ARUN VALLEY TREK
ARUN VALLEY TREK
Arun Valley Trek follows the Arun Valley, along with one of the few rivers that cut through the Himalayas to Tibet.
The route involves flying to Biratnagar and taking a bus to Dharan and Dhankuta/Hille or taking a bus all the way from Kathmandu. Flying to Tumlingtar is a good option on this route, but flights are not very frequent. The route has been designated as part of the Great Himalaya Cultural Trail.
The trail crosses some quite hard passes to join the main Classic Everest trail alter Pangom, near Kharte. Outline notes are given here since we have not done the trek for some years. There are quite a number of reasonable lodges, basic lodges, and homestays now for most to avoid camping. This is one of those routes where hardly ‘live off the land’ adventurous trekkers can invariably also use other homestay options. This means staying with hospitable families en route, utilizing part of their house, living area, kitchen, and unlikely now, their chicken shed or hay barn.
Highlights of Arun Valley Trek.
- Fly to Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Lukla to Kathmandu.
- View of Himalayas Everest, Mera Peak, Makalu, Amadablam, Thamserku, and others
- Ethnic culture, Customs, and lifestyle.
- Isolated valleys and rhododendron forest.
- Charming Arun Valley and Lukla.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu transfer to hotel (1,350m)
On arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met by a representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking who will take you to your 3-star hotel. You can rest at your hotel or stroll around Thamel and do some last-minute shopping and take in the sights.
Day 2 : Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (4,10m) Duration: 45 Minutes.
The best means of getting to Tumlingtar is by plane taking less than one hour. The problem lies in that flights are irregular. An alternative is to fly to Biratnagar, and continue by bus and jeep. There are several lodge in Tumlingtar to choose from.
Day 3 : Trek from Tumlingtar to Chiyabesi (2,80m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail begins with a short descent to the valley floor and then for most of the day follows Arun River Valley. Giddhe is one of the first villages we come to and then we reach Satighat. Most villagers settle above the valley due to it being cooler and less oppressive than living in the breezeless valley. Tonight we stay at Chiyabesi (280m).
Day 4 : Trek from Chiyabesi to Tabular (600m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail continues through the steaming hot Arun Valley before climbing up to the west and then reaches Kkattige (500m) and ascends through Majhuwa (Mardana) into the valley of the Irkhuwa Khola (river). The trail follows a path above the river and passes through Chalise Village and then reaches Tabular where we stay the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Tabular to Dobhane (6,00m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we follow the trail alongside the Pikhuwa Khola (river) and head to Gothe Bazaar. We then cross the Benkhuwa and continue to Negdaha and ultimately Dobhane where we stay the night.
Day 6 : Trek from Dobhane to Salpa Phedi (1,565m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail today follows the more popular Great Himalaya Cultural Trail until we reach Donghae and then Tendo (1475m). Tonight we stay at Salpa Phedi (1565) just below the Salpa Bhanjyang Pass.
Day 7 : Trek from Salpa Phedi to Guranse (2,990m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail today is more demanding as we climb higher toward Guranse. In the first 3 hours it is quite steep and along the way we pass through rhododendron, oak and bamboo forests before reaching Guranse where we stay the night.
Day 8 : Trek from Guranse to Sanam (2,600m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
A large chorten features at the entry to Salpa Pass (3360m), an indication that we are heading into the Tibetan Buddhist region of the trek. As we descend, rather rapidly through rugged terrain we will pass through forest and notice numerous birds and possibly black bear and maybe red pandas. The trail continues via Dhaka (2676m) until we reach Sanam where we will stay overnight.
Day 9 : Trek from Sanam to Bung (1,800m) Duraition: 6-7 hours.
Today will be physically demanding as we ascend and descend throughout the day. We will pass the Rai village of Guidel (1968m) after descending through the forest reach Bung after initially dropping to the Hongu Khola (river). This is a real challenge before reaching our destination Bung, a Rai village, where we stay the night.
Day 10 : Trek from Bung to Gaikharka (2,500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today’s trek is less physically demanding as we follow the trail to Khiraule (2400m) taking around 3 to 4 hours. There is a locally well-known monastery here. From here we climb to Surkhe (3085m). There are some amazing views looking up the Inkhu Khola Valley along the trail before we reach Gaikharka where we stay the night.
Day 11 : Trek from Gaikharka to Pangom (2,846m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today the trail descends to the Inkhu Khola (river) before a very steep climb to Sibu (3942m). The trail then descends to Pangom, which has Hillary school, and is where we will stay overnight.
Day 12 : Trek from Pangom to Puiyan (2,640m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we reconnect with the Classic Everest route and heads to Kharte (2830m) after which we reach Khari La (2840m) where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue until reaching today’s destination Puiyan where we stay the night.
Day 13 : Trek from Puiyan to Lukla (2,860m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today we head toward our departure point at Lukla where we will stay the night. We will have ample time here to explore and relax and take a hot shower.
Day 14 : Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu; Duration: 30 minutes.
Our morning flight will have us reach Kathmandu in around 30 minutes. During the flight you will have a birds-eye view of many of the world’s soaring peaks in the Himalaya Ranges.
Day 15 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure and explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.
SERVICES
Cost Included In Your Package
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure by private vehicles
- Two nights’ standard accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu in a twin-sharing basis including 2 breakfasts.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, the main course) during the trek.
- One highly experienced Sherpa Teams’s government-licensed, English-speaking local guide covering meals, flight, insurance, accommodations, and equipment for the guide.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- All the necessary documents such as Makalu Barun Nationalpark permit fee and TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)
- Trekking lodges or tea houses during the trek
- An assistant guide for the group of 8 pax or above
- Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Lukla to Kathmandu including applicable departure taxes
- Seasonal available fresh fruits every evening after dinner.
- Sherpa Teams' Certificate of appreciations after the successful trek
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Teams’s complimentary free hiking T-shirt
- Oximeter to measure your oxygen and Pulse level during the trek in the mountain, it’s very useful for all the trekkers to be aware of the high altitude sickness.
- Emergency rescue operation assistance in arranging in case of complex health conditions (funded by your Travel Insurance)
- All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses
Cost Excludes
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Extra nights accommodation and meals before and after the trek
- International airfare
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- Travel insurance - insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
- Personal cloths and trekking equipment
- Additional cost, the itinerary modifications or delay caused by out of management control due to the weather condition, illness, change of government policies, strikes, and physical condition, etc.
- Gratitudes to the guides and staffs (Recommended by Nepali culture )
- Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price "inclusive section" of this program
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having the attached bathroom - in Namche and Lukla which is a thriving town seeing many more tourists and a greater range of accommodation. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Khumbu region is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.
Physical fitness
Arun Valley Trek is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 11 Reviews
Kevin Schroeder
Netherlands
August 8, 2024
Unforgettable Journey
Sherpa Expedition’s Arun Valley trek was an unforgettable journey. The team’s meticulous planning and expert guidance ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience. From the lush landscapes of the Arun Valley to the stunning high-altitude views, every part of the trek was beautifully managed. The guides were knowledgeable and personable, providing valuable insights and constant support. Their attention to detail and commitment to safety made the trek both thrilling and comfortable. For a memorable adventure in the Himalayas, Sherpa Expedition offers an exceptional experience.
Youcef Hasan
Germany
July 16, 2024
Seamless Adventure
Our Arun Valley trek with Sherpa Expedition was a seamless adventure. The team’s expertise and attention to detail made the trek smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The diverse beauty of Arun Valley was showcased perfectly, with stunning views and varied terrain. The guides were professional, friendly, and always ready to assist, providing great insights and ensuring our safety. Sherpa Expedition’s dedication to high-quality service and a well-organized trek made this journey a fantastic experience. I highly recommend their services for an unforgettable adventure.
Hannah Nyakio
Australia
May 17, 2024
Remarkable Trekking Experience
The Arun Valley trek with Sherpa Expedition was a remarkable experience. The team’s organization and professionalism were evident throughout the journey, ensuring that everything went smoothly. The trek offered a mix of beautiful landscapes, from lush valleys to majestic peaks. The guides were knowledgeable and attentive, making sure that every aspect of the trek was well-managed and enjoyable. Sherpa Expedition’s commitment to delivering an exceptional trekking experience made this adventure truly memorable. Highly recommended for those seeking a unique Himalayan trek.
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