Arun Valley to Everest Base Camp Trek

This day is for guided sight seeing via chartered vehicle and it will be an introduction to the religion, culture and architecture of Kathmandu valley with the visits to three major World Heritage sites all listed under UNESCO. The first site is astounding oldest Buddhist monastery named as Monkey Temple locally known as Swayambhunath, which was built 2800 years ago and is perched on the top of the hillocks with settlement of monkeys and few people, and it allows you bird’s eye view of entire Kathmandu valley comprising snow clad mountains in the north. As you progress to next site, which is Kathmandu Durbar Square, old Royal Palace,

built in 16 to 17 centuries, you will get opportunities to observe the pagoda architecture constructed with intricate carvings on the wooden frame, doors, windows and struts as well. Eventually the tour ends at your hotel after the visit to the holiest Hindu temple Pashupatinath, where the cremations take place incessantly.

Flying east from Kathmandu, we take our first glimpse from the air of the mountains as we head to Tumlingtar (515m) and the starting point of our trek. This small community lies on the green plains of Tumlingtar and has a distinct Indian feel as it lies mere 70kms from the border. Feeling like we have stepped back in time, we land on the grass covered runway and pass through this peaceful trading post as we set off across the plains and warm up with a gentle uphill hike through rice paddies and mango groves past pretty settlements with elevated split bamboo houses draped with bougainvillea and honeysuckle shrubs. Crossing the Arun River on long and low suspension bridge, we arrive at the little village of Katikeghat (950m) situated on the banks of the Arun river.

The day begins with a strenuous uphill hike away from the Arun towards Chalise, where we will break for lunch. After the meal, we will start the gradual climb to Gothe Bazaar where we will camp for the night. In the village, we can sample the local Chhang, a beer made from rice.

Crossing the Irkhu River via rickety but safe bamboo bridges, we head up to Dhobane-Danphe where the villagers specialise in Nepalese hand made papermaking. After lunch, we will continue on our way to Phedi where we will camp for the night (Teahouse available). Until now, we have been trekking through low altitude fertile river valley and experiencing varied local cultures of this area. However, on the ninth day we move up into the middle hills.

We ascend to Jaubari, and after the hard climb, we can stop there to enjoy a revitalizing cup of local Nepali Sherpa tea (Salt, flour, boiled water and butter mixed with tea). Proceeding through the rhododendron forest, we stop to enjoy our packed lunch and a well-deserved rest, before heading up to Guranse, our campsite. (Optional hike to mountain pass, 40 mins.)

A 40-minute hike through the forest takes us to the Salpa pass, fromwhere we descend the mountain ridge – at 3,349m. (If there is enough snow, you won’t need skis to slide down the slippery slopes!) Back in the rhododendron forest, we will continue onto the Sherpa village of Sonam (this is our second shopping centre for fresh vegetables), where we will stop for lunch. There is a choice of camping sites, either at Tiuwa (1 hour) or at Guidel (3 hours).

Heading steeply downhill through jungle and villages along the ridge and past the Hinku (‘Hunga’- local name) River, we will stop for lunch at Bung –before carrying on towards camp at Khirangle, on the edge of the jungle. (If you wish, you can give some donation to the local primary school).

 Heading into the jungle, we trek uphill to visit a Buddhist monastery before stopping for lunch. Later, we advance towards the second pass, Surky la (3,084m) where we will get to enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Numbur. From here, we descend onto the Sherpa Summer camp of Najing. Once there, we can try the local delicacies – dry meat, Sherpa tea, Yak yoghurt…hmmm!

Today’s trek will take you along a downhill trail across the Inkhu river, which, in turn, leads to a steep ascent…a real endurance test! We take our lunch at Gaikharka (where it is possible to buy chocolate bars); after which we head towards the third pass of Pangum (3,137m), and then into Pangum village to camp.

We gradually trek downhill to our lunch spot at the Makalu Hotel (a local teashop). After lunch, we continue towards the ridge before the steep downhill path merges with the Jiri trail….and all the other trekkers! (Note: there is another lower and gentler route, but if the weather permits, we should have beautiful mountain views from our high route.) At Puyan, we can relax and enjoy a drink or two and take shower ( a welcome relief).

This morning we share the trail with villagers, porters, trekkers, mules and of course yaks as we make our way towards the edge of the Lukla plateau and then down to the valley floor.  Continue back down into the Dudh Kosi valley until we reach our camp at Phakding. Teahouse here will provide us with cokes, beers and videos!

Following the Dudh Kosi, we gently climb through fields and rhododendron forest to reach Jorsalle, where we stop over for lunch. After our meal, we will visit Sagarmatha National Park, before heading on towards camp at Namche Bazaar. This bustling village offers such luxuries as bank, hot showers and, surprise, surprise- shopping! Tonight we bid adieu to the porters – who’ll be replaced by yaks from here on.

We stay put in Namche Bazaar for a day to get acclimatised to the altitude. The day can be spent exploring the Sherpa culture and mingling with the locals. Weather permitting, our first glance at Everest, Thamsherku, Kangtega, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam is a distinct possibility. A visit to the museum can also be made. After packing our lunch, we can visit the Khunde Hospital, the Sir Edmund Hillary School, or Everest View Hotel – the world’s highest hotel. Here at Namche, it is possible to arrange any extra supplies needed for the ascent to the Base Camp.

Today we travel towards Tengboche, stopping in Phunki Tanga for lunch, where we will find the water mills and prayer wheels. Once at the Tengboche camp, it is possible to visit the local monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation, or to hike up to see close-up views of the Thamsherku. From this day onwards, smoking and drinking will be prohibited to minimize the chances of altitude sickness.

 Continue to follow Dudh Kosi along a moderate uphill trail. Lunch will be at Sombare, and then we carry on our trek to our camp at Dingboche (teahouse optional). Here, we can enjoy a hot shower…and very cold air!

The key to acclimatisation is a slow descent, and following the golden rule: go high, sleep low. Armed with a packed Lunch, one can choose from a number of short hikes;

1.  Up the Chuking Valley, 1-8 hours;
2.  Nuptse Glacier, 3-4 hours(5,000m);
3.  Imjatse Peak, 3-4 hours (5,200m);
4.  Ama Dablam Lake (where you can have an exhilarating swim) 4-6 hours(4800m);

We’ll take a short trek up along the ridge; and after a quick tea break at Thugla, we will continue up the steep moraine pile to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. Lunch will be taken at Lobuche, where we will also set up camp (optional- dormitory bed). The afternoon will be spent resting, acclimatising, or hiking.

 Wake up early in the morning; and after a light breakfast, we will hike for 2/3 hours up into the valley at Gorakshep. We will have a tea break and a short rest before heading up the steep trail to our ultimate destination- the Summit of Kala Pathar (5,545m)-the closest one can get to Mt. Everest without the aid of mountaineering equipment. After packing our lunch and lot of group photos with Everest in the backdrop, we will make our way back down to our camp at Lobuche.

Trekking down the valley, we pass through Pheriche (optional visit to Pheriche Hospital) and stop for lunch at Sumbare. We head towards the Dudh Kosi and Pangboche and Denboche monasteries. We will set up camp at Tengboche, overlooking the mountains that we have just passed through.

 Today we will continue descending down the valley, and reach Namche Bazaar by lunchtime. Tired trekkers will highly appreciate the free afternoon.

We can either wake up late and have lunch at Namche bazaar before leaving for Phakding, or trek in the morning and arrive in Phakding for lunch. Here you can enjoy a relaxing and leisurely afternoon.

We maintain our unhurried return to Lukla along the Dudh Kosi, stopping for lunch in Kusum Khola. At Lukla, we can either camp or stay in dorm (US$3/bed). Night time, we can go for drinks and let our hair down at the farewell party!

 Our trip leader will confirm the flight back to Kathmandu while the rest of us take a well-deserved rest.

 We will have an early breakfast before going to the airport to catch a morning flight back to Kathmandu (between 7:00am and 12:00pm). After debriefing at the Himalayan Encounters office, the trip will officially be over!!!