September 21, 2015
Phoksundo Lake (Adam Angel)
All is well from Phoksundo Lake. The Dolpo Team will have a rest day tomorrow to contemplate how a lake can be this blue.
The team trekked uphill through the forest and crossed a few notable lines. As the trek began, the local people were mostly Nepalese hill folk, predominantly Hindu. As they move further into the region they have moved into an area peopled by those of Tibetan ancestry. The name of the river changes too; it is now called the Phoksundo Khola. They followed this river for two days of trekking, until they reach its source: the large Phoksundo Lake at nearly 12,000 feet in the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Ringmo is the village at the southern shore of Phoksundo Lake. The village is established on the 40,000 year old landslide / natural dam that created the lake. The lake is almost 500’ deep and must be seen in person to appreciate the magnificent color of the water. During their rest day, they will visit the 900 year old Thashung Gompa on the eastern side of the lake.
Greg Vernovage