

I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.
The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...
Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK
The Arun valley Treks provides really superb views of both Mt Everest and Makalu. It is located between the Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Parks within the Makalu Barun Valley teeming with many precious plants, animals and birds as a naturalit’s paradise. Trekking in this valley provides an alternative approach to the Khumbu region. This approach is recommended to those people who are no new to the Everest region and fancy to revisit the Everest Base Camp (Kala Pattar) via a less traveled route. This trek is a larger than life opportunity to traverse a unique virgin territory into the Solu Khumbu region before a push up on the Main Everest trail to Kala Patthar from tremendous close ups of the Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse along with many others before its conclusion.
The trek also a combined opportunity to pass through the Everest Base Camp – a classic walk from Lukla to Kalapathar. It is a popular trek, amongst some of the most breath-taking mountain scenery imaginable. The trail to base camp has a network of small lodges which have recently seen big improvements in food and accommodation facilities.
Culturally, the Arun Trek is very interesting - moving from Sherpa through to Rai villages, then down to Chhetri and Brahmin villages. With the lack of general development along the way the villages and their inhabitants retain certain innocence to the Western eyes. The trek to Arun Valley is not so difficult; however the trek necessitates a fair amount of stamina, fitness and enthusiasm to fully appreciate the beauty of the region.
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Title: | Arun Valley Trekking |
| Category: | Highly Adventurous | |
| Grade: | Strenuous & Difficult | |
| Total Days: | 23 Days | |
| Group Size: | 2 to 15 Pax | |
| Departure Date: | Everyday During the Season | |
| Maximum Elevation: | 5,550m. (17,760ft.) | |
| Transportation: | Flights Only | |
| Accommodation: | Tent (Camping) Trekking | |
| Trekking Hours: | Approximately 5 to 7 hrs. Each Day. | |
| Best Season: | Sep. to Nov. / March to May | |
| Trip cost: | USD 2,770.00 |
| Day 01. | Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 02. | City Tour and freelancing |
| Day 03. | Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding |
| Day 04. | Trek to Namche Bazaar |
| Day 05. | Rest Day at Namche Bazaar |
| Day 06. | Trek to Tyangboche |
| Day 07. | Trek to Pheriche |
| Day 08. | Rest Day at Pheriche |
| Day 09. | Trek to Lobuche |
| Day 10. | Trek to Kalapathar, Lobuche |
| Day 11. | Trek to Tyangboche |
| Day 12. | Trek to Phakding |
| Day 13. | Trek to Payan |
| Day 14. | Trek to Pangum |
| Day 15. | Trek to Na Dingma |
| Day 16. | Trek to Bung |
| Day 17. | Trek to Sanam |
| Day 18. | Trek to Salpa Phedi |
| Day 19. | Trek to Chyawabensi |
| Day 20. | Trek to Tumlingtar |
| Day 21. | Fly back to Kathmandu / leisure |
| Day 22. | Free Day in Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 23. | Departure |
| Day 01. | ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 02. | KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal. Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors. Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century. |
| Day 03. | KATHMANDU – LUKLA – PHAKDING (2610m): Breakfast served in the early morning and driven to Kathmandu airport for your domestic flight to Lukla (2804m) which takes approximately 40 minutes. There'll be time for you to explore the village whilst the Sherpa crew sort and load equipment. From Lukla we descend on a wide trail to the nort of the village of Choplung in the Dudh Kosi Valley. The valley radiates energy through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. The convenient walk follows the river's course passing through the village of Ghat. At this instant our destination is a striking village of Phakding where accommodation is provided in the form of Tea House Lodges. It takes to reach 3 hours to Phakding (2610m). |
| Day 04. | PHAKDING – NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440m): Ensuring acclimatization we advance slowly heading up to walk through the tract of blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring seasons when the flowers are in full bloom. A slow and steady pace is reccomended on this section of the climb and the village of Namche Bazaar (3440m); offers most of the fantastic photographic opportunities in the Everest region, beside the Dudh Kosi amongst beautiful alpine scenery, through the fragrant blue pine and fir forest, glimpsing spectacular views of Kusum Kangru (6369m) and Thamserku (6608m) along the way. Leaving Monjo, we again cross the Dudh Kosi, to the western bank at Jorsalle prior to trekking through the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Continuing upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi, it is here we begin our first sustained ascent to Namche Bazaar after crossing the large suspension bridge. Walking at a slow pace, we have fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Nuptse (7879m), Ama Dablam (6856m) and Tawache (6542m) come into view for the first time. |
| Day 05. | NAMCHE – ACCLIMATIZATION DAY: As the name suggests, Namche is famous for its local market or bazaar. Each week, Sherpas from the surrounding villages come to buy food and in order to socialize themselves. Foods not grown locally, such as rice, corn and some vegetables are brought in from the lowland village. Rising early, those who climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks. Spend the morning exploring this colorful and lovely scenery. Walk along the Shyangboche in the afternoon to catch interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture, regional flora and fauna hiking to Everest View hotel (3800m), and Kumjung Valley, with big village including hospital and high school monastery contributed by Sir Edmund Hillary. |
| Day 06. | NAMCHE – THYNGBOCHE (3820m): After 4/5 hours trek (normally) one may have another excellent opportunity to go to Tyangboche Monastery, now reconstructed, as it was completely destroyed by fire in 1988. The magnificent view of Mt. Kwangde (6,187m), Tawache (6,542m), Ama Dablam (6,857m) Everest (8,848m), and Nuptse, Lhotse Thamserku are visible on this trek. Upon walking in the middle ridge of the hill can be observed nice views to the Everest and Thamserku both down and up ways. Thereafter cross the Dhud Kosi River to get to Tyangboche (3820m). At around the dusk visit the monastery. Spectacular mountains views, many wild animals such as musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Lopophorus and birds including pheasant. |
| Day 07. | THYNGBOCHE – PHERICHE (4240m): Walking through little forest of pinewood and rhododendron and following the basecamp valley will reach you at a desert like land of Pangboche. We follow the wide alpine valley covered with scrub juniper through the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo, then on to Pheriche. Along this forest trek there are many birds like, blood pheasants, Danfe - Nepal's National Bird, Monal, impeyan pheasant and many other common birds can be seen. Pheriche is, so it would be a good idea to take warm cloths, 4200m. At Pheriche, a very windy and cold place, a Himalayan rescue association- run aid post can be spotted. |
| Day 08. | REST DAY IN PHERICHE: Reaching on Pheriche valley you can hike up with to your fancy or hang around the Dingboche Village located nearby. You can join the briefing provided by the doctors on altitudes, environments and acclimatization process held everyday at 3.00 pm at Himalayan Rescue Association – an information center for the visitors. |
| Day 09. | PHERICHE – LOBUCHE (4910m): Following the rocky uphill and crossing the Dudh Koshi river you will have opportunity to view 360 degrees mountain views and along the way can feel Tibetan incense known as (Sun Pate). Above the rocky hill named Thukla you will pass by a huge cremation spot built on the commemoration of Sherpa people who have passed away while venturing the adventurous Everest. |
| Day 10. | LOBUCHE – GORAKSHEP – KALAPATHER – LOBUCHE: Early morning heading to Gorakshep (5200m) with our guide and Sherpa for climbing to Kalapather peak (5550m) opportune ourselves for the most beautiful views from the top of the Mountains and Khumbu Glacier, quite close up to your eyes. In Kalapathar, you will be surrounded by the giant mountains and can instill the excitement of the Everest climbing on your own. Now getting down to Gorakshep we retrace our way to Lobuche. |
| Day 11. | LOBUCHE – TYANGBOCHE (3820m): Today the trail descends to Pangboche, which is easy to come down. Continue down to Orsho, then on through Lower Pangboche and down to Deboche, reaching our lodge at Thyngboche in the afternoon. Thyngboche is set in a beautiful meadow high on a ridge surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. Tyangboche is a serene site, surely one of the wonders of the world, accommodating the spectacularly situated Tyangboche Monastery dominated by the Gompa with its prayer flags and scores of stones having a tranquil mediation center as well. |
| Day 12. | TYANGBOCHE – PHAKDING (2610m): Recapping the similar trail through a forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phungitenga, you continue accross the Dudh Kosi for a steep descent to Trashinga. After lunch at Namche you make your way back to Monjo. Subsequently passing a steep descent and crossing over the Bhote Kosi you follow the bank to Jorsalle and then to Phakding for overnight stay. |
| Day 13. | PHAKDING – PAYAN (2770M): This morning you will depart Phakding and carry on your descent along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the Surke village by mid afternoon. From Khumbu, descend to the southern part towards a junction in the village called Chablung to get off the trail that continues gently downhill to Surke. The Chaunrikharka is the original route pre-dating construction of the airstrip and subsequent growth at Lukla. Continue your trek with sometimes steeply passing through the village named Paiya La sitting at the apex of the large hanging valley above the Dudh Kosi. |
| Day 14. | PAYAN – PENGUM (3100m): Start the Arun Valley Trek by leaving the popular Everest tourist trail and contour above the Dudh Kosi valley through to Pangum. At times the terrain can be exasperating, with the trail diverting into side valleys and being far from a direct line to Pangum, however it is interesting area to trek. |
| Day 15. | PANGUM – NA DINGMA (3178m): From Basme there is a second less obvious trail that descends into the valley further to the north. Continue climbing to the east side of the valley to the Sherpa village of Chereme. You can view a swing bridge (1850m), rocks covering the larger gaps between planks and tree branches, sometimes giving horrifying glimpses of the torrent far below. Look back across the valley to the trail opposite descending almost vertically into the valley. Cross the second major ridge feature then descend into the fertile and increasingly populated Hongu valley. It is generally an easy and very interesting day’s trekking. It would be easy to continue on to Boksom or double back over Surkie La to Nadingma. Today’s trek is of 5 hours. |
| Day 16. | NA DINGMA – BUNG (1670m): Leaving Najingdingma, cross a small stream then make a sharp climb to reach Surkie La, also known as Sipki La. This rocky and sometimes muddy climb can be slippery at times. From the pass itself it is worthwhile making another small climb up to a path to a lookout that offers a panoramic view of the backside of the Khumbu peak. 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 and hopefully having some great views including Mere peak in all directions. The trail junction is a short distance below the pass - turn left for Cheskam and right for the direct trail to Bung. Toda’s trek concludes in 6 hours. |
| Day 17. | BUNG – SANAM (3260M): Make a difficult climb out of the Hongu, then continue the first stage of the ascent to Salpa Bhanjyang. This more remote section of the route makes a brief return into Sherpa-country with plenty of beautiful waterfalls and woodlands. Bare left at a junction towards the base of Bung, and then bend right through the bamboo thickets to cross the bridge over the Hongu Khola. Enjoy the last downward steps of the day. The trail to Gudel from Bung is thought to be the hardest. Through to Sherpa village along the Nimstola Gompa caught on the way will make you reach at Sanam. This day’s trek completes after 7 hours walk. |
| Day 18. | SANAM – SALPA PHEDI (2514): Make a huge descent into the warmer climes of the Irkhuwa Valley, a tributary of the Arun basin. Now the trail turns north crossing the Lidung Khola and passing through a clearing then gradually steeping through a truly magnificent forested valley covered with hanging moss. On the way you will discover a couple of teahouses set up by Rai and Sherpa family. Today’s journey concludes in 4 hours. |
| Day 19. | SALPA PHEDI – CHYAWABENSI (2190m): Continue the climb though a wonderful forest to Salpa La, the highest point of the trek. Perhaps visit the lake at Salpa Pokhari near the pass, which is sacred to Hinduism. Make an easy day's walk following the Irkhuwa Khola to meet the Arun, first Major River east of the Dudh Kosi. The only real obstacle will be the crossing of a large spur, which may present some minor route finding problems. Finally, cross the Arun itself and continue an easy descent. The mighty Arun will appear quite suddenly strong and silent like a deep green snake running southward in the valley below. The path winds on through sub tropical woodland down to the village of Balawa Besi on the true right bank of the Arun. Take the path through the rice paddies, shortly arriving at Kartike Pul Where possible you may find it a refreshing change to walk barefoot on the sandy beach along the riverside to arrive shortly at the Chhetri village of Chyawabesi where there are several small lodges. |
| Day 20. | CHYAWABENSI – TUMLINGTAR (360m): Take it easy on the homerun. The trail wanders alongside the Arun through the steaming jungle, sometimes diverting across sandy beaches. The may also be a higher route along the river used during monsoonal periods. Despite the relatively short trek down-valley to Tumlingtar, again you might benefit from an early start. The heat builds quickly once the sun gets up and the morning mists make this the most pleasant part of the day - so get the walking done early and the remainder can be given over to snoozing and perhaps a swim. |
| Day 21. | TUMLINGTAR – KATHMANDU: This morning proceed to check in the airport; you will be transferred to Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day has been left free. |
| Day 22. | FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU: After breakfast, you will be free on your own. As you are free in Kathmandu you can go for shopping and picking up some last minute souvenirs. In the evening, Traditional Nepali Dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 23. | DEPARTURE: After breakfast is leisure for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination. |
September to November & March to May is the best seasons for attempting Arun Valley Trekking and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Everest Base Camp & Arun Valley, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is finest temperature and trekking can be done without any problem.
The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.
01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
25. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
26. Water bottle
27. Toiletries
Pre - Meeting Before Trip
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trekking
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Arun Valley Trekking you will spend four nights at 3-star in Kathmandu and Eighteen nights at the locally best available Tent Camp in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; or Group Leader.
Meals during Arun Valley Trekking
All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from our own kitchen. Your cook-man offering various different items in a day and will be different each single day menu. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same Camp, you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Trekking Staff:
The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.
Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
Acceptance of risk:
The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.
INSURANCE:
It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects
Climate:
Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.
The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Health:
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.
Client Details:
In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.