Arun Valley Trek (AVT) is blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty and culture. Situated between the two highest mountains Everest and Makalu, it is really a superb area for nature lovers and botanical researchers. It is regarded as nature paradise as it holds many precious and rare plants, animals and birds.
Significant views of Mt.Everest, Makalu, and dozens of other mountains can be observed in this trek. Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, Newars, Magars, Gurungs, Brahmins and Chhetris are the main inhabitants of this region. They depend on agriculture farming, animal farming, cattle rearing and small business. Culturally, the Arun Trek is very interesting. We would be moving from Sherpa settlements to Rai villages, then down to Chhetri and Brahmin villages. We would lodge in traditional teahouses with traditional hospitality of the local people throughout Eastern Nepal. On can usually find helpful and generous people throughout the trek. They are ready to serve when in need.
Our trek can be finished at the Tumlingtar Airstrip, or further south at the road-head near Hille. The route can be strenuous at times of crossing three sizable passes up to 3350m. Trekking in places like this can be as much psychologically difficult as physically demanding. However, the trek is not difficult if taken at a sensible pace. As the region remains off the main tourist map, it is sparsely populated and free of pollution. The region lacks general development so the inhabitants retain certain innocence to the Western eye.
Itinerary :
Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m.)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by our representatives and will be transferred to hotel. After checking into our rooms, we could relax at our own.
Day 02:
Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m) and then Puiyan (2770m.)
We take early flight to Lukla and then trek to Puiyan. It is suggested to make this an easy day, finishing at Puiyan. From Lukla it's reasonably easy to make Puiyan with a few hours. Overnight at Puiyan.
Day 03:
Puiyan to Pangum (2850m.)
Having breakfast at Puiyan, we start the Arun Valley Trek by leaving the popular Everest tourist trail and contour above the Dudh Kosi valley through country that sees little tourist traffic to Pangum. Although the terrain can be frustrating, with the trail diverting into side valleys and being far from a direct line to Pangum but it is interesting to trek.
Day 04:
Pangum to Najingdingma (2650m.)
We would have breakfast at Pangum and trek to Najingdingma (2650m.). Today's walk is relatively short but not easy, surmounting Satu La, the first of three passes on the trek and crossing the Inukhu valley. Basically, a big decent followed by the inevitable ascent. There are a couple of trail options but it is recommended to finish the day in the small hamlet of Najingdingma just below the second pass, Surkie La.
Day 05:
Najingdingma to Bung (1900m.)
Today we trek from Najingdingma to Bung (1900m.). We would cross the second major ridge then descend into the fertile and increasingly populated Hongu valley. It is generally an easy and very interesting day trekking. Overnight at Bung.
Day 06:
Bung to Sanam (2850m.)
Having breakfast at Bung, we commence our trek to Sanam (2850m.). We need to make a difficult climb out of the Hongu, and then continue the first stage of the ascent to Salpa Bhanjyang. This remote section of the route makes a brief return into Sherpa-country with plenty of beautiful waterfalls and woodlands. Overnight at Sanam.
Day 07:
Sanam to Salpa Phedi (1680m.)
We would continue the climb though a wonderful forest to Salpa La, the highest point of the trek. We would perhaps visit the lake at Salpa Pokhari near the pass which is sacred to Hinduism. We make a huge descent into the warmer climes of the Irkhuwa Valley, a tributary of the Arun basin. Overnight at Salpa Phedi.
Day 08:
Salpa Phedi to Chyawabesi (400m.)
After taking breakfast at Salpa Phedi, we trek to Chyawabesi (400m.). We make an easy walk following the Irkhuwa Khola to meet the Arun, first major river east of the Dudh Kosi. Finally, we cross the Arun itself and continue an easy descent to Chyawabesi.
Day 09:
Chyawabesi to Tumlingtar (410m.)
It is the last day of our trek. Today we would trek from Chyawabesi to Tumlingtar (410m.). Following the Arun, we finish the trek on relatively easy trails, or we would rather continue further downstream towards Hille.
Day 10:
Tumlingtar to Kathmandu or trek to Hile (1850m.)
Having breakfast at the lodge, we would board our flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu or trek to Hile (1850m.).This is a pleasant roadside town high on a hill. The elevation and cool breezes provide well come relief from the heat of the Arun valley.
Day 11:
Kathmandu
It is our day to explore this lively and exotic city. Our guide will take us to visit the World Heritage Sites of the valley and some other historically and culturally important places of the valley. In the evening, a farewell dinner would be served at Bhojan Griha, the delights of Nepali cuisine.
Bhojan Griha is one of the exclusive Nepali restaurants in the valley which serves the very best of traditional, organic and ethnic cuisine of Nepal. The grand old building which was built almost 150 years ago has been renovated and converted into a fascinating restaurant with intricate décor, subtle setting and nostalgic atmosphere. Traditional folk music and dances are performed in full costume every evening over savory meals. No doubt, to dine at Bhojan Griha is a cultural rejuvenation.
Day 12:
Back home destination.
Price for the Trip :
Group Size
1 - 2 Pax
2 - 4 Pax
4 - 8 Pax
8 -15 Pax
Budget Trip
US$ 715.00
US$ 693.00
US$ 682.00
US$ 671.00
Standard Trip
US$ 792.00
US$ 770.00
US$ 748.00
US$ 726.00
Deluxe Trip
US$ 880.00
US$ 854.00
US$ 836.00
US$ 814.00
Price Includes:
All ground transportation, all meals while on trek (Breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee), Camping equipments (tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, sleeping bags, mattresses), a guide, a cook, cook helper, porter, other helping staff, entry permits, all necessary requirements for Nepalese staff (meals, insurance, equipments, ground transportation etc.
Price Excludes:
Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, cold drinks), cigarettes, clients personal insurance, any kind of unforeseen expenses etc.
Flight ticket for guide and guest Kathmandu to Lukla and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.
Note: The departure schedule can be changed on any unavoidable circumstances such as weather hazards, trail slides, and avalanches.
