Dumje festival is a typical Sherpa festival that celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche on a lotus flower. It takes place exactly two months after Losar (Buddhist New Year), the dark moon day of the Tibetan lunar calendar. This is at the end of the spring season, which is also the time when livestock are taken up to higher pastures. Throughout the celebrations, masked lamas perform dances, prayers, and rituals. Each evening, villagers gather to dance, sing, and share local chang.
With Sherpa Heritage Trails, you will have the rare opportunity to join the typical Sherpa festival of Dumje. On this journey, we take you to the heart of Sherpa land in lower Everest region. In the authentic Sherpa village of Junbesi, you can join us with the Dumje festival celebrations and get a glimpse of the local culture
Before you join the Dumje festival, you’ll hike the Lower Everest trek. This involves a remote and cultural trek through the Solukhumbu. The trail leads you through authentic villages, pine forests, and rhododendron.
During this trek, you’ll enjoy local Sherpa culture and the beautiful scenery of the Nepal Himalaya. Additionally, the spring festival coincides with late rhododendron blooms across the hillsides.
One of the highlights of this trek is a stunning sunrise from the Pikey Peak summit. From this vantage point, you can see the snowcapped mountains from Kanchenjunga all the way to Mustang. Even Sir Edmund Hillary stated that the best view of Everest is from this peak.
It is a slow descent towards the Junbesi valley, where you will join the Dumje festival celebrations at the local monastery. After the Dumje festival concludes, you’ll trek to Phaplu. From here onwards, with an easy drive to Okhaldunga. Finally, the next day, a jeep will bring you back to Kathmandu.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Pattale (2625 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 3: Trek to Japre (2820 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 4: Trek to High camp (3615 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 5: Climb to Pikey Peak (4065 m) and trek to Jasmane Bhanjang (2875 m – 6,5 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Junbesi (2700m – 5hrs.)
Day 7: Start of Dumje festival at Junbesi monastery; overnight at Junbesi
Day 8: Second day of Dumje festival at Junbesi monastery; overnight at Junbesi
Day 9: Third day of Dumje festival at Junbesi monastery; overnight at Junbesi
Day 10: Final day of Dumje festival at Junbesi monastery; overnight at Junbesi
Day 11: Trek to Phaplu (2470m – 3 hrs.) and drive to Okhaldunga (2,5 hrs.)
Day 12: Drive from Okhaldunga to Kathmandu (6 hrs.)
Day 13: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to the hotel
– 3 nights hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return drive from Kathmandu to the start and from the end of the trek
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of waterproof bag for your luggage
– TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for mountain guide and porters
