peaks like Kanjirowa Himla and Hiunchuli towering in the background.

Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers to and from  Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Transportation: All necessary transportation during the tour.
  • Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the Shey Phoksundo Helicopter Tour.
  • Tour Permits: All necessary tour permits.
  • First Aid: Basic first aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.
  • Private Helicopter Carter: Private Helicopter charter service as per the itinerary.
  • Taxes: All applicable taxes such as Airport Tax for the Shey Phoksundo Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu.

What’s Excluded

  • International Flights: The cost of international flights to and from Nepal is not included in the package.
  • Nepal Visa: The cost of obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport is not included.
  • Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
  • Personal Expenses: Expenses such as additional snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and tips for guides and porters are not included.
  • Additional Activities: Any optional activities, or extra sightseeing in Kathmandu, are not included.
  • Extra Nights: Any additional nights of accommodation in Kathmandu or outside the itinerary are not included.
  • Extra Costs Due to Delays: Costs incurred due to flight delays, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances are not covered.
  • Personal Medications: Any personal medications or medical expenses are not included.

FAQs

The Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter Tour is an exhilarating aerial journey that offers breathtaking views of one of Nepal’s most pristine and remote regions. Participants will fly over stunning landscapes, including the majestic Himalaays,before landing near Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best time to embark on the Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear, offering optimal visibility and comfortable flying conditions.

While there are no strict age restrictions, participants should be in good health and reasonably fit to enjoy the helicopter tour comfortably. Pregnant women and individuals with serious medical conditions are advised to consult their healthcare provider before booking.

Yes, photography and videography are permitted during the helicopter tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the stunning landscapes and share their experiences with friends and family.

The safety of our participants is our priority. In the event of bad weather or unfavorable flying conditions, the helicopter tour may be rescheduled or canceled. Participants will be informed of any changes as soon as possible, and alternative arrangements will be made.

To book the Shey Phoksundo Lake Helicopter Tour, you can contact our booking office or authorized travel agents. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.