Dudhkunda Cultural Trail
Dudhkunda Cultural Trail or Dudha Kunda Trek is one of the unique trekking routes through several villages. This trail is also the camping trekking destination of Solukhumbu District which is located right at the base of Numbur Himal. We pass through splendid views of the massive Himalayas in the eastern part of Nepal including the Everest sight view. Dudh Kunda is a cultural and nature lover trek of Nepal. Scenic flora and fauna, a chance to observe diverse cultures of Tamangs, Gurungs, Sherpas, Magars, and Khaling Rai. The hospitality of the locals is one of the most unforgettable inspirational experiences of the Solukhumbu. Dudh Kunda Trek is an uncharted trekking route so only a few tourists do this trek.
Despite being a marvelous trek it still remains a virgin. The cultural journey for the Family and for all kinds of trekkers. Dudh Kunda Cultural Trail takes you all the way through the ancient trading routes of the Everest region. It passes through the river valleys, narrow rides, magnificent Rhododendron, pine forests, and up and down hills. We can see the wild animals and birds such as Mountain Thars, Bears, Leopard, Pheasant, and Jackal up to the Dudh Kunda. Dudh Kunda is also called Milky Lake in English.
We will start our journey from Kathmandu and then continue to follow the route via Salleri-Ringmo-Taksindu-Beni to Dudhkunda also an alternative way from Jiri. On the trek back from here you can ascend the Pikey Peak and famous Goli Gompa up to the Holy Lake of Dudhkunda which will be the final destination of our trek. It provides you with the best opportunity to observe the breathtaking view of the lake. Also, you could be able to enjoy the scenic view of the Everest Himalayas range.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1790 m) 7-8 hours
Day 02: Trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar (2190m) 4-5 hours
Day 03: Trek from Bhandar to Gumba (2800 m) 5-6 hours
Day 04: Trek from Gumba to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3808m) 5-6 hours
Day 05: Hike to Pikey Peak (4067m) and trek to Junbesi (2700 m) 5-7 hours
Day 06: Exploration Day to Thupten Chholing Monastery (2920 m) 5-7 hours
Day 07: Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu La (3870m) 4-6 hours
Day 08: Trek from Taksindu La to Saharsbeni (3835m) 5-7 hours
Day 09: Trek from Saharsbeni to Dudh Kunda (4600m) and back to Saharsbeni
Day 10: Trek from Saharsbeni to Ringmu (2720m) 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek from Ringmu to Phaplu (2469m) 4-5 hours
Day 12: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu (8-9 hours)
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1790 m) 7-8 hours
Your journey starts from Kathmandu, taking a local bus or private vehicle to Shivalaya. The drive will be scenic with views of lush green hills around through Manthali to reach Shivalaya.
Overnight at a lodge in Shivalaya.
Day 02: Trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar (2190m) 4-5 hours
Your official trek starts from Shivalaya towards Bhandar after breakfast in the morning. On climbing up through a small village above Shivalaya River, you’ll get to Deurali. There is a small village at the top from where you can see the Numbur Himal and Gaurishankar, Pikey peaks and other snowy mountains. After an hour of trekking on a downhill trail, you’ll reach Bhandar. Bhandar is a big Sherpa village that has two stupas and a small monastery.
Overnight at a lodge in Bhandar.
Day 03: Trek from Bhandar to Gumba (2800 m) 5-6 hours
From Bhandar, you’ll start your trek to Gumba. First, with gradual descend from Bhandar to Likhu Khola, you start off at Namkheli (2300 m). Once you reach the top, you can have a nice view of Bhandar and Thotung. Then, you’ll move towards Gumba. This day’s trek is a bit tiring as the distance is more and elevation is more than 600 m. At the Gumba, you’ll get a clear idea about life in the rural parts of Nepal.
Overnight at a lodge in Gumba
Day 04: Trek from Gumba to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3808 m) 5-6 hours
Next, you’ll head to Pikey Peak Base camp from Gumba. You take an elevation of more than a thousand meters. The trail takes you past rhododendron forests, pine forests, and small settlements. Usually, you can climb to the peak the same day, but for the view of the sunrise, you spend a night in the base camp in order to view the sunrise the next morning. The path to Pikey base camp gives you surreal views of Mount Everest along with other mountains comprising the Khumbu region.
Overnight at a lodge in Pikey peak base camp.
Day 05: Hike to Pikey Peak (4067m) and trek to Junbesi (2700 m) 5-7 hours
Early morning, you’ll follow a gradual ascend to the Pikey peak, also known as Pikey Danda which is mostly covered with prayer flags. From the top, you get to see the peak of Everest and other snowcapped mountains. You can also visit the cheese factory where Himalayan yak cheese is made. Then, through forests, hills, and villages, you’ll descend towards the Junbesi village. The area has few monasteries and stupas where you can explore the Buddhist culture and the lifestyle of local people. Overnight at a lodge in Junbesi.
Day 06: Exploration Day to Thupten Chholing Monastery (2920 m) 5-7 hours
After breakfast, you follow the trails along the river and through fields towards the Thupten Chholing monastery. The trail is beautiful and you pass many villages and farms. The monastery is home to around 800 monks and the place feeds and educates a large number of people. The area is inhabited by Tibetan monks who came as refugees a long time ago. Then we return back to Junbesi. Overnight at a lodge in Junbesi.
Day 07: Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu La (3870m) 4-6 hours
This day, you’ll start your trek from Junbesi, crossing Mani walls and bridges, we climb down on stone steps to reach Ringmu. Ringmu is a small Sherpa village which hosts a stunning view of Numbur Himal (6958m). We will stop for Lunch and then after, trek through thick forests on a steep trail until reaching Takshindo La Pass (2960m). Takshindo La offers a panoramic view of Numbur Himal (60958m) along with other snow-capped peaks.
Overnight at a lodge in Taksindu La.
Day 08: Trek from Taksindu La to Saharsbeni (3835m) 5-7 hours
From Taksindu La, you will head to Saharsbeni early in the morning. The trail is long but you gain quite an altitude. The trail feels mostly lonely and you get to see a lot of landscapes along the way. You get the closer looks of many snowcapped mountains as you head to Saharsbeni. Overnight at a basic lodge in Saharsbeni.
Day 09: Trek from Saharsbeni to Dudh Kunda (4600m) and back to Saharsbeni
Finally, you’ll trek to Dudh Kunda on this day. The Dudh Kunda Lake lies at the foot of Mt. Numbur and Karyalung glacier. It is believed to be home of Lord Shiva. This place is holy for both Hindus and Buddhists and many pilgrims visit this lake on the full moon of August. There is a culture to take a dip in the icy lake as it is believed to clear off all your sins. This day is for exploring the Dudh Kunda. You can take a walk around the lake and go to the viewpoint. You can pray to God and visit the temples around the lakes and in the surrounding area. After you finish exploring the place, you retrace your path back to Saharsbeni.
Overnight at a basic lodge in Saharsbeni.
Day 10: Trek from Saharsbeni to Ringmu (2720m) 5-6 hours
You start your return journey from Saharsbeni to Ringmu. The trail is a comparatively easy one and goes through forests of pine, rhododendrons and many other shrubs. You first head to Thadarbug, from where you trek to Ringmu village. Overnight at a lodge in Ringmu.
Day 11: Trek from Ringmu to Phaplu (2469m) 4-5 hours
This is the last trekking day as you leave the main trekking route and walk the path down to reach Phaplu. You can visit Chiwong Gumba that lies high on a cliff from where you can have a nice look of the valley. Then, after a couple of hours of walking, you’ll reach Phaplu. You can also visit Salleri, headquarter of Solukhumbu district, where there are big markets.
Overnight at a lodge in Phaplu.
Day 12: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu (8-9 hours)
Today, after breakfast, we return to Kathmandu from Phaplu on a shared jeep, which takes almost 8-9 hours by private vehicle. You will be transferred to the hotel (Kathmandu) on your own.
Price Included
- Entry permit
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Trekking guide and Porter (One porter carries 20 kilograms of luggage)2:1
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during Trek
- Accommodation in a lodge/camp including breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Sharing Jeep from Phaplu to Kathmandu Local Bus to start the trek
- Insurance and equipment’s for guide and porters
- First aid kit
- Farewell dinner with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
- All applicable government tax, VAT
Price Excluded:
- Personal nature expenses
- Private Transportation
- All kind of Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Hotel and Meals in Kathmandu
- Rescue
- Tour Guide and Entrance Fees for Sightseeing Tips
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