Dudh Kunda Lake Trek: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.
Driving Time: Approximately 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative holding a “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in and freshening up, our representative will meet you to provide a detailed briefing on your upcoming itinerary, along with important safety guidelines and hygiene practices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.
Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

9:00 AM – Guided Cultural Tour of Kathmandu Valley
Start your day with a guided cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley, exploring the city with expert guides who will share insights into its rich history and heritage.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka Durbar), a royal historical complex filled with temples, palaces, and shrines dating back to the 15th century. Highlights include Kumari Ghar, the residence of the living goddess, and Kasthamandap, an architectural marvel constructed from a single tree.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Next, head to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, a sacred site for both Hinduism and Buddhism. Admire the striking white dome and golden spire while soaking in the serene atmosphere of incense, prayer wheels, and panoramic city views.

Boudhanath Stupa
In the afternoon, visit the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual center of Tibetan culture. Witness colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, monks performing rituals, and devotees chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum.”

Pashupatinath Temple
Conclude your tour at Pashupatinath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites, situated along the Bagmati River. Here, observe profound spiritual rituals, including the moving sight of open-air cremations, which hold deep cultural and religious significance.

After this immersive cultural experience, return to your hotel to rest and prepare for your upcoming Dudh Kunda Lake Trek.

Altitude above sea level: 1,790 m / 5,873 ft – Shivalaya
Driving duration: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Shivalaya, the gateway to Everest. The journey along the Araniko Highway offers stunning views of peaks such as Langtang and Dorjee Lakpa. You will cross the Bhotekoshi River, famous for rafting and kayaking, and pass through picturesque hills and rivers.

Upon arrival in Shivalaya, the village known as the gateway to Everest, you will be greeted by the area’s tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to rest and recharge for your upcoming trek.

Altitude above sea level: 2,200 m / 7,218 ft. Bhandar
Hiking Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours (9 km / 5.6 mi)
Ascent: 548 m / 1,798 ft.
Descent: 988 m / 3,241 ft.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your trek toward Bhandar, a peaceful village in the Everest region. The trail meanders through rhododendron and oak forests, offering tranquil surroundings, grazing cattle, and charming village scenery.

The route first climbs to Sangbadanada (2,150 m / 7,054 ft) and continues upward to Deurali Pass (2,705 m / 8,875 ft). Along the way, cross streams and encounter Tibetan Buddhist Mani walls intricately carved with sacred mantras. From the pass, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of peaks including Dudh Kunda Himal, Khatanga, Karylung, and Pikey Peak.

The trek concludes with a descent through vibrant rhododendron clusters, leading to the outskirts of Bhandar, where your tea house awaits for an overnight stay.

Altitude above sea level: 2,300 m / 7,545 ft. Namkhili
Hiking Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours (8 km / 5 mi)
Ascent: 855 m / 2,804 ft.
Descent: 696 m / 2,286 ft.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, leave Bhandar and descend toward Likhu Khola. From there, the trail climbs through lush rhododendron and pine forests, passing charming villages and small tea houses, until you reach Chaulakharka.

Along the way, take in sweeping views of terraced farmlands and the Barha Himalayan Range, including snow-capped peaks like Karylung and Lambur.

Upon arriving in Namkhili, explore local monasteries maintained by the Pikey Peak Social Organization, adding a cultural touch to your Himalayan journey.

Altitude above sea level: 3,350 m / 10,991 ft. Ngaur Gompa
Hiking Duration: Approximately 6 hours (9 km / 5.6 mi)
Ascent: 500 m / 1,640 ft.
Descent: 200 m / 656 ft.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your trek through dense pine and rhododendron forests toward Goli Gompa Danda. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and passes by stupas, mani walls, and colorful prayer flags that infuse a deep spiritual atmosphere into the journey.

Continue your ascent through the lush forest until you reach Ngaur Gompa. Here, you can explore a traditional Buddhist monastery and a local cheese factory. Perched atop a hill, Ngaur Village rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramic views of Gaurishankar Himal and Numbur Himal, a perfect spot to unwind after a rewarding day on the trail.

Altitude above sea level: 3,585 m / 11,762 ft. Pikey Base Camp
Hiking Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours (4 km / 2.5 mi)
Ascent: 1,130 m / 3,707 ft.
Descent: 120 m / 394 ft.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your trek through dense rhododendron and pine forests, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Along the way, visit the Numbur Cheese Trekking Trail, where you can sample locally made yak cheese.

The route offers magnificent views of Mt. Gaurishankar, the Manaslu region, the Annapurna Range, and several neighboring peaks. As you continue, pass Mani walls decorated with vibrant Buddhist paintings and inscriptions before arriving at Pikey Peak Base Camp. The day’s journey is filled with spectacular mountain vistas, diverse flora, and opportunities to experience the peaceful beauty of the Himalayas.

Altitude above sea level: 2,675 m / 8,776 ft. Junbesi
Hiking Duration: Approximately 3 hours (6 km / 3.7 mi)
Descent: 830 m / 2,723 ft (Lamjura La to Junbesi)
Excursion: Thupten Chöling Monastery (2,920 m / 9,580 ft.) – +220 m / +722 ft., -220 m / -722 ft.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, begin your descent from Lamjura La Pass to Tragdobuk, then continue onward to Junbesi—a picturesque Sherpa village set in the heart of the Solukhumbu Valley. Often referred to as the cradle of Sherpa culture, Junbesi is renowned for its traditional architecture, welcoming community, and deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. The valley, lying close to the Tibetan border, is dotted with centuries-old monasteries and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.

After lunch, take a rewarding hike to Thupten Chöling Monastery (2,920 m / 9,580 ft), founded by Lama Trulsik Rinpoche in the 1960s. This sacred monastery became a refuge for monks and nuns who fled Tibet and remains a spiritual haven for Tibetan pilgrims traveling to Dharamsala, India. Surrounded by forested hills, the monastery radiates an atmosphere of peace and devotion.

The trail to Thupten Chöling begins near Junbesi Gompa, following the Junbesi Khola upstream past a Chhorten and crossing to the east bank near the Mopung powerhouse. From there, the path ascends gradually along a ridge to the monastery.

Thupten Choling Monastery, a unique spiritual haven home to around 800 monks living in small cottages on the hillside. Founded in the 1960s by His Holiness the late Trulsik Rinpoche, who fled Tibet, Thupten Choling supports and educates a large community—about 80% of whom are Tibetan refugees. It serves as a vital refuge for Tibetans entering Nepal, with many continuing to India, while around 40 nuns annually stay to join the monastery’s vibrant spiritual life.

After exploring and observing the monastic life, return to Junbesi for a restful evening at your lodge.

Altitude above sea level: 2,960 m / 9,711 ft. – Taksindu
Hiking duration: Approx. 5 hrs. (10 km / 6.2 mi)
Ascent: 600 m / 1,968 ft.
Descent: 350 m / 1,148 ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trek begins with a steady ascent through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing the Junbesi Khola. Climb to Salung for panoramic views of Everest, Chamlang, and Makalu. Continue uphill to Ringmo, known for its apple orchards, then a final steep climb to Taksindu La Pass (3,071 m), the highest point of the day. The day concludes with a short descent to Taksindu, a Sherpa village with the historic Taksindu Gompa.

Altitude above sea level: 3,860 m / 12,664 ft. – Kamo Danda
Hiking duration: Approx. 4–5 hrs. (8 km / 5 mi)
Ascent: 900 m / 2,953 ft.
Descent: 150 m / 492 ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trek from Taksindu involves a long, steep ascent through rhododendron and pine forests. After about two hours, you reach Sarkaripati (3,430 m), a possible intermediate stop. The final climb leads to Kamo Danda, a superb Everest viewpoint with panoramic views of Everest, Thamserku, and Kangtega.

Altitude above sea level: 4,030 m / 13,221 ft. – Saharsbeni
Hiking duration: Approx. 4–5 hrs. (8 km / 5 mi)
Ascent: 600 m / 1,968 ft.
Descent: 300 m / 984 ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transition from the lush forest trails to the dry, rocky terrain of the Himalayas. The path traces the Solu River, passing by small seasonal camps set up by local herders and trail workers. After a brief climb, you will reach the lodge. Tomorrow, you will continue along the Dudh Kunda Lake Trek, heading toward the sacred lake and its breathtaking surroundings.

Altitude above sea level: 4,030 m / 13,221 ft. – Saharsbeni
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 hrs. (6 km / 3.7 mi) – extra 2 hrs. for Kora
Ascent: 552 m / 1,811 ft.
Descent: 552 m / 1,811 ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On this day of the Dudh Kunda Lake Trek, you will trek to the awe-inspiring Dudh Kunda Lake at 4,560 m / 14,961 ft. The trail winds through rhododendron forests and high mountain paths, offering panoramic views of peaks such as Numbur, Khatang, Chhatre Himal, and Parchemo.

Dudh Kunda Lake, located at the base of Mt. Numbur and near the Karyalung Glacier, is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Every August, thousands of pilgrims visit during the full moon, believing that a holy dip in the icy waters cleanses the soul.

Altitude above sea level: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft. – Ringmo
Hiking duration: Approx. 7 hrs. (13 km / 8.1 mi)
Ascent: 180 m / 590 ft.
Descent: 1,320 m / 4,330 ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After experiencing the breathtaking Dudh Kunda Lake Trek yesterday, start today’s journey with a long descent from Saharsbeni. The trail passes through high alpine meadows before dropping steeply past Timba and Yak Kharka. As you descend further, the path enters dense rhododendron forests, offering a serene trekking experience. The day concludes in Ringmo, a charming village known for its apple orchards and traditional Sherpa homes, where you will spend the night at a teahouse lodge.

Altitude above sea level: 2,470 m / 8,103 ft. – Phaplu
Hiking duration: Approx. 4 hrs. (9 km / 5.6 mi)
Ascent: 150 m / 492 ft.
Descent: 400 m / 1,312 ft.
Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin the final trekking day with a pleasant descent from Ringmo to Phaplu. The trail follows wide paths through terraced farmland and small Sherpa settlements, with views of the apple orchards that Ringmo is known for. The trek ends upon reaching Phaplu, a major hub of the Solu region.

Driving duration: Approx. 7 hrs.
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Along the way, take in beautiful landscapes and mountain views, making this final journey a relaxing and picturesque end to your adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, it’s time to fly back home, cherishing all the incredible memories of Nepal. A representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Please make sure to check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight for a smooth departure.

Meal: Breakfast

As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, it’s time to fly back home, cherishing all the incredible memories of Nepal. A representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Please make sure to check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight for a smooth departure.