Arun Valley Trek - 14 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 14 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-10
  • Max. Altitude 3,350m at Salpa La Pass
  • Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November

Highlights

  • A day of sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
  • Thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and back to Kathmandu from Lukla.
  • An opportunity to get closer to the awe-inspiring Himalayas of Nepal, including Mt. Everest, Mera Peak, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other snow-capped ranges.
  • Get through the authentic cultures of the various indigenous communities of the Himalayas, including their lifestyle, traditions, and customs.
  • Trek through the most pristine isolated valleys and woodlands of pink and red rhododendrons, pines, oak, and others.
  • Take blessings at the holy Salpa Pokhari (3,443 m).
  • Marvel at the unmatchable beauty of Arun Valley and Makalu-Barun National Park.
  • Discover the unique biodiversity under the careful watch of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, Makalu, etc.

The Arun Valley Trek is a fantastic adventure between the top of the world, Mt. Everest/Sagarmathna, and the Makalu Barun National Park in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal, following the glacial Arun River. Originating straight from the Tibet autonomous region, the Arun River fosters diverse landscapes, cultures, flora, and fauna, including the Arun Valley Civilization, while you meander around the peaceful trekking trail in comparison to some other widely popular Himalayan jaunts such as the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp Voyage, Annapurna Circuit Expedition, and others.

The trekking journey to the Arun Valley is through the alluring Himalayan scenery predominated by the spell-binding views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and others, sheltering not less than 650 species of birds and 800 species of butterflies, and home to some of the elusive Himalayan wildlife such as red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, and many more, away from the chaos of everyday modern life.

The thrilling route winds its way through the verdant Arun Valley with several remote Himalayan villages that meet up with the main Everest Trail, both blessed with rich biodiversity and remarkable landscapes. The common starting point for this trek to the Arun Valley is Tumlingtar, which is approximately 500 km (310 miles) by road and gives you access to the orchids and other flowers, dense forests teeming with wildlife, terraced farms, and fields cultivated by the local communities with the large population of the Rai and Sherpa ethnic groups.

The voyage then gradually ascends, revealing the panoramic views of the snow-capped giants observing the mixed vegetation showcasing the raw Himalayan wilderness, which blends well with the cultural heritage, including the sacred Salpa Pokhari, treasured by locals as the adobe of god and goddess. Therefore, the Arun Valley Trek is a unique golden chance to discover the hidden gems of the eastern region and its unspoiled glory, which you must add to your bucket list for 2024/2025.

What to expect during the Arun Valley Trek?

Starting from Tumlingtar, the adventurous odyssey to Arun Valley traverses the Makalu Barnu Conservation Area that simultaneously leads you to Hinku Valley to arrive at one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal, the Sagarmatha National Park, and its infamous Khumbu Valley, which flourished on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River.

Along the trekking route to Arun Valley, trekkers and travelers get to visit the remote villages, initially Brahmins and Chhetris in the lower region, then Rai and Sherpa in the upper Himalayas, experience their warm hospitality, and get enlightened about their traditional customs, lifestyles, and festivals, which come together as core elements to make the whole jaunting extremely unique and special, as explained below:

The Arun River and its ultimate tranquillity

One of the major features of the Arun Valley Trek is the Arun River itself, which touches even the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, is characterized by some of the greatest snow and ice in any Nepalese river basin, and has made a massive contribution to the Sapta Kosi River System as an epitome of ultimate serenity in the heart of the sky-towering Himalayan ranges.

The river leaves the Tibet region at an altitude of about 3,500 m/11,500 ft, carving its way through the Himalayas, while the gentle sound combined with the symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves creates a serene ambiance, enhancing the overall trekking experience in the Arun Valley.

The crystal-clear, pristine water system river banks are dotted with quaint and remote villages surrounded by lush forests. Terraced fields offered by the local Rai and Sherpa living in harmony with nature add much to the region's cultural richness in the preexisting peaceful and soothing environment throughout the journey to the Arun Valley.

A unique cultural experience of the Rai and Sherpa People

The Arun Valley Trek passes through several villages inhabited by numerous ethnic communities of the country, including the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa, promising a unique cultural engagement as you interact with them on the way, especially the Rai and Sherpa, which have a comparatively larger population.

The Rai community is renowned for its rich traditions, vibrant festivals, culture, and customs. They are usually eager to welcome guests warmly into their homes to experience first-hand homestays and tea houses and are happy to provide you with an insight into their agrarian life.

Similarly, the Sherpa people are famed worldwide for their unparalleled mountaineering skills, Buddhist heritage, spiritual practices, and rich historical backgrounds. Visiting ancient monasteries, chortens (stupas), adorned with prayer flags and mani stones en route to the Arun Valley, provides you with a deeper understanding of their religious devotion and the Himalayan way of life, while the majority of them are still engaged in the traditional way of livelihood: agriculture, animal husbandry, local trade and commerce, and tourism over the years.

These indigenous people of the Himalayas also celebrate various distinctive local festivals that you can witness, and on your lucky visit during autumn, particularly, you can get to be a part of it, allowing for a profound connection, cultural exchange, and authentic experiences that you will get to enjoy to the fullest during the Arun Valley Expedition, adding much to appreciate.

The transformative journey through the Salpa Pokhari and Salpa La Pass

On the Himalayan voyage to the Arun Valley, Salpa Pokhari and Salpa La Pass serve as some of the significant landmarks possessing the essence of the entire Arun Valley, crossing through where there is not only physical and mental but also spiritual achievement. Situated at an altitude of 3,350 m, Salpa La Pass is one of the high-altitude mountain passes that connects the Arun Valley to Makalu Barnu National Park as a gateway.

The ascent to the pass is demanding and challenges your physical endurance level and determination as you traverse through diverse terrains, usually rugged, including densely forested paths that reward you with the greatest of the Himalayan sights, including that of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, and the sweeping vistas of the green river valleys below.

Nearby the Salpa La Pass lies the sacred lake for the communities previously for Hindus and Buddhists, both mostly revered by the Rai and Limbhu people. At an elevation of 3,446 m, it is the Salpa Pokhari. Situated amidst the lush rhododendron forests and stunning mountains, it is a spot for spiritual reflection and meditation. The locals believe the lake to possess divine powers, so it receives a huge number of visitors during festivals and special occasions to seek blessings.

Both Salpa La Pass and Salpa Pokhari evoke the true spirit of adventure during the Arun Valley, which combines natural splendor with spiritual enrichment, each offering a unique experience through the country’s diverse landscapes and culture.

One of the less traversed and remote trekking trails of the Nepalese Himalayas

Unlike the more popular Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Tour, or Annapurna Base Camp Hike, the trekking route to the Arun Valley sees only a handful of trekkers, offering a more secluded and peaceful experience, which means vastly untouched Himalayan landscapes, pristine natural environments, and unspoiled ecosystems in remote areas.

The remoteness means that the Arun Valley Trekking Region still features untouched local traditions and lifestyles that have been transferred from generation to generation, while the less frequented nature of the trekking trail allows for a more personalized and flexible trekking experience miles away from the hustle and bustle of every day crowded other popular routes.

The rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscape of the Kanchenjunga and Makalu Conservation Area

The trek to the Arun Valley traverses through two of the natural havens of the country: the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park, with their abundance of lush forests, river valleys, and swanky biodiversity, including rare plants, animals, and birds, along with diverse ecosystems ranging from subtropical to alpine forests.

Bordering India’s Sikkim state and Tibet in the eastern part of Nepal is the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, stretched around 2,035 km, ranging from 1,200 m to 8,586 m to the summit of Kanchenjunga, the third largest peak in the world. The conservation area boasts some of the most thrilling hiking routes, including the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp.

On the other hand, the Makalu Barun National Park adjoins the Arun Valley to the Sagarmatha National Park, encompassing an area of 1,500 km with buffer zones only spread around 830 square kilometers, ranging in altitude from 435 m to the summit of the fifth highest mountain peak in the globe, Mt. Makalu (8,481 m).

Therefore, both of these national parks and conservation sites are integral parts of the Arun Valley Trek, which has greater chances of you getting to spot endangered species like snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan, and Asian black bears in the dense woodland of rhododendrons, orchids, and other numbers of trees, herbs, and suburbs that are also home to various species of birds like the Satyr Tragopan and Impeyan pheasant.

The 14-day itinerary and trekking route to the Arun Valley

The 14-day itinerary to the Arun Valley begins right from your landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, while you use the second day for sightseeing in the heart of the country, the Kathmandu Valley itself, which is home to seven of the UNESCO world’s heritage sites, to let yourself adjust to the Nepalese air and environment.

Then, the official journey to the Arun Valley begins with a flight to Tumlingtar and walking on foot as you notice more gorgeous and heartwarming sides of the region, followed by Kartike, Gothey Bazaar, Salpa Phedi, and Gurase Bhanjyang, where the crossing of Salpa La Pass at 3,350 m and a visit to the holy Salpa Pokhari can be a humbling moment traversing through dense forests with the everlasting glimpse of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and others at the center of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park.

Thereafter, the 14-day trekking route to the Arun Valley is mostly descending through Sanam, Bung, Gai Kharka, Pangam, and Paiyan until you arrive at Lukle to board a flight back to Kathmandu.

This 14-day itinerary and trekking route to the Arun Valley assures you an optimal blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural richness, and biodiversity, allowing thorough acclimatization, exploration, and discovery of both the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Makalu Barnu National Park; hence, it is considered one of the best off-beaten authentic and transformative trekking routes, even for the years 2024 and 2025.

The 14-Day Arun Valley Group Trek Cost 2024/2025

Although the prices for the trekking package to the Arun Valley can fluctuate significantly based on the trekking company, size of the trekking group, level of service, and trip season for 2024-2025, like usual, multiple trekking and travel organizations in Nepal, such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, offer a group discount as follows:

  • USD 2,220 for 1 pax.
  • USD 1,775 for 2-3 pax.
  • USD 1,675 for 4-6 pax.
  • USD 1,575 for 7-10 pax.

For a more special discount price on groups of more than 10 members, contact us now!

Itinerary
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Our representative will meet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, and you will be transferred by a private coach to the hotel, where we will discuss the necessary equipment and the trekking permit in the evening over a welcome dinner.

Overnight stay at the hotel!

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsComplimentary Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,320 m

The valley of Kathmandu is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred pilgrimage of Lord Shiva revered by Hindus all over the world, and Swyambhunath, the self-sprung Buddhist dome treasured by local Newars and both Hindus and Buddhists.

Boudhnath, with a massive number of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism followers, and the three royal Durbar Squares of the previously ruling Malla and Shah kings before the unification of Nepal

You will pay a visit to all these historical and religious worlds' heritages and meet our guide in the evening to verify all the required equipment for the trek and their packing.

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

You will begin to drive early in the morning to the Domestic Airport and take a flight to the hill town of Tumlingtar, the east of the Arun River, along the chain of the Himalayas.

You will enjoy breakfast in the city while watching the heavenly view of Makalu and Chamlang Peaks in clear weather, then drive to the trailhead of Kumal Gaon, walking through the forested area.

From there, you will head towards the eastern bank of the Arun River and cross the bridge that leads to Bheteni village.

Walking Chewabesi, passing through bushes, and heading in the southern direction along the bank of the Arun River takes you to Kartike, to call it a day.

  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsAll Three Meals
  • Max. Altitude1,315m

The trek today begins after breakfast, heading forward to the small settlements of Baluwa Beesi through the grasslands and hanging bridges over the Arun River.

Continuing the trail, you will ascend to Sal Forest and Marduwa village. Along the way, you can notice the beautiful landscapes and terraced fields cultivated with rice and other crops.

Moving ahead of here and exploring some more of such beautiful settlements and farms, and walking along the Irkhuwa River, you will reach your destination, Gothey.

Overnight at Gothey!

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,128 m

Ascending the trail furthers up passing several small settlements inhabited by Rai and Sherpa people, crossing suspension bridges over Irhuwa Khola, overpassing streams, and some lush bushes with adorable and picture-perfect scenery.

By then, you will be at Salpa Phedi to stay overnight there.

  • AccommodationLocal Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,680 m

The trail advances in escalation to almost 900 m elevation from Phedi after breakfast through the verdant woods and slightly arduous track, which is rather tough but worthwhile.

The beautiful oak, birch, and rhododendron forests and the mind-boggling scenery of landscapes and mountain ranges will make this journey a fulfilling one. 

Overnight at Gurase Bhanjyang!

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsAll Three Meals
  • Max. Altitude2,500 m

You will hike up again after breakfast to the highest elevation of Salpa La Pass (3,350 m), with eye-dazzling scenery of the Makalu ranges and Chamlang, which is a steady climb from Gurase.

After the steep ascent up to the pass, you descend towards Dhaka through beguiling Rhododendron forest and trek up to Sanam village where you will be staying overnight.

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,350 m

The trail today is full of ascents and descents through the forested trail with rhododendrons, chir, pines, and other flora and fauna that you will begin to cover soon after having your breakfast.

You will cross a steel suspension bridge over the Hinku River and descend towards the village of Bung. Bung is a Rai village to discover the cultivation of rice, millet, and soybeans in the terraced fields using their traditional farming techniques.

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsFull Meal Courses
  • Max. Altitude2850 m

This entire day also, you will walk through a trail full of ascents and descents that commence after descending steeply through the cliff of a hill and passing across the settlements of Najindingma.

Here you will get to spot some chortens and monasteries along the way, as well as some Yak grazing meadows and bushes.

Overnight at Gai Kharka!

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsAll Three Meals
  • Max. Altitude2,300 m

The pathway today ascends and descends across gorges and old moraines, rhododendron, and Juniper forests alongside the Hinku River and, in addition, offers a spectacular view of Mera Peak with some glimpses of the Upper Khumbu region.

Also, a steep ascent to Panggom La Pass (3,174m) offers a close-up, more stunning view of Mera Peak and other neighboring peaks.

From the pass, you will lower down toward Panggom village, inhabited by Sherpa people.

Overnight over there!

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,850 m

On this day, you will leave Sunny Panggom after breakfast via the route that drops around the ridges and hillsides, joining the Classic Everest Route.

En route, Khatre (2,830 m) is above the newer main trail via Kharikhola, with a simple lunch stop at Khari La (3,415 m).

Moving along this higher trail eventually leads you to Paiyan (2,730 m).

  • AccommodationLocal Tea House
  • MealsAll Three Meals
  • Max. Altitude2,730 m

After breakfast, you will walk along the route described under the Classic Everest Trek, which takes about four hours to reach Lukla for the night.

  • AccommodationComfortable Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,860m

It is the day when your trek comes to an end, appreciating the hardworking potters, the real survivors of the Himalayas, and taking a flight back to Kathmandu.

During your flight, you will get to enjoy dramatic scenes from the plane unlike other flights you have ever had before and meet other accomplished people to have a celebratory dinner organized by us in the evening.

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsHearty-Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude2,860m

It is your final day in Kathmandu, as you will fly back to your hometown, conveying a farewell to each other.

Our airport representative will assist you with your luggage packing and drop you off at the international airport.

We wish you a safe flight and look forward to your feedback.

We hope to see you soon again!

    This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

    Route Map
    Arun Valley Trek - 14 Days Map
    What's Included
    Includes
    • Airport pickup and drop
    • Three nights’ accommodation with 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast
    • 10 nights and 11 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge or home stay)
    • Flight from Kathmandu to tumlingtar and back from Lukla to Kathmandu after trek
    • English speaking local expert guide, porters(porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
    • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
    • Arun valley Makalu entry permit fees (bring three photos for each permit)
    • Sagarmatha national park fee
    • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
    • Equipment (sleeping bag, Down jacket, duffer bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
    • Insurance for all staff & porters.
    • Trekking achievement certificate
    • Adventure Himalayan T-shirt
    • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
    Excludes
    • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
    • International flight
    • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
    • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu
    • Electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
    • Hot shower during trek
    • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
    • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
    • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
    • Tips for Guide and porter and any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
    Dates and Prices
    Date PriceAvailability 
    Start DateStarts: MondayOct 14, 2024End DateEnds: SundayOct 27, 2024PricePriceUS$1820StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 17, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayOct 30, 2024PricePriceUS$1820StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStarts: MondayOct 21, 2024End DateEnds: SundayNov 03, 2024PricePriceUS$1820StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 24, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayNov 06, 2024PricePriceUS$1820StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStarts: MondayOct 28, 2024End DateEnds: SundayNov 10, 2024PricePriceUS$1820StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStarts: ThursdayOct 31, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayNov 13, 2024PricePriceUS$1820StatusStatusAvailable
    Useful Info

    Is Arun Valley fit for the summer and winter holidays?

    Yes, the Arun Valley Trek is suitable even for the summer and winter seasons from June to August and December to February; however, one has to be constantly conscious of frequent rainfall, slipper trekking trails, and landslide-prone areas in the summer and monsoon seasons in Nepal, while winter can get extremely cold and frizzy with potential snowfall at higher elevations.

    Therefore, for a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience in the Arun Valley, spring and autumn remain the best times of the year to traverse one of the deepest valleys in the world, the Arun Valley, in between Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park.

    What is the condition of food, accommodation, and modern amenities on the way to Arun Valley?

    Along the trekking route to the Arun Valley, although the food is primarily local Nepali cuisine, typically including Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), Tarkari (seasonal vegetable curry), and roti (flatbread) offered by local tea houses and lodges, it also provides you with basic sleeping arrangements such as sharing rooms with twin beds, blankets, and bedding.

    The options might get limited as you approach further heights in a more remote location, including other everyday modern facilities such as electricity, charging devices, Wi-Fi, internet connectivity, hot showers, and others; however, they are reliable and comfortable enough for a seamless night's experience and to fill the stomach throughout the entire journey.

    How much does it cost for the permits for the Himalayan trip to the Arun Valley?

    For the Himalayan expedition to the Arun Valley, you will need at least three permits, which are the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Systems) card, the Makalu Barun National Park Permit, and the Sagarmatha National Park entrance fees.

    The TIMS Card comes around at the price of USD 20 (NPR 2,000), which goes the same for the Makalau Barnu National Park entrance permit and the Sagarmatha National Park permits. Usually, buying any of the trekking packages leading to the Arun Valley covers these permit fees and pre-arranges these travel permits even before the start of the journey and is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

    Must you pack lightly for the trek to the Arun Valley?

    Yes, packing light is key to the most comfortable, enjoyable, manageable, and successful alpine jaunting in the Himalayas, be it the longer-day Himalayan expedition to the Kanchenjunga Circuit or the short-off-beaten trek to Langtang Valley, including the medium-duration voyage to the Arun Valley.

    Though you can hire porters to carry the backpacking load for you, it is also limited to 20–25 kg combined, to include:

    • Moisture-wicking clothing
    • A warm sleeping bag
    • Light and well-fitting hiking boots
    • Basic personal items
    • Minimal but necessary gear

    Why hire guides and porters for the Arun Valley Odyssey?

    Although the trek to the Arun Valley is considered a moderately challenging Himalayan voyage in between the Sagarmtha National Park, home to the highest mountain range in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), and the Makalu National Park, perfect for adventurers with commendable physical fitness with or without any prior high Himalayan expedition experience regardless of age, the trek involves several steep ascents and descents in the high altitude through remote areas with limited access to medical facilities and other amenities, along with the variable weather conditions where hiring trekking guides and porters definitely adds much to the overall travel experience.

    Here are the top five reasons to hire guides and porters for the trek to the Arun Valley:

    • For effective navigation through the trail, which can be unfamiliar to novice trekking aspirants.
    • To ensure your safer, more eco-friendly, and much-happening journey in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem so that you neither miss any of the highlights of the region nor affect the region’s ecology in any way.
    • For better cultural immersion and exchange where the guides provide you with valuable insight into local culture, customs, traditions, and history.
    • To fill the language gap between the host and travelers, especially in remote areas where English is barely spoken.
    • Porters carry your heavy load so that you get to enjoy it to the fullest.
    • In cases of medical and logistics emergencies, licensed guides provide you with the necessary assistance and many more.

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