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Pikey Dudh Kunda Cultural Trek

14 Days

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.

Details Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Please look out for a placard of your name at the exit of arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip.

Your journey starts today as you head to Shivalaya from Kathmandu. You will drive on a private jeep and it will take 7-8 hours to reach there. The drive will be scenic with views of lush green hills and vegetation around. You’ll drive through Dhulikhel and Manthali to reach Shivalaya. If the weather is clear, you'll be able to get a nice view of the snowcapped mountains. Shivalaya is a small village that is located at the bank of Shivalaya River. Overnight at a lodge in Shivalaya.

This day, your official trek starts from Shivalaya towards Bhandar. 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. You explore the place in the evening and have dinner. Overnight at a lodge in Bhandar.

From Bhandar, you will begin your trek to the monastery. First, with a gradual descent from Bhandar to Likhukhola, you head towards Namkheli (2300m). Once at the top one can get a good view of Bhandar and Thotung. Then, you head towards the monastery. Today's trek is a bit tiring as the distance is longer and the elevation gain is more than 600 meters. At the monastery, you will get a clear idea of life in the rural parts of Nepal. Overnight at a lodge in the monastery.

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.

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.

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.

Today, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 lodge in Phaplu.

Today, after breakfast, we return to Kathmandu from Phaplu on a scenic drive which takes almost 9 hours by private vehicle. After reaching Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel and then after some rest, you can go sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley on your own.

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. You will be assisted in your last-minute preparation. Our staff representative will help you pack your luggage, drop you off at the international airport. And we wish you a safe flight. Likewise we hope to see you soon again!

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
  • Deluxe accommodation at Hotel in Kathmandu for 2 Nights
  • All the ground transportation by private vehicle
  • All meals (B, L, D) with tea/coffee during the trek.
  • Teahouses/lodges accommodation during the trek.
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • All required permits for the trek
  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
  • First Aid Medical Kit box
  • Staff wages, equipment, insurance and allowances
  • All government & local taxes
  • Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)

Cost Exclusion

  • International Airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason).
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks and hot drinking water or mineral bottled water, cold drinks, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery re-charge charges, extra porters, etc.
  • Personal clothing and trekking gear.
  • Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage.
  • Tips, gifts, souvenirs for involved trekking staff.
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
  • All the costs and expenses, which are not listed in "What is included" above will be counted as excludes.

Equipment checklist for the trek

The gears listed below is recommended for the trek. We encourage you to get all the equipment listed below for the trip and please make sure you check out and try each equipment. You can also buy or rent in Kathmandu as there are many trekking shops that have gear ranging from branded to local.

Clothing and footwear:
— Long-sleeved shirts
— Trekking Shirts
— Trekking Trousers
— Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
— Waterproof jackets and trousers
— Thermal
— Inner wears
— Undergarments
— Warm socks
— Cap/Hat to protect from the sun during the trek
— Woollen Hat, Warm gloves, Balaclava sand Bandana/Scarf
— Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
— Trekking shoes (Preferably Goretex and full to support your ankle)
— Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
— Daypack 30-35 litres (To carry your sunblock, water, camera, waterproof jacket and others that you may require while trekking)

Documents:
— Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
— 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and Visa
— Travel Insurance covering medication evacuation
— Flight tickets
— Credit cards for emergencies
— Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)

Others:
— Headlamps with extra batteries
— Sunglasses with UV protection
— Camera with charger or spare batteries
— A pair of trekking poles
— Water bottles (1) litre
— Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
— Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
— Padlock
— Binoculars
— Reading materials, notebooks and pens

Toiletries and hygiene:
— Quick-drying towel
— Small face towel
— Toothbrush &Toothpaste
— Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
— Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
— Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes
— Hygiene products
— Basic first aid kit

Accessories:
— Down Jacket
— Sleeping bag with liner
— Duffel/Kit Bag

Trip Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Pikey Dudh Kunda Cultural Trek
From $1,275.00
/ per person

Trip Facts

  • 13 nights, 14 days
  • Moderate
  • 4550m/14,930ft.
  • Spring & Autumn
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Private Vehicle
  • Teahouse/ Lodges
  • Min 2 - Max 12

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