Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1338m
After you arrive in Kathmandu at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our company staffs and you’ll drive to the hotel. You’ll get to meet the guide and then prepare for the trek. You can also go for a short walk around the city. Overnight at a 4-star Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya 1790m/7-8 hours via Manthali by private 4W vehicle
Your journey starts today as you head to Shivalaya from Kathmandu. You will drive on a private 4W vehicle and it will take 7-8 hours to reach there. The drive will be scenic with views of lush green hills and vegetation around. You’ll drive through Dhulikhel and Manthali to reach Shivalaya. If the weather is clear, you'll be able to get a nice view of the snowcapped mountains. Shivalaya is a small village that is located at the bank of Shivalaya River. Overnight at a lodge in Shivalaya.
Day 3: Trek from Shivalaya to Bhandar 2190m/5 hours
This day, your official trek starts from Shivalaya towards Bhandar. On climbing up through a small village above Shivalaya River, you’ll get to Deurali. There is a small village at the top from where you can see the Numbur Himal and Gaurishankar, Pikey peaks and other snowy mountains. After an hour of trekking on a downhill trail, you’ll reach Bhandar. Bhandar is a big Sherpa village that has two stupas and a small monastery. You explore the place in the evening and have dinner. Overnight at a lodge in Bhandar.
Day 4: Trek from Bhandar to Gumba 2800m/6 hours
From Bhandar, you’ll start your trek to Gumba. First, with gradual descend from Bhandar to Likhu Khola, you start off to Namkheli (2300 m). Once, you reach the top, you can have a nice view of Bhandar and Thotung. Then, you’ll move towards Gumba. This day’s trek is a bit tiring as the distance is more and elevation is more than 600 m. At the Gumba, you’ll get a clear idea about life in the rural parts of Nepal. Overnight at a lodge in Gumba.
Day 5: Trek from Gumba to Pikey Peak Base Camp 3808m/6 hours
Next, you’ll head to Pikey Peak Base camp from Gumba. You take an elevation of more than a thousand meters. The trail takes you past rhododendron forests, pine forests, and small settlements. Usually, you can climb to the peak the same day, but for the view of the sunrise, you spend a night in the base camp in order to view the sunrise the next morning. The path to Pikey base camp gives you surreal views of Mount Everest along with other mountains comprising the Khumbu region. Overnight at a lodge in Pikey peak base camp.
Day 6: Hike to Pikey Peak 4067m and trek to Junbesi 2700m/6 hours
Early morning, you’ll follow a gradual ascend to the Pikey peak, also known as Pikey Danda which is mostly covered with prayer flags. From the top, you get to see the peak of Everest and other snowcapped mountains. You can also visit the cheese factory where Himalayan yak cheese is made. Then, through forests, hills, and villages, you'll descend towards the Junbesi village. The area has few monasteries and stupas where you can explore the Buddhist culture and the lifestyle of local people. Overnight at a lodge in Junbesi.
Day 7: Exploration Day to Thupten Chholing Monastery 2920m/4 hours
After breakfast, you follow the trails along the river and through fields towards the Thupten Chholing monastery. The trail is beautiful and you pass many villages and farms. The monastery is home to around 800 monks and the place feeds and educates a large number of people. The area is inhabited by Tibetan monks who came as refugees a long time ago. Then we return back to Junbesi. Overnight at a lodge in Junbesi.
Day 8: Trek from Junbesi to Taksindu La 3870m/6 hours
This day, you’ll start your trek from Junbesi, crossing Mani walls and bridges, we climb down on stone steps to reach Ringmu. Ringmu is a small Sherpa village which hosts a stunning view of Numbur Himal (6958m). We will stop for Lunch and then after, trek through thick forests on a steep trail until reaching Takshindo La Pass (2960m). Takshindo La offers a panoramic view of Numbur Himal (60958m) along with other snow-capped peaks. Overnight at a lodge in Taksindu La.
Day 9: Trek from Taksindu La to Saharsbeni 3835m/7 hours
From Taksindu La, you will head to Saharsbeni early in the morning. The trail is long but you gain quite an altitude. The trail feels mostly lonely and you get to see a lot of landscapes along the way. You get the closer looks of many snowcapped mountains as you head to Saharsbeni. Overnight at a basic lodge in Saharsbeni.
Day 10: Trek from Saharsbeni to Dudh Kunda 4600m/3 hours and back to Saharsbeni
Finally, you’ll trek to Dudh Kunda on this day. The Dudh Kunda Lake lies at the foot of Mt. Numbur and Karyalung glacier. It is believed to be home of Lord Shiva. This place is holy for both Hindus and Buddhists and many pilgrims visit this lake on the full moon of August. There is a culture to take a dip in the icy lake as it is believed to clear off all your sins. This day is for exploring the Dudh Kunda. You can take a walk around the lake and go to the viewpoint. You can pray to God and visit the temples around the lakes and in the surrounding area. After you finish exploring the place, you retrace your path back to Saharsbeni. Overnight at a basic lodge in Saharsbeni.
Day 11: Trek from Saharsbeni to Ringmu 2720m/6 hours
You start your return journey from Saharsbeni to Ringmu. The trail is a comparatively easy one and goes through forests of pine, rhododendrons and many other shrubs. You first head to Thadarbug, from where you trek to Ringmu village. Overnight at a lodge in Ringmu.
Day 12: Trek from Ringmu to Phaplu 2469m/5 hours
This is the last trekking day as you leave the main trekking route and walk the path down to reach Phaplu. You can visit Chiwong Gumba that lies high on a cliff from where you can have a nice look of the valley. Then, after a couple of hours of walking, you'll reach Phaplu. You can also visit Salleri, headquarter of Solukhumbu district, where there are big markets. Overnight at a lodge in Phaplu.
Day 13: Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu 8-9 hours by private 4W vehicle
Today, after breakfast, we return to Kathmandu from Phaplu on a scenic drive which takes almost 8-9 hours by private 4W vehicle. After reaching Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel and then after some rest, you can go sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley on your own. Overnight at a 4-star Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast and bidding goodbye, our staff will drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport from where you’ll take a flight to your home. Goodbye and Thanks.
# Pricing for Group Size Basis: (Private Trip)
All inclusive Trek Price for individual/solo traveler; USD 1975
All inclusive Trek Price for 2 persons basis; USD 1345 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 3 persons basis; USD 1265 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 4 persons basis; USD 1140 per person
Join with us on Pikey-Dudh Kunda Cultural Trail Trek in 2024/2025.
Customize your Trek: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
