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By hiring local guides and porters, you help them earn a good income. Close to home, not overseas.
In a nutshell
With the Pikey Peak & Dudh Kunda Trek we walk through the lower Everest region. It’s the quieter, less-visited part of the Khumbu that most trekkers fly straight over on their way to Lukla. Over 18 days, we walk through traditional Sherpa villages, dense rhododendron forests and high alpine terrain, with two extraordinary highlights along the way.
The trip starts in Kathmandu. After an acclimatisation day and a pre-trip meeting, we take a jeep to Phaplu, the starting point of the route. From here, the trail climbs gradually through the Solu region. It’s a part of Nepal that feels genuinely untouched. The villages are small, the trails are quiet and the culture is deeply rooted in Sherpa and Buddhist tradition.
The first major highlight is Pikey Peak at 4,065 m / 13,337 ft, said to have been Sir Edmund Hillary’s favourite viewpoint of Everest. From the summit, the entire eastern Himalayan range stretches out before us: Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and more, all in a single panorama. 👀
Then the route continues deeper into the Solu region towards Dudh Kunda, the Milky Lake, at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, the lake sits at the foot of Numbur Himal. People believe that the lake grants wishes to those who bathe in its glacial waters. Raw, silent and extraordinary.
The trek ends back in Phaplu, from where a jeep returns us to Kathmandu for two final days of sightseeing and rest before flying home.
Yes, with good preparation.
This is one of the more accessible multi-day treks in the Everest region. The general trekking altitude stays between 2,500 and 3,500 m, lower than most classic Himalayan treks. The two high points require a good level of fitness and a gradual pace. No prior high-altitude experience is needed, but regular hiking experience is an advantage.
Dudh Kunda, the Milky Lake, sits at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft at the foot of Numbur Himal. The name refers to the milky-white colour of the water, caused by glacial silt. The lake is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims believe that bathing in its waters grants wishes. It is one of the most quietly powerful places on this trek.
Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay in 1953, is said to have called Pikey Peak his favourite viewpoint of Everest. The peak offers a panoramic view of the entire eastern Himalayan range.
Dudh Kunda at 4,560 m is the highest point of the Pikey Peak Trek with Dudh Kunda.
Before climbing to Dudh Kunda, you hike to Pikey Peak at 4,067 m and there’s a rest day for acclimitisation.
Yes, that’s possible at an extra cost. The trip price is based on shared twin rooms as standard. A private room is possible at an extra cost. The single supplement is listed on the Pricing & dates tab.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, a private room is always available. During the trek, availability depends on the teahouse. We will do our best to arrange it, but cannot guarantee it on every night of the route.
Absolutely. Get in touch and we’ll send you a tailor-made proposal including your flights.
Yes, you can add days before or after the group trip, in Kathmandu or anywhere else in Nepal. There’s so much to explore!
Get in touch and we’ll build it into your trip.
What’s included
The price of the Pikey Peak with Dudh Kunda Group Trek is per person, based on sharing a twin rooms.
Prefer your own room? The single room surcharge is XXX euro.
Included in this trip
- Airport transfer (arrival and departure in Nepal)
- Comfortable hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu (including breakfast) – 6 nights
- Group dinner on the day of arrival
- Pre-trip meeting and briefing in Kathmandu
- All required trekking permits
- Licensed, English speaking trekking guide (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Experienced mountain porter (salary, transport, accommodation, meals, gear and insurance)
- Transfer from your hotel to the trailhead and back
- All teahouse accommodation during your trek – 11 nights
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your trek
- 24/7 support from the By Mountain People team throughout your trip
- Booking secured through the Calamity Fund
- Booking secured through VZR Garant
- VAT and tourist service charge
Not included
- Any hot and cold drinks
- Insurance covering rescue and evacuation
- Tips
- All other expenses not listed under 'Included'
| Date | Availability | Participants | Price p.p. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 29 Oct 2026 | Last spots | from 2,060 EURO | Join this group |
Day-to-day program
Learn how the Pikey Peak with Dudh Kunda Group Trek structured, day by day.
Note: walking times are indicative and depend on the walking pace.
You arrive in Nepal. Your guide picks you up from the airport and takes you to the hotel in Thamel. The drive takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
In the evening, the group heads out for dinner together. A great moment to meet each other and get to know one another. Welcome to Nepal. 🙏🏽
A day to recover from the journey, adjust to the time difference and settle in. No programme, no obligations. Tomorrow we get down to business.
Sightseeing
Want to go for a small walk today? Here are some ideas on walking distance from your hotel.
Visit Garden of Dreams
Just outside Thamel, the Garden of Dreams is a peaceful escape from the city. Stroll through the flower gardens, watch the squirrels and take a breath. A good spot for lunch or simply a quiet moment before the trek begins.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath sits on a hilltop about 20 minutes west of Thamel. The climb up the stone staircase is steep, but the reward is a panoramic view over Kathmandu and a stupa surrounded by dozens of resident monkeys. The all-seeing eyes painted on the tower watch over the city from every angle. One of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
About 15 minutes on foot from Thamel, Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic heart of the old city. The square was the seat of the Malla and Shah kings for centuries and is still used today for religious ceremonies, including those of the Kumari, the living goddess whose residence is located within the complex. The temples, courtyards and wooden carvings date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Walk there from Thamel and take the back streets: the journey is half the experience.
After breakfast, we have our pre-trip meeting. We go through the itinerary together and check our gear. Missing something? Your guide will take you to the outdoor shops nearby to get everything sorted. The rest of the day is yours.
Early morning, we board the jeep and head east towards the Solu Khumbu region, also known as the Everest region. The road winds through hills, river valleys and terraced farmland. By late afternoon, we reach Phaplu. This is a small town with a grass airstrip and the first taste of Sherpa country.
The trek begins! 🙌
We climb through forests of oak, rhododendron and pine, passing small Sherpa settlements along the way. The trail is quiet and well-maintained. Jhapre is a simple village with wide views over the surrounding hills.
We climb above the tree line into open alpine terrain. The air gets thinner and the views get wider. By afternoon, we reach Pikey Base Camp. It’s a raw, exposed spot with the summit directly above and the Himalayan range beginning to reveal itself on the horizon.
The alarm goes early. We climb to the summit of Pikey Peak in the dark, headlamps on, the cold sharp and still. At the top, we can see the Himalayan range: Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Numbur, all at once. 😍
Sir Edmund Hillary called this his favourite viewpoint of Everest. Standing here with a bright sky, it is easy to understand why. We descend to base camp for breakfast and rest.
A long descent back through forest and terraced fields to the valley floor. Junbesi is one of the most beautiful villages in the Solu region. It’s a cluster of stone houses, prayer flags and a monastery on the hillside above. We’ll spend two nights here.
Today’s a slower day.
In the morning, we hike up to Thupten Chöling Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region. It was founded after the 1959 Chinese invasion of Tibet by refugees who brought their traditions with them.
The afternoon is free to rest, explore the village or simply sit and watch the mountains.
We leave Junbesi and climb through rhododendron forest and Sherpa villages towards the Taksindu La pass. The views along the ridge are wide and open. On the other side, the Dudh Koshi valley comes into view.
We descend from the pass and climb again through remote terrain towards Saharsbeni. The trail becomes quieter here, with fewer settlements and more open sky. We spend two nights at Saharsbeni as the base for the Dudh Kunda hike.
Up early. We climb to Dudh Kunda, the Milky Lake, at the foot of Numbur Himal. The glacial silt gives the water its white, opaque colour. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, pilgrims have come here for centuries to bathe in its waters and offer prayers. The silence here is complete. We descend back to Saharsbeni in the afternoon.
A descending day through forest and farmland. The altitude eases and the air warms. Ringmu is a quiet village, a welcome change of pace after the high terrain.
The final walking day. We descend to Phaplu, where the trek began. Tired, satisfied and with a full bag of memories. Tonight we celebrate.
Congrats! We walked through one of Nepal’s least visited trekking regions, stood on Sir Edmund Hillary’s favourite viewpoint and reached a sacred glacial lake at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. Well done. 🎉 🙌
We board the jeep back to Kathmandu. Outside the window, the hills roll by and the city slowly reappears on the horizon. Back at the hotel: a hot shower, a soft bed and the quiet satisfaction of knowing what we just did.
After breakfast, we board our private vehicle with our tour guide for a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing
Kathmandu is an ancient city with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today we’ll visit 3 of them.
Pashupatinath Temple
The holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, protector of animals. The temple complex sits on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, about 5 km from Thamel. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the surrounding complex is open to all. From the eastern bank of the river, you can watch the cremation ghats and the daily rituals that have taken place here for centuries.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
About 13 km east of Kathmandu lies Bhaktapur, a medieval city that feels like it has barely changed in centuries. The Durbar Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Palace of 55 Windows, the five-story Nyatapola Temple and the ornate Golden Gate. Behind the square, Pottery Square is still a working craft centre where local artisans shape clay by hand, just as they have done for generations.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath is the spiritual heart of the Tibetan community in Kathmandu. Walking the kora, the circular path around the stupa, alongside monks, pilgrims and locals is an experience that stays with you. The whitewashed dome, the prayer flags and the steady hum of chanting make this place unlike anywhere else in the city.
A free day in the city. Visit any sites we missed, pick up souvenirs or find a quiet restaurant and do nothing at all.
Your international flight departs from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Goodbye friends! We hope you will cherish the memories we’ve made together forever. And see you on the next adventure! 🙏🏽
Walking & pace
During the trekking, we usually start the day early. Breakfast is at 7 AM, and we leave the lodge around 8. The morning hours are when the air is freshest and the views are at their clearest.
We stop for lunch towards the end of the morning. Lunch is freshly prepared, warm and unhurried. It can take a while for the food to come out, but that is part of the rhythm. You sit down, drink something, rest your legs and refuel for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we usually walk a little further to reach the lodge for the night. By around five, we sit down for an early dinner. We order breakfast for the next morning at the same time, so it is ready when we are.
Throughout the day there is plenty of time to drink water, reapply sunscreen, take photos and simply look around. The mountains are not in a hurry, and neither are we.
Route
Altitude
About the Pikey Peak Trek with Dudh Kunda
This trek covers the lower Everest region over 11 trekking days. We walk an average of 5 hours per day. The general trekking altitude is between 2,500 and 3,500 m / 8,202 and 11,483 ft, making this one of the more accessible treks in the region. The two high points, Pikey Peak at 4,065 m / 13,337 ft and Dudh Kunda at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, require good fitness but no prior high-altitude experience.
The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked. Expect forest paths, stone staircases and open ridge walks. No glacier crossingscand no technical terrain.
Quick facts
- Route type: point-to-point
- Total distance: approximately ? km
- Starting point: Phaplu (2,413 m / 7,917 ft)
- Highest point: Dudh Kunda (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
- End point: Phaplu (2,413 m / 7,917 ft)
- Number of trekking days: 11
- Highlights along the way:
- Namche Bazaar
- Pikey Peak
- Junbesi village
- Thupten Choling Monastery
- Dudh Kunda glacial lake
Practical
Everything you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this group trip. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out.
The best preparation is simply walking. Preferably several days in a row, with a backpack and elevation gain. In the months before departure, build up to walking days of 5 to 6 hours. Work on your overall fitness with cardio training (running, cycling, swimming) and don’t neglect your legs: squats, lunges and stair training work wonders.
Just as important: break in your hiking boots in time. New boots in Nepal are a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Ideally, start your training 3 months before departure or even earlier.
Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive all the practical information you need to leave well prepared. This includes visa information, recommended vaccinations and a detailed packing list.
After arriving in Kathmandu, there’s a pre-trip meeting with your guide. We go through the route, the latest weather forecasts and there’s plenty of room for any final questions. We also do a gear check, to make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Missing something, or not sure about your gear? We’ll head out together to sort it. Kathmandu has plenty of good outdoor shops. 😉
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Regardless of age, fitness or experience. Even the most seasoned mountain walkers can struggle with it.
The best prevention is going up slowly. That’s why our itinerary deliberately includes acclimatisation days where needed. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and listen to your body. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are signals to take seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and will adjust the programme if necessary.
And if you do get altitude sickness? Descending is the only right choice. No debate, no hesitation. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
For more information, read our blog about altitude sickness.
During the trek you sleep in teahouses: simple mountain lodges with firm mattresses, pillows and blankets against the cold, and dal bhat in the shared dining room.
Expect a twin room, a shared bathroom and cold water. A hot shower or wifi is sometimes possible, usually for a small extra fee. Charging your electronics is always possible, sometimes for a small fee. And then there is the warm fire in the dining room, friendly hospitality and views no hotel can match. This is the Himalaya.
PS: even though pillows and blankets are provided, we recommend bringing your own warm sleeping bag. The nights at altitude get cold, and your own bag makes a real difference. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list that helps you prepare for both the trek and the nights in the lodges.
Yes, always.
The teahouse menu is plant-based by nature and offers plenty of choice. Three warm meals a day are freshly cooked in the teahouse kitchen. Breakfast options include porridge, pancakes, omelette and local bread. For lunch and dinner, expect dal bhat, curry, lentil soup, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls and pasta.
We strongly advise against eating meat on the trail. Ingredients are often carried in on foot and cannot always be kept properly refrigerated. Vegetarian and vegan options are the safer and more reliable choice.
Every group trip includes a porter; one porter per two people. Your porter carries a maximum of 16 kg / 35 lbs in total, which means up to 8 kg / 18 lbs per person.
We provide a duffel bag on loan for the duration of the trek. Everything you do not need during the day goes into the duffel, and your porter takes care of the rest. Our porters often set their own pace and walk ahead, so by the time you arrive at the next teahouse, your bag is usually already waiting for you.
Keep your valuables and anything you need on the trail in your own daypack. Like passports, cash, snacks, water, rain jacket, camera. These items stay with you.
If you feel uncertain about hiring a porter, there is no need to. For porters, this work is the first step towards becoming a guide. They learn the routes from the inside. They gain experience working with international travellers. And they pick up English and other languages along the way. The porter carrying your bag today may well be leading his own group through these mountains in a few years.
Nepal Group Trek – Pikey Peak with Dudh Kunda
- Sir Edmund Hillary's favourite viewpoint of Everest, from Pikey Peak (4,065 m / 13,337 ft)
- A sacred glacial lake at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike
- See Everest from the lower side of the region, with Sherpa villages and monasteries without crowds
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