Dumji Festival Trekking

The Dumji Festival Trek is a culturally rich trek organized by Asiana Treks and Tours, combining the thrill of the Everest region with the unique opportunity to witness the traditional Dumji Festival celebrated by Sherpa communities. Held in Khumjung, the festival honors Guru Rinpoche and features vibrant masked dances, music, and rituals performed by local monks. This trek is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in the heritage, spirituality, and hospitality of the Sherpas while enjoying majestic Himalayan landscapes.

The Dumji Festival is celebrated annually in late June or early July, depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar. The 4-day celebration coincides with the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Asiana Treks and Tours schedules the trek to perfectly align with the festival dates, allowing trekkers to experience every aspect of the rituals, dances, and cultural activities that are deeply rooted in the Sherpa tradition, particularly in Khumjung, where the festival is especially grand.

The Dumji Festival Trek is a moderate trek, suitable for individuals with a decent level of physical fitness. The highest point reached is Tengboche (3867m). Daily trekking hours range from 3 to 6 hours, with gradual altitude gain to help with acclimatization. Asiana Treks and Tours ensures your pace is comfortable, with frequent breaks and expert guides who are trained in altitude safety. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory if you're in good health.

The package offered by Asiana Treks and Tours is all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals (B/L/D), permits, domestic flights, airport transfers, guided tours, and entrance fees. You will stay in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and in comfortable guest houses during the trek. The cost also includes a licensed English-speaking guide, a porter (for every two trekkers), and participation in the Dumji Festival events. Personal expenses, travel insurance, and tips are not included.

While the trek ascends to altitudes over 3,800 meters, the itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization days, particularly in Namche Bazaar and Khumjung. Most trekkers experience mild symptoms like headache or tiredness, but serious altitude sickness is rare on this route. Asiana Treks and Tours' guides are trained to monitor your health and handle altitude issues efficiently. Drinking plenty of water, ascending slowly, and avoiding alcohol help prevent problems.

Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided in a comfortable 3-star hotel, while along the trekking route, you will stay in locally run guesthouses or tea houses. These lodges are basic but clean, with twin-sharing rooms and common bathrooms. Some may offer hot showers and Wi-Fi at an extra cost. Asiana Treks and Tours selects the best available lodges in each village to ensure a safe and pleasant stay throughout your trekking journey.

Asiana Treks and Tours offers three nutritious meals daily during the trek—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with plenty of variety. Meals typically include rice, lentils, vegetables, soups, pasta, noodles, and traditional Nepali dishes. In Kathmandu, breakfast is included at your hotel, and you’re free to explore local restaurants for other meals. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice. You’ll also be served safe drinking water throughout the trek.

Essential gear includes comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles, a daypack, a sleeping bag (or rental available), and sunglasses. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, gloves, and a refillable water bottle. Asiana Treks and Tours provides a complete gear checklist upon booking and offers rental services for major items if needed in Kathmandu. Always pack light but ensure you’re ready for varying mountain weather conditions.

Yes, all trekkers need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. Asiana Treks and Tours arranges all permits on your behalf, including any special cultural access required during the Dumji Festival. These permits are included in the package, and our team ensures all documentation is ready before your departure from Kathmandu.

Flights to and from Lukla, the gateway to Everest, are short but scenic. They are operated by experienced airlines with trained pilots. However, flights are highly weather-dependent, and delays are common. Asiana Treks and Tours always factors in buffer days in the itinerary and will assist in rebooking or arranging helicopter transfers if needed (extra charges may apply). Safety is always the top priority for our team.

Asiana Treks and Tours keeps group sizes small and personalized, typically ranging from 2 to 10 trekkers. This ensures a more intimate and flexible experience, especially during the Dumji Festival, where guests interact closely with locals. For private or customized treks, solo travelers or groups can also request tailored itineraries. A small group size also allows for better attention from guides and minimizes environmental impact.

Your trek will be led by a licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with years of experience in the Everest region. Guides from Asiana Treks and Tours are local experts, well-versed in Sherpa culture, the Dumji Festival, and high-altitude safety. They provide not just navigation, but cultural insights and support throughout the journey. Assistant guides and porters accompany larger groups, ensuring all logistics and health considerations are well managed.

While technically possible to fly to Khumjung by helicopter, experiencing the Dumji Festival without trekking misses the full cultural and natural immersion. The journey through villages like Namche and Phakding enhances your appreciation of Sherpa life and the landscapes of the Everest region. Asiana Treks and Tours encourages trekking for a more fulfilling experience, but we also offer custom festival tours for those with limited mobility or time.

Asiana Treks and Tours is fully prepared for emergencies. Guides carry first aid kits, are trained in mountain rescue, and maintain contact with our Kathmandu team. In serious cases, helicopter evacuation can be arranged (travel insurance must cover this). We partner with local clinics and medical experts in the region. Safety briefings are given before and during the trek to minimize risk and ensure all trekkers feel secure.

Yes, the Dumji Festival Trek is well-suited for families with older children and active seniors. The pace is moderate, and there are rest days built in for acclimatization. The cultural experience of the festival is engaging for all ages, offering a memorable learning opportunity. Asiana Treks and Tours can tailor the itinerary to suit your group’s comfort level, and porters are available to assist with carrying personal gear.

The festival occurs in early summer (June-July), when days are warm and nights are cool. Expect daytime temperatures between 10–20°C (50–68°F) and colder nights at higher elevations. While generally clear in the mornings, afternoon rain showers are possible due to the approaching monsoon. Asiana Treks and Tours recommends carrying rain gear and dressing in layers. Despite the variability, the lush green landscapes and blooming flowers make this season truly beautiful.

Absolutely! Asiana Treks and Tours specializes in customized trekking itineraries. Whether you want to extend your stay, add a side trip to Everest Base Camp, or include cultural tours in other parts of Nepal, we can design an itinerary just for you. We’re happy to adjust walking distances, rest days, or include more luxurious accommodations depending on your preferences and budget.

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Nepal’s trekking industry. While not mandatory, it’s a way to show gratitude to your guides and porters for their hard work. As a guideline, consider tipping $5–$10 per day for guides and $3–$5 per day for porters. Asiana Treks and Tours will provide tipping guidance in your pre-departure briefing to help you plan accordingly.

Preparation should start at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Focus on building cardiovascular endurance through hiking, cycling, or jogging. Include leg strength exercises and practice walking with a backpack. If possible, do day hikes with altitude gain. Mental preparation is also key—be ready for basic comforts, changing weather, and long walking days. Asiana Treks and Tours provides a fitness and packing guide to all registered trekkers.

Asiana Treks and Tours is a locally based, experienced trekking company with deep roots in Sherpa culture. Our team has longstanding connections in the Khumjung region, giving you an authentic window into the Dumji Festival. We prioritize small groups, safety, sustainability, and cultural respect. With knowledgeable guides, personalized service, and seamless logistics, we ensure your Dumji Festival experience is meaningful, memorable, and hassle-free. Join us to explore the heart of the Himalayas with true Sherpa hospitality.