Arun Valley Trek

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Duration

15 Days

Trip Type

Lodge Trek

Grade

Moderate

Max. Elevation

3145 m.

Transportation

Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Lukla to KathmanduÂ by Flight

Min. Group Size

2 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

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..

Day to Day Itinerary

Day1Arrival

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

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.

Day2Trip Preparation Day

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

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.

Day3Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kartike Ghat

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

510 m.

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.

Day4Kartike Ghat - Gothe

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

700 m.

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.

Day5Gothe Bazaar – Salpa Phedi

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

1680 m.

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.

Day6Salpa Phedi - Guranse

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2880 m.

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.

Day7Guranse - Sanam

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2850 m.

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.

Day8Sanam - Bung

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

1900 m.

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.

Day9Bung - Gaikharka

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2300 m.

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.

Day10Gaikharka - Pangum

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2850 m.

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.

Day11Pangum - Paiya

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2730 m.

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.

Day12Paiya - Lukla

Food/Meals

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Max Elevation

2860 m.

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.

Day13Lukla - Kathmandu

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

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.

Day14Rest day in Kathmandu

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Free day in Kathmandu for recreation and shopping. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day15Departure

Food/Meals

Breakfast

Max Elevation

1400 m.

Our representative will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for final departure according to your flight time.

Price includes the following services

a) Kathmandu

All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast at 3-star standard hotel
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

b) Trekking

Trekking guide
1 porter for 2 participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek
Accommodation in lodges during the trek
Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, and trekking poles if required
Entry permits for Makalu Barun National Park
Entry permits for Sagarmatha National Park
Local government entry fee
Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals, accommodation, salary, transport, insurance, and equipment for the guide and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT, and service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured with a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment costs)

Service Excludes

Personal expenses (telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot showers, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel/Medical insurance
Tips for guide and porter
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

Explore the route

Altitude & route map

Select a preview to open a large, zoomable view.

Arun Valley Trek Altitude Graph

Additional Information

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.

Client Reviews

Chacha AmwaIndonesia

We highly appreciate you and your management team for the wonderful service

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.

Oct 20, 2006

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