• Duration:13 Nights 14 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude: 4560m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Pike Dudhkunda Trekking

Pike Dudhkunda Trekking into lower Solu region is a wonderful trek ideal for those who want to diverge off the typical tourist trails and want to try something remote and offbeat. One of the major highlights of this admirable trek is a magical sunrise hike up to Pike Peak (4065m), one of the tallest hills of Solu, to see the incredible panorama of the highest mountains in the world including Mount Everest. Reaching the beautiful and holy Dudhkunda (4560m), camping overnight over there is definitely a lifetime experience in the Himalaya of Nepal.

Our Pike Dudhkunda Trekking follows the similar trail of Pike Peak Trekking until Junbesi and then we climb up to the amazing Dudhkunda Lake before getting to Phaplu. This trip is a perfect blend of tea house and camping trekking. The available tea houses will also be very basic compared to other commercial trekking routes. But, the heartwarming hospitality of the locals is a major highlight of the Pike Dudhkunda Trekking. These remote villages and sacred monasteries of the lower Solukhumbu region offers a chance to interact with local people and learn their way of life. For nature lovers, alpine forests of rhododendron, magnolia, pine, wildflowers, and wildlife are a treat especially if you are trekking during spring season.

Pike Danda is a grassy hill where Yaks and Naks graze in summer. Pike Peak or Danda is one of the easily accessible but remote trekking destinations in Solu. After the magnificent sunrise view from Pike Peak, we descend down to Jase Bhanjyang and then continue our trek to Junbesi. At the beautiful Sherpa village of Junbesi, you will experience Sherpa culture and ancient Tibetan Buddhist religion. A most fascinating monastery, believed to be built in 16th century, sits in the middle of Junbesi. The famous Thupten Chholing Monastery is home to some 500 Buddhist nuns and monks. The beautiful monastery is perched high above a valley surrounded by streams and tall pines; a magical and peaceful place. At the Tibetan herbal medicine clinic, we can get a check up by the doctor who diagnoses health problems by simply studying the pulses of your wrist.

The trek to Shengeephuk takes us through a mossy forest where there is a cave fashioned from an overhang of rock with bricks and a window. This cave, high on a wall of the valley, is where the highly respected, late Rimpoche spent three years in meditation. Shengeephuk opens up to a breathtaking view of a gigantic valley fed by endless springs. The trail climbs steeply uphill to Taksindu La pass, 3070 meters. There is a huge stupa and a large decorated gate at the peak of this pass where we descend on a rugged flagstone path into another valley. The clear alpine Dudhkunda (Milk Lake) is considered a holy and locals believe that taking a dip in it on the full moon night in August will bring them blessing. From Dudh Kunda, there is another breathtaking panoramic view of Everest, Numbur, and down into the forested valley.

Pike Dudhkunda Trekking is a great way to learn about traditional Sherpa culture as the valleys surrounding Pike are a haven of Sherpa culture which have not been tainted by tourism. Please get in touch for further details.

Highlights of Pike Dudhkunda Trekking

  • Remote and off-beat trekking trails
  • Experience authentic Sherpa culture, settlements and communities
  • Magnificent view of Mt. Everest, 8848m, Kanchenjunga, 8586m and Mt. Makalu, 8475m from Pike Peak
  • Explore sacred Dudhkunda Lake
  • Trek and support the local Sherpa communities
  • Warm hospitality of the Sherpa community
  • Access of road and flight transportation from Phaplu

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle.

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip.

  • Hotel

Todays’ journey starts with an early morning drive from Kathmandu valley to Dhap via Okhaldungha on our private vehicle which takes almost 8 hours driving along the Sun Koshi River until reaching Ghurmi where we stop for lunch. After lunch, the smooth drives goes uphill continuously towards north through the sub tropical forests of Pine to dense forests of Rhododendron passing several country side villages, beautiful landscapes and valleys until reaching Dhap.

From here, we’ll start our hiking to Jhapre. It’s perched above a deep valley with nice views of Everest and the Number Himal. There’s a pretty little Gompa and Stupa here. This is also another best view point for all high Himalayan range to north.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we pass through rhododendron forests, see yak grazing in the pastures, and look at those beautiful mountains from new angles. Today Pike Peak comes into view. We visit the age-old monasteries, Buddhists stupas and Mani stone.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The climb to the summit of Pike is steep, but fairly easy. From the top of Pike, we will see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other great peaks. After feasting our eyes on the view, we head back down to Jase Bhanjyang.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We walk down a gently declining trail through the unique landscape of pine and rhododendron forest passing through the small village of Tumbuk before reaching the beautiful village of Junbesi on the edge of the forest, with a great view of Numbur Mountain. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We spend a day to explore Junbesi and surroundings. We hike 1.5 hr to the 16th century Thupten Chhorling Monastery where about four hundred Sherpa and Tibetan monks and nuns reside for meditation. Some monks also live in meditation caves carved in the side of the hill near the monastery. We may hope for a blessing from the Lama in this monastery who is of a very high level incarnate of Buddha. There is also a traditional Tibetan herbal medicine clinic, or amchi, at Thupten Chhulen.  

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trail climbs from Junbesi to Thupten chhorling monastery which is famous for its big cave, the ancient Phunmoche Monastery and a traditional Tibetan herbal medicine center. We will have a look around before continuing uphill through the forest; enjoy the wildlife and vegetation, and finally reach Shengeephuk.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we follow the trail over Pore Danda. The trail is not that well established. Gradually, we head up to Saharsbeni, a huge place where all the yak herders bring their yaks in the summer and gather to celebrate the local festival called “Yarjang”. The celebration of “Yarjang” is believed to bring protection to the yak herders and their yaks. It is a spiritual place, because towering above Beni is the great Numbur Himal to which the Sherpa people believe is the God of Solu region. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

While trekking from Saharsbeni to Dudh Kunda, we see a mountain glacier and the famous lake, Dudh Kunda. The mountains around there appear very close. Those who arrive there at Janai Purnima in August will observe a special celebration of pilgrims who goes there to immerse them in Lake Dudh Kunda, a ritual which is believed to bring salvation. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we trek to Taksindu La. On our way to Taksindu, we will see Mani walls, special walls built in the middle of path by the Buddhist people. According to their belief, circling the Mani wall clockwise erases one’s sin. Other lovely sights are the animal herds in the Himalayan pastures, the wilderness and beautiful landscapes along the trail. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we’ll take a reserve day. We’ll hike around the nearby hills and trek to Taksindu La to see the magnificent views of the surrounding snow giants. We can give a good rest to our body today

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

The trail from Taksindu to Phaplu is nearly level; we pass through forest, pastures and Sherpa settlements. The alpine forests are full of wildlife and birds. In Phaplu, this last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

We take morning flight from Phaplu to Kathmandu . Upon arrival, our staff will be there to receive us and help us transfer to our hotel. The remaining time is unscheduled, allowing you to shop or look around Kathmandu. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. 

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Two nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 8 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • Accommodation during Camping ; 3 nights fully organized camping
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • All required camping logistics and equipments
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • Kathmandu to Dhap Hill by private 4W Jeep
  • One way airfare between Phaplu to Kathmandu (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water, juice and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date01 Mar, 2025End Date14 Mar, 2025AvailableUS$ 1650
Start Date24 Mar, 2025End Date06 Apr, 2025AvailableUS$ 1650

Departure Note:

Guaranteed- We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.

We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Pike Dudhkunda Trekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Pike Dudhkunda Trekking Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Pike Dudhkunda is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the trek. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

The Best Months for Pike Dudhkunda Trekking:

Every season has its own beauty however those who come in March or April will be awed to see the rhododendron forests in bloom. There are five different species of the national Rhododendron which account for the range of colors: red, purple, pink, magenta, and white and many wildflowers including wild orchids. Autumn or Fall trekkers who come in September, October and November after the monsoon has passed, will find the weather is clear and the landscape lush and green.

A winter trek is also possible for those who don’t mind the cold, anytime from December to March. In February local Sherpa tribes celebrate their New Year festival of Losar or Yulsang. The Sherpa warmly welcome tourists who come to help celebrate their favorite festival!

  1. Dumji Festival in May or June, is another very special celebration honoring the birth of Guru Rinpoche. During the four-day long Dumji celebration the Junbesi monastery becomes alive with dancing and drinking as well as more serious rituals and masked dances performed by the monks. The sacred dance performed by the monks is locally known as Chham. If you time your Pike Peak Trek to coincide with the Dumji Festival (the date is determined by the lunar calendar) you will get a wonderful chance to experience the famous Sherpa hospitality and culture.

In July each year, the Sherpa people of the valleys around Pike gather to celebrate their clan god called Pike Lhapchen Karwoo. Sherpas decked out in their finest attire come to thank the god of Pike and all the sentient beings for helping them and ask blessing. A July trek is not recommended because of it is the peak of monsoon, a time of leeches, muddy, slippery trails, clouds and rain.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About on the Pike Dudhkunda Trekking:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Travel Insurance for the Pike Dudhkunda Trekking:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Be aware that you may have long waits in the airports. From our side, if a flight is cancelled we make sure you get on the next possible flight.

If you wish to make an alternative arrangement Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions will assist in making the booking, but will not cover any additional costs of the alternative arrangement. The refunded money of the unused flight ticket would be credited to the concerned guest, however.

There will be no refund for the days of the trek that are missed. You will not be entitled to any refund for services in the package (ie hotel, transport, flight) that you did not use due to the cancellation.

It is advisable to allow one or two extra days at the end of your trip to allow for flight delay/cancellation.

If flight cancellations at the end of the trek delay the return to Kathmandu, the guests are responsible for all your expenses during the wait in Phaplu. Private Jeep drive option is also available.