Dudh Kunda Lake Trek

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depends on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal.

Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines.

After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: 1,790 m

Driving duration: 8-9 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After early breakfast, you leave Kathmandu for the long drive to Shivalaya via Araniko Highway. The scenic drive provides wonderful views of the eastern Himalayas, including Langtang, Dorjee Lakpa, Ganesh, Lirung.

The drive goes all the way through Kodari road (Tibet road) then turns off to Jiri & passes through the Bhote Koshi River. This river is one of the well-known rivers for water-based activities such as rafting and kayaking.

You reach Shivalaya after crossing several hills and rivers. Shivalaya is a picturesque village also known as the gateway to Everest.

Altitude above sea level: 2,200 m

Hiking duration:  5- 6 hours approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you continue your journey to the village of Bhandar. The trail provides beautiful scenery of villages, grazing cattle, and green fields. Thereafter, you pass through the forests of rhododendron and oak trees.

Further, you hike up again to Sangbadanada (2,150 m) and continue uphill to Deurali Pass (2,705 m). You hike up through the forest, and then cross a stream and then ascend the pass at Deurali. Witness a superb view of Dudh Kunda Himal, Khatanga, Karylung, and Pikey peak from the pass. Also, you can see the grid of Mani walls, carved thousands of times with the Tibetan Buddhist mantra.

Thereafter, follow the trail covered with beautiful rhododendron clusters, which plunge straight down to the hillside. After an hour, you will reach the periphery of Bhandar.

Altitude above sea level: 2,300 m

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you leave Bhandar village behind and continue your trek downhill to Likhu Khola.  Further, you ascend through dense forests of rhododendron and pine trees until it reaches Chaulakharka.

On the way, you can savor the view of quaint villages, small tea houses, and terraced farmlands. The trail rewards you with captivating views of Barha Himalayan Range, Karylung, Lambur, and other snow-blanketed peaks that will refresh you. Eventually, you reach Namkhili village, where you can visit a few monasteries maintained by Pike Peak

Altitude above sea level: 3,350 m

Hiking duration: 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you continue your trek towards Goli Gompa Danda by crossing pine and rhododendron forests. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Further, you pass stupas decorated with chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags.

Moving ahead along the thick forests, enjoying the birds chirping, you reach Ngaur Gompa. You can explore a local Buddhist gompa and cheese factory.  Situated on top of a foothill, Ngaur Village offers the marvelous sight of Gaurishankar Himal and Numbur Himal.

Altitude above sea level: 3,585 m

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you hike through a dense forest of rhododendron and pine trees, savoring the mesmerizing mountain views. As this region is well-known for Numbur Cheese Trekking Trail, you will visit the dairy and can try the yak cheese that is made here.

The trail offers you an incredible view of Mt. Gaurishankar, the Manaslu region, the Annapurna Himalayan Range, and neighboring peaks. Further, you pass Mani walls carved with stunning Buddhist paintings and scripts to reach Pikey Peak Base Camp. Marvelous views of mountains, diverse flora, and fauna will keep you refreshed throughout the trek.

Altitude above sea level: 4,065 m (Pike Peak); 2,515 m (Jarse Bhanjyang)

Hiking duration: 2 hrs. Approx. (Pike Peak); 4 hrs. Approx. (Jarse Bhanjyang)

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the most awaited moment of the entire Pike Peak Everest View trek as you are going to reach the summit of the peak. Starting early in the morning, you’ll follow a gradual trail to Pike Peak, beautifully decorated with multicolored prayer flags.

From the top of Pike Peak, catch a mesmerizing sunrise view over the Himalayan range. Savor the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas specifically Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Gauri Shanker, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mera peak, and many more.

After enjoying the morning view from the Pikey summit, trek down to base camp for breakfast.  Thereafter, you’ll continue your walk down to Jarse Bhanjyang. You’ll follow a ridgeline that starts flat and then steepens as you enter the forest to Jarse Bhanjyang.

Altitude above sea level: (2,675 m)

Hiking duration: 5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Taktor it is a couple of hours on a lovely trail to Junbesi, a traditional Sherpa village considered a cradle of Sherpa culture and architecture. The Sherpas regard the Solu Khumbu as a ‘Beyul’ or sacred valley and there are many Buddhist monasteries. Here, in this remote part of Nepal bordering Tibet, Buddhism survives with deep faith and resonance.

Altitude above sea level: (3,031 m) 

Hiking duration: 7 hrs approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you follow the river once more, meandering through fields and flowers, towards a very special place, Thupten Choling, home to 800 monks living in tiny cottages dotting the hill behind the main Gompa. His Holiness the late Trulsik Rinpoche founded the monastery in the 1960s after fleeing Tibet. Thupten Choling houses feed and educate a large population, 80% of whom are Tibetan refugees. This is one of the first contact points for the many Tibetans who find their way into Nepal each year. Although most refugees continue on to India, about 40 nuns per year stay on and join the monastery.

Altitude above sea level: (4,040 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Over the next two days, you follow a ridge, bringing you ever closer to the snow-covered peaks of the Rowaling Himal. It is hard to imagine, but this lonely trail teems with pilgrims at a festival time! You will most likely have the whole landscape to yourself and camp in meadows, surrounded by rock faces and yak grazing.

Altitude above sea level: (4,560 m) 

Hiking Duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dudh Kunda Lake, at the foot of Mt. Numbur and Karyalung Glacier, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The full moon in August sees pilgrims flock to the lake, as Buddhist and Hindu devotees believe that taking a dip in the icy lake will absolve them of their sins. It only takes a couple of hours walking from your last camp, and you can spend the rest of the day at leisure in this incredibly stunning place.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a day to rest and/or explore this amazing place. This truly is the high point of your trek, so we recommend you take your time here to really soak up the beauty of this place.

Altitude above sea level: (3,925 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a morning Kora, you retrace your steps to Thadarbug and rejoin the classic pilgrim route towards the Taksindu La. You follow the ridgeline south and camp in one of the herder’s camps along this trail.

Altitude above sea level: (2,842 m) 

Hiking duration: 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you continue down the ridgeline towards the main Jiri to Everest trail at Taksindu La, from where you again have great mountain views. A short descent takes you to the Taksindu Monastery and the village.

Altitude above sea level: (2,470 m) 

Trekking duration: 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you leave the main trekking route again and take a beautiful path down to Phaplu through the forest. You have the option to hike up to Chiwong Gompa, perched high on a cliff overlooking the valley. This monastery was founded in 1923 and has magnificent celebrations for the Mani Rimdu festival in autumn. You continue on down into Phaplu and celebrate the completion of a great trek.

Driving duration:  8-9 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch

Early in the morning, you will take a scenic drive to Kathmandu. Viewing the interesting scenery just from your window, you should arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.