Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be kindly welcomed by our team and later you will be taken to your hotel. Feel free to enjoy your day here in Kathmandu. You will stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 02 : Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.
The early morning flight from Kathmandu gives us attractive views of the hills, gorges, and the eastern Himalayas until we land in Tumlingtar. Upon arrival in Tumlingtar, you walk through the forested trail and descend through the farms to reach Kumal Gaon, situated on the edge of a broad hill. We move through the eastern bank of Arun River, crossing it on a bridge leading to the settlement of Bheteni. From here, walk to Chewabesi (250m) and stop here to take the lunch. Passing through the sub-tropical forest, continue south along the east bank of Arun River through Rai, Chettri, and Brahmin villages to reach the lively village of Kartike. Overnight in Kartike.
Day 03: Kartike – Gothe (775m)
Walk through the meadows to pass the bridge over Arun River to reach the tiny village of Baluwa Besi. The trail climbs into Sal forest and passes several villages before continuing on a trail through rice terraces to reach the Rai village of Marduwa. The trail then continues along the Irkhuwa Khola through rice and banana farms to arrive in Gothe Bazaar. Overnight in Gothe.
Day 04: Gothey – Phedi (1680m)
Ascend through Rai and Sherpa villages crossing suspension bridges over Irkhuwa Khola to reach Dobane. Pass through the beautiful villages of Tendor and Tallo Phedi, and ascend through terraced fields and later through damp forest area following the south bank of Irkhuwa Khola. A winding trail through the riverbed of Irkhuwa Khola brings us to Phedi. Overnight in Phedi.
Day 05: Phedi – Gurase (2880m)
Ascend from Phedi to climb along small streams through the densely forested trail. After ascending, reach the village of Thulo Fokte and cross the stone path through the forest, with lots of sunny clearings for occasional rests. Climb up towards the forest of oak, birch, and rhododendron, and drop down from the top of Bilbate. Further walking for about 30 minutes, we reach the village of Gurase. Overnight in Gurase.
Day 06: Gurase – Sanam (2850m)
Today the trail begins after passing through lush rhododendron forest to reach Salpa Pokhari. Situated in Salpa Bhanjyang, Salpa Pokhari is a holy pond, visited by throngs of Hindu pilgrims each year during the full moon of October. The area is bounded by hemlock and fir trees and is abundant with various birds, flora, and fauna. Glimpses of Makalu (8463m) and Chamlang (7321m) can be seen from Salpa Bhanjyang. Reach the open part with loose stones and rhododendrons above Salpa Bhanjyang and descend to the mainstream. Move on the path across the hillside and through the moist forest to reach Sanam. Overnight in Sanam.
Day 07: Sanam – Bung (1900m)
Descend through the forest of rhododendron, brown oaks, and chir pines towards the village of Sorung. About two hours trek from Shorung, we reach the Rai village of Gudel. Cross Hinku River on a steel suspension bridge, after which the main trail descends through a collage of rice, millet and soybean terraces to reach the village of Bung. We need our Makalu Barun Conservation Area entry permit to enter Bung. Overnight in Bung.
Arun Valley Trek route is situated in the Makalu region, Arun Valley is blessed with the vast diversity of natural wonders and indigenous culture. This valley lies between the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest (8848 m), and the fifth highest mountain, Makalu (8463m), and boasts of an abundance of nature. Due to the presence of these mighty Himalayas, the quiet trails through the Rai and Sherpa settlements of Arun Valley Trek become more gorgeous and heartwarming.
Day 08: Bung – Gaikharka
Descend steeply through the cliff of a hill covered in wispy bamboo. Pass Najindingma village and enter a clear area of savannah, used as summer grazing of yaks by the people from surrounding settlements. Another one and the half hour drop across damp forest takes us to Gaikharka. Here, you’ll have pleasing views of green terraces and dispersed farmhouses. Overnight in Gaikharka.
Day 09: Gaikharka – Vasme
Descend through the edge to walk through numerous ups and downs across the ravines and old moraines. The trail slowly descends and later ascends through the rhododendron and juniper forest alongside Hinku River to reach Vasme. Vasme offers a distant view of Mera Peak (6476m) along with the glimpses of the Upper Khumbu region. Overnight in Vasme.
Day 10: Vasme – Panggom (2804m)
Begin by passing the small village of Vasme through the rhododendron forest. A steep ascend through the forest takes us to the top of Panggom La Pass (3174m), from where amazing views of the snow covered Mera Peak (6476m), Kusum Kanguru (6367m), Kangtega (6685m), and other peaks can be seen. Then a steep descend through the ridge takes us takes us to the beautiful Sherpa village of Panggom. Here, we can visit the PaldiOrken Choling Gompa and Hillary School. Overnight in Panggom.
Day 11: Panggom – Paiya (2730).
Ascending through the lush forest of rhododendron and oak, we head towards the village of Paiya. A gradual ascend through the ridge takes us to the top of Kari La (3145m), which serves as a vantage point to view the beauty of Kusum Kanguru (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), and Kangtega (6685m). Afterward, descend gradually and cross a wooden bridge above Paiya Khola and head towards Paiya. Overnight in Paiya.
Day 12: Paiya – Phakding (2610m)
From Paiya, ascend gradually through the lush forest with mixed vegetation to arrive in Chutok La (2945m). Then a slow descend takes us to Surke, from where the trail ascends through Chheplung and Nurning to reach Phakding. En route, we pass many small monasteries and Mani walls before reaching the small Sherpa village of Phakding. Phakding hosts an amazing view of Kusum Kangaru (6367m) and Thamserku (6608m). Overnight in Phakding.
Day 13: Phakding to Lukla
Leaving Phakding, cross the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River and descend through rhododendron and pine forests to reach Lukla. We cross many Buddhist villages and their prayer flags on the way to Lukla. On reaching Lukla, we celebrate our accomplishment. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 14: Fly From Lukla – Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla (40 minutes) with the views of the mighty Himalayas. From the airport, we drive you to the hotel, after which you can enjoy the whole day resting in your room or shopping in the nearby markets. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 15: Departure
Today is your final day in Nepal. After breakfast, our team will drop you at the airport before the scheduled time. We hope to see you again.
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