Trip Highlights
- Climb to Pikey Peak for a views of magnificent
- Visit to Thupten Chholing Monastery
- Visit to sacred, Dudhkunda Lake
- Observe the lifestyle of the people
The Pikey-Dudh Kunda Cultural Trail Trek is a relatively new trail that exploits the hidden culture and natural allure of the Everest region. During this trek, you’ll not only get to observe the snow-laden Himalayas like Everest and Ghaurishankar, but you’ll take a detour in the holy Dudh Kunda Lake which is the supposed abode of Lord Shiva. From snow decorated landscapes to the unique Sherpa culture residing in the silent hills, this Pikey-Dudh Kunda Cultural trail trek is the one to take.
The trek takes 14-days to complete including your arrival and departure. First of all, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to hotel. The very next day, you’ll drive to Shivalaya via Manthali. During the drive, you’ll get to experience a typical Nepali highway. Next, you’ll start your trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar through beautiful forests and small settlements. Your next day trek will take you to Ngaur and Gumba through Namkheli. The road sees a drastic rise in elevation so be sure to tread carefully. From Gumba, you’ll trek to the Pikey peak base camp. You stay at the base camp as you trek to the peak next morning to view the sunrise. Next morning, you trek to the top and observe the surrounding mountains and villages. Then, you’ll trek down to Junbesi. You can taste the authentic yak cheese there and even learn the culture of the locals.
Further, from Junbesi, you head to Thupten Chholing monastery followed by a trek to Taksindu La. From Taksindu La, you start off to Saharsbeni. Finally, from Saharsbeni, you trek to the holy Dudh Kunda Lake. You explore the surroundings of Dudh Kunda Lake the next day and then retrace your path back to Yak Kharka. Next, you’ll head to Ringmu from Saharsbeni through the trail along the river and forests. Lastly, the trek takes you to Phaplu through headquarter of Solukhumbu, Salleri and take a drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft] and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Shivalaya (1790m), from Kathmandu 8 hours
Day 3: Trek to Bhandar (2190m), from Shivalaya 5 hours
Day 4: Trek to Gumba (2800m) from Bhandar 6 hours
Day 5: Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3808m), from Gumba 6 hours
Day 6: Hike to Pikey Peak (4067m) and trek to Junbesi (2700m), 6 hours
Day 7: Exploration Day to Thupten Chholing Monastery, 4 hours
Day 8: Trek to Taksindu La (3870m), from Junbesi 6 hours
Day 9: Trek to Saharsbeni (3835m) from Taksindu La 7 hours
Day 10: Trek to Dudh Kunda (4550m) from Saharsbeni 3 hours
Day 11: Trek from Saharsbeni to Ringmu (2720m), 6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Phaplu (2469m) from Ringmu 5 hours
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu from Phaplu, Salleri 9 hours.
Day 14: Drop at the airport for the final departure
All Inclusive cost
Join our trek Contact us to set up an itinerary as per your preference.
Group Size | Price per person |
---|---|
Min 2 – Max 12 | US$ 1275 |
Customization Option
If this itinerary does not suit your need or you want to customize it, tell us about your travel needs, there is no fixed departure date, itinerary. Being a local trekking agency in Nepal we can arrange your trip according to any date and time, please Send Us A Message and we will customize it according to your itinerary.
Essential Information
Difficulty
Our Pikey Dudh Kunda trek is considered moderate to slightly challenging. Trails generally go above 4500 meters and on a daily basis, you can expect to be walking for about 5 – 7 hours. This trip is a perfect setting of introduction to challenging high altitude trekking in Nepal. Is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well.
Previous Experience
No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not mandatory to participate in this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip prior to your trip by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking.
Best Season
The best seasons to trek to the Lower Khumbu region are Autumn (latter half of September till December) and Spring (latter half of March until mid-May).
Autumn/Fall: Slightly colder than Spring but presents clear views of the mountains. The mornings are clear providing the best mountain views, days are warmer and nighttime will get cold and frosty. The temperature during Autumn varies from the lowest -10 degrees Celsius at Pikey Dudh Kunda to the warmest 20 degrees Celsius at Shivalaya/Phaplu.
Spring: Another weather window for trekking in Nepal comes during the month of the latter March to May. The temperature will be relatively warmer during this period of time but still, nights will be cold and frosty at a higher elevation. Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day.
Winter: Pikey Dudh Kunda trek can be done during the winter season (Dec to Feb). Weather will still remain clear offering views of mountains, trails will be less busy, a perfect time for photographers with fresh snow on the hills but the only significant downside is the cold temperature. Daytime temperatures can range between 5 – 9 ºC and evenings can drop to sub-zero temperatures.
Monsoon/Summer: Trekking during the monsoon/summer season has its own benefits (Less crowd, greenery and lush vegetation etc) but for high altitude treks, we do not recommend this season. Due to the frequent rainfall, it makes the walk uncomfortable. The clouds develop most of the time blocking your views.
Accommodation
Hotel: 2 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 11 Nights
In Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will stay at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu. Situated at the foot, of the Great Swyambunath Stupa. The most peaceful Vajra Hotel in the Kathmandu valley, the hotel also boasts of close Swyambunath beautiful jungle where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
Teahouse/Lodge:
Trekking in the Lower Khumbu region does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are now clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we would request you to bring a sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.
All Meals On Trek
All meals are included during the trek. We will provide three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.
Typical Day On Trek:
Daily wake up calls will be from 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. Wake up time and breakfast time will be arranged the night before the briefing time. The schedule for each day will depend entirely on your walking duration for that particular day. Tea will be served as a wake-up call to your bed. After breakfast we went on a day hike. Before breakfast, you need to pack your duffel bag because the porter will load it while you are having breakfast. After the walk, we stop for a mid-day lunch. Afternoon walks are usually short and we usually arrive at our destination for afternoon tea.
Daypack For The Trek
You will only carry your day pack with the essentials you will need during the walk (water, camera, extra fleece, rain jacket, sunscreen, snacks, valuables etc.). The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We give you 1 porter for every 2 participants. Also, during the trek, we will also provide 1 support guide for every 6 trekkers, who will assist you during the trek.
Group Size:
Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 12 people.
Safety On The Trek
Safety is always a priority when traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Our trek itineraries are designed with every aspect in mind, allowing proper adaptability, rest days and walking hours. On all our high altitude treks, we send a comprehensive medical kit. Furthermore, we also have a high staff to customer ratio on all our treks. Read more, Safety & Security
Our Approach to Treks
Our route to trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route, and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With of experience in trekking in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.
Travel Insurance
It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. More information: Travel Insurance
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.
Airport Pickup & Drop:
We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly.