Dudh Kunda is a sacred lake in Solukhumbu region which means “Milky Lake”. This lake is located at 4600 m high above the sea level, at the base of Mt. Numbur (6958 m). The trek to Dudh Kunda is one of those routes where only few visit which makes this route peaceful and full of wilderness. Offering a majestic view of the mountain ranges and other heavenly landscapes.
The trek route is off the beaten track with some tea houses and wilderness camping sites. This route offers to explore the lower Everest region and one of the best viewpoints of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest-front, Mt. Kanchenjunga on the east and Mt. Annapurna from Pikey Peak.
Throughout the trek route we get to explore the culture especially of Sherpa people as the route passes through some of the Sherpa villages. And also visit the Thubten Choling Monastery, a home to many Tibetan Buddhists and refugees.
This trek offers a rare chance to some of the rare animals like Snow leopard, bears, pheasants, mountain thar, jackals and many more. Through the pine forest and rhododendron.
One of the best viewpoints from Pikey Peak.
Heavenly view of Mt. Kanchenjunga on the east and Mt. Annapurna on the west side.
Local tea houses and wilderness camping.
Tibetan Buddhist Culture, true hospitality of Sherpa villages.
Himalayan monasteries.
Dudh lake- sacred lake at 4600 m high above sea level.
The best time to visit this place is during Autumn or the extended Spring. Where we can find the rhododendron glowing in the forest. Though the skies are clear in winter but it’s extremely cold. And visiting in monsoon, won’t be a good idea.
With your landing in Kathmandu, you will be taken to the hotel with warm welcome. After the registration and lodging is done; the guide will take to Thamel for a short tour as it’s the center attraction/tourist hub of the city. With a variety of restaurants to choose, to grab a meal.
As a city of many religious sites, you get to explore the culturally rich sites Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa on the north side of the city. And sites including Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple on the north side. Exploring some of the heritage sites and tasting some of the local foods around there.
A flight to Phaplu through the domestic airline and a drive to Dhap which is the starting point of the trek. From there we head to Sigane which offers some mountain views. Then to Japre village at 2920 m high above the sea level and stay overnight at a local tea house.
The trek starts to Bhulbhule and then a right towards Pikey Peak and passing through Taklung ridge. Through rhododendron forest and the next two hours of walk, there lies Pikey Peak Base Camp. With only one lodge for overnight with some puffy rooms at 3640 m high.
Starting before the dawn for the climb to the summit of Pikey Peak for an amazing view if the weather is clear. View of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Kanchenjunga and then down to north ridgeline for Jase Bhanjyang. Perfect place to have breakfast. Some shortcut trial options to reach Taktor, place to meet other trekkers for Everest Base Camp.
Junbesi, a large traditional Sherpa village with their culture and architecture. Having many comfortable tea houses, it is at 2675 m high above the sea level. And takes a couple of hours to reach, from Taktor.
From Junbesi we head towards Thupten Choling monastery built in the 1960s where 800 monks live in cottage behind monastery hill. This monastery consists of many refugees where some of them head to India and some join the monastery. After visiting this monastery we head up to the valley for the campsite.
From this first campsite we stay in camp overnight until we reach Taksindu on the 13th day. Next we head to Yak Kharka through an amazing forest trail near a pass for the overnight stay.
The trek starts to be even closer to the Rowaling peak with rock faces surrounding and yaks grazing.
This day we head towards Dudh Kunda with only a couple of hours’ walk to the holy site. The lake is at 4560 m high on the bottom of Mt. Numbur and Karyalung Glacier. A holy site for Hindu and Buddhist, that a dip in this icy lake will exculpate their sins.
It’s the farthest point that the trek will go, the day is to experience an amazing site throughout the day. Enjoy and energize yourself in this place and rest for the next day.
Next morning after resting, exploring the lake- now head to Thadarbug to rejoin the pilgrims route to the Taksindu La. Going through the south ridgeline and setting camp for the night.
This day heads toward Taksindu following a ridgeline to Jiri- Everest trail. Reaching to a village for the local teahouse where we can also explore Taksindu monastery.
It’s time to leave the main trekking route and trek down through the forests to reach Phaplu. An optional visit to Chiwong Gompa and to Phaplu. This monastery was built in 1923. High in the cliff with an amazing view of the valley. Mostly crowded during Autumn to attend the Mani Rimdu Festival.
It’s a goodbye moment in the early morning for the time to the glorious mountains and snowy valley. About 25- 35 minutes to reach back to Kathmandu by air.
Shopping is my option in contrast to Red Bull. Regardless…
Hundreds of years of preservation and perseverance, nourished and timely…
Hot Spring Trek is the comparatively easy walking trekking in…
Among the many 12 years festivals Nepal has, Lha Phewa…