Dudh Kunda trek takes you to a remote lake hidden in the mountains of the Solukhumbu. Dudh Kunda means “milky lake” and is situated right in front of the mighty Mount Numbur. Tourists rarely visit this area in the lower Everest, which gives you a chance to enjoy the remote trails to Pikey Peak and Dudh Kunda.
Buddhist culture is clearly evident in the landscape as you walk by Buddhist prayer (mani) walls and ancient monasteries. Along the route, an early morning hike will take you to the top of Pikey Peak. The top offers stunning views of the Nepalese Himalaya. During the Dudh Kunda trek, you pass through rhododendron forests, visit remote monasteries, and hike through small settlements.
A jeep drive will take you to the starting point of the trek in the middle of the Solukhumbu. From here, your Dudh Kunda trek starts, and you pass several small villages and settlements. These days, you can fully enjoy the peace and impressive natural beauty of the area.
The early morning climb to Pikey Peak from the High Camp takes a few hours. From the top, you have impressive views of some famous snowcapped peaks of the Himalaya. Spread before you, you can see some of the well-known mountain peaks of over 8000 meters like Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and Kangchenjunga. Descending from Pikey Peak, you hike into the Junbesi Valley.
At the end of this valley lies the beautiful monastery of Thupten Choling. From Junbesi, it takes a maximum of three hours hiking to reach the nun monastery. With permission, you can visit the monastery you are allowed to visit the monastery and are free to join the Buddhist prayers.
Continuing, a comfortable hiking day will take you to the hidden monastery of Phungmuche. Due to its isolation, neither tourists nor locals visit this monastery often. Dudh Kunda trek continues from Phungmuche on a deserted trail passing by shepherds and their yak herds.
In a few days, you slowly ascend towards an altitude close to 4600 meters. The terrain changes in a forest area, and later, high mountains surround you. Finally, you will reach the campsite close to Dudh Kunda Lake. Here, we’ll take a well-deserved resting and exploration day.
Towards Thaksindu La pass, the trail of the Dudh Kunda trek follows a ridge with magnificent views of the Khumbu region. Through the rhododendron forest, you will hike towards the local village of Phaplu. In contrast to remote settlements, this is one of the larger villages in this region with local restaurants and shops. Dudh Kunda trek ends here, and a comfortable jeep will drive 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: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Pattale (2325 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 4: Trek to Japre (2820 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Pikey Peak high camp (3615 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 6: Climb to Pikey Peak (3615 m) and trek to Jasmane Bhanjang (2875 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Junbesi (2700m – 5 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Thupten Chöling monastery for visit, and onwards to Phungmuche (3031 m – 7 hrs. ; camping)
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka (3940 m – 7 hrs.; camping)
Day 10: Trek to Saharsbeni (4040 m – 6 hrs.; camping)
Day 11: Trek to Dudh Kunda Lake (4592 m – 5 hrs.; camping)
Day 12: Resting day at Dudh Kunda Lake for exploration
Day 13: Trek to Sarkari Pati (3503 m – 6 hrs.; camping)
Day 14: Trek to Thaksindu La (3060 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek to Paphlu (2470 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 16: Drive Paphlu to Kathmandu (8 hrs.)
Day 17: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 18: 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
– 4 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/ tent equipment / cooking equipment; 12 kg private luggage per person
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Free use of tent equipment, including one dome tent for two persons and a light sleeping mattress
– Three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. During camping including tea/ coffee/ hot water
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 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 (in teahouse room), 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, porters and cooking staff
