Dudhkunda Lake Trek

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.