The Arun Valley trek offers an incredible opportunity to explore village life with typical folk dance and songs. Commencing with a flight to Tumlingtar to the East of Everest, the first week is spent trekking through virgin territory into the Solukhumbu region before a push-up on the main Everest trail to Kala Patthar. The trek from Tumlingtar at barely 390m to Makalu Base Camp at 4,800m is long and arduous as a vast range in temperatures is confronted, from steamy in the lowlands to snowstorms at high altitudes. It is compulsory to hike toward the north along the Arun River to Sedua and Num, then cross the Barun La 4110m into the upper Barun Khola valley for a close look at Mount Makalu. En Route Orchids and other flowers along a faint jungle trail, swirling prayer flags at Shipton La, and walking through this picturesque Sherpa village are the attractions of the Arun Valley region. Walking north up the Arun River to Sedua and Num, then crossing Barun La (4110m) into the upper Barun Khola valley for a close look at Makalu (8463m). Likewise, the trekking route offers dramatic views of the landscape and the beautiful scenery of mighty Himalayan peaks. One can enjoy the views of Mount Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt.Baruntse, Mt.Lhotse, Mt.Nuptse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt.Thamserku, etc on their walking journey. Mind-blowing music and the age-old culture of the Nepalese hilly region are the highlights for travelers. Best Time For this trek, we consider autumn (September – November) and spring (March- May) as the best seasons for trekking in this region. So Join the Nepal Mountain Trekkers team to be part of this breathtaking scenic grandeur trek. For an experience, you will never forget. Special Note: If this itinerary doesn’t suit your requirement or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits. Overview Day 1 Arrive at Kathmandu (1,347m/4,417ft): Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation: Day 3 Flight to Tumlingtar and trek to Kartike (523m/1,715 ft): Day 4 Kartike to Gothey (1,128m/3,700 ft): Day 5 Gothey to Salpa Phedi (1,680m/5,511 ft): Day 6 Phedi to Gurase Bhanjyang (2,500m/8,202 ft): Day 7 Gurase to Sanam (2,850m/9,350 ft): Day 8 Sanam to Bung (1,900m/6,233 ft): Day 9 Bung to Gai kharka (2,300m/7,545 ft): Day 10 Gaikharka to Panggom (2,850m/9,350 ft): Day 11 Panggom to Painya (2,830m/9,284 ft): Day 12 Painya to Lukla (2,840m/9,317 ft): Day 13 Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu: Day 14 Departure Day: Detail Itinerary Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu (1,347m/4,417ft):: As soon as you arrive at the capital city, Kathmandu, you will be met by a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers at International Airport terminals and he will take you to your respective hotel (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard). After checking into the hotel, you can enjoy your free time relaxing in the cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day. Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:: After having our early meal, we start our day with a visit to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. B included. Day 3 : Flight to Tumlingtar and trek to Kartike (523m/1,715 ft):: To begin with the adventure in eastern Nepal, we shall begin the day with an early morning drive to Domestic Airport and take on a flight to the hill town of Tumlingtar, perched on a broad plateau to the east of Arun River, along the chain of Himalayas. There we shall enjoy our breakfast and introduce ourselves to our local porters. From this village, which provides a view of Makalu and Chamlang Peaks on clear weather, we shall set off on a drive to the trailhead of Kumal Gaon walking through the forested trail. From there, we head towards the eastern bank of the Arun River and cross the bridge which directs us to the Bheteni village. Walking further via Chewabesi, passing through bushes, and heading to the southern direction along the bank of Arun River, we reach Kartike. Stay Overnight at Kartike. Day 4 : Kartike to Gothey (1,128m/3,700 ft):: Today after your early meal, we will head towards the small settlements of Baluwa Besi thru the grasslands and crossing the bridge over the Arun River. Following the trail, we will be ascending towards Sal Forest and some small settlements until we reach the Marduwa village inhabited by Rai people. Along the way, we 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, farms, and walking along the Irkhuwa river, we will reach our destination for today, Gothey. Stay Overnight at Gothey. Day 5 : Gothey to Salpa Phedi (1,680m/5,511 ft):: We will be ascending via several small settlements inhabited by Rai and Sherpa people, crossing suspension bridges over Irhuwa Khola, cross streams, and some lush bushes today. With the adorable and picture-perfect sceneries along the trail, we will reach Salpa Phedi where we will be staying overnight this day. Day 6 : Phedi to Gurase Bhanjyang (2,500m/8,202 ft):: This day, we will be ascending for more almost 900m high elevation from Phedi. After breakfast, we will start our trekking through the lush bushes and arduous trail. It is a rather tough but worthwhile trekking journey today. The beautiful oak, birch, and Rhododendron forests and the mind-boggling sceneries of landscapes and mountain ranges will make this journey a fulfilling one. Stay Overnight at Gurase Bhanjyang. Day 7 : Gurase to Sanam (2,850m/9,350 ft):: Today, we will be hiking up to the highest elevation of our journey i.e., Salpa La Pas (3,360m) which is a steady climb from Gurase. From the pass, the eye-dazzling sceneries of Makalu ranges and Chamlang can be seen. After the steep ascent up to the pass, we shall descend towards Dhaka through beguiling Rhododendron forest. Further on, we will trek up to Sanam village where we will be staying overnight. Day 8 : Sanam to Bung (1,900m/6,233 ft):: Our journey will be full of ascends and descends the entire day through the forested trail with Rhododendron, Brown Oaks, Chir Pines, and other flora and fauna. We will be crossing a steel suspension bridge over the Hinku River and descend towards the village of Bung where we stay overnight. Bung is a Rai village where we will be discovering about the cultivation of Rice, Millet, and Soybeans in the terraced field in their own traditional farming techniques. Day 9 : Bung to Gai kharka (2,300m/7,545 ft):: Another day full of ascends and descends. We commence the journey descending steeply through the cliff of a hill and then pass across the settlements of Najindingma. Today we can spot some Chortens and Monasteries along the way as well as we will be passing some Yak grazing meadows and bushes. Stay Overnight at Gai Kharka. Day 10 : Gaikharka to Panggom (2,850m/9,350 ft):: Like the previous days, this is going to be somehow similar with the ascends and descends across gorges and old moraines, Rhododendron, and Juniper forest alongside the Hinku River, and in addition, we can have the magnificent 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 view of Mera Peak, Kusum Kanguru, Kangtega, and other neighboring peaks. From the pass, we will descend toward Panggom village inhabited by Sherpa people where we will stay overnight. Day 11 : Panggom to Painya (2,830m/9,284 ft):: From Panggom, we trek uphill through the forest of oak, birch, bamboo, and rhododendron, and six ancient Mani walls, crossing Kari La Pass (3,145m) and continuing the hike until we arrive at a small wooden bridge (above Paiya Khola) and along the slippery and narrow trail, we will reach the settlement of Painya. We will stay overnight at Painya. Day 12 : Painya to Lukla (2,840m/9,317 ft):: From Paiya, it is about 5-6 hours of the walk at a leisurely pace to reach Lukla with gradual ascend through lush bushes. Initiating the journey climbing down the steep hill toward Surke and then ascending towards Paiya La Pass aka Chutok La Pass (2,945m / 9,662 ft) passing through several small settlements and alpine forests, we will reach Paiya Lukla where we will be staying overnight. Day 13 : Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu:: After having your early meal, you will be transferred to the airport to catch a short domestic flight from Tenzing-Hilary Airport, Lukla to Kathmandu Domestic Airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, stroll down across the streets of culturally affluent Kathmandu valley for shopping souvenirs, enjoy complimentary after trekking spa from Nepal Mountain Trekkers, and farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant at end of the day. Day 14 : Departure Day:: Today will be your final day in Nepal, and after you get ready for your international flight, we drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled international flight towards your onward destination.

The Nar and Phu are two distinctive yet close valleys with excellent trekking options tucked in between the popular Annapurna and Manaslu trekking regions of Nepal, primarily habited by the Khampas (Tibetan refugees). Although quite an easily accessible trekking route in comparison to the two most infamous trails of the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it is a relatively less-traveled and hidden gem of the country that lets you breathe the air of the serene and pristine eighth-tallest giant mountain in the world, Chame (8,163 m; the local name of Mt. Mansalu). A trek here in the Nar Phu Valley lets you venture into the authentic remote valleys retaining traditional life in the Himalayas influenced by Tibetans hugely. The trek here is also called the first-hand experience into the little Tibet that comes with the extra Himalayan spices of peaks, high Himalayan passes such as Kang La (5,200 m) and Thorong La (5,416 m), glaciers, exciting canyons, dense alpine forest, rugged terrain formation, yak pastureland, and historical ancient gompas representing the Tibetan influence in the valley. As the trek takes place in the rare wilderness of the Nepalese Himalayas, you will be able to witness the raw Himalayan beauty and lifestyle that guarantee to leave a lifelong impression on how you perceive the world and the people around you. The holy ambiance surrounding the Nar and Phu valleys is an ideal place to medicate and find your lost self amidst the majestic mountains on the 12-day journey to the Nar and Phu valleys. While you set out for these amazing Nar Phu valleys, you will be at the highest elevation of 5,320 m, which offers the most gratifying and mesmerizing views of Mt.Manaslu (8,193 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) and its ranges, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and other 19 unnamed snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Trekking region that overlook the charming villages, pasturelands, and picturesque landscapes below, with much more ancillary walking through the verdant forests, dramatic cliffs, and deep gorges in our 12-day itinerary Manaslu Circuit Trek. Therefore, the trek that begins from Kota after an around 8-hour drive from Kathmandu and initially follows the Annapurna Circuit route up to Meta and crosses the bridge over the river Marshyandi leading off-the-beaten-track to the valley of Nar and Phu to the north of the capital city is a true Himalayan adventure to hop for with Adventure Himaya Travels and Treks for a hassle-free trekking experience in an affordable cost tailored to all the trekkers and travel enthusiasts who desire to see and be at the tranquility of Himalayas. What to expect on the Nar Phu Valley Trek? Nar Phu Valley is a scenic trekking destination that lets you discover the mystery of combined natural and cultural beauty hidden in one of the most isolated and secluded parts of the Annapurna and Manaslu regions in the foothills of the towering peaks of Nepal and the warm hospitality of the local ethnic communities. During the trek to Nar and Phu Valley, expect: What are the mountains seen in the Nar Phu Valley Trek? Along with the alpine meadows, unique landscapes, varying rock formations, and centuries-old Tibetan culture that has remained untouched and unspoiled till now, the Nar Phu Valley trek offers panoramic views and an embrace of Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,192 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/23,379 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), Chulu Peaks, and the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt.Manaslu (8,163 m) as the main highlight. They struck right into your eyes throughout the journey and were more spectacular in the autumn and spring. Trekking in the more isolated and secluded Nar Phu Valley Despite being located amidst the most renowned trekking regions of Nepal, Annapurna, and Manaslu, the Nar Phu trekking trail is a less thrilling trekking trail that was opened for trekkers and tourists only recently, in 2003. The remoteness of the discrete valleys from the urban cities has led to more peaceful and less frequented trekking. Further, the Nar Phu Valley region comes under the restricted zone of Nepal and hence observes a lower number of trekkers and travelers and is less commercialized than other major trekking routes of Nepal, such as Everest and Annapurna. To sum it up, the Nar and Phu Valley is an isolated trekking area of Nepal that holds the ultimate serenity, offering the basic accommodations and food choices that give the true feel of Himalayan life and retreats its enthusiasts with the untarnished original Tibetian and other indigenous culture and traditions born in the lap of the Himalayas due to its inaccessibility from Kathmandu and other major urban cities of Nepal. Watch the customary life of monks and locals in the Nar Phu Valley Trek Throughout the 12-day trek to Nar Phu Valley, you will pass through several remote villages that have a special faith in Tibetan Buddhism. As a result, during the trekking time, you will get to see numerous ancient monasteries, gompas, and chortens festooned with prayer flags and the pleasing smell of burned incense. In Buddhist monasteries such as Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Nar Village, Gompa at Phu, and Lhogaon Monastery at Dharamsala, you will get a deeper insight into the day-to-day lives of the monks residing at these religious historical landmarks in the Nar and Phu Valleys. Usually in the monasteries, you will see many prayer wheels, murals showcasing the lives of Buddha and Buddhism, and ancient arts and paintings scattered where locals pay respect and make offerings while the disciplined monks follow the monastic life and immerse themselves in daily rituals and meditation. If you are respectful enough, you might even get to be part of the religious practice, prayers, and local festivities on your most fortunate days while trekking the Nar Phu Valley. Tibetan Cultural Indulagment in the Nar Phu Valley Trek The Valley of Nar and Phu primarily consists of locals of Tibetan origin. They have strong beliefs in Tibetan Buddhism, and it plays an important role in guiding them. Before, they used to be horse riders and breeders of Tibetan mastiffs, but now most of them are involved in animal husbandry and farming, living the life of nomads. Some of them are involved in metal crafting, metal works, thanka paintings, and carpet weaving as well. Though their attires and ways of regulating life seem quite similar to those of Sherpa and other Mongolian tribes, they have their own dialects and costumes and are from different family linkages that you will get to explore fully while you initiate cultural exchange and interaction with locals in the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Cross the thrilling Kang La Pass while trekking the Nar Phu Valley Physically challenging terrain, steep ascents, and descents are another key feature of the Nar Phu Valley Trek, which includes crossing the Kang La high mountain pass at an altitude of 5,322 m (17,460 ft) above sea level. This evokes an extra adventure in the overall trekking to Nar Phu Valley with a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Further, the 12-day Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you to an elevation of over 5,000 meters, which puts a test on your dedication and physical fitness. Acclimatization plays a vital role in determining whether you are ready for further ascent or not, while the heavenly beauty from atop the pass makes it all worth the hardships you will come across on the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The best 12-day itinerary to trek Nar Phu Valley The Nar Phu Valley trekking itinerary is set based on several factors, such as duration, beginning and ending points, and the logistics involved. Although it is customizable as per the needs and time constraints of the trekkers, you have to consider a few things to choose the right one for you. The itinerary of Nar Phu Valley can be lengthened by adding a trip to Muktinath, Tilicho Lake, Mustang, or rejoining the infamous Annapurna Circuit Trail at Yak Kharka that lets you visit some of the holy sanctum and turquoise glacial water body system. All you have to do is make sure the itinerary involves ample acclimatization, side treks, and some weather considerations. In the meantime, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks has been skyrocketing in the field of tailoring the best itinerary to meet the personal preferences of our clients and offering the best 12-day itinerary to trek the incredible Nar Phu Valley. The 12-day itinerary of the Nar Phu valley trek with us incorporates a day of sightseeing in Kathmandu and exploration in the valley of Phu that begins from Kota at first and moves forward, passing narrow forest entrances from where the route expands and provides you with the awe-inspiring sight of Kang Garu, Pisang, and other peaks. On the way, while you will see some stupendous old-fashioned villages and monasteries with antique artifacts, on your very lucky day, you might catch a glimpse of yak and blue sheep herds as well. Nonetheless, the 12-day itinerary to trek Nar Phu Valley is a standard package from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. However, if you wish to make some changes to the itinerary or want to create your own, we are here for you 24/7 to help you with each logistical requirement for the most successful and enjoyable trek to Nar Phu Valley. Nar Phu Valley Trekking Group cost The overall trekking cost to the Nar Phu Valley in Nepal varies depending on numerous factors, including the length of your trek, the specific services you have chosen, the mode of transportation used, the number of people in your group, and your expenses.

If you are looking for a different trek in the Nepal Himalayas, why not take a trip through the remote and secluded Tsum Valley? It has been open to trekkers for less than 20 years, so it is not as accessible or well-known as classic treks in other parts of the country. This 11-day trek does not involve any flights; it is one day’s drive from Kathmandu. Taking us through stunning landscapes up near the Tibetan border with Nepal, the Tsum Valley Trek introduces us to Tibetan lifestyles and culture with the many gompas and monasteries we pass through. As we may expect up so far north, the trails are mainly at elevations over 3,000 m / 9,842 ft, and the views of the mountains are unique. Some of the mountains include Mt Manaslu itself, at 8,163 m / 26,781 ft, Ganesh Himal 7,140 m / 23,425 ft, and Himalchuli 7,893 m / 25,895. A high level of fitness is required for this trek, as the altitude is high, the days are long, and accommodation on the trail is quite basic. Stamina and a sense of adventure are definite advantages! As we trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area not only do we meet Buddhist monks and yak herders, but we also run the possibility of meeting some of the wildlife that makes its home in this area. Red pandas, Snow Leopards, and Blue Sheep are unique mammals in this area. Plenty of birds and interesting flora also add to the flavor. If this sounds like a place you would love to visit, read on! Tsum Valley Trek Outline Itinerary Day 1: Kathmandu to Macha Khola (Drive) Macha Khola – 930 m / 3051 ft – 8 hrs Day 2: Maccha Khola to Jagat Jagat – 1340 m /4396 ft – 6 hrs Day 3: Jagat to Lokpa Lokpa – 2240 m / 7349 ft – 5 hrs Day 4: Lokpa to Chumling Chumling – 2386 m / 7828 ft – 5 hrs Day 5: Chumling to Chekampar Chekampar – 3031 m / 9944 ft – 6 hrs Day 6: Chekampar to Nile Nile – 3361 m / 11026 ft – 6 hrs Day 8: Nile or Mu Gompa to Chumling Chumling – 2,361 m / 7,746 ft / 5 – 6 hrs Day 9: Chumling to Philim 1,570 m / 5,150 ft / 6-7 hours Day 10: Philm to Macha Khola Soti Khola 800 m / 2,395 ft – 6-7 hrs Day 11: Macha Khola to Kathmandu