We leave Dunai early and follow the Thuli Bheri west to Sulighat, where the Suli Gad joins it. Here the Shey Phoksundo National Park office checks entry permits and records your details. The trail then turns north into the Suli Gad valley, which narrows quickly into a gorge with steep walls of rock and pine.
The path climbs gradually, crossing the river on wooden and suspension bridges, past the villages of Kageni and Shyanta with their walnut trees, fields and small water-driven mills. Waterfalls spill down the side walls and the air cools as you gain height. In autumn the forest shows gold and red, and in spring rhododendrons flower on the higher slopes.
Chhepka, the night stop, is a small settlement in a forest clearing at about 2,840 m, with a couple of simple lodges and campsites. Allow 6–7 hours with about 700 m of total ascent. It is a long day on a rocky trail, so wear sturdy boots, start by 7 am and carry lunch or eat at a simple teahouse on the way.
Good for
- Solo
- Groups
- Couples
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
How long is the walk from Dunai to Chhepka?
About 6–7 hours, covering 15–18 km with around 700 m of ascent from 2,140 m to roughly 2,840 m. The trail follows the Thuli Bheri west, then climbs the Suli Gad gorge north. There are simple teahouses on the way, and Chhepka has basic lodges and campsites.
Where do I pay the Shey Phoksundo National Park fee?
Agencies usually buy the park permit in Kathmandu with the restricted area permit, and it is checked at the park office at Sulighat, near Dunai. If not pre-purchased, it can sometimes be paid at the entry post. Fees for foreigners are around NPR 3,000. Check current status before you travel.
Are there teahouses between Dunai and Phoksundo?
Yes, simple teahouses and lodges exist at Kageni, Shyanta, Chhepka, Rechi, Amchi Hospital and Ringmo, offering basic rooms and dal bhat. Standards are lower than in Annapurna or Everest and capacity is small, so many agencies camp or carry tents as backup in peak season.
