This new and unique trek has been designed solely by NMMT to provide a deep insight into the remote lower Solu region. Though low in elevation yet popular in comparison to the Khumbu, the area is likewise inhabited by the friendly Sherpa people. Solu also receives far less trekkers traffic than the Khumbu, giving a more intimate and authentic experience. Dudh Kunda lake (milky water lake) is situated at the foot of Numbur mountain, locally known as Shorong Yul Lha, "Protector of Solu".
From Kathmandu we drive to Jiri, popularly referred as Switzerland of Nepal, was once a gateway to Everest before the advent of airplanes. Early expedition such as George Mallory's and Sir Edmund Hillary's group trekked from Jiri all the way to the Everest Base Camp. We basically follow the Jiri - Lukla old route before heading to a completely new region through forested ridges and sparsely inhabited area. From day six, we trek through high pastures, pine and rhododendron forests area which does not have any permanent settlement. Walking upstream the Beni Khola we reach Dudh Kunda and keep one day for exploring around. Rather than retracing our footsteps in return, we descend towards Khumbu region to catch a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu.
From Kathmandu we drive to Jiri, popularly referred as Switzerland of Nepal, was once a gateway to Everest before the advent of airplanes. Early expedition such as George Mallory's and Sir Edmund Hillary's group trekked from Jiri all the way to the Everest Base Camp. We basically follow the Jiri - Lukla old route before heading to a completely new region through forested ridges and sparsely inhabited area. From day six, we trek through high pastures, pine and rhododendron forests area which does not have any permanent settlement. Walking upstream the Beni Khola we reach Dudh Kunda and keep one day for exploring around. Rather than retracing our footsteps in return, we descend towards Khumbu region to catch a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu.
Note:
Traveling to Everest, especially for the Everest Base Camp trek or any mountaineering activity, is an extraordinary adventure that requires thorough preparation and awareness of potential risks.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Nepal: Arrival
Flying into Kathmandu, you'll have views of the Himalayasya and of the terraced fields and hillsides, below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you and drive you to your hotel. After you've settled in, you'll have time to explore the city. Recommended sights to see on your first day include Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and its narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants, and also Swayambhunath temple, where you can watch the sunset over the valley and the Himalayas to your north.
The tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to choose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.
Overnight: Kathmandu -
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing tour to Boudhanath, Swyambhunath, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Today visit Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath with your tour guide.
Boudhanath Stupa, situated 11 Km. from the centre of Kathmandu, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions, keeping a lookout for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base and contains inset prayer wheels. The shrine is surrounded by the homes of Lamas, or Buddhist priests.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is the centre point of attraction of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, also known as Kantipur. Here you will visit the temple of the living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of her devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, Kasthamandap - the source of the name Kathmandu (destroyed by the 2015 earthquake). It was allegedly made from the timber of a single tree. Next, on to the Durbar Square area with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty.
Bhaktapur is one of the three ancient cities within the Kathmandu Valley. Lying 14 km east of Kathmandu,
The Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus. It is located 6 km east of Kathmandu. The structure is a two-story building and is built in pagoda style. The site is a collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions. The structures in this perimeter were raised over the centuries and lie right beside the banks of the holy Bagmati river. The temple has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1979. -
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu
Early morning, pick up from your hotel and drive to Phaplu. It's a long drive up to Phaplu of around 10 hours, so you need to start early. After reaching Phaplu, stay in the local lodge available.
The drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu is a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of Nepal. Phaplu is a small town located in the Solu-Khumbu region, which is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and as a gateway to the Everest region. The distance between Kathmandu and Phaplu is approximately 235 kilometres (146 miles).
Leave Kathmandu and head east on the Araniko Highway (also known as the Kathmandu-Lhasa Highway) towards the town of Dolalghat.
You'll need to cross the Sun Koshi River on a bridge, and then continue your journey along the highway.
You'll be driving on the Araniko Highway for a significant portion of the journey, passing through towns like Khurkot and Ghurmi.
Continue driving until you reach Okhaldhunga. This is a major town along the route.
From Okhaldhunga, you'll need to take a left turn onto a smaller road that leads to Phaplu. This road may be less developed, so be prepared for some rough terrain in places.
After navigating the smaller road, you'll eventually reach Phaplu, which is located at an altitude of about 2,413 meters (7,917 feet) above sea level.
Overnight at the lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included
Duration: 10 hours -
Day 4
Trek from Phaplu to Taksindu
You will leave Salleri and travel through Tigmo Village on your third day to Takshindu. Numerous dispersed farmlands are along your path. Several Sherpa and Rai villages were traversed on this ascent route. You pass through forested areas from where you can get your first glimpses of various peaks, including Mt. Everest and Khumbu Himal. You'll climb a short distance from here to get to Ritmo. To get to Takshindu's summit, you next stroll through gorgeous wooded areas. That is where you will see monasteries.
Stayed overnight at Takshindu Lodge
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included -
Day 5
Trek from Taksindu to Beni
You will walk towards Beni in the morning after eating a healthy breakfast. You pass through Sahasrabeni on your trail. You'll walk along the path that offers views of Mount. Number, Mt. Khatang; Mount. Not just Karyolung, but also other mountains. Along the route, you will also pass through verdant, dense forests filled with pine, rhododendron, and other plants. Before you get to Beni, you will also pass by yak farms and a monastery.
Stayed overnight at Beni Lodge
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included -
Day 6
Trek from Beni to Dudh Kunda
You are travelling from Beni to Dudh Kunda Lake today, which is well-known for being the site of various rituals performed by Buddhists and Hindus. Known locally as Shorong Yul Lha, which translates to "Protector of Solu," the lake is located at the base of the Himal Mountains and is thought to have religious significance. There is a belief that you can atone for some of your sins by swimming in that lake. The glacier is in your path. During the wet season, a large number of migratory birds can be seen there.
Stayed overnight at Dudh Kunda Lodge
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included -
Day 7
Trek from Dudh Kunda to Ringmo
You're going to head in the direction of Rigmo after breakfast. Your trail is quite entertaining. Walking for almost 7 or 8 kilometers will bring you to Rigmo. Apple wine and yak cheese are the main draws in Ringmo. Rigmo is a prosperous and cultured village belonging to the Sherpa community.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours;
Stayed overnight at Rigmo Lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included -
Day 8
Trek from Ringmo to Phaplu
You will eat breakfast this morning and then begin your hike to Phaplu. You'll follow your previous path again. You must first travel through the forest to get to Takshindu in order to reach Phaplu. The pasture land where your trail passes through is thick with Himalayan vegetation. You will then arrive in Phaplu. This day marks the conclusion of your journey.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Stayed overnight at Phaplu Lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included -
Day 9
Drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu
At the allotted time this morning, a driver will pick you up in Phaplu then you will drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching the city, you'll be transferred to your hotel and will be able to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Explore the capital's streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch -
Day 10
Depart Kathmandu!!
It's time to say farewell to Nepal! Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.