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Arun Valley Trekking Trip Fact

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    Trip Style : Trekking and Culture Exploration
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    Trip Difficulty : Strenuous Plus
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    Trip Guide : Guided Trekking
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    Destination : Makalu, Nepal
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    Max Altitude : 5,240 Meters - 17,191 Ft
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    Daily Walking Hours : Approx. 5-7 Hours Walking
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    Accomodation: Lodge + Camping
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    Food : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
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    Start-End : Kathmandu - kathmandu
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    Transport : Aeroplane, Jeeps or Tourist Bus
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    Best Season : March to June and September to December

Arun Valley Trekking Overview

Arun valley trekking offers amazing views of both Mount Everest and Mount Makalu. It is located between Everest national park and Makalu-Barun National park. Still, Arun valley is a less touristic area but it has significant views of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu and hundreds of other mountains just on your eyes. Arun valley trekking is a stunning and adventure trekking trail for trekkers who do not want to encounter a mass influx of tourists on the way but want equally enjoy monumental landscapes and splendid views of silvery mountains.

The tempting views of the Arun River and valleys can be seen from the way of trekking. The area of Arun valley is blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty and culture. Rai, Limbus, and Sherpa are the main habitats of this area. We start our trekking from Timlingtar the famous small market of eastern Nepal and end in Lukla airport. We will have a short and scenic flight from Kathmandu to Timlingtar and Lukla to Kathmandu.

The Arun Valley is an area in Nepal located between Mt. Everest and the Makalu-Barun National Park and contains a wide array of flora and fauna, including 650 bird species, 800 species of butterfly, and rare and endangered pandas. Book now to experience the wonder and raw natural beauty of the Nepalese countryside.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy a less touristic area with breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, and many more beautiful mountains
  • Discover the beautiful Arun Valley, in the Everest Region of Nepal
  • Explore an incredible diversity of natural beauty
  • See lovely green hills, valleys, fields and forests, as well as lakes and rivers
  • Witness animal species such as birds, butterflies and pandas
  • Visit and learn about the traditions and culture of the local communities

Arrive at Kathmandu Airport, one of us will be standing at Airport with your name card, reception, and transfer to the hotel. Orientation of the trip. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BB
  • itinery-iconPlace: Kathmandu
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,350m

Ideally take the plane to Tumlingtar, since it takes less than an hour. However, flights are not very regular these days. The alternative is a flight to Biratnagar, then buses and jeeps. The worst choice is taking a ghastly bus all the way from Kathmandu-best not to dwell on that prospect. Tumlingrar (410 m) has a few basic lodges.  

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tumlingtar
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,10m

The route follows the hot Arun Valley all day. A short descent is in order from Tumlingrar to reach the banks of the Arun. The jeep track trail passes through poor settlements where traditional houses were once built on stilts to catch any breeze. Giddhe is one of the first villages with basic lodges. Satighat is the main place en route. Most of the inhabitants live upon the hillsides, where the heat is less oppressive. We stay at Chiyabesi (280m). Overnight at a basic lodge. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Chiyabesi
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,80m

The trail continues along the hot and humid Arun Valley before climbing west. Just after Kkattike (500m) the route turns west and climbs through Majhuwa (Mardana) into the side valley of the Likhuwa (Irkhuwa) Khola. Keeping generally well above the river, the path goes through the small settlement of Chalise, which has a homestay. Later across the river is Tabular (600m). with a lodge. Trekkers making faster progress will most likely get well past here in a day.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tabular
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:6,00m

The route continues along the Likhuwa Khola. The trail heads to Gothe Bazar. The Benkhuwa River is crossed on a bridge near here. Further on Dobhane (930m) has pretty basic lodgings.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Dobhane
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:9,30m

The Trek route here is following the designated Great Himalaya Cultural Trail. From Donghae, the path climbs initially but keeps well below sales and generally keeps above the river to Tendo (1475m). All trekkers overnight at Salpa Phedi (1565), since it lies below the Salpa Bhanjyang pass. There are basic lodges. Overnight at a lodge. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Salpa Phedi
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,550m

It’s a really tough call getting as far as Sanam with such a big altitude gain from Phedi to the Pass. Leaving Salpa Phedi, the trail immediately starts out as it means to continue, for at least 3 hours. The initial, very steep climb passes through the bamboo country before oak and rhododendron replace it. Guranse (2990m) is at least 1 hour before the pass. Overnight at a lodge.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Guranse
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,990m

A large chorten marks the Salpa pass. The first sign of Buddhist territory. Heading on up from Guranse, the Salpa Pass (3360m) is soon at hand. The descent is no less gentle, especially at first. This is a very wild country and birdlife is prolific in the dense forest. Less likely to be encountered are black bears and sometimes red pandas. After the tiny Salpa Pokhari lake the route continues its momentum via Dhaka (2676m), also called wakkha. It’s quite a long haul to the main settlement at Sanam (2,000m). The village is compact and neat, with a small old monastery and a newer one. There is a lodge near the Gompa.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Sanam
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,000m

Today is a typical day in the middle hills descend a lot, climb a lot, sweat a lot. En route is the first Sherpa settlement has a couple of gompas and some confusing trails. Further on all the fun starts at Guidel (1968m) after a descent through the forest. A bung is barely 3km as the crow flies across the valley but virtually a whole day is needed to surmount this. The drop to the Hongu Khola is testing. The climb through cloud forest bamboo is energy-sapping. Bung (1800m) is a large spread-out place, so there’s another Rai village; its name means ‘pretty flower’ in Rai. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Bung
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,800m

After the previous day’s exertions, it’s a relief to have an easier day. From Bung a steady climb takes the route around the hillside to Khiraule (2400m) in 3 to 4 hours. There is a locally famed monastery set in a ring of trees and a good lodge makes it tempting to stop here. Ahead the trail climbs to the Surkhe La (3085m). Again it’s a wearying slog, but there are views up the Inkhu Valley. Down the hill, after passing.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Gaikharka
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,400m

If you thought bung was the end of the seemingly wasteful height gains on this trek, think again. Today the route drops to the deeply cut Inkhu Khola (1830m). The next stage is severe, with the climbing trail making for Sibu (2832). Sibu(Shibucvhe ) has a few lodges and a homestay. Forest again blocks the views up to the Narkung AL pass (3286), also called the Pangkoma La. The path makes a short descent to Pangom (3050m). It boasts a Hillary school and is a pleasant place to lodge overnight.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Pangom
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,050m

Leaving sunny pangom, the route drops around the ridges and hillsides to join the Classic Everest route. En route Kharte (2830m) is above the newer main trail via Kharikhola. There is a simple lunch spot at the Khari La (3415m) en route. Following this higher trail eventually takes the Arun Valley trekker to puritan (2730m) and the regular trail for Namche.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Puiyan
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,730m

The route is described above under the Classic Everest Trek. Need to climb up it takes about four hours and overnight at Lukla.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Lodge
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Lukla
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,880m

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain trek. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate our trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BB
  • itinery-iconPlace: Kathmandu
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,350m

Your adventure journey comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Alpine Eco Trek will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Want to Tailor this itinerary?

  • small-thumbnails All necessary Airport pick up and drop as per the above program.
  • small-thumbnails Standard hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • small-thumbnails Sightseeing tour as per the above program.
  • small-thumbnails Necessary flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, Lukla to Kathmandu.
  • small-thumbnails Restricted area permits with national park fees.
  • small-thumbnails All meals (B/L/D) during the trekking period.
  • small-thumbnails Accommodation (Camping + Teahouse) during the trekking period.
  • small-thumbnails English speaking guide and highly experienced staffs.
  • small-thumbnails Staffs food, clothing, salary and their insurance.
  • small-thumbnails All necessary grounded transportation.
  • small-thumbnails Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • small-thumbnails Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
  • small-thumbnails Our service charges with VAT and Local / Government Taxes.
  • small-thumbnails Personal nature expenses.
  • small-thumbnails Bar bill and all kind of drinks.
  • small-thumbnails Rescue & Evacuation.
  • small-thumbnails Gratitude (tip) for staff.

Useful Information

The Arun valley trekking provides really superior views of both Mt Everest and Mount Makalu. It is located between Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Park. Arun valley is a non-touristic area but it has significant views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and other mountains just on your eyes.

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Trip Reviews

We take great pride in taking care of our guests

  • December 26, 2022

Arun Valley trek – an incredible 2 weeks adventure

It’s an incredible 2 weeks of non-tourist trekking in the Everest and Makalu regions. Alpine Eco Trek is the best company that organized the Arun Valley Trek. From the hotels in Kathmandu to flights, jeeps and guides and porters to lodges, everything was well organized. Our guide Ranjit Rai is very nice, he knows the area really well, and his English is excellent.We are glad that we chose the most exciting and beautiful area, we thoroughly enjoyed the trek. And, we highly recommend the Alpine Eco Trek to everyone looking to trek in the Arun Valley.

  • Chan C
    Singapore
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Ram Kumar Adhikari

Manager/Owner
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Sangita Adhikari

Management Head
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Ram Gopal Adhikari

Trip Co-ordinator
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