Arun Valley Trekking (a Less Touristic Area) incredible Trek 2022

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.