<p>Today we have rest day but we encounter the area around Phoksundo Lake. We hike to nearby viewpoints for breathtaking scenery. Phoksundo Lake is renowned for its unique turquoise color, which is a result of the minerals and sediments in the water. The color of the lake can change with the seasons and lighting conditions. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. It covers an area of approximately 4.94 square kilometers (1.91 square miles). The surrounding region is inhabited by ethnic Tibetan communities, and there are several monasteries and cultural sites in the vicinity of the lake, including the Shey Gompa (Shey Monastery), which is perched on a hill above the lake.</p>