Dudh Kunda with Pikey Peak Trek
Trip Duration:
17 Days
Trip Code:
EDK
Trip Grade:
Moderate
No. of Pax:
16
From
$ 1750/person
Overview
Dudh Kunda Trek is a remote and unexplored area trekking in the lower part of Everest region of Nepal. During this Camping trek one can explore beautiful and captivating sights and authentic indigenous cultures and rituals of Sherpas along with the sacred milky lake. Highly respected by the locals for being the home of the protective divine being of Solu ( lower part of Everest region ) known as ‘Shorong Yul Lha,’ this lake is considered one of the sacred in Nepal. Locals believe that taking a dip in this holy lake will have the wishes granted. During full-moon nights in the month of August, pilgrims and Shaman Priests celebrate a week-long rituals here. This area has many diverse ethnic groups of people living permanently here. Sherpas, Khaling Rais, Tamangs, Magars, and Gurungs are the popular ethnic groups of people you will find along the trails.
The trip starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jiri/ Bhandar and then trek begins via Junbesi to Thupten Chooling monastery. This is the isolated ridge through dense forest and rocky, yak grazing pastures to reach Dudh Kunda.. The area beyond Thupten Choolingis monastery is very remote and wild . This part of trek you will hardly meet anyone on this rarest traveled trail. However, in August many Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims visit Dudh Kunda to perform cleansing rituals. According to ancient mythology, childless families that dip in this Holy Lake will be blessed with children.
From Junbesi , the trek to Dudh kunda takes a minimum of 3 days but at least one extra day is required for exploring around the lake. While at the lake side, be sure to walk right around its shore and look for the spring high up on the north eastern side which is considered to be the resource of the holy water.
For those who want to have a more spiritual journey far from the maddening crowds, consider this a holy place to rejuvenate. Every year, more than thousand people trek to Dudh Kunda for its spectacular views.
In a nutshell, Dudh Kunda trek will inspire you to immerse in the beauty of the lakes, mind boggling mountains and never-like-before hospitality of the Sherpa community during the trek.
Itinerary:
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel if you have booked Airport Pickup facility at the time of booking your trip. Otherwise our representative will meet you at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today our representative will work on all necessary permits and flight confirmation.
Early morning drive to Jiri, about 187 km north-east of Kathmandu. As you will be traveling on the mountain road, it takes around 6-7 hrs to reach Jiri. From Jiri, you will change a local jeep and continue driving to Bhandar, our trek starting point. Although still a single lane road, the road conditions have improved a lot nowadays than what it used to be some years ago. During the drive, you will enjoy the views of Kosi River and panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya that includes Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Dorje Lakpa. Bhandar village (also called Chyangma) has a mixed population of Tamangs, Sherpa, and Newars. Overnight stay at a lodge in Bhandar.
Today we begin our first day trek to Namkheti. The first couple of hours you will descend to Likhu River and after crossing the Bridge you will start to climb up to Namkheti through villages. It’s really great to walk through villages and you will experience their culture and typical Nepalese rural life. While you will be passing these villages, you encounter different ethnic groups of people like Chhetri, Brahmin, Sherpa, Newar, and experience their different cultures and traditions as well. Stay overnight in Namkheti village.
Day 05 : Trek to Naur Gompa (2900m) 6-7 hrs
It will walk on a non- touristic trail from Namkheti to Nguar. You will pass through the villages and agriculture fields. Today normally you will climb up all the way to Nguar which is a small Sherpa village with Buddhism culture. You will visit the monastery and go to pray and learn their interesting culture. From Nguar you can see the Himalayan mountain range. At Nguar, we don’t find any good lodges, so we have to spend overnight at a local Sherpa home or Nguar Gompa.
Day 06 : Trek to Pikey Danda (4070m) 4 hrs
It’s about 4 hours trek to Pikey Danda (Hill). Pikey Danda is, indeed, one of the best spots to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains and the hidden valley. This is the place from where you can see the top of the world – Mt.Everest and many other Himalayan peaks. If you want, you can also visit the Cheese factory where Himalayan yak cheese is locally made. Stay overnight on the hilltop and enjoy a great view of the Himalayan Mountains in the day and stars at night as well.
Day 07 : Trek to Junbesi Village (2580m) 5hrs
From Pikey Danda (Hill) we will descend through the jungle, hill and Traktor village dotted with a huge mani rock. The trail ahead of us contours on the north side of the valley on a hillside that is often covered with Primula flowers. After rounding the ridge, the path descends to Junbesi, a small Sherpa village, with a Chorten monastery and a high school built by late Sir Edmund Hillary. In Junbesi you will enjoy the Buddhist culture and local food. Stay overnight at lodge in Junbesi village.
Day 08 : Trek to Thupten Chholing Gompa (3000m) 6-7 hrs
Today we will walk about 2hrs off the main trail to the north of Junbesi and reach Thupten Choling Monastery. It is the biggest Monastery of Nepal having more than 1000 Monks and nuns of Tibetan origin and mainly the Tibetan refugees under the care of Trulshik Rinpoche. This trail is also famous for the mountain scenery and traditional hospitality of ethnic, Thami, Tamang and Sherpa Communities. The mountain peaks such as Ramdung Peak (5930m), Khatang (6853m), Rolwaling Himal, Gauri Shanker (7135m), Bamango (6400m) and Everest in north-East can be viewed during the trek. Stay overnight at monastery in Thupten Choling Monastery.
Today we begin our trek to Bheri Kharka. It’s really a great path with incredible views and landscape. You will have fun to do this trekking. You will see the wild animals and many birds around. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Day 10 : Trek to Dudh Kunda Lake (4561 m)
We trek through small settlements taking you through dense forests of rhododendron and ultimately we reach Dudh Kunda (literally means milky lake) which is believed to be a holy lake and the locals believe that taking a dip in the holy water will have the wishes granted. The sacred lake of Dudh Kunda lies at the base of Mt.Nambur, the mountain regarded by the locals as the most sacred deity of Solu. In August there is an influx of devotees who come to perform cleansing rituals at the lake. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Today is a free day to explore around Dudh Kunda Lake and go up to the viewpoint. While at the lake, you will walk right around its shore and look for the spring, high up on the Northeastern side which is considered to be the source of the holy water. Hindu people regard Dudh Kunda Lake as a holy place and visit to pray at a nearby temple and take a dip in the lake every year in the month of August. You will see a beautiful sunrise and sunset from Dudhkunda. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Today the trail goes normally downhill through the jungle and some bare hill. While walking down, you will enjoy viewing the beautiful mountains to the north. After the Dudhkunda lake, you will feel almost finished the trek. Stay overnight in Chauri kharka.
It is about 5 hours trek down to Chiwang Gompa (Monastery) which is located on a hill with the best view. Chiwang Gompa is a really nice monastery. You will feel peace to be here. Visit the monastery and see the Sherpa culture. Stay overnight in Chiwang Gompa.
Today is the last day of the trek. It takes about 3 hours to reach Phaplu. In the afternoon walk to the Sallery market where locates district headquarter office of Solukhumbu. It is just half an hour walk from Phaplu. After walking back from Sallery to Phaplu in the evening we make the last day party with our staff in the hotel and Goodbye to them in the hope to see them again.
We pack up early and drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in hotel and the rest of your day stay on your own. You could do some last minute shopping and pack up your stuff or even go down for a stroll to Thamel. Overnight in hotel.
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Dudh Kunda with Pikey Peak Trek 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
Nitty Gritty
General Information
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FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Trekking can be organized for few days to few weeks long, depending on trekkers interest, strength and time frame. Walking could be twelve kilometers or just four kilometers a day and spend the night in the countryside lodge or camp.
