Introduction
Nepal is a country rich in religious and cultural diversity. Its vast array of castes, languages, and cultural traditions makes it unique in the world. When it comes to religious and cultural heritage sites, Nepal boasts numerous historically and spiritually significant locations.
Solukhumbu, a Himalayan district in Nepal’s eastern development region, lies in the northern part of the Sagarmatha zone. It shares its northern border with the autonomous region of China, while Bhojpur and Sankhuwasabha districts lie to the east, Dolakha and Ramechhap to the west, and Okhaldhunga and Khotang to the south. Administratively, Solukhumbu is divided into seven village municipalities, one town municipality, two state areas, and one electoral region. The district is home to breathtaking natural wonders, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
Everest is also located in this district, which is renowned for its breathtaking snow-capped mountains and exceptional biodiversity. The region's diverse ethnic communities, traditional attire, languages, cultures, and lifestyles attract visitors from around the world for recreation, sightseeing, research, and tourism, making it a major destination.
The district's name is believed to have originated from the Solu stream, which flows through its headquarters, Salleri, and the Khumbu region at the foothills of the Himalayas. The district’s elevation varies dramatically, ranging from Mt. Everest (8,848m) in the Khumjung region to Necho (600m) in the southern part. This variation in altitude creates a rich agro-climatic environment, allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, fruits, and medicinal herbs.
Solukhumbu is widely recognized as a stunning district, home to hidden natural wonders. One such gem is Dudh Kunda, located in Taksindhu VDC, Ward No. 8. Surrounded by the majestic Mt. Numbur and Mt. Karyalung, this sacred lake sits at an altitude of 4,700m and is formed by melted snow from the surrounding peaks. Dudh Kunda holds religious significance for Hindu, Kirati, and Buddhist devotees. Every year, a grand festival is celebrated here during Jana Purnima, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike.
People from different districts, such as Ramechhap, Dikhuldhunga, Khotang, Udayapur, and even Kathmandu, visit this place with great reverence to participate in the festival. Additionally, foreign tourists frequently come here for camping.
This is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, where a lake surrounded by two mountains can be seen up close. It is located 120 km from the district headquarters, and traveling on foot is the only way to reach it. Topographically, it is a remote area, but in terms of natural beauty, it holds a premier position. Despite its breathtaking scenery, the place remains hidden from the outside world due to a lack of publicity.
Folklore on the Origin
According to local residents, Dudhkunda Lake was discovered about a century ago. The lake is believed to be ancient, with no traces of human civilization found around its periphery. It is said that the lake was discovered by yak herders while grazing their yaks in the area.
There are various folktales regarding the origin of this place, with different versions told by different people. These stories also vary based on religious beliefs. This study attempts to present the diverse folklore as recounted by different individuals.
According to Buddhist Followers
In ancient times, religious preachers of Tibetan and Nepalese origin, devoted to Buddhism, meditated here. It is believed that their contemplative presence left a lasting imprint on Numbur Himal, which still appears as a blueprint-like image. Because of this, Buddhist practitioners consider this place sacred and of great religious significance.
Visiting this site is believed to fulfill the desires and wishes of pilgrims. According to Lama Furi Sherpa, a former head of Taksindhu Gompa, Buddhist followers pray here for various blessings—infertile couples seek children, herders ask for prosperous cattle, and many wish for a long life.
Some followers also believe that Manjushree (known as Phokering in the Sherpa language) diverted the water of the ancient Kathmandu Valley lake after cutting through the hills at Chobhar. The remaining water, they believe, was hidden here, making the lake at this site a remnant of that ancient water source. As a result, Buddhists have established an image of Buddha at the head of the pond, where they worship annually.
According to Hindu and Kirat beliefs, similar to Buddhist traditions, Lord Mahadev is believed to have meditated in this sacred place in ancient times. The presence of a Shiva Linga near the lake serves as evidence of this belief. Hindu mythology also tells a story about Chandrachal and Dronachal hills, which lie between the lakes and are said to contain medicinal plants of great significance. According to the myth, during the churning of the ocean between two mountains, a deadly poison called 'Kaalbish' emerged, threatening the existence of the world. To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat. As a result, he began to suffocate and came to the Dudhkunda area, where he drank water from the lake, which helped neutralize the poison’s effects. Vedic expert Dr. Bashudev Sastri suggests that the medicinal plants in this region may have healing properties related to the effects of poison.
Dudhkunda Lake is the largest in the area, and pilgrims refer to it as the "elder sister" of other sacred lakes. The smaller lakes include Solpa Lake, Gosainkunda in Rasuwa, and the Small Dudhkunda in Phaplu.
In Kirat mythology, Shyalibya, a significant figure of the Khaling Rai ethnic group, married his younger child, Kampyubya. They had two sons—Dikpya, the elder, and Mapya, the younger. As they grew up, Dikpya traveled to the foothills of the Himalayas, causing distress to Jumung Hang, who had lost his child. After deep meditation, Jumung Hang eventually guided his son toward the northern Himalayas. For this reason, the Kirat Khaling Rai community discusses Dudhkunda in their death rituals and Mundhum traditions.
How to Reach Dudhkunda?
Dudhkunda is accessible by both road and air. A well-connected road network links Kathmandu to Solukhumbu via the BP Highway, passing through Khurkot and continuing on the Siddhicharan Highway. The journey by bus, jeep, or motorbike takes approximately 10 hours to reach Salleri. For those traveling by air, a flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Phaplu takes around 35 minutes, making the journey more convenient.
Phaplu Airport, located near Salleri, operates 2-3 flights daily. From Salleri, a trekking route extends to Ringmu, but it becomes inaccessible for transportation during the rainy season. Walking from Phaplu to Ringmu via Chewang and Phera takes approximately four hours, while a jeep ride covers the distance in about an hour. Up to Ringmu, hotels are available for accommodation.
From Ringmu, the trail diverges from the main route to Namche and heads toward Dudhkunda via Bupchhundu. During the Janai Purnima festival, many temporary hotels and yak herders can be found along the way. However, at other times, food and lodging options are scarce, making it advisable to travel in a group with proper arrangements for food and tents.
From Ringmu, it takes around two hours to reach Sarkaripati. The journey is enjoyable, passing through dense forests filled with the pleasant fragrance of Sunpati and the sounds of chirping birds. Some travelers may experience altitude sickness at this point, so carrying essential medicines and staying hydrated is recommended. During Janai Purnima, the Rail Grass organization organizes a free health camp here.
Climbing further from Sarkaripati, trekkers reach Kamidanda at an altitude of 3,500m, marking the end of the first day’s trek from Salleri. Beyond this point, vegetation becomes sparse, and the thin air can make breathing difficult. From Kamidanda, the trail ascends along a jungle stream to Gamtang before arriving at Sahasrabeni, where a government-built public toilet and rest house are available.
The final stretch from Sahasrabeni to Dudhkunda involves a steep climb. Many trekkers experience altitude sickness along this section, so proper acclimatization and preparation are crucial.
