Shey Phoksundo Lake is a very dramatic one, which donates the name to Shey Phoksundo National Park, established in 1981. The park is said to abound the in wildlife, though the most spectacular inhabitants-snow leopards and herds of blue sheep. The region above Shey Gompa is restricted and if you want to go beyond, you will need an special permit and special arrangement. The lake and trail are snowbound from mid-November to mid-May. This region contains a tiny pocket of the unusual Bon-po culture.