Arun Valley Trek, an off-the-beaten trail in Nepal, is probably one of the best trekking programs for those who prefer less- touristy areas but rich in cultural and biological diversity. Arun Valley is located in the eastern section of the Himalayan range right between Mt. Everest (world’s highest mountain) and Mt. Makalu (fifth highest). Because of this geographical variation, Arun Valley is often known as the world’s deepest valley. Sherpa and Rai are major inhabitants of this region where Bramin and Chhetri communities are also living harmoniously. The trek offers visits to ancient Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples.
Trekking through Arun Valley requires great stamina and determination as you will walk following a classical route that passes through wild landscape, rivers & streams and dense jungle. In fact, much of the trail covers Makalu Barun National Park Area which is home to more than 315 butterfly species, 440 bird species, 88 species of mammals and 315 species of butterflies, 25 species of rhododendron, 47 types of orchids and 56 rare plants. The common wild animals found in the region are musk deer, wild boar, mountain goats, colorful pheasants, rare Red Pandas and even Snow Leopards. Pine, juniper and birch trees are common here, as well as colorful rhododendron flowers in spring. Arun Valley is also popular for beekeeping and wild honey hunting.
Arun valley trekking offers spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse, Mera Peak, Kusum, Kanguru, Kangtega, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku and so many other beautiful mountains. The spectacular view point of this trek is Salpa Bhanjyang which leads to the serene Salpa Lake (3414m). Trekkers will have the opportunity to visit Barun and Hinku Valleys by crossing Barun La (4110m) and Sherpani col as well as Khumbu Valley. Arun Valley trek is possible to end at Lukla or Salleri or can also be combined with Everest Base Camp trek or Gokyo Lake trek. One of the most beautiful aspects of this trek is that length can be determined according to the timeframe of trekkers..
After arriving in Tumlingtar you will immediately start trekking towards Kartike which takes about 5 hrs. The trail goes downhill all the way to Arun River, crosses the river over a suspension bridge to reach Bheteni Village. From here the trail passes through a settlement of Rai, Chhetri and Brahmin communities and arrives at Kartike Ghat. It is also popular for bees and honey.
Stay overnight at lodge.
After breakfast, leave Kartike Ghat on a path along rice fields, passing villages of Baluwa, Benshi (320 m) and Danda. The trek then descends to Gothe Bazaar via Mardua. Gurung and Rai are main inhabitants at Gothe Bazaar.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Today the trail continues through villages and rice fields before crossing Irkhuwa Khola over a long suspension bridge. You will then enter Phedi village in Inkhuwa Valley before arriving at Phedi. Phedi has an old Buddhist monastery.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning after breakfast, at the beginning you will follow a stone staircase and later walk through rhododendron and oak forests. En route you will come across Bebate village and then reach Guranse. This village produces the best barley in the region.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Today you will walk slowly as the trail ascends in altitude. You will first walk through forests to arrive at Salpa Pokhari and then cross Salpa pass to reach the Lake. After 1-2 hours of walking, you will reach a beautiful Sherpa village called Sanam with full of terraces.
Stay overnight at lodge.
After early morning breakfast, you will hike through oak and pine forest on the first part of the trek. Later you will cross Hongu Khola to reach Bung Village. There is a paper factory and a monastery in Bung.
Stay overnight at lodge.
At the beginning you will trek through Rai village where you will visit Khiraule Gompa. Afterwards you will enter Bung valley. The trail then descends all the way to Gaikharka passing through Bamboo forest.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Today you will start the trek through forest for sometimes and then cross Hinku Khola to reach Sibjue Valley. You will then walk through forest and climb Pangum La pass which offers great view of Mera Peak.
Stay overnight at lodge.
You will make an easy downhill walk from Pangum Pass to Pangum Gompa. Pangum gompa is an old monastery containing rare, ancient Buddhist script.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Today is a free day to explore village and surrounding viewpoints. Visit nearby villages and interact with local people.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning after breakfast, start trek from Pangum towards Kari La Pass. The trail gradually ascends to the Pass and after crossing it, you will get down to Paiyan. From Paiyan you will walk 1 hr to reach Kharikhola.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Start your trek by crossing Dudhkosi River followed by a climb over an alpine forest. The view of Lukla valley comes into focus from the trail. You will visit a Buddhist gompa on the way before reaching Taksindu.
Stay overnight at lodge.
At the beginning the trail passes through a dense forest. Today you will enjoy great view of Mt. Everest from the trail. You will pass through Ringmo village before arriving at Salleri.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Enjoy scenic views of mountains, hills, rivers and villages along the way.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Chacha Amwa
Dear Nava,
Thank you so much for the service you provided us for our trek during our first visit in Nepal in 2006. All the arrangements organized by your company Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition for our group was superb and the guide Sujan was relly excellent and knowledgeable about the route, people and culture. We highly appreciate you and your management team for the wonderful service and I personally recommend your company to my friends and others who like to visit Nepal in the future.
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