Dudhkunda Cultural Trail (Lower Solukhumbu)

Dudhkunda (4,560 m), a holy mountain lake, in the lap of Mt. Numbur is 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 settlements and then back to 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 here by pilgrims and jhankris (Shaman priests).

Suggested Itinerary for Dudhkunda Cultural Trail 9-11 Days, 11-13 Days

 Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is home of the highest peak in the world - Mt. Everest (8,848 m). The area was declared national park in 1976. The Park which also has several other peaks all above 6,000 m, was established as a World Heritage Site in 1979. With most of the Park above 3,000 m, Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. The Park boasts of a variety of wildlife and over 118 species of bird. While the forest is dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees, animals such as musk deer, the Himalayan tahr, the ghoral, the serow, the wolf, and the Himalayan black bear may be spotted by trekkers in this region. Endangered species seen by a lucky few include snow leopard, red panda, and two varieties of dazzling pheasants - the crimson-horned and the impeyan, Nepal's national bird. Smaller animals like marmots, pikas and martens are also found here. The best time to visit the park is during the autumn months of October-November and from March-May in summer.

 Namche Bazaar (Upper Solukhumbu)

Namche Bazaar (3,500 m) is the staging point for expeditions to Everest and other peaks in the area. It is also is a prosperous market town selling everything from Tibetan artefacts to trekking and climbing equipment. The visitor center at Park headquarters has detailed information on various climbs in the area, memorabilia from different mountaineering expeditions, and information on the lifestyle and culture of the Sherpa people.

Phortse Ecotourism Village (Upper Solukhumbu)

Phortse (3,950 m) is a unique Sherpa settlement of about 80 households. With the aim of adding cultural aspect to the Everest experience, Phortse is being developed as model ecotourism village in Sagarmatha National Park.

Community-run home-stays are available in Phortse for experience of the mountain life. Teashops and lodges are also available here. Staying at the home-stays as house guests, trying out wholesome Sherpa and Nepali food, and observing the the local peoples' everyday life, may provide experience of a lifetime. Cultural show and Sherpa dance are also performed on the request of tourists. This Sherpa village in the lap of the mountains also offers wonderful views and wildlife experience. The village is lush, surrounded by birch and juniper trees that shelter endangered musk deer different varieties of pheasants. Peacocks, Himalayan tahr and bear are also spotted around the region every now and then. The rare snow leopards found in the mountains, have also been reported to be seen here. Phortse is about 4-hour walk north-east from Sagarmatha National Park headquarters. One also has the option of returning via Phortse, while coming down from Everest Base Camp.

Suggested Itinerary for Phortse Ecotourism Village

Pikey Cultural Trail (Lower Solukhumbu)

Pikey Hill (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, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Gauri Shanker, Lhotse, Numbur, Khatang, Karyalung, Shishapangma, Mera Peak, Thamserku, Lhotseshar, Nuptse and a little of Ama Dablam. The peak also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views during good weather. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful settlements of the region. A trail through Jiri-Chaulakharka-Ngaur- leads to the Pikey Danda area. The trail 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 clan deity. 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, birdwatching, pilgrimage and meditation. From here the trail descends through dense forest finally meeting the Everest trail at Beni. July 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. Rumjatar and Jiri are other alternative entries to Pikey Cultural Trail.

As mentioned above, after reaching Pikey one also has the option of taking the Dudhkunda Cultural Trail via Taksindu. The trail passes through Junbesi, Phaplu, Taksindu, Beni, Dudhkunda, Taksindu and back to Salleri. This trek goes through beautiful settlements and landscapes. 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.

Suggested Itinerary Pikey Peak Trail