Lower Everest Dudhkunda Trek

Duration: 15 Days

When people think of trekking in the Solukhumbu (Everest) region, they think of colossal snow-capped peaks and desolate, rugged terrain. There is so much more to the Everest region than mountain peaks that people do not know about. In fact, very few people know about the low-altitude trekking, where you can discover the blissful Middle Hills, rich with Sherpa culture. The Lower Everest Dudhkunda Trek passes through charming villages and their scenic fields of crops, colorful rhododendron and oak forests up to the jaw-dropping Dudhkunda Lake. 

One of the most alluring aspects of this off-the-beaten-path trek is that it is possible to go several days without seeing another trekker. The trail is not advertised as a trekking route. Feel a magical sense of solitude as you trek through beautiful scenery with nothing but yourself and the bag on your back. Another awesome part of the trek is that we set up our tent and sleep under the stars each night – a true camping experience. 

Begin the journey in Chelsa after a scenic drive from Kathmandu and short hike from Salleri. The trail goes up and down through rhododendron forests (Nepal’s national flower), which make eye-popping colors in the springtime. Trek from remote village to remote village, all the way up to Dudhkunda Lake. This sacred lake is one of the most incredible body of water you may ever see. The milky green-blue lake is situated at the foot of the snowy Numbur Himal peak. During the full moon in August, Hindu pilgrims flock here for a ritual bath to absolve their sins. 

After taking a dip in the lake, the excitement continues. We visit Sinsare La, where there is a mesmerizing view of Mount Everest (8848 meters) and more of the highest peaks in the world. Another amazing part of the Lower Everest Dudhkunda Trek is the plethora of wildlife, including the Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, the jackal, and loads of pretty migratory birds.  Join us on this off-the-beaten-path trek in the foothills of the soaring Everest region peaks while learning about authentic Sherpa culture!

Book the Lower Everest Dudhkunda Trek all throughout the year. Though the trek is available anytime, certain seasons provide the best weather. In the springtime (March to May), the rhododendrons are blooming and scenery is lush. During autumn (September to November), skies are clearest and mountain views are best. Summer (rainy season) and winter do not provide the best trekking conditions, but on the other hand, you can enjoy more solitude on the trail. If you have any questions, please contact us!

Trip Highlights

  • An off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal’s middle hills, full of solitude and bliss
  • Spend time with the Sherpa people, and learn about their culture and lifestyle
  • Visit the sacred Dudhkunda Lake at 4560 meters
  • See lots of rare wildlife, including the Himalayan tahr and Himalayan black bear
  • Get an amazing view of Mount Everest (8848 meters) by Sinsare La

 

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02:Kathmandu sightseeing.
  • Day 03:Drive to Salleri, trek to Chelsa.
  • Day 04:Trek from Chelsa to Khastap
  • Day 05:Trek from Khastap to Chhanga.
  • Day 06:Trek from Chhanga to Taksindu.
  • Day 07:Rest day at Taksindu.
  • Day 08:Trek from Taksindu to Sarkari Pati.
  • Day 09:Trek from Sarkari Pati to Sasar Beni.
  • Day 10:Hike up to Dudhkunda Lake, trek back to Sasar Beni.
  • Day 11:Trek to Sinsare La (View point for Everest and other peaks).
  • Day 12:Trek to Phaplu via Thupten Chholing Monastery.
  • Day 13:Fly back to Kathmandu.
  • Day 14:Relaxation/Shopping Day.
  • Day 15:Departure from Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. A representative of Roar Himalaya Adventure heartily welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Take a rest or wander around the winding streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, we give you the lowdown on your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 02:Kathmandu sightseeing.We guide you on a full sightseeing tour around Kathmandu’s most famous and beloved heritage sights, including Pashupatinath, Swoyambunath, and more. Each place is an UNESCO World Heritage site and has a rich history. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 03:Drive to Salleri, trek to Chelsa. We get an early start from Kathmandu and head to Salleri. It’s about 300km/10 hours by jeep to get there. Enjoy the ride from the capital city eastward. Salleri is nestled between the Makalu Barun National Park and Gaurishankar Conservation Area. On the way, we get stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other distinctive peaks. We arrive in the late afternoon and take a short walk from there to a village higher up called Chelsa. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 04:Trek from Chelsa to KhastapHave breakfast and check out the village. Chelsa is a small Tibetan village with an old Buddhist monastery and Tibetan school. Spend a little time exploring and meeting the kind people of the village. From here, we continue the trail further through sparse forests and rocky terrain. Overnight in tent camp in Khastap.
  • Day 05:Trek from Khastap to Chhanga.Start the day full of energy with a proper breakfast. We brief you on today’s upcoming awesome trail and start hiking. Trek through mixed forests with rugged terrain in the distance. Arrive to Chhanga in the afternoon and begin setting up camp. Have a nice dinner and relax under the light of the stars. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 06:Trek from Chhanga to Taksindu.Continue deeper into the Solukhumbu district. You will feel the nice hospitality of the local Sherpa people as you trek from village to village. After some hours of trekking, we reach Taksindu, surrounded by lush vegetation with glaring mountains in the background. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 07:Rest day at Taksindu.Taksindu is a relatively large village (and village development committee), home to about 3,000 Sherpas. Spend the day learning about their culture and hanging out with the locals. There is a monastery with a sweet view in the village that we can check out. Meals our cooked by our lovely team chef. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 08:Trek from Taksindu to Sarkari Pati.Wake up to the fresh mountain air. Follow the gorgeous path with views of Numbur Peak, Khatang Peak, and many more throughout the journey. We pass through yak grazing fields, terraced hills, and beautiful green scenery during today’s trek. Overnight in tent camp in Sarkari Pati.
  • Day 09:Trek from Sarkari Pati to Sasar Beni.The scenery keeps getting better. It’s a pretty steep climb to Sasar Beni, which sits at about 3800 meters above sea level but with about a week of trekking under our belt, we are properly acclimatized. Also, it’s a great day because the scenery changes dramatically. We are nearing the tree level, so the landscape is a bit more rugged than before. Arrive in Sasar Beni with time to explore. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 10:Hike up to Dudhkunda Lake, trek back to Sasar Beni.Today is the day we have been anticipating. Wake up full of excitement to enter the true alpine landscape. We follow the glacier up to Dudhkunda, which is nestled among the grand Himalayas. The water has a majestic green-blue color and the water is exceptionally clear. Take some photos and hangout by the lake. Depending on the time of the year, rare migratory birds are also seen hanging out by the lake. Afterwards, trek back to Sasar Beni for dinner. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 11:Trek to Sinsare La (View point for Everest and other peaks).A pleasant day of hiking leads us to Sinsare La, one of the best mountain views in the area. From here, we get a clear view of Mount Everest and more of the highest peaks in the world. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. Overnight in tent camp.

  • Day 12:Trek to Phaplu via Thupten Chholing Monastery.Have a delicious breakfast and trek through rarely visited villages to Phaplu, where we take a plane out the following day. Stop midway at Thupten Chholing Monastery to receive some blessings and, if the time is right, observe some chanting. Continue and have a splendid time in Phaplu. Celebrate the end of a wonderful trek. Overnight in tent camp.
  • Day 13:Fly back to Kathmandu.Take the short, mountainside flight to the Kathmandu domestic airport in the morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring and seeing the sites that were missed on the first day. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 14:Relaxation/Shopping Day. Today is yours to spend how you would like. Rest, relax, shop, go out, enjoy your final day in Nepal. If you would like our suggestions on what to do, we are happy to help. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 15:Departure from Nepal.Before your flight, we take you to the airport to say farewell. We hope you had a blast with us and we appreciate you choosing Roar Himalaya Adventure as your trekking guide! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Cost Includes:

  • Airport transfers before and after trek
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (on Bed & Breakfast basis)
  • Domestic Airfare from Phaplu to Kathmandu
  • Jeep transport from Kathmandu to Salleri
  • Accommodation in tent camp during the trek
  • All necessary permits
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance and wage for guide and porters
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes

 

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Insurance (must cover rescue evacuation in case of emergency)
  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
     
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Trip Fact

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transportation: Aeroplane / Tourist Bus
  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge + Camping
  • Max Elevation: 4560 meters