Dudhkunda (4560 m) is a holy 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 combine with cultural experience passing through Khaling Rai and sherpa settlement and then back to Salleri through dense forest of Rhododendron and a variety of wild life.
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 lakes and is revered by the local people. It is believed that taking of dip in its holy waters will fulfills one’s wishes. During full moon nights in August a weeklong celebration is held here by pilgrims and jhankris (Shaman priests).

Pikey Cultural Trail

Pikey Danda (4065 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, Khachenjunga, Annapurna, Gauri Shanker, Lhotseshar, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Number, Khatang, Karyalung, Shishapangma, Mera peak and Thamserku. The peak also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views during good weather a trial through Jiri-Chaulakharkha – Ngaur leads to the Pikey Danda area. The trial starts at Phaplu and passes through Kerung, Pattale, Jhapre, Pikey peak, Lamajura, Junbesi and ends at salleri.

The name Pikey is derived from the name of a Sherpa clandeity. During the month of July the locals hold celebrations to worship their clan god, the eastern Chyabo Pikey, as Pikey Hlapchen Karbu. There are other interesting possibilities of undertaking tourism activities at 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 Culturl Treail. The treail passes through Junbesi, Thuptenchholing, Sengeephuk, Choim Pass, Beni, Dudhkunda, Taksindu and 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 Thuptenchholing monastery on the way.

Duration of trekking : 13 days
Grade : Moderate
Type of Trek : Camping
Recommended season : Spring / Autumn / Winter
Trekking starting point : Kathmandu / Phaplu
Trekking ending point : Phaplu / Kathmandu
Maximum height : 4560 m.