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Arun Valley Trek – 19 Days

Facts of the trip

Trip Code: AVT 15
Trip Duration: 18 days
Max. Altitude: 5400m
Grade: Challenging
Program Type: Trekking
Trek Start Point: Tumlingtar
Trek End Point: Lukla
Accommodation: Teahouse / Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee
Mode of Travel: Adventures
Transportation: Car / Bus / Flight
Minimum Pax: 05
Best season: September to November and March to May

Makalu Arun Valley Trek are really non-touristy trekking trail in Nepal. Arun valley is located between the Sagarmatha(Mt. Everest) and Makalu-Barun National Parks. Arun valley trekking offers superb Himalayan scenery including the Mount Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt.Baruntse, Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Nuptse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt.Thamserku.

More than 650 species of birds and over 800 species of butterflies, a shelter of the rare and endangered Panda. Orchids and other flowers along a faint jungle trail, swirl prayer flags at Shipton La… Walking through this picturesque Sherpa village are the attraction of the Arun valley region. Arun valley trek is an incredible diversity of natural beauty and culture. Trekking in Arun valley provides an alternative approach to the Khumbu region trekking.

Makalu at 8481m. is the fifth highest mountain the world and lies on the Nepal – Tibet border. The extensive views of all major peaks, East of Everest are the main highlights of this fascinating trek. Seldom traveled the terrain make an approach to Makalu on foot centers around the Arun Valley.

This Arun River rises in Tibet and consists of snowmelt waters from the northern flanks of the Everest and Kanchenjunga. Before it breaks through the Himalayan chain at a height of only 1200m. 35km. East of the Makalu.

Makalu Arun Valley Trek requires endurance and fitness to fully appreciate the beauty of the Arun valley region. Arun valley trek requires stamina and fitness to fully appreciate the beauty of the region. It provides some outstanding mountain views.


Day 01:- Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long fight. After fresh then we will   have meeting with your trekking guide and discuss about the equipment needed for the trekking and we will process for the trekking permits. During this visit we will help you check your equipment and facilitate the processing of other necessary items such as National Park Permits, special permits etc. If you arrive at night we will have same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast.

Day 02:- The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture are highlighted on our guided tour. On return to your hotel you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the popular streets.

Day 03:- Today we take a flight to Biratnagar of about 30-40 min. Biratnagar is an industrial city in the lowlands of Eastern Nepal. From here we take a drive to Hille viewing all around the spectacular sceneries of lowlands. Hille is a Tibetan settlement valley which would be our first place for overnight camping.

Day 04:- Today we will have a long day working trail. We will pass along the mangmaya Khola which is great for birds, monkeys and other animals. You can try out fishing for some time. The down elevation is easy and the cool breezes throughout the trek gives you feel of Arun valley. From Surtibari, we would descend onward to Tumlingtar. Tumlingtar is the main gateway to the Makalu region that sprawls across a broad plateau near the confluence of the Arun River and Sabha Khola. Stay your night in hotel.

Day 05:- Follow the main trail downhill past farms to Kumal Gaon, on the edge of a broad plateau. We followed the Arun River east, crossing it on a cantilevered metal bridge to the village of Bheteni. From here we would walk for about an hour to Chyawabesi (250m) for the lunch. Passing through the sub tropical forest, the trail continues south along the east bank of Arun through a series of small Rai, Chettri and Brahman villages. With little exploration of these villages we will reach a lively village Kartike. Your overnight stay will be ata tea house at Kartike.

Day 06:- Walk through the fields for 30 minutes to cross the rusty metal bridge. Set amongst terraced rice fields on the bank of the Arun Koshi, eventually we will roll into the tiny village of Balawa Besi (320m). The trail climbs into groves of sal trees above to the Bharta and Nepali Danda villages and then crosses the ridge. Offering the first glimpse of the verdant Arun valley, the trail continues a steady rise through the cascade of rice terraces, passing the Rai villages of Marduwa at 1500m. Gradual descend to the whitewashed village of Chalise Nepali Danda. The trail continues along the north bank of the Irkhuwa Khola through a steamy landscape of rice terraces and banana plantations to Gothe Bazaar. Spend your night in Gothe, staying at the mouth of Benkhuwa Khola.

Day 07:- Walk through the fields for 30 minutes to cross the rusty metal bridge. Set amongst terraced rice fields on the bank of the Arun Koshi, eventually we will roll into the tiny village of Balawa Besi (320m). The trail climbs into groves of sal trees above to the Bharta and Nepali Danda villages and then crosses the ridge. Offering the first glimpse of the verdant Arun valley, the trail continues a steady rise through the cascade of rice terraces, passing the Rai villages of Marduwa at 1500m. Gradual descend to the whitewashed village of Chalise Nepali Danda. The trail continues along the north bank of the Irkhuwa Khola through a steamy landscape of rice terraces and banana plantations to Gothe Bazaar. Spend your night in Gothe, staying at the mouth of Benkhuwa Khola.

Day 08:- Pass through the sprawling villages of Tendor and Tallo Phedi with their tidy slate-roofed houses, cutting in and out of the forest. The trail leads upward through terraces lands with rice fields that seem impossibly green, divided by trickling irrigation channel. It passes through damp patches of forest following the south bank. The trail follows the bottom of the fertile rice growing Irkhuwa valley, crossing the river on a rickety bamboo bridge. Take the path running over the Sanu Khola to Phedi. Visit nearby ruined Stupa and a tiny disused Gompa.

Day 09:- The ascent from Phedi is perilously steep, climbing along the spur that divides the Irkhuwa Khola and Sanu Khola. After ascending another 100m from Jaubire, approach the sprawling village of Thulo Fokte (2140m). Crossing gentle stone path, it’s a pleasant ascent through the forest, with lots of sunny clearings for rest stops. Climbing up towards forest of oak, birch and rhododendron you’ll have giddying views of the plunging valley. The trail drops down from the top of the spur to Bilbate (2800m). About 30 minutes further we will reach tiny stone village of Gurase.

Day 10:- Today we pass through a rhododendron forest dotted with overgrown Mani walls and Stupas. After about total journey of 2 hrs we will reach to Salpa Pokhari, a wish fulfilling sacred pool set at 3414m. The area is surrounded by hemlock and fir forests abound with birds and wildlife. The pass is often covered with snow in winter. You can gaze forward across the forest to the distant peak of Solu Khumbu. Reach the open area of loose stones and dwarf rhododendrons above Salpa Bhanjyang and steep drop to the main stream. Moving on the path runs across the hillside and through the damp forest to Sanam. Overnight stay at Sanam.

Day 11:- First part of the day is gentle but sustained descend through a forest of rhododendron, brown oaks and chir pines. Enjoy the paper factory, a teashop and an old Gompa in the village of Share after passing an enormous rock carved with Buddhist mantras. About two hours from Share, expose to lush, forested valley ahead of Gudel (1900m). It is another pleasant Rai valley of whitewashed houses and kitchen gardens, almost a mirror image of Bung. Cross the Hongu Khola by a steel suspension bridge at about 1320m. The main trail drops past the village of school through a patchwork of rice, millet and soybean terraces to the village of Bung. Bung is also the point that you are officially supposed to pay the Makalu National Park entry fee.

Day 12:- As you climb up the hillside, you’ll see the farmland becoming richer and more varied and racks of beans, maize and other crops drying on the wooden balconies of whitewashed Rai houses. Continuing on the main trail, you’ll enjoy glorious views over wide, fertile Hongu Valley. Cross the hillside by scattered Mani walls. In the upper valley, a perfect circle of tall juniper trees marks the location of the Khiraule Gompa. You will have soaring views over the surroundings valley passing through scrubby, burnt forest with clear hillside. Passing through the valley of Charakot, a steep stone stairway drops to reach Surke La Pass. Spend your overnight here.

Day 13:- Today trail descends steeply onwards from a notch in the cliff wall. The slopes are covered in wispy thickets of bamboo. Today we will pass Najindingma (2650m) village. You will have view of a clear area of grassland, used as summer grazing by people from surrounding valleys. Another one and half hour of drop across soggy forests, we will reach Gaikharka. Here you’ll have wonderful views of grassy terraces and scattered farmhouses.

Day 14:- Crossing a humid, ferny forest, the trail continues across the Hinku Khola on a 62m-long, steel cable bridge. You will watch two sparkling waterfalls and path begins an almost vertical ascent to the valley of Sibuje (2500m), also known as Vasme and Chatuk, for about 2 hrs. Further uphill, you’ll see pocket sized village Gompa. The trail ascends for an hour through patchy forest of straggly rhododendrons. We will reach Pangum La pass, enjoying the grand-stand views of Khumbu Himalaya and Mera Peak (6476m).
We can also have a short climb to Pangum Gompa for night stay.

Day 15:- Crossing thefinal La of the Arun valley, we will trek downhill at first and then up and over Kari La (3145m). After having lunch trail drops downhill, quite steeply in the end to where the Arun Valley path joins theroute from Jiri just before Puiyan. The terrain can be frustrating, with the trail diverting into side valleys and being far from a direct line to Puiyan but it is interesting to trek. Puiyan is a nice village overlooking a small tributary of the Dudh Koshi.

Day 16:- From Puiyan it’s reasonably easy to make Lukla with a few hours. We can also make a visit to Kharte La Pass. The trail winds uphill along the Jiri path. Today is a short and easy day trek and also a rest day in the Lukla valley. Spend your night in hotel enjoying the cultural programs at night.

Day 17:- From Lukla to Kathmandu by flight 45 minute  back to the domestic airport. (It also can be a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla which makes the Lukla flight delayed and cancel.) At the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show exchanging greetings among friends and with all Nepalese people. You can buy some souvenirs and gifts.

Day :-18  Today you will have a free day in Kathmandu so you have rest in your hotel than when you are frees go to Thamel area shopping for souvenirs and remembering from Nepal. At evening we will have a typical Nepali dinner accompanied with cultural shows in Hotel.

Day:-19 today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your relatives. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. We will drop you to the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and wish for your Safe journey.

Start Date End Date Price In US Dollar($) AVAILABILITY Booking
A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail info@nepalfreelanceguide.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 18 days Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.

Cost Include

        COST INCLUDED

  • All airport and hotel transfers
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • National park and TIMS permit
  • Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Lukla to Kathmandu flight fear for guest and gide
  • Bus ticket from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar for staffs
  • Lukla to Kathmandu  flight fear for staff
  • Accommodation in Tumlngtar
  • Accommodation, food, & Tea/coffee during treks
  • Guide:- including salary, insurance, equipment, bus transportation, flight fare, food and lodging
  • Porter:- including salary, insurance, equipment, bus transportation, food and lodging
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

        COST IS NOT INCLUDED 

  • Food in Kathmandu ( Lunch & Dinner)
  • Nepal Visa fee
  • International airfare from your country to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Travel and rescue insurance if guest get mountain sickness and need to rescue helicopter.
  • Personal expenses example (phone calls, laundry service , bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guide and porters
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our testimonials

  • Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and…

    Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group  Australia
    • Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group Australia
  • Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…

    Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Australia
  • Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…

    Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Japan
  • I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…

    Philip Pomeroy  Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • Philip Pomeroy Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • British
  • My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…

    Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie  South Australia
    • Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie South Australia
    • Australia
view all testimonials
  • Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience. Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account. Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built. Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults. Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary. Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter. As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp. He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.

    Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group  Australia
    • Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group Australia
  • Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region. www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse. On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important. I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
    Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Australia
  • Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group.  Because he has more over 10 years experience of  trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him. I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese. so you can get satisfaction for a great guide. Very Thanks,
    Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Japan
  • I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas. Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide. I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
    Philip Pomeroy  Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • Philip Pomeroy Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • British
  • My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.

    Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie  South Australia
    • Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie South Australia
    • Australia
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