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PIKEY &

DUDHKUNDA

CULTURAL TRAILS

(Lower Mt. Everest Region)

Dudhkunda Cultural Trail

Dudhunda (4,560 m) is a finely mountain lake in the lap of Mt. Numbur, a popular trekking destination of Solu. The trek to Dudhkunda starting from Phaplu can be done either only around the Dudhkunda Lake or combined with cultural experience passing through Khaling Rai and Sherpa settlements and then back in Salleri through dense forests of rhododendron and a variety of wildlife. The trail combined provides one with a close encounter with the unique Khaling Rais of this area. Dudhkunda, which literally means lake of milk, is said to be a sacred lake and is revered by the local people. It is believed that taking a dip in its holy waters will fulfill one’s wishes. During full moon nights in August a weeklong celebration is held by pilgrims and Jhakris (Shaman priests).

Pikey Cultural Trail

Pikey Danda (4,065 m) is one of the tallest hills of Solu. From Pikey you can see most of the central and eastern Himalayan peaks Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), Makalu, Kanchunjungam, Annapurna, Gauri Shankar, Lhotse, Lhoteshar, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Numbur, Khatang, Karyalung, Shishapangma, Mera peak and Thamserku. The peak also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views during good weather. A trail through Jiri-Chaulakharkha-Ngaur leads to the Pikey Dada area. The trails start at Phaplu and passes through Kerung, Jhapre, Pikey peak, Lamajura and ends at Salleri.

The name Pikey is derived from the name of a Sherpa clan deity. During the month of July the locals hold celebrations to worship their clan god, the eastern Chaybo Pikey, as Pikey Hlapchen Karbu. There are other interesting possibilities of undertaking tourism activities ar Pikey such as paragliding, mountain biking, bird watching, pilgrimage and meditation. From here the trail descends through dense forest finally meeting the Everest trail at Taktor. July-August is a good time to take a trip to Pikey, as this is when the local people hold their celebrations of the clan god, the eastern Chyabo Pikey. From Pikey, one can also continue on to the Dudhkunda trail.

 

As mentioned above, after reaching Pikey one also has the option of taking the Dudhkunda Cultural Trail. The trail passes through Junbesi, Thuptenchholing, Sengeephuk, Choim Pass, Beni, Dudhkund, Taksindu and come back to Salleri. One of the most beautiful Sherpa villages, Junbesi, is on the way from Pikey to Dudhkunda. One can also visit the famous Thuptenchhoing monastery on the way.

Junbesi

Junbesi (2,700 m) is one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the Lower Solukhumbu region, with its astonishing landscapes, cultural wealth, and the hospitable Sherpa people. Junbesi is also a junction of the Everest trail and Thuptenchholing monastery. Junbesi falls on the Pikey-Dudhkunda trail. There are comfortable family-run lodges here with modern facilities like hot showers, which are a real delight after the long hours of trekking. Visitors also have a choice in food varieties ranging from local apple pie, apple rakshi (alcohol) to fresh organic vegetables cooked as desired. Cultural performances by the local youth add to the charm of the experience. Junbesi is about 5-hour trek form Salleri, the district headquarters, and about five and half hour from Phaplu airport.

Thuptenchholing Monastery

Thuptenchholing Monastery is about an hour from Junbesi. The monastery is about 6-hour trek form the district headquarter Salleri. This monastery, founded in the late 1960s by Thulsik Rinpoche, is about six and half hour from the Phaplu airstrip. The monastery is popular as a center of religious tourism and its reputation has been further boosted by the fame of His Holiness Thulsik Rinpoche. There are more than 500 monks and nuns who study Buddhism, meditate and offer prayers in this monastery, one of the biggest nun’s residential monasteries in the country.

Max. Altitude:                    4065 m.

Trip Duration:                   9 days

Trek Grade:                      Moderate

Accommodation:             Teahouse (Lodge to Lodge)

Meals:                               Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Transportation:                private jeep

Best Time:                        Feb, March, April, May,                                                     Oct, Nov, Dec.

Per day Hiking:                 5 to 7 hours

summit, Pikey peak, ska-adventures.com.j
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Day 1   Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

 

Day 2  Briefing, sight seeing and trek preparation

 

Day 3  Kathmandu - Dhap (2932M) land transportation 

 

Day 4   Trek to Jhapre (2920m) via Singane (2800m)

 

Day 5   Trek to Pikey Base Camp (3640m) via Bhulbule (3500m)

 

Day 6   Trek to Pikey peak (4065m) and trek to Junbesi (2675m)

 

Day 7   Explore around Junbesi, visit Thubtencholing Monastery .

 

Day 8  Drive back to Kathmandu/ farewell dinner in the evening

 

Day 9  Departure Home

 

  

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stupa Pikey peak, ska-adventures.com.jpg
  • Arrival and Departure transfer as per itinerary.

  • 3 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (1 nights before the trip and 1 nights after).

  • Private jeep to drop at Dhap and pick up from Junbesi

  • 5 nights in Lodges during the trek.

  • All three time meals and tea house accommodation while on trekking.

  •  entry free.

  • Trekking permit.

  • An Experienced trekking Guide and necessary porters for the trekking part.

  • All staff wages.

  • Insurance of the trekking and staffs.

  • SKA T-Shirt and (Duffel bag for use).

  • First Aid kit

  • Farewell Dinner with cultural show.

  • International Airfare.

  • Nepal visa fee.

  • Lunch & Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.

  • Extra nights Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Personal equipment (your personal clothing.).

  • Medical insurance (high altitude coverage and emergency evacuation) and Travel insurance.

  • All kind of bottle beverages & telephone calls and internet usage.

  • Emergency rescue evacuation if needed.

  • Kathmandu Heritage site entrance fee during Sightseeing.

  • Tips to the staffs.

Minimum participant 2

BORO RADJEVIC

TORONTO, CANADA

“It was the spring of 2011 when I met Tsering and enlisted his trekking services through SKA-Adventures, from the first moment until we said good bye, I thoroughly enjoyed his company. The adventure would not be the same without him. Poised with great humor, endless energy, and resourcefulness, Tsering proved to be an excellent guide, and moreover a great friend. He was always a step ahead prepared to make a suggestion to enhance our experience. He is an exemplary example of a great companion who will do everything possible to make your experience good.” 

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