A new trail, “Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail” has been jointly explored and developed by Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality (RM) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) with additional support from NTB/UNDP Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project (STLRP) in the southern part of Solukhumbu district.

The recently explored new trail not only serves as a short- days trekking destination for observing the outstandingly beautiful forests, pasturelands, mountain range and peaks, including Mt. Everest and experiencing the rich culture and rituals of Khaling Rai and Sherpa, but also serves as a gateway to Khumbu and Mera valley trek.

Like Pikey area, Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality area in the southern Solukhumbu is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination for the cultural experiences, wilderness experiences, adventure sport activities and mountain panorama observation.

Extending from 941 meters at Kaya in Dudhkoshi River basin to Aran Danda view point at an elevation of 3310 meters the proposed trail traverses through the beautiful rural villages of Khaling Rai, Sherpa and other many ethnic communities. The trail also passes through the beautifully carved terraced agriculture farms, amazingly folded green forest hills, colorful flat meadows and some of the largest patches of rhododendron forests.

The trail also traverses through many strategic high-points that offer visitors the breathtaking views of the forested hill, Mountain ranges and at least 29 tantalizing peaks in 360 Degree, including Mt. Everest, the world’s highest summit with an elevation of 8848.86 meters.

The new trail offers a variety of tourist activities ranging from hiking, trekking and ilderness walks to cultural tours, pilgrimage and spiritual activities.

Lying in the Dudhkoshi River basin, the Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality is believed o have been the ancestral place of Khaling Rai; Mapya and Dikpya being considered to the ancestors.

Other major ethnic settlements of the area include Sherpa, Magar, Tamang, Kshetri, Hill Brahman, Newar, Dalit etc. Authentic living culture, traditional costume, artistic and folkloric practices, local festivals/feasts, traditional artistic designs, skillful craftsmanship, traditional farming practices, locally produced organic food and beverages etc. can be experienced in the cultural homestays and rural settlements.

Observing the Waas festival of Khaling Rais and Rai Bijuwa (Shaman) performances, visiting Rapchha Cultural Chindo Park, and Bhume Thans give visitors the deep insight of the Khaling Rai culture. Visiting the Himalayan Buddhist communities and age- old Buddhist monasteries such as Juve Purano Gompa, founded around 16* century is another added advantage for the visitors and pilgrims in the area.

Round-the year soft trekking, wilderness walks to the forested hills, rhododendron forest walks, bird-watching, sight-seeing and mountain panorama watching, sports activities, wellness and retreat are some of the key activities that the visitors can do in this majestic natural landscape.

Soft trekking with sightseeing is one of the most rewarding activities while being in this trail. At least 29 tantalizing peaks and spectacular Himalayan range extending from Gauri-Shankar Himal to Kanchenjunga Himal can be seen in a sunny day from some of the best viewpoints such as Silgudi Danda (3000 mrs.), Ratnange Danda (3282 mtrs.), Kudham mid-point, Kudham high point, Yotelmya/Bhote Kharka, Danfe Bhir, Jhandi Danda, Jaleshwari Mahadev temple of Jor Dhunga, Sola Ban, Deurali, Dhaje Danda, and Aran Danda (3310 mtrs.), the highest of all in the area.

Visitors become overwhelmed to see the majestic views of Mt. Everest, Mera Peak, Numbur Peak and other crystal mountain peaks from these points. The sunrise and sunset views seen from these points are just amazing.

These viewpoints area are also the best sites for rhododendron forest walk and rangeland experiences with Yak (Chauri) milk and ghee.

The area is very rich in floral and faunal diversity, Species such as clouded leopard, Himalayan Black bear, Golden jackal, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Red panda,Yellow panda.

Throated marten, Barking deer, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur etc. are recorded in the area. Moreover, over 100 types of birds including rare and endangered bird species etc. are the true assets of the area for the birdlife enthusiasts.

The proposed camping sites in Silgudi Danda, Ghumnemera, Kudham mid camp, Mante Danda, Yotelmya, Mulu Kharka, Aran Danda, and Chauri Kharka provide visitors the exotic and wilderness experiences.

For the adventure enthusiasts, marathon, cycling, winter snow- skating, rock climbing, canyoning, honey hunting, are some of the interesting outdoor adventure activities to indulge with.

TREKKING ITINERARIES

The Everest Dudhkoshi Cultural Trail offers various options of trek itineraries with varied duration and activities.

ITINERARY 1:

* Day 1: Kathmandu to Silguri

* Day 2: Silguri to Kudham Mid Camp via Ghumne Mera

* Day 3: Morning Kudam View Point and Trek to Yotelmya

* Day 4: Yotelmya to Rappchha then Khastap

* Day 5: Drive to Bhumesthan, Paasha (Sundar Jharana),

* Day 6: Drive to Kathmandu

•ITINERARY 2:

* Day 1: Kathmandu to Silguri

* Day 2: Silguri to Ghumne Mera

* Day 3: Ghumne Mera to Kudham View Point Then Trek to Yotelmya, Khastap/Damku/Thul Dungga

* Day 4: Khastap/Damku to Juving via Andheri

* Day 5: Juving to Hill then Solaban, Jaleswori Mandir, Deurali

* Day 6: Deurali to Waku, Kanku Bhumesthan then losku

* Day 7: Losku to Paasdha (Sundar Jharana), Mahabhir Rock Climbing sport then Silguri

* Day 8: Drive from Silguri to Kathmandu

ITINERARY 3:

* Day 1: Kathmandu to Silguri

* Day 2: Silguri to Ghumne Mera via Ratnangge

* Day 3:Ghumne Mera to Yotelmya View Kudham view point

* Day 4:Yotelmya to Juving, Bumburi

* Day 5:Bumburi to Hill, Solaban

* Day 6:Solaban, Deurali, Waku

* Day 7:Waku to Paascha (Sundar Jharana), MAhabhir (Rock Climbing Sport) Then Silguri

* Day 8: Drive to Kathmandu

ITINERARY 4: MERA PEAK:

* Day 1: Kathmandu to Kaya Khet, Waku

* Day 2: Trek to Solaban via Deurali/Jaleswori Mandir

* Day 3: Trek to Sibuje

* Day 4: Trek to Chhatra Khola

* Day 5: Trek to Kothe

* Day 6: Trek to Thangnak

* Day 7: Trek to Khare

* Day 8: Acclimatization

* Day 9: Trek to high Camp

* Day 10: Mera Summit and Back to Khare

* Day 11: Trek to Taktho

* Day 12: Trek to Ramailo Dada

* Day 13: Trek to Sibuje and Drive to Silguri

* Day-14: Drive to Kathmandu

ITINERARY 5: MERA PEAK:

* Day-1: Kathmandu to Salleri/Silguri

* Day 2: Drive to Sibuje

* Day-3: Trek to Chhetra Khola

* Day 4: Trek to Kothe
* Day 5: Trek to Thangnak

* Day 6: Trek to Khare

* Day 7: Acclimation

* Day 8: Trek to high Camp

* Day 9: Mera Summit and Back to Khare

* Day 10: Trek to Taktho

* Day 11: Trek to Ramailo Dada

* Day 12: Trek to Sibuje and Drive to Silguri

* Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu

TOURIST SERVICES & FACILITIES

As a newly explored cultural and eco-trail, visitors should rely totally on basic accommodation facilities offered by the homestays and small lodges. Local Kharka owners are making their efforts to upgrade their traditional Goths (temporary huts) as tourist accommodation center. Tented camp is required in few locations. Mobile communication and 4G internet services are available throughout the trail. WiFi facilities are available in few villages only. A number of highly professional trekking agencies and trekking guides hailed from Mapya Dudhkoshi RM are offering the required trekking and guiding services from Kathmandu.