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Trekking in the eastern
region of Nepal provides a wide range of wilderness and cultural
encounters, especially in the Everest region. There are those
who wish to reach the highest point on earth, while there are
others who prefer a middle ground south of the Solukhumbu such
as Solu's new trekking trails. Dudhkinda-Khaling Rai and Pikey
Cultural Trails.
Dudhkunda Cultural Trail
Dudhkunda (4,560m) is a holy mountain in 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 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 week-long celebration is held here by
pilgrims and jhakris.
Pikey Cultural Trail
Pikey Danda (4,265m) 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, Kanchanjunga, Annapurna,
Gauri Shankar, Lhotse, Lhotesshar, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Numbur,
Khatang, Karyalung, Shisapangma, Mera Peak and Thamserku. The
peak also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views during
good weather. A trail through Jiri-Chaulakharka-Ngaur leads to
the Pikey Danda area. The trails 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, 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,
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.
Getting There
Solu and Khumbu are in Solukhumbu district in Sagarmatha zone.
The fastest and simplest way to get to this area is by air. To
reach the Solu region, you can take half an our flight from
Kathmandu to Phaplu and then a 20 minute walk to Salleri the
district headquarters of Solukhumbu. To get from the Solu region
to Khumbu and vice versa, one has the option of trekking for
about 3 days via Salleri and Nunthala-Kharikhola-Chaurikharka.
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