Arun Valley Trek - 16 Days

After breakfast we first get you familiar with the Kathmandu valley by taking you for sightseeing. We first take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We also take you to swyombhunath (Monkey Temple), Pasupatinath, and Boudhanath .Briefing hotel where we will be discussing the technicalities of the trek and overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Today we take a flight to Tumlingtar of about 35-45 minute. Our treking initiat from tumlingtar, which is the main gateway of explore Makalu Region then we move ahead through the main trail downhill pass farm to kumal gaun on the boundary of highland. We fallow the Arun River, crossing it from metal bridge walk to the village of bheteni. Adtionally, we would walk for about one hour to chyawabesi which is our today overnight place.

After breakfast we move form there through beautiful forest continues south along the east bank of Arun thought a series of small mix cultural villege. With little exploration of these villages we will reach kartike. Our step will have continuing to explore terraced rice field, river bank, beautiful cultural village, various agreeculture farm to gothe bazaar which is the last destination for today's treking and overnight staty at Tea House.

After breakfast, our journey start and about two hours past Gothe you'll reach the village of Dhobane. Continuing through the rice terrains along the irrigation channels, you'll cross to the north bank on a wood-and-steel bridge. We can also see the making of Nepali paper from Lokta plant. There are several places on the way where you can take a dip in the river- the water is cold but not icy and the temperature is almost tropical. Continue uphill through Rai and Sherpa villages, cross large suspension bridges passing the Irkhuwa Khola to Dhobane. We stay overnight at Tea House.

Pass through the sprawling villages of Tendor and Tallo Phedi, 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. We stay overnight at Tea House.

The trek 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 and this place is our overnight stay place for today.

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. Over night stay at Sanam.

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.After explore around this are overnight stay at Tea House.

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.

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 and stay overnight at Tea House.

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 also have a short climb to pangum Gumpa for night stay.

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 and stay overnight at Tea House.

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.

After breakfast, we saying final goodbye to our porters and we fly back to Kathmandu with a 45 minute flight 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 and overnight at your scheduled hotel in Kathmandu.

This day is the last day for yours in Nepal as per your schedule. After breakfast and check out from the hotel we will take you to the airport. If you want more exploring here, we will be ready to help and manage for your best. Thank you for choosing Satellite Treks And Expedition to travel with and we look forward to seeing you again in Nepal.