Arun Valley Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Options in Kathmandu & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade:	Moderate
Max. Altitude:	3,350 m/10,991 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size :	2 to 10 People
Duration :	15 Nights/16 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Trek to the World's deepest Arun Valley and Nepal's biggest Glacier River
Trek to the two different regions, Everest Region and Makalu Region
Get the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse and many
Trek through the numerous Isolated Hill and Mountain Villages
Experience the different Nepalese Culture of Rai, Limbu, Brahmin, Chettri and Sherpa People
Visit Sacred Salpa Pokhari and get best view of Mt. Makalu and Chamlang
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar (285 m/935 ft)-35 Minutes and Trek to Kartike (525 m/1,722 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Gothe Bazaar (775m/2,543 ft) -6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Phedi (1,680 m/5,512 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Guranse (2,880 m/9,449 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Sanam (2,650 m/8,694 ft) crossing Salpa La Pass (3,350 m/10,991 ft)- 5 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Bung (1,900 m/6,234 ft) - 5 Hours

Day 09: Trek to Gaikharka (2,300 m/7,546 ft)-6 Hours

Day 10: Trek to Vasme (2,500 m/8,202 ft)- 5 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Panggom (2,810 m/9,219 ft) - 5 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Paiya (2,730 m/8,957 ft) crossing Kari La Pass (3,145 m/10,318 ft) - 6 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2,880m/9,450 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu - 35 Minutes

Day 15: Contingency Day

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Arun Valley Trek is another nature’s Hidden Gem in the Northern Eastern part of Nepal. It is located in Makalu region and lies between world’s highest Mt. Everest and fifth highest mountain, Mt. Makalu and passes through Rai, Limbu and Sherpa Settlements with abundance of Natural beauty. This Arun valley Trail passes through the world’s deepest Arun Valley, Nepal’s biggest glacier river and gives trekkers fabulous nature and mountain views, diversified culture and vivid landscapes. It takes trekkers to the two different regions of Nepal's mountain, Everest Region and Makalu Region and gives the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Lhotse among many more.

Arun Valley Trek starts with a flight to Tumlingtar and passes the quiet trail of valley and come cross to Phakding and to Lukla before we fly back to Kathmandu. Trail goes inside the Makalu Barun Conservation Area from Bung. During the trek, we pass different villages of Limbu, Rai, Brahmin and Chettris and visit sacred Hindu pond, Salpa Pokhari and also admire the view of Chamlang and Mt. Makalu from the top of Salpa Bhangyang (Pass).

The best season for Trekking to Arun Valley is Spring and Autumn and can be continue to Everest Region from Phadking.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek and equipment check by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar (285 m/935 ft)-35 Minutes and Trek to Kartike (525 m/1,722 ft)- 4 Hours

In the morning, we fly to Tumlingtar in the Eastern Nepal which is the biggest valley between Arun River and Sabha River. After arriving at Tumlingtar, we begin our first leg of the trek to Chewa Besi for lunch crossing Kumal Goan and Bheteni. We see the Chamalang Mountain to the far left and Makalu to the far right. After lunch, we continue to the south along the east bank of Arun River Rai, Brahmin and Chetteri villages to Kartike village which is famous for Bees and Honey.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Kartike Ghat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Gothe Bazaar (775m/2,543 ft) -6 Hours

After breakfast, we commence our trek passing through meadows and cross a suspension bridge over Arun River and reach a small village of Baluwa Besi. Then our train goes uphill through Sal forest and passes many several villages before we continue through rice terrace fields and reac Marduwa, a Rai village. Then we continue along the Irkhuwa Khola through rice fields and banana fields and arrive at Gothe Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Gothe Bazaar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Phedi (1,680 m/5,512 ft)- 6 Hours

We ascend passing by the Rai and Sherpa villages and cross a suspension bridge over Irkhuwa khola and reach Dobane. Then our trail passes through the beautiful villages of Tedor and Lower Phedi and ascends through terraced rice fields and continues through dense forest following the south bank of Irkhuwa Khola. We reach Phedi walking through the winding trail in the riverbed of Irkhuwa khola.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Phedi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Guranse (2,880 m/9,449 ft)- 6 Hours

From Phedi, we climb along the small streams through the dense forest and we reach the Thulo Fokte village and cross the stone path through the forest. Again we climb through the forest of Oak, Birch and Rhododendron and reach the top of Bilbate. From Bilbate, we descend to the Guranse Village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Guranse.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Sanam (2,650 m/8,694 ft) crossing Salpa La Pass (3,350 m/10,991 ft)- 5 Hours

Today our trail goes on a rough trail and passes Salpa La Pass at 3,350 m. Before Salpa La Pass, we visit Salpa Pokhari (Pond) which is one of the holy ponds for Hindu people and each year in full moon of October, lots of pilgrims visit the lake. From Salpa La Pass, we are rewarded by the great view of Makalu and Chamlang. Then we continue descending through Rhododendron forest and reach Dhaka. After lunch, we descend for a while and ascend uphill to Sanam.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Sanam.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Bung (1,900 m/6,234 ft) - 5 Hours

After breakfast, we descend through the forest of Rhododendron, Oaks, Chir Pine to arrive at Sorung village and continue to Rai village of Gudel. Then we walk down to cross a suspension bridge over Hinku River. After crossing the bridge, we continue through the terraced fields and the reach the beautiful Rai village of Bung where we show our entry permit for Makalu Barun Conservation Area.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Bung.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Trek to Gaikharka (2,300 m/7,546 ft)-6 Hours

We descend steep through the cliff of a hill covered by Bamboo and pass Najindingma village and reach the open area of Savannah which used to be a summer grazing place for Yaks of the surrounding villagers. We also visit Boksam Gompa. Then we descend down to Gaikharkha which has many green terraces and farmhouses.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Gaikharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Vasme (2,500 m/8,202 ft)- 5 Hours

Today we descend on the edge and walk many ups and downs across the ravines and moraines. Then our trail slowly descends and we continue ascending through the Rhododendron and Juniper forest alongside Hinku River and reach Vasme also known as Sibuje. From Vasme, we get the far view of Mera Peak and the Upper Khumbu Region.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Vasme.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Panggom (2,810 m/9,219 ft) - 5 Hours

After we leave Vasme village, our trail goes through Rhododendron forest. Then we make a steep ascend through the forest to reach the top of Pangum La Pass at 3,174 m from where we get the magnificent view of Mera peak, Kusum Kanguru, Kangtega peak along with many others. After spending few times at the top, we descend through the ridge and arrive at Panggom, a Sherpa village. At Panggom, we can visit Paldi Orken Choling Gompa and Hillary School.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Panggom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Paiya (2,730 m/8,957 ft) crossing Kari La Pass (3,145 m/10,318 ft) - 6 Hours

Today, we leave the Arun Valley trail and get to the trail of Classical Everest Region. We ascend thought the lush forest of Rhododendron and Oak. Continuing on the ridge takes us to the top of Kari La Pass at 3,145m which gives the great views of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku and Kangtega. From the pass, we walk down through the steep trail and cross a wooden bridge over Paiya Khola and reach Paiya in a while.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Paiya.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2,880m/9,450 ft)- 6 Hours

The trail now leaves the tributary valley and heads more directly north towards Chaurikharka. Before ascending; the main trail crosses a spectacular deep gorge with a high waterfall. Chaurikharka, a large scattered village with a monastery and a high school, is the breadbasket of the Khumbu area, as the land is fertile and crops like barley, wheat, and green vegetables are grown. After this village, the trail from Lukla joins that towards Phakding. Then we walk the way to Lukla and end our Arun Valley Trek. This is our last day of the trek. After much deserving long shower, you may consider treating trekking crews in the evening at Lukla.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lukla.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu - 35 Minutes

After early breakfast at Lukla, we fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you can rest whole day unless you have any plan. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of Arun Valley Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Contingency Day

Lukla flight highly depends on weather. So, we keep one day extra if in case flight to/from Lukla get cancelled because of weather. If the flight happens as planned, we may do some extra sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
4 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charges.
11 Nights/12 Days All Inclusive Arun Valley Trek with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in Local Tea Houses and Lodges.
Kathmandu/Tumlingtar and Lukla/Kathmandu flight with necessary transfers.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Insurance for Guide, porters and Sherpa with their meals, accommodation and daily allowances.
First Aid Kit and Duffel Bag.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable Entrance Fees.
Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Kathmandu.
All necessary permits for Makalu Barun Conservation Area and Trekkers Information Management System/TIMS Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners.
Donation to the Monasteries.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.