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Dudhkunda Lake Trek


Overview The Dudhkunda Lake Trek is an exhilarating adventure that takes you through the rugged landscapes of the Solu region in eastern Nepal. This trek renowns for its breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and the mystical Lake, which holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Starting from the town of Jiri, the trek winds its way through lush forests, picturesque villages, and cascading waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Everest, Numbur, and Karyolung. The region is rich in biodiversity, and trekkers have the opportunity to spot various flora and fauna along…

Overview

The Dudhkunda Lake Trek is an exhilarating adventure that takes you through the rugged landscapes of the Solu region in eastern Nepal. This trek renowns for its breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and the mystical Lake, which holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Starting from the town of Jiri, the trek winds its way through lush forests, picturesque villages, and cascading waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Everest, Numbur, and Karyolung. The region is rich in biodiversity, and trekkers have the opportunity to spot various flora and fauna along the way.

As you traverse the path, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Solu region is home to diverse ethnic communities, including Sherpas, Tamangs, and Rai people. You’ll encounter warm hospitality, interact with locals, and gain insight into their traditional way of life. The monasteries and prayer flags that dot the landscape reflect the region’s strong Buddhist influence.

The highlight of the Dudhkunda Lake Trek is the serene Dudhkunda Lake itself. Nestled at an altitude of 4,560 meters, the turquoise lake is believed to be sacred. Pilgrims from far and wide come to pay homage during the full moon of August. According to local beliefs, taking a dip in the icy waters of Dudhkunda Lake cleanses sins and brings blessings.

The trek concludes with a descent back to Jiri, allowing you to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve experienced. The Dudhkunda Lake Trek is a moderate-level trek, requiring a good level of fitness and acclimatization. It recommends us to undertake this trek between March and May or September and November for the best weather and visibility.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, the Dudhkunda Lake Trek offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and spiritual discovery. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself physically, connect with the local communities, and revel in the tranquility of Dudhkunda Lake—a truly unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Trip Highlights


 

  1. DudhKunda Lake: The trek takes you to the beautiful Dudh Kunda Lake, which is considered a sacred lake by the local people. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and is a great spot for camping and relaxing.
  2. Remote Villages: The trek takes you through remote villages and offers a chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Sherpa people, who are the predominant ethnic group in the region.
  3. Stunning Scenery: The trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Numbur, and Mt. Karylung. The trail also takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and beautiful mountain landscapes.
  4. Wildlife: The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, butterflies, and animals like musk deer and Himalayan black bear.
  5. Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Dudh Kunda Lake Trek is less crowded than some of the more popular treks in Nepal, offering a peaceful and authentic trekking experience.

Itinerary Expand All


Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport at Kathmandu and clear immigration and customs, you shall be welcomed by a representative of Nepal Challenge Trek who shall transfer you to your respective hotel. After taking a rest for your jetlagged body, explore the immediate surroundings in the vibrant Thamel which hosts diverse shops, hotels, and is a neighbor to some eminent historical buildings. Enjoy the authentic dinner in the evening and prepare for a sightseeing city tour tomorrow. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today you shall enjoy a city tour in the medieval city of Kathmandu and explore the historical and ancient heritages of prominent value. In a guided tour that shall reflect the rich diversity of this nation, you shall pay a visit to the Buddhist holy places of Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupas which are known for their religious importance, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural ensembles within the premises. Next on the list is the Hindu holy place of Pashupatinath Temple located at the bank of the holy Bagmati River which is one of the most revered pilgrimages all over the world. We shall also explore the rich heritage of Patan Durbar Square, a complex with the ancient royal palace, unique Krishna Temple, museum, resting places, and intricate carvings on the stones and wooden structures in the premises. After this exploration, we shall have an interaction with the trekking guide and get ourselves clarified on the issues related to the trekking. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Our trek commences today as we take a drive to Shivalaya. After a succulent breakfast at the hotel, you will be accompanied by our guide. Our vehicle maneuvers through the busy and noisy streets of Kathmandu, past the Newar-dominated towns of Banepa and Bhaktapur. The driving route follows the Bhote Koshi River all the way up to a Tamang village. From here, we drive alongside the Tama Koshi River until we finally arrive at Jiri. Owing to its splendid natural beauty, Jiri is often given the nomenclature of “Switzerland of Nepal” and is gradually becoming the start-off point for most of the treks in the Everest region. From Jiri, we head onwards Shivalaya which is our last destination of the day. The residents here comprise the ethnic mix of Gurungs, Sherpas, Brahmins, and Magars, etc. Stay overnight at Shivalaya.

Today we shall wake up early as we have to start hiking from today onwards. Our route today passes through the Shivalaya Police Checkpoint. The tail to Bhandar is marginally steep, and most part of it is embellished with rhododendron clusters. Surmounting the climbs and simultaneously enjoying the rhododendrons, we arrive at Deurali (2,387m) which offers a splendid view of Pike peak. The local inhabitants of Deurali are mainly Sherpas and Tamangs. Our trail now goes down until we arrive at the settlement of Bhandar. Stay overnight at Bhandar.

From Bhandar, we descend on a downhill route through dense forests, cross a few streams, and then pass by the small settlements of Dokharpa and Baranda. From here, the route climbs through the forests and winds down to the Surma River. We continue trailing through the Likhu River valley. After about 3 hours of walk, we arrive at the village of Kinja village (1,624m), where we halt for lunch. This village happens to be the business hub for Ramechap and Solukhumbu districts. Our trek now resumes along an uphill route, until we eventually arrive at the settlement of Sete. Stay overnight at Sete.

We grab our breakfast and then resume our footy mission, walking up through the jungle. Most part of this walk is through the forest. We arrive at Lamjura Danda and halt for lunch. We have a pass ahead, so after some good energizing lunch, we begin to trudge up the steep route until we get to the top of the Lamjura La Pass (3,532m). From atop, enjoy the splendid views of the peaks like Gauri Shankar, Dudh Kunda, Mera Peak, etc. including the flowery vista of the flashy rhododendrons. After this scenic retreat, we descend from the pass to the Sherpa and Newar-dominated village of Junbesi. Stay overnight at Junbesi.

We shall begin the trek with breakfast from the settlement at Junbesi and start our beautiful section of this trek to Thuptenchholing Gumba. The trek today provides you an opportunity to observe Sherpa culture and visit monasteries. Junbesi is one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the lower Solukhumbu region. It is rich in its astonishing landscapes, cultural wealth, and hospitable Sherpa people. In addition to this, you will also experience lush green wilderness and a beautiful landscape. Stay overnight at Thuptenchholing Gumba.

In the trek today we trek along the winding trail through the pine and rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, culturally rich Sherpa villages, and the marvelous views of the mountains all along the trail to Yak Kharka. You walk through alpine forests. You get to experience lush green wilderness amidst beautiful landscapes with the close-up views of silver peak mountains. Stay overnight at Yak Kharka.

Today you will see mountain glaciers, Lake Dudh Kunda, and the mountains closely. If you visit during August you can be part of a fair at the Janai Purnima ceremony which is one of the remarkable festivals of Nepal. Bird watchers will also see migratory aquatic birds during the rainy season. Stay overnight at Dudh Kunda.

We get going along the steep route to the Dudh Kunda Base Camp. On reaching the base camp, we pay a visit to the Dudh Kunda Lake, which literally means the milk pond. The lake is perched right at the bottom of Numbur Himal, locally known as Shorong Yul Lha, which in the local dialect means the “custodian of Solu Lake”. Hence, both, the mountains as well as the lake have a great religious significance. Huge numbers of Hindu devotees visit the lake to take a holy dip every year. From the base camp, we can relish the views of Dudh Kunda Peak, Numbur I & II, as well as Mera Peak. We then trek back to Saharsbeni. Today’s journey has been a combination of trek and pilgrimage. Stay overnight at Saharsbeni.

On our trekking trail today we shall pass through Kaku and Basa to reach Taksindu where you are able to see some breathtaking panoramic views of mountain peaks, sparkling waterfalls, and tranquil lakes that will entice you to stop. As you continue on, you’ll pass through dense forests of rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, which are in bloom from March to May. Also in the fall (September to December) when the weather is temperate and the skies are clear you can see these wildflowers in full bloom. Views of flora and fauna, as well as a variety of wildlife, will catch your attention but not slow you down. Stay overnight at Taksindu.

We shall wake up early in the morning with the view of the majestic sunrise glaring onto the lands below. The hike will take about seven hours today as we need to reach Phaplu, where you shall get a flight back to Kathmandu. So today you walk through mixed alpine forests, experience wildlife, and bird watching, and pass through different Sherpa settlements. You also encounter a lot of wildlife and vegetation in this particular region. And upon arrival at Phaplu, if you want then you can enjoy some cultural shows which are generally performed on request here. Rest and stay overnight at Phaplu.

We leave early in the morning after breakfast for the flight back to Kathmandu. This scenic flight is as enchanting as it was for the first time we witnessed. The views of hills, green valleys, and picturesque mountains are always tempting for the viewers. After arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you shall be transferred to the hotel of your stay in Thamel by our representative. Explore the streets of Thamel, the buzzing streets and alley markets in the nearby places of Ason, the Royal courtyard and palace in the bit far away Basantapur Durbar Square, and others. You may also do some souvenir shopping in the surrounding areas. In the evening you shall be greeted with a farewell dinner where you can savor the authentic Nepali cuisine.

Our amazing and wonderful Dudh Kunda Trek has come to an end. Today a representative of Nepal Challenge Trek shall escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for the flight to the onward destination at least three hours prior to the flight. We would like to express our gratitude for joining our trekking team for this wonderful and exciting trekking expedition and hope that we shall be welcoming you to other adventurous activities in this beautiful Himalayan nation. We hope that the trekking experience on this ‘less traveled’ path created a lifelong memory for the trekkers and you are tempted to return on subsequent visits to this beautiful Himalayan nation.

What's Included


  • Airport pick up and drop
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
  • Single Accommodation: You won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so that your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Domestic flight and all required land transportation
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With the experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Challenge Trek have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, down jacket, Nepal Challenge Trek duffer bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • TIMS Card and Gaurishankar National Parks entrance fees.
  • Rescue arrangement service
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • 13% VAT and 10% service
  • Farewell dinner

What's Excluded


  • Nepal Entry Visa fee (Visa Information)
  • International airfare and excess baggage charges
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Travel Insurance/Rescue Operation Cost
  • Tips for guides and porters

Trip Information


The Dudh Kunda Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in the eastern part of Nepal, which takes you through remote villages, lush forests, and stunning mountain landscapes. Here are some more details about the trek:

Duration: The trek usually takes around 10-12 days to complete.

Starting Point: The trek starts from Phaplu, which is about a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude: The highest point on the trek is the Dudh Kunda Lake, which is at an altitude of 4,560 meters.

Difficulty Level: The Dudh Kunda Lake Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. The trail can be steep and rugged at times, with some long and strenuous uphill climbs.

Permits: A trekking permit and TIMS card are required to do the Dudh Kunda Lake Trek.

Overall, the Dudh Kunda Lake Trek is a wonderful trekking experience that offers a great combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It is a great choice for trekkers who are looking for a less crowded and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in Nepal.

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Trip Facts


Duration 19 Day(s)
Activities Trekking
Group Size 2 to 20
Best Season March to May, September to November
Start/End Point Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Difficulty Level Moderate
Max Altitude 4000M
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