Arun Valley Trek with Everest Base Camp - A Unique Trekking Experience

Upon arriving at Kathmandu airport, a team member will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. In the evening, join us for a delightful dinner at one of the city's renowned restaurants, where you'll have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and discuss the exciting EBC with Arun Valley Trek adventures ahead.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.
• Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we'll head to the domestic airport for our flight to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal, the starting point of our trek through the Arun Valley. Enjoy a scenic flight over terraced fields, hills, and traditional villages, with Himalayan peaks like Chamalang and Makalu visible in the distance. The landing is an exciting experience with a sharp turn and steep descent onto a grassy field.

Our trek through the Arun Salpa Valley begins, offering 'old-style' trekking through the middle hills of eastern Nepal. This region is rich in ethnic diversity, with shamanistic religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, traditional villages, green terraced fields, and small riverside trails. As we trek along a small road through lively villages and colorful tea houses, we encounter locals and mule trains carrying cardamom, the area's biggest cash crop.

We cross a suspension bridge over the wide Arun River and follow the river closely, passing terraced rice fields, buffaloes, thatched huts, and villagers working in the fields. After a lunch break at Chewa Besi, we continue to Kartiki Ghat, crossing another suspension bridge to reach the main village known for its bees and honey.

We begin the morning with a gentle walk to the picturesque village of Balwa Besi, where we cross a sparkling stream on a wooden bridge. The climb then takes us past local teahouses offering fresh bananas and oranges, through a lush tropical forest, and past charming thatched huts. As we ascend to a high viewpoint above the Arun River, the trail can be slippery if damp. Leaving the beautiful Arun Valley behind, we climb 600 meters, contouring around hillsides until we reach the small village of Marduwa, surrounded by terraced rice paddies and fruit trees.

Continuing through scenic hamlets, clusters of traditional mud-brick houses, and terraced fields, we stop for lunch near Nepali Danda, a spot with historical significance to the local Chettri caste. After lunch, we follow the main trail, which winds through more rice paddies and banyan trees. The forest thickens as we ascend and then descend a muddy trail to the Irkhuwa River, crossing two bridges, including a long suspension bridge. The riverside trail offers the chance to see locals threshing rice and the vibrant blue kingfishers fishing in the river.

Finally, we reach a small teahouse perched on a ridge where sweet bananas and tangerines are often available. A short descent brings us to Gothe Bazaar, a bustling village home to Gurung and Rai communities. This local hub for Nepali porters offers a welcoming atmosphere and the chance to enjoy delicious local pumpkin soup, making it a perfect end to a rewarding day of trekking.

Leaving Gothe Bazaar, we trek along the bank of Benkhuwa Khola, passing through lush rice paddy fields and groves of citrus fruits and bananas. The trail is easy and crosses a bridge to the north river bank. You'll come across a paper factory producing traditional Nepali paper from the Lokta plant, a key income source for the local Rai and Sherpa communities. Continuing north, we arrive at Dobhane for an overnight stay.

Our trek begins with a walk through rice terrace fields and small settlements into a subtropical forested trail. We continue to Tendo village, featuring a school and a flat land used as a campsite. The trail is mostly flat with occasional riverside descents. Passing through Tallo Phedi villages with slate-roofed houses, we head to the south bank of the Irkhuwa valley. After crossing a bamboo bridge over Sanu Khola, we reach Salpa Phedi, inhabited by the Rai community. Explore the nearby stupa and gompa before settling in for the night.

Starting with a steep ascent from Salpa Phedi, the trail reaches the confluence of Irkhuwa and Sanu Khola rivers. As we climb higher, the landscape transforms, and we pass through rhododendron forests to Thulophokte, a Sherpa settlement. Here, we visit the Chochen gompa and admire Mani walls with Buddhist carvings. Reaching Salpa Pass offers stunning views of Mt. Dudh Kunda and Makalu. After a 2-hour descent, we reach Sanam and continue through the forest to Siare. Finally, we descend to Gudel, a large village inhabited by the Kulung tribe, with mesmerizing views of Mt. Chamlang and Mera Peak.

We begin by crossing a bridge over the Hinku River, flowing from Mera Peak. Continuing, we reach Bung village, 54 km south of Mt. Everest, known for its fertile rice fields. Passing through farmlands and small settlements, we arrive at Khairaule village, where we pass a school and cross an iron bridge. The trail ascends through stone steps into a beautiful rhododendron forest. Along the way, we encounter a small stupa and mani walls before reaching Charikot. Here, the trail diverges; while the northeast path leads to Panch Pokhari, we take the western route to Surkie La Pass. At the top, colorful prayer flags and mani walls greet us. We then descend through a rhododendron forest into the yak grazing pasture of Gai Kharka.

Today's trek leads us towards the Dudh Koshi River Valley, involving several ascents and descents. We follow the Hinku Khola River northward and cross the relatively easy Pangmum La Pass. Enjoy stunning views of Kusum Kanguru and Mera Peak before descending to the village of Kharte, where we will spend the night.

We enter the Dudh Koshi Valley, heading towards Phakding. Along the way, enjoy your first views of snow-capped peaks such as Khumbila, Sherpa, Gyachen Kang, and Kusum Kangaru. Descend along the main Jiri trail to Puiyan, a beautiful settlement at the foot of a towering hill and gateway to the Mera Peak trek. Following the Dudh Koshi River, we ascend to Chauri Kharka, known as the breadbasket of the Khumbu region. Eventually, we join the trail to Phakding, passing mani walls and stone steps, and settle into a teahouse for the night.

We start early, trekking along the Dudh Koshi River through a scenic pine forest towards the small village of Benkar. Enjoy breathtaking views of Thamserku peak towering above the valley. Cross a long suspension bridge shared with donkeys and mules carrying trade goods.

Continuing to Monjo, take in views of Khumbila peak. Monjo is the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, where you'll need to show your permits and purchase an entrance ticket at the checkpoint. Descend to the river and cross a suspension bridge to Jorsale village, where you catch your first distant glimpse of Mt. Everest.

After lunch in Jorsale, the trek continues through a steep forested area until reaching the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. Before arriving at Namche Bazaar, the trail ascends to Tope Danda, a vantage point offering expansive views of Namche town. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, head to a tea house, relax, and enjoy some local butter tea.

Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of the Khumbu region, is a key meeting point for trekkers and mountaineers. This vibrant town is filled with locals and traders, especially on Saturdays when a lively market takes place. With numerous ATMs, cyber cafes, shops, bakeries, and restaurants, you can enjoy a taste of home with pizza and espresso.

On your acclimatization day, enjoy a hearty breakfast before opting for a hike to nearby attractions. Visit the renowned Khunde Hospital, established by Sir Edmund Hillary, and explore Namche Monastery to delve into Buddhist heritage. Hike to the Everest View Hotel for stunning, close-up views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Everest. This day offers a perfect blend of rest and exploration, preparing you for the trek ahead.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we take the northern trail towards Tengboche village. Walking along the sandy Dudh Koshi river trail, we ascend past a flight of stone steps. Throughout the route, enjoy mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and Nuptse, some of the highest peaks in the world.

Continue trekking through a lush forest towards a suspension bridge over the Phunki Tenga river. Passing a rocky trail, we encounter a zig-zag path where you may see Himalayan Griffons nesting in the high cliffs above. A steep route through a rhododendron-clad forest leads us to an Army checkpoint. This area is known for sightings of rare musk deer and blood pheasants. A final steep climb brings us to the village of Tengboche.

Upon arrival, settle down at a tea house and then visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. The monastery offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam towering behind it. Known locally as Dawa Choling Gompa, the monastery complex includes paintings, statues, shrines, stupas, mani walls, and prayer wheels. A visit to Tengboche Monastery provides a deep insight into the ancient architecture and heritage of the Buddhist religion and the Sherpa community.

Leaving the serene village of Tengboche, we ascend to higher elevations, passing the Milingo nunnery. Crossing the trail to the stunning Imja Khola gorge, we reach Pangboche village, known for its ancient Pangboche Monastery, the oldest in the Khumbu region. This area is home to mountain goats navigating the rugged cliffs. Continuing along the Lobuche river trail, we pass through Sombare village. As we approach Dingboche, the climate changes noticeably, so ensure you are well-covered during the windy evening. Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization in Dingboche to adapt to the increasing altitude. After a hearty breakfast, consider a hike to Nagarjun Hill, crossing the 5,000m mark. This short hike starts with a steep climb on loose rocks but rewards you with magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam and the Imja glacier from the top. After capturing some photos and enjoying the panoramic vistas, return to Dingboche for a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay in Dingboche.

We start the trek by heading towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, the highest and largest glacier in Nepal. Stop for lunch in Dugla village, then tackle the steep zig-zag climb to Thukla Pass, known for its memorial stupas honoring mountaineers who lost their lives on Everest, including Scott Fischer and his team from the 1996 expedition, featured in the movie "Everest." The trek continues to Lobuche, one of the highest Sherpa settlements with lodges and tea houses for overnight accommodation.

We leave Lobuche early, trekking towards Gorak Shep. This challenging hike starts before dawn, with temperatures dropping and the trail becoming tougher. Gorak Shep was the original base camp for the 1952 Swiss Expedition. After dropping our belongings at a tea house, we head to Everest Base Camp. The trek is rugged with loose stones and icy slopes but rewards us with awe-inspiring views of the Khumbu glacier and Khumbu Icefall. Although the peak of Mt. Everest isn't visible from here, the surrounding 8,000m peaks provide a dramatic backdrop. After plenty of photos, we retrace our steps to Gorak Shep

Today, we hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek at 5,550m. This viewpoint offers the best views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks like Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Pumori. After soaking in the panoramic vistas and taking photos, we return to Gorak Shep to gather our belongings and trek down to Pheriche. The downhill trek is easier as we descend to lower altitudes. Pheriche is known for its potato and buckwheat farming. 

Following the Imja River, we trek back towards Tengboche, bidding farewell to the views of Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest. The trek is easier and faster, reaching Namche Bazaar by the afternoon. Here, you can enjoy a warm bath and relax in the local cafes and bakeries

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we trek along the Dudh Koshi riverside to Jorsale village. The views of Mt. Everest gradually fade as we approach Phakding village. Walking through lush green forests and stone steps, we reach Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, the entrance to Lukla. Lukla, known for its small airport, serves as the gateway to the Everest region. Spend your last night in Khumbu by interacting with locals, enjoying locally brewed drinks, and savoring authentic delicacies. Celebrate with the Himalayan Dream Team staff who made this trip memorable, sharing stories and reflecting on the incredible journey you've completed together.

After our mountain journey, we take an early flight to Kathmandu. When we get there, we can relax or shop for souvenirs. If we feel like it, we can also explore other parts of Kathmandu today with the help of our guides, who can assist with both shopping and sightseeing.

After breakfast or lunch, depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the international airport or if you leave by evening you can put your luggage at the Hotel and enjoy the city one final day.

If you're interested in extending your stay in Nepal, you might want to consider pre-booking a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. For further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.