Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail

The Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail at Lower Solukhumbu Nepal was officially launched on September 01, 2025. The new trail has been recently developed by Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality (RM) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). With further help from NTB/UNDP Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project (STLRP), the freshly explored trekking destination serves as a gateway to Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak Trek.

If you are dreaming about Mount Everest, this new trekking route is applicable even without even going to high altitude! The highest point of the trek is just 3,168m high therefore, it is accessible to all trekkers.

With different duration and activities, the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail offers 05 different itineraries.

Mapya Dudhkoshi Trekking Itinerary 01:

Days	Program
01	Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri
02	Trek to Kudham Mid Camp via Ghumne Mera
03	Morning Kudam View Point and Trek to Yotelmya
04	Trek to Khastap via Rappchha
05	Drive to Salleri via Bhumesthan Paasdha (Sundar Jharana) and Mahabhir
06	Drive back to Kathmandu

Mapya Dudhkoshi Trekking Itinerary 02:

Days	Program
01	Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri
02	Trek to Ghumne Mera via Ratnangge
03	Morning Kudam View Point and Trek to Yotelmya
04	Trek to Juving via Andheri
05	Trek to Deurali via Hill, Solaban and  Jaleswori Mandir
06	Trek to Waku and Drive to Iosku via Kanku Bhumesthan
07	Drive to Salleri via Paasdha Jharana, Mahabir Rock Climbing Sport
08	Drive back to Kathmandu

Mapya Dudhkoshi Trekking Itinerary 03:

Days	Program
01	Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri
02	Trek to Ghumne Mera via Ratnangge
03	Morning Kudam View Point and Trek to Yotelmya
04	Trek to Juving/ Bumburi
05	Trek to Solaban via Jube, Hill
06	Trek to Waku via Deurali
07	Drive to Salleri via Paasdha Jharana, Mahabir Rock Climbing Sport
08	Drive back to Kathmandu

Mera Peak Itinerary via Waku, Mapya Dudhkoshi (Itinerary 04)

Days	Program
01	Drive to Waku via Kaya Khet
02	Trek to Solaban via Deurali/ Jaleswori Mandir
03	Trek to Sibuje
04	Trek to Chhatra Khola
05	Trek to Kothe
06	Trek to Thangnak
07	Drive to Khare
08	Acclimatization Day at Khare
09	Trek to High Camp
10	Trek to Mera Peak and back to Khare
11	Trek to Taktho
12	Trek to Ramailo Dada
13	Trek to Sibuje and Drive to Salleri
14	Drive back to Kathmandu

Mera Peak Itinerary via Salleri, Mapya Dudhkoshi (Itinerary 04)

Days	Program
01	Drive to Salleri
02	Drive to Jube
03	Trek to Sibuje
04	Trek to Chhatra Khola
05	Trek to Kothe
06	Trek to Thangnak
07	Drive to Khare
08	Acclimatization Day at Khare
09	Trek to High Camp
10	Trek to Mera Peak and back to Khare
11	Trek to Taktho
12	Trek to Ramailo Dada
13	Trek to Sibuje and Drive to Salleri
14	Drive back to Kathmandu

Everest Base Camp Trek via Mapya Dudhkoshi (Itinerary 05)

Days	Program
01	Drive to Salleri
02	Trek to Kudham via Ghumne Mera
03	Trek to Kharikhola
04	Trek to Surke
05	Trek to Monjo
06	Trek to Namche Bazaar
07	Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar
08	Trek to Phortse
09	Trek to Dingboche
10	Trek to Lobuche
11	Trek to Gorakshep and explore Everest Base Camp
12	Early morning Kalapatthar and back to Pheriche
13	Trek to Tengboche
14	Trek to Monjo
15	Trek to Lukla
16	Flight back to Kathmandu

Journey from Kathmandu to Salleri

By Road (Bus or Jeep)

Mode	Route	Distance	Time Duration	Cost (USD)
Bus	Kathmandu → Dhulikhel →  Khurkot → Ghurmi → Salleri	267 km	10 - 13 hours	$15 to 30
Shared Jeep	Kathmandu → Chabahil → Dhulikhel → Khurkot → Ghurmi → Salleri	267 km	8 - 10 hours	$25 to 50
Private Jeep	Kathmandu → Chabahil → Dhulikhel → Khurkot → Ghurmi → Salleri	267 km	8 - 10 hours	$250 to 450

By Air (Flight to Phaplu and Drive to Salleri)

Mode	Route	Distance	Time Duration	Cost (USD)
Flight + Drive	Kathmandu → Phaplu (flight) Phaplu → Salleri (drive)	267 km	3 hours	$110 to 430

Nature and Wilderness along the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail

The Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail is a beautiful journey full of natural scenery, surrounded by gurgling streams, from lush green forests to terraced farmlands and sparkling rivers. The trail passes through an amazing patch of rhododendron forests along with mountain The Dudhkoshi River winds through deep valleys and the traditional farming terraces that cascade down the hillsides. The dense oak, birch, and conifer forests in lower and mid altitude sections adds a pristine beauty at every turn.

The trail offers spectacular views of the Himalayan Peaks like Mount Everest (8,848m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Thamserku (6,623m), Kangtega (6,782m) and Lhotse (8,516m). Along the way, you will find various:

• Flora: Rhododendron, Bamboo, Oak, Pine, Fir, Birch, Juniper, Alpine shrubs, Hardy grasses and wildflowers like primula and gentians.
• Fauna: Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Langur Monkeys, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Woodpeckers and rarely Snow Leopard.

Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs along the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail

Mapya Dudhkoshi is deeply influenced by the Sherpa community and Khaling Rai, Tamang, Magar, Chettri as well as Brahmin communities. By staying in local  homestays, you can truly experience their own cultural dances, folk songs and ancestral rituals and traditions.

Festivals throughout the year:

• Waas Festival (Khaling Rai festival)
• Ubhauli and Udhauli (Kirat Rai festival
• Lhosar (Sherpa and Tamang New Year)
• Dashain and Tihar (Nepal’s largest Hindu festival)

Along the trail you will see many monasteries, stupas and gompas as the centers of prayer and meditation. You will often find prayer wheels and prayer flags that hold spiritual significance. 

Best Season to Trek Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural

As per the Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu, the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail is an all season trek hence, you can trek throughout the year. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies and breathtaking mountain views of Mt.Everest, Number, Lhotse, Baruntse, Thamserku, and many more. The trail is still accessible during the monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) and has serene snow-clad landscapes. 

From peaceful snowy landscapes to blooming rhododendrons, every season has its own charm!

Adventure activities on the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is possible on some of the trail's rocky cliffs and rocky terrain. Climbs on natural rock faces are occasionally organised by local guides, providing adventurers with an exhilarating opportunity to test their stamina and skill while taking in the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. 

Cycling

Mountain biking and cycling adventures are possible in the lower parts of the Dudhkoshi region. As you pass through Sherpa villages, you can experience both physical challenge and cultural immersion as you navigate through rolling hills, suspension bridges, and forest trails. 

Honey Hunting

Locals use ropes and ladders to scale steep cliffs in order to collect wild honeycombs created by enormous Himalayan bees, making honey hunting a distinctive traditional adventure. You can watch or even take part in this risk-taking activity that combines adrenaline and cultural tradition.

Everest View Trail Marathon

Parts of the Dudhkoshi and Khumbu trails are traversed by the Tenzing–Hillary Everest Marathon, one of the highest-altitude races in the world, which is geared towards extreme adventurers. With breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding peaks, you will traverse rocky mountain trails, suspension bridges, and steep ascents.

Accommodation during the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail

Traditional homestays are the primary form of accommodation during the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail, providing you with a cosy and genuine experience. Typically, rooms are modest but cosy, with simple bedding and communal amenities. In addition to boosting the local economy, this kind of lodging enhances the trip by fusing adventure with cultural awareness and real-life community engagement.

Homestays offer a distinctive way to experience Sherpa culture in addition to comfort. You can assist in cooking, discover regional traditions, hear folktales, and even take part in small celebrations or village events. 

Required documents and permits for the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail

The required permits for the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail are Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. 

Permit	Cost (USD)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit	25 USD
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit	15 USD

The required documents for the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail are

• Valid Passport
• Nepal Visa
• Passport Sized Photographs
• Travel Insurance

Trekking essentials and facilities

Along the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail, mobile phones and other devices networks are limited. Basic data services and inexpensive calling are offered by local SIM cards such as NCELL or NTC. Since electricity can be limited in isolated villages, you need to carry power banks, solar chargers, headlamps, and cameras to make the trek more convenient. Many teahouses, homestays, and lodges offer Wi-Fi and internet, frequently for a nominal fee . 

Conclusion: Scenic and Accessible Trekking on the Dudhkoshi Trail

If you are looking for a combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty without the difficulties of high-altitude trekking, the Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail is the perfect option. Since the trail only reaches a maximum elevation of 3,168 meters, it is relatively easy and appropriate for hikers of all ages, including novices and families. Choosing this trek offers a fulfilling adventure that strikes a balance between comfort, culture, and scenery. The Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail is a  safe and easy experience of Sherpa culture, beautiful landscapes, and Himalayan views!