Arun Valley Trekking Itinerary | Cost - 15 Days

Mountain view on Arun Valley Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 3550
  • Group Size 1 - 20 Person
  • Start City Kathmandu City
  • End City Kathmandu City
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season March - July and September - January
Trip Highlights
  • The spectacular isolated trail through the remote Arun Valley
  • Tent camping – sleep underneath a beautiful starry sky
  • Views of Makalu (8463 meters/27,766 feet) and Everest region peaks
  • A moderate trail, perfect for trekkers of all skill levels
  • Spend time with the welcoming Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa locals

Arun Valley is one of the deepest valleys in the world, nestled between the Everest and Makalu trekking areas (Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu-Barun National Park). It is a thrilling trek in Eastern Nepal, a suitable alternative to those who would like to see the Everest region peaks, but do not want to deal with the dangerously high altitude.  The valley formed by the powerful Arun Koshi (River) makes for some incredible trekking through diverse landscapes. Depending on when you take the trek, it’s quite possible that you won’t see another trekker for several days.

The trails lead to the base camp of Makalu (8463 meters/27,766 feet), the 5th highest mountain in the world. The Arun Valley Trek is characterized by remote villages, lush terraced hillsides, dense jungles, and jaw-dropping Himalayan peaks. We pass through numerous local villages, most of which are of Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa ethnicity. They welcome us with open arms and show us their warm hospitality. Interactions with locals are more genuine on the Arun Valley Trek than others, simply because the area sees few trekkers.

The journey starts with a pleasant flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar before beginning the memorable journey. We hike along the Arun River and through rural farmlands. The trail climbs up and up, through verdant, mixed forests (the rhododendrons are spectacular in the spring!). Cross a few high passes for jaw-dropping mountain views, including Mount Everest (8848 meters/29,029 feet), Lhotse (8516 meters/27,940 feet), and many more. You will be in awe staring at not one or two, but several of the highest mountains in the world in one sweeping glance. 

Eventually, the trail meets up with the Jiri trail and follows to Lukla, known as the most airport in the world, and the arrival/departure point for Everest region treks. Say “See you later” to the mountains and take a scenic flight from there that takes us back to Kathmandu. We’ll have a delicious farewell dinner in the evening for you and celebrate a successful and memorable trek.

Our Arun Valley Trek is a camping journey. Where there are guesthouses, we can stay there upon your request. Otherwise, we will be camping outside under a tent. Our skilled chef will prepare the meals and we will be sleeping under the bright stars and towering peaks. 

Itinerary

Expand all Collapse all

A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel.  We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transport: Car/Van

Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu domestic airport to Tumlingtar. From here, go downhill past farms to Kumal Gaon, on the edge of a plateau. Follow the Arun River to the east, and cross a bridge into the village of Bheteni. It is about an hour's walk to Chyawabesi, where we can stop for a lunch or snack. Continue through subtropical forests along the east bank of the Arun River through small villages. Explore a little on the way before reaching Kartike. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 520m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 14km

After breakfast, we hit the trail, passing through fields before crossing a bridge. We pass several villages and then we ascend into Sal tree forests above the Bharta and Nepali Danda villages. Here we see the first views of the lush Arun Valley. We continue rising gradually until we reach the lively rice field terraces and banana plantations of Gothe Bazaar. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 750m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 14km

Wake up full of energy and have a tasty breakfast. Today has lots of ups and downs, though we ultimately ascend quite a bit. We pass a variety of landscapes before arriving at our destination in Salpa Phedi. Take the rest of the day to explore. Overnight in a local teahouse camp.

  • Max Altitude: 1680m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 13km

The ascent up to Guranse is exceptionally steep, but we’ll take it slow. After ascending about 100 meters from Jaubire, we close in on the village of Thulo Fokte (2140 meters). We can stop here for a snack/rest. Climb further through rhododendron, oak, and birch forests for spectacular views of the deep valley. At the end of the day, we descend a tiny bit to Bilbate. Half an hour more and we’ll reach the quaint village of Guranse. Overnight in a teahouse camp.

  • Max Altitude: 2880m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 10km

Today we hike through rhododendron forests with mani walls and stupas intermixed. About two hours later, we reach Salpa Pokhara, a sacred pool that is supposed to fulfill wishes.  There is plenty of refreshing vegetation and wildlife in the area. Continue over the small pass through more forests and clearings to eventually reach Sanam. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2850m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 12km

Gradually descend through mixed forests until we reach the village of Share. Explore the paper factory, tea shop, and old Gompa before moving ahead. Continue another two hours to explore the lush valley of Gudel (1900 meters). With whitewashed houses and gardens, the village resembles Bung, so it’s a sneak peek of what is ahead. Drop down past more villages and terraced agricultural fields. Soon, we reach Bung, where we officially pay the Makalu National Park entrance fee. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 1900m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 14.5km

After breakfast, we begin to descend steeply from the cliff wall, passing thickets of bamboo. We pass Najindingma (2650 meters), a picturesque village. Continue through animal grazing areas before reaching Gai Kharka. Here, we have awesome views of terraces fields and farming settlements. Overnight in teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2300m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 14km

We pass a moist, subtropical forest and continue across the Hinku Khola via a 62 meter long steel cable bridge. In doing so, you get views of two wonderful cascading waterfalls. Then, take an almost vertical ascent to Sibuje (2500 meters), also known as Vasme. This takes about two hours. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 2500m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 9km

In the morning, we hike up and stop at the small Gompa. Continue uphill through a patchy forest of rhododendron fields. Soon, we reach the Pangum La Pass, and admire the grand views of the Everest region Himalayas, including Mera Peak (6476 meters). Go further to Pangum Gompa. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 3170m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 9km

Crossing the final part of Arun Valley, we trek downhill and then up over the Kari La Pass (3145 meters). After lunch, descend steeply to where Arun Valley meets the route from Jiri, just before Paiya. The trail is rough, but it makes for an interesting day. Paiya is a pleasant village that overlooks a small stream leading to the Dudh Koshi. Overnight in a teahouse camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3100m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 9km

After breakfast, we will start our way to Puiyan. The trail goes roughly down via beautiful local settlements. We can observe the Rai and Sherpa lifestyles and their culture along the way. We will stop for lunch after 3 hours of walking and continue to our destination the little beautiful village of Puiyan. Overnight at a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2830m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 14km

From Paiya, it’s just a couple of hours to Lukla. We can make a short visit to the Kharte La Pass, where the trail winds up coinciding with the Jiri trail. It is a short and easy day, so we can take it slow and then have plenty of time to explore Lukla. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max Altitude: 2860m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Time: 4 Houra
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Walking Distance: 9km

Have breakfast and then walk to Tenzing-Hillary airport and fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in hotel.

Note: The flights to and from Lukla operate from Ramechap airport for 4 months due to the high air traffic in Kathmandu. (October - November and March - April)

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport.  Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide!  We look forward to your next adventure with us.

    The 15-Day Arun Valley Trek itinerary is designed by our years of experienced local mountain guides. It is a tested and successful itinerary for beginner and regular hikers. If this itinerary is not fit for you, please let us know. We can design a new itinerary for your desire.

    Cost Details
    What's Included
    • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
    • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
    • All transportation for the trek, including flights to Tumlingtar and from Lukla.
    • Local guest house accommodation in the mountainss.
    • Tented Camp & supplies (kitchen, sleeping bag, etc.).
    • Government-authorized experienced guides and porters
    • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
    • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
    • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
    • First Aid Kit
    • Maps
    • Service charges and government taxes
    • TIMS card and necessary permits
    • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu
    What's Not Included
    • International airfare
    • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
    • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
    • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
    • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
    • Tips for guide and porter
    • Extra accommodation and meals outside of the itinerary
    • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
    Dates & Price

    If you are not able to join us on this given departure date or if you are planning for your  Private Arun Valley Trek, we can organize your trip on your suitable dates.

    Group Discount Prices
    Number of peoplePrice per person
    1 pax
    US$2099
    2 - 5 pax
    US$1899
    6 - 10 pax
    US$1799
    11 - 20 pax
    US$1699

    Essential Information

    Accommodation

    All our packages include accommodation at the cost.  This accommodation is included in the set itinerary.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you.  During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be twin-shared basis. In the mountain, the Shower and toilet will be on a shared basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.  Our company provides you with a sleeping bag, two-person tents with comfortable mattresses for outdoor camping treks. Our Guide will try to set up your camp with a spectacular view.

    Food

    Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan, and Indian at teahouses.  While camping, we will prepare the meals for you.  After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel. 

    Guide & Porters

    A government-licensed guide will lead the trek.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

    Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience

    As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.  The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek.  On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial.  Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek. 

    Travel Insurance

    We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of a medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

    Best Time to Travel

    The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course, they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures.  It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.

    Domestic Flights

    Insert a cushion of a couple of added days on your travel schedule, advised as a margin of security for your flight from Nepal. We advise that you schedule an extra two-day cushion in your itinerary. Breeze Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu.

    Similar Trips
    You May Also Like