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..
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our airport representative. You will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands and then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
A day in Kathmandu for trip preparation. This day you will get your trek’s brief and arrange trekking permits for the trek. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (510m.) takes about 45 minutes. On the same day, you will trek from Tumlingtar to Kartike Ghat which takes about 5 hours 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. This place is popular for bees and honey. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Kartike Ghat to Gothe takes about 6 hours 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 the main inhabitants of Gothe Bazaar. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Gothe Bazaar to Salpa Phedi (1680m) takes about 5 hours. 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.
Trek from Salpa Phedi to Guranse (2880m) takes about 5 hours. The trek initially follows a stone staircase that leads you towards 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.
Trek from Guranse to Sanam takes about 5 hours. You will walk slowly as the trail goes up in altitude. Walk through rhododendron forests and eventually cross Salpa pass to arrive at Salpa Pokhar. Another 1-2 hours of walking will reach you to beautiful Sherpa village called Sanam surrounded by terraced fields. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Sanam to Bung (1900m) takes about 7 hours. After early morning breakfast, you will hike through oak and pine forest before crossing Hongu Khola to reach Bung Village. The village has a paper factory and a monastery. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Bung to Gaikharka takes about 6 hrs. 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.
Trek from Gaikharka to Pangum (2850m) takes about 7 hrs. 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.
Trek from Pangum to Paiya (2730 m.) via Kharte takes about 7 hours. Villages of Bupasa and Kharikhola are visible along the trail. You will then cross the Kari La Pass (3145 m) to reach your ultimate destination, Paiya. Views from Kari La pass top are superb. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Paiya to Lukla (2860 m.) takes about 4 hours. Today is an easy day walking to Lukla. You will pass charming Sherpa villages while walking to Lukla. En route, you will have wonderful mountain scenery. Stay overnight at lodge.
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which approximately takes 45 minutes. This mountain flight offers a final opportunity to take in the breathtaking Himalayan peaks from the comfort of your seat. Lukla-Kathmandu flights operate exclusively in the morning, usually between 6 AM and 11 AM, as strong gales make air travel unsafe for the rest of the day.
Free day in Kathmandu for recreation and shopping. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Our representative will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for final departure according to your flight time.
a) Kathmandu
b) Trekking
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.
See less...Nepal , Annapurna Trek 14 Days
Nepal , Ganesh Himal Trek 16 Days
Nepal , Wilderness Trek 21 Days