The Dumji Festival Trek is a introduction level trek to the village of Junbesi. The Dumji festival is a Sherpa festival that celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche on a lotus flower. It is celebrated by the Sherpa community of Helambu and Khumbu with masked dances by monks, drinking and merry making along with other rituals.

Our 9-day Dumji festival trek offers a combination of natural beauty, culture and adventure in Junbesi, a beautiful Solukhumbu Valley which is also home both to my people (the Sherpa) and the highest peak in the world, Everest.

The trek starts with a 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paphlu. The scenic flight offers an awe-inspiring view of the Himalaya range, including Everest, Lhotse, Nupse, Kantiga. You will get to experience the culture and hospitality as you trek further up the valley through the small villages of Junbesi, Phurteng and Pankarma to Phougmuche. The majesty of the Himalayas is evident each day as you hike through a rich variety of flora and fauna. During the Dumji festival trek in late April/early May, rhododendrons in full bloom and the skies are clear.

The highlight of the trek is the Dumji festival, where you will spend a full day and two nights joining in with the festivities and/or undertaking short walks into the neighboring valley as the mood takes. Another highlight is visiting the Thuptenchholing Monastery (one of the largest Tibetan refugee camp in the Solukhumbu region). Finally, a you will hike to Phaplu for your return flight to Kathmandu.

I was born and brought up in the Junbesi village. As such, I would be honored to introduce you to my village and way of life while you travel as part of my extended family on the 9-day Dumji festival trek. If you are interested in more Buddhist festivals, we suggest you check out the Tiji festival celebrated in the forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, and the horse riding Yartung Festival celebrated at Ranipauwa in Lower Mustang.

Trip Highlights

• Experience Dumji, a Sherpa festival honoring the anniversary of Guru Rinpoche birth on the lotus flower
• View Everest up-close from Phurteng, a short hike from Junbesi
• Visit the famous Thupten Cholinng Monastery

Trip Grade - Introductory

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Arrive at Kathmandu
• Day 2 :Guided Tours & Preparation
• Day 3 :Fly to Phaplu (30 min) | Drive to Junbesi (1 hr)
• Day 4-5 :Morning excursion to Thupten Choling and attend Dumji festival in the afternoon
• Day 6 :Hike to Everest view point (Phurteng)
• Day 7 :Hike to Phaplu (5 hrs)
• Day 8 :Fly to Kathmandu (30 min) | Rest of the day at leisure
• Day 9 :Trip concludes

Daily Movements

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner with Keep Walking Nepal family.

Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (D)

 

Day 2: Guided Tours & Preparation

You will embark on a guided tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites; Pashupatinath Temple, the temple devoted to Lord Shiva – the god of creation and destruction, and Boudhanath Stupa – a Buddhist shrine worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists alike.

In the afternoon, your trek guide will brief you about the upcoming days and preparation requirements.

Overnight at Hotel Hotel (B)

 

Day 3: Fly to Phaplu (30 min) | Drive to Junbesi (1 hr)

After breakfast, you will fly to Phaplu and then drive to the quaint little village of Junbesi. The drive along the Dudh Koshi river valleys is scenic.

Once at Junbesi, you can visit the Thashi Thongmo Gompa founded in the 16th century and explore the village. The monastery buildings were destroyed several times by fire in 2007 but has been repaired and painted with vivid colors.

Overnight at Junbesi (B,L,D)

 

Day 4-5: Morning excursion to Thupten Choling and attend Dumji festival in the afternoon

Experience the culture of the Sherpas like never before.

During the 2 days of the festival, you will enjoy morning excursions and side trips to Selo and Thupthen Choling Monastery, and afternoon revelries. As the Dumji festival is celebrated to prevent misfortunes and promote peace and prosperity in the village, merrymaking, drinking and traditional Sherpa dances are part of the retinue.

Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)

 

Day 6: Hike to Everest view point (Phurteng)

Today, you will hike to the Phurteng view to catch a glimpse of Everest.

The trail starts just beyond the Junbesi village. After crossing over a bride, you will take the higher trail used mainly by locals and yaks to the beautiful rest spot of Phurteng. This trail was once part of the great Himalayan Expeditions that started all the way from Kathmandu, but now has fallen in oblivion.

After some pictures and lunch, you will backtrack to Junbesi.

Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)

 

Day 7: Hike to Phaplu (5 hrs)

Instead of driving out, you will hike through the Dudh Koshi valleys to Phaplu.

Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)

 

Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu (30 min) | Rest of the day at leisure

You will fly back to Kathmandu on a late morning/early afternoon flight.

The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to explore the city.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 9: Trip concludes

A KWN representative will accompany you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight back home.

(B)

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes: