Arun Valley Trek

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57 reviews
11 reviews
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Duration
18 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
3358m
Group Size
1-15
Activities
Trekking

Arun Valley Trek is among the best Makalu region trekking packages showing you two regions: Makalu region and Everest region. Arun Valley having historical importance for studying human civilization in Nepal, lies between the Everest trekking region and Makalu trekking areas. Arun Valley hiking lets you enjoy the stunning view of the snowcapped peaks including Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu. Arun River Valley trekking is full of the wonderful experience of natural splendor and cultural variation that entertains Makalu region trekkers.

Arun Valley hiking starts from either Hile Dhankuta or Tumlingtar, a small hilly town occupied by multiple ethnic communities. To begin trekking to Arun Valley from Hile Dhankuta, you need to fly to Biratnagar and drive by bus. But to start it from Tumlingtar, you can take a direct flight from Kathmandu Airport experiencing snowy peaks and wonderful landscapes.

The smiling snowy peaks like Mt. AmaDablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Chamlang, and Mt. Baruntse welcome you there. Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area hosting varieties of flora and fauna, is the most distinguished attraction of Makalu region trekking. The park contains 3,000 flowering plant species, 440 species of birds, and 75 mammal classes including red panda and snow leopard. The trail passes along Buddhist monasteries, rustic villages, and dense forests of rhododendron, fir, and pine giving you the best scene.

Shipton’s Pass (4,200m) covered by the swirling prayer flags makes you forget the tiredness of off-the-beaten-path trekking. Although Arun Valley settlers are from all ethnic communities, Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu are the majority in the Arun Valley region. Arun Valley, which is one of the largest valleys in the world, has justified the religious and ethnic tolerance in Nepal. The archetypal Sherpa villages exposing their unique culture and tradition are the most spectacular factor of trekking to Arun Valley.

The highest point during Arun Valley Lukla trekking is SalpaLa Pass (3,358m) where you find a high-altitude Salpa Lake (3,458m). The panoramic view of Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Chamlang from SalpaBhanjyang is outstandingly magnificent. Among many striking sites of Arun Valley Lukla trekking is Hungku Valley which gives you access to Sagarmatha National Park. Sagarmatha National Park, one of the highest-altitude national parks in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal.

Arun Valley trek can be extended further to the Everest Base Camp trek following the route from Lukla Airport. Arun Valley Everest region trekking package can be customized to feel the beauty to the vicinity of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. Arun Valley trek itinerary can be customized from 14 days to 26 days or even longer depending on your choice. However, Orbit Alpine Adventure offers you an Arun Valley trek 18-day itinerary to relish the natural beauty and cultural variety of the Makalu region. To get overall information about Arun Valley Lukla trekking package cost, you can contact Orbit Alpine Adventure via ICT.

Highlights

  • Exploration of beautiful Arun valley in Makalu region
  • Many ethnic villages en route Arun valley trekking
  • Stunning view of the snowcapped peaks in the Everest region and Makalu region from Salpa La Pass, the highest point of Arun valley trek
  • Observation of SalpaPokhari, a sacred Hindu pilgrim site which is crowded with Hindus on moon day of October
  • Varieties of flora and fauna of Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area
  • Knowledge about Kuman ethnic community, the indigenous to Makalu region
  • Hidden valleys and lush rhododendron forests
Arun Valley Trek Itinerary
Day-to-DayExpand all

The mediator of Orbit Alpine Adventure reaches at the Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome you to Kathmandu on the arrival day. S/he takes you to the hotel for the accommodation in a private jeep or cab.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: Welcome dinnerAccommodation: 3-star Hotel

Today, the guide will direct you through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Kathmandu Sightseeing tour, an important day tour in Nepal. You can visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Hanuman Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa to recover from the travel exhaustion. In the evening, the guide will inform you all about Arun valley trekking itinerary and gears for the voyage.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 3-star Hotel

Today is quite remarkable because you will reach Dhankuta Hile, a small hilly town having Buddhist settlers in eastern Nepal. A scenic flight showcasing the lowlands of eastern Terai region, will take you to Biratnagar, a business hub within 45 minutes’ flight. Then a private jeep or bus takes you to Dhankuta Hile for the night station. 

Max Altitude: 1,850m/6,070ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Hile Tumlingtar trekking trail passes along the Mangmaya Khola which gives you lovely glimpses of birds and animals like monkeys. The cool breeze supports you to continue your ascent towards Tumlingtar. Tumlingtar is a tiny town on a broad plateau at the junction of the Arun River and the Sabha Khola. A hotel is booked for your accommodation tonight. 

Max Altitude: 410m/1,345ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

By walking along the trail that penetrates through forests and cultivated land, you reach Kumal Gaun, the indigenous people of Makalu region. Then you walk along the bank of the Arun River eastwards through Bheteni and Chewabeshi villages. The ethnic villages of Rai, Chhetri and Brahmin en route to Kartike encourage you reach Kartike for the night station.

Max Altitude: 300m/984ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today, you trek to Gothe Bazaar, a small village town situated on the banks of the Benkhuwa Khola for the night rest. By crossing the cultivated farmlands and sal forests, the trek reaches Balewabesi, Bharta and Nepali Danda village giving you the first glimpse of Arun valley. On the way, you have to cross a few typical Rai villages and banana plantation following the banks of the Irkhuwa Khola.

Max Altitude: 775m/2,543ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

By passing along the small Rai and Sherpa settlement areas in almost tropical region, you will reach Dobhane for night station. You have to cross some suspension bridges over the Irkhuwa Khola. 

Max Altitude: 920m/3,018ft) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today’s destination is Salpa Phedi (bottom of the highest point of Arun valley trek, Salpa Pass) for the rest at night. Dobhane Salpa Phedi trek is comparatively challenging as you have to ascend 800 meters higher altitude. Walking across some Rai villages and suspension bridges over the Irkhuwa Khola, the trail leads to SalpaPhedi with some teahouses. The taste of the local organic foodies served with the best hospitality will refresh you.

Max Altitude: 1,680m/5,512ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Following the rugged and a little steep path, you will go across some small streams in the middle of the dense jungles. On the way, Thulo Fokte village appears in your sight and the rocky way penetrates through the pine, oak and rhododendron forests. Getting the view of Bilbote village situated in the tranquil wilderness, you reach Guranse for the night stay.

Max Altitude: 2,880m/9,849ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today is one of the most remarkable moments during Arun valley trekking because you are going to climb the highest point Salpa Pass. The path proceeds along a lush rhododendron forest till the emergence of Salpa Pokhari (‘Pokhari’ means ‘pool’), a sacred site for Hindus. If you are doing trek to Arun valley around full moon day in October, you see a crowd of Hindus gathered to worship their deity. From the top of the pass, the incredibly spectacular view of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang and Mt. Baruntse comes to your sight. The path then descends toward Sanam, rest side tonight, by leaving the damp forests far behind.

Max Altitude: 2,840m/9,318ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Trek to Bung takes you ahead along the dense forests of rhododendron, oak and fir and Sorung village in its rustic settings. Across another small Rai village Gudel, you head further crossing a suspension bridge over the Hinku Khola. The farmlands cultivated with rice, millet and soybean welcome you in their purlieu around Bung village. Bung is also quite important as it is one of the gateways to Makalu Barun Conservation Area where you take the permit. You spend the night at a tea house in Bung. 

Max Altitude: 1,677m/5,502ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Bung to Surke La trek takes you through some other small Rai villages in completely traditional settings like grain storage and housing style. The sight of the maize stored outside the house over the ground supported by two poles. Antique houses made up of stone and mud-walls with thatched roof and painted by clay minerals are really classically wonderful. Moving ahead, the Khiraule Gompa surrounded by erected within a dense juniper forest in the Upper Hingu valley exactly pleases you. Your travel continues along the Charakot valley by experiencing the steep stone staircases up to Surke La (2,300m) for the rest.

Max Altitude: 3,085m/10,121ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

The trail goes along a bamboo forest by leaving Najindingma village (2,650m) enclosed by seasonal grasslands best for cattle rearing. You reach Gaikharka village accompanied by uncultivated farmlands occupied by tall grass and sparse farmhouses to take the night rest. 

Max Altitude: 2,300m/7,546ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

The path further crosses a suspension bridge over the Hingu Khola and moves forward by two natural waterfalls: Vase and Chatuk. A small gompa comes to your scene in the valley of Sibuje(2,500m) beautified by forests of rhododendron. Finally, you reach Panggom La Pass (3,173m) which unleashes the mesmerizing outlook of the Khumbu Himalayan range and stunning Mera Peak (6,476m). Before you take rest, you can take a short hike to PanggomGompa.

Max Altitude: 3,173m/10,410m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today’s trail goes past the last pass of Arun valley, the Kari La (3,145m) to join the Jiri Lukla trekking route. Walking the trail along a valley, you reach Puiyan, a small beautiful village situated on the top of an offshoot of the DudhKoshi River.

Max Altitude: 2,730m/10,410ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today is the last trekking day of Arun valley trek for lifelong memory. You have to cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River to begin trek to Lukla. The path today goes past Kharte La Pass along the Jiri Lukla trekking route to stop in Lukla for the night stay. You can take a short hike around Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport) to experience the Himalayan beauty in the Everest reigon.

Max Altitude: 2,840m/9,318ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

From Lukla, you will take fly to Kathmandu with an aerial view of the snowcapped peaks of the Everest region and attractive landscapes. From Kathmandu Airport, the guide will take you to the hotel for your rest. You can celebrate the victory of Arun valley trekking with your friends to make it lifelong memorable moment.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 3-star Hotel

This is the last day of Arun valley trekking package, so, the representative of Orbit Alpine Adventure takes you to Kathmandu Airport. And we will help our best to prepare another interesting plan in case you have more time to spend in Nepal.  

Cost Details
Includes
  • 3 night three star level hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
  • Airport drop and pick up upon your arrival and final departure back to home with private vehicles free of cost
  • Three meals a day with cup of tea, coffee or hot water (breakfast, lunch,dinner) during the trekking period
  • Highly experienced sherpa english speaking guide of government licence holder
  • Strong and honest sherpa potter(2 people one potter) with all safety equipment  
  • All food, accommodation, salary insurance, transportation and necessary equipment for Sherpa guide and potter
  • All necessary permit of Makalu Barun National park permit and TIMS(Trekking Information Management System) for Arun Valley Treks
  • Trekking lodge or teahouse accommodation for guest
  • An assistant guide for the group above the 5 person
  • Flight ticket for Biratnagar or Tumlingtar and return back from lukla to Kathmandu 
  • Seasonal fresh fruits every night after the dinner during the trekking period 
  • Down jacket, duffel bag and trekking sticks are provided from Orbit Alpine Adventure and after finishing the trek you have to return back to agency which are given to other guest for trekking 
  • All the necessary first aid kits including oxy meters is carried by your Sherpa guide and any one in the team can use when it is needed 
  • Emergency rescue service will be operated incorporation with your insurance company if needed in case of emergency 
  • All Government, local tax and official expenses are included in the price
Excludes
  • Nepal entry visa fee ( you can get a nepal visa quickly upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport) in Kathmandu. Visa fee per person 15 days USD 25, for 30 days USD 40 and for 90 days USD 100
  • Extra night accommodation and meals before and after the trek
  • All kinds of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks during the trekking which in not included in cost 
  • Travel insurance, trekkers have to bring themself insurance which cover medical and emergency high altitude rescue 
  • Personal clothing and trekking equipment 
  • additional cost if the itinerary modification or delay caused by out of management control like natural calamities, strick, sudden government policy changes, due to physical conditions of guest
  • Tips and donation to guides, potter, driver and different placeses (tips to guide, potter and driver are recommended)
  • Any other different expenses which are not mention in the " inclusive section" of our program  
Arun Valley Trek FAQs

There are many attractions that the Arun Valley trekkers can enjoy during the journey. The vistas of natural diversity and cultural variety are the major attractions of this trek. You can see some Rai, Limbu, and other ethnic villages reflecting their distinct culture and traditions including cultural dress and jewelry items in the Makalu region. You can have an astonishing view of the snowy peaks of the Everest region including the world’s highest peak Mount Everest. Similarly, you have the major peaks of the Makalu region: Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, and Mt. Baruntse welcoming and bidding you farewell. The majestic scenery from Salpa La Pass (3,358m) is just awesome! Salpa Pokhari, a holy lake for Hindus who gather around the lake to worship on the full moon day of October, is another pull factor of the Arun Valley trek. Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area, which is a haven for varieties of flora and fauna, reasonably justifies the hiking to Arun Valley.

Yes, you can indeed do a solo trek to Arun Valley. However, you had better hire a certified trekking guide and porter to complete the wonderful journey along the trail. They are really helpful in case you miss the route or have any kind of health problem en route.

For sure, you can get a lot of customized trekking packages to Arun Valley. For this concern, just contact Orbit Alpine Adventure which is one of the best trekking agencies in Nepal with enough knowledge about the region. We can help you design the best Arun Valley trekking itinerary at a reasonable cost. You can reach us either via phone calls or emails or online booking inquiries.

The highest elevation to go across during the Arun Valley trek is Salpa La Pass (3,358m), thus, there is a very rare chance of altitude sickness. In case of health-related problems, Orbit Alpine Adventure gives you quick rescue services by consulting with your insurance company. Be confident and focused on the successful completion of the Arun Valley trek with Orbit Alpine Adventure.

Arun Valley trek is a comparatively moderate type of trekking as the highest elevation to climb en route is Salpa La Pass (3,358m). Next, it is completely a teahouse trekking package, hence, you don’t need to worry about anything else. Nonetheless, if you like and can afford to spend for the trekking crew, we can also organize camping trekking to Arun Valley.

As there is no restricted zone during the Arun Valley trek, you just need TIMS and Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area permits. TIMS which is a compulsory document, is issued by the TAAN secretariat in Pokhara and the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. TIMS card fee for individual trekker is NRS. 2,000 and for group trekkers NRS. 1,000 per person per route per entry. The Makalu Barun National Park permit is another document required for Arun Valley hiking. The permit can be obtained from the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or from the entry point. Makalu Barun National Park permit cost is NRS. 1,500 for the SAARC counties’ nationals whereas NRS. 3,000 for foreigners per person per entry.

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