It was established in 1984 and covers an area of 3,555 km2 (1,373 sq mi) in the districts of Dolpa and Mugu in the Mid-Western Region, Nepal.

Phoksundo Lake at an elevation of 3,660 m (12,010 ft) in the upper reaches of the Suligad river is surrounded by glaciers and is known for its turquoise color.

[1] Phoksundo Lake has a water surface of 494 ha (1,220 acres), and was declared a Ramsar site in September 2007.

[4] The Langu river drains the high Dolpo plateau located in the north-east of the park.

[6] Other endangered species found in the park include grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr, leopard and Himalayan black bear.