Arun Valley Trek with Everest Base Camp

Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome you will have a typical Nepalese dinner with some of the staff members, typical food coming up! And do not forget to try our typical Nepalese drink with great mood of cheers. o/n in hotel +B/D

After breakfast we will start for the sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu, visit the main temples of Swayambhunath (Monkey temple), Pashupatinath, the most venerated Hindu temple of Nepal and Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa of the world. In the afternoon we show you Durbar square with an orientation tour through lively Thamel. Transport and entree fees included! o/n in hotel +B

We'll head to the domestic airport after breakfast for our flight to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal, the starting point of our trek through the Arun Valley. It's a beautiful flight over terraced fields, hills and traditional villages with a range of Himalayan 8,000 meter peaks peeking over the haze in the distance. The landing is classic old-style Nepal a sharp turn a steep descent to a large grassy field and trek continue. The Arun Salpa Valley trek will be wonderful days of 'old-style' trekking through the idyllic middle hills of eastern Nepal, a very diverse region of many ethnic groups, shamanistic religion interspersed with Buddhism and Hinduism, traditional villages, green, terraced fields, small, riverside trails and basic accommodation. The mountains view in the hazy distance Chamalang to the left and Makalu to the far-right. Following the small road through the long village and adjoining series of small, lively villages and colorful tea-houses there will be many locals sharing the trail with us, as well as trains of mules carrying cardamom, the biggest cash crop in the region. After an hour, we reach a fantastic suspension bridge with side ties stretching across the wide Arun River and drop down to the sandy riverside, peppered with rounded beach rocks. Following the river closely, we pass terraced rice fields, buffalos, thatched huts and villagers working in the fields. We will have a lunch at Chewa Besi. After lunch we continue to Kartiki Ghat, where we cross the Arun river on a long suspension Main village known as for bees and honey. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

After breakfast, we start the morning with an easy twenty minute walk to the lovely village of Balwa Besi, where we cross a small river and then start climbing through a lush, tropical forest of cardamom, banana and papaya trees, and past thatched huts to a chautara (local rest-spot, here also a spectacular viewpoint) high above the hazy valley and the Arun River. Leaving the lovely Arun behind, we have 600 meters to climb before lunch. Contouring around hillsides and continuing to climb, we reach Marduwa, a small hamlet village & soon we pass more terraced fields and clusters of ochre and cream mud-brick houses built in the local style, eventually stopping for lunch near Nepali Danda, also called Charlissay, named after a Chettri caste that lived here many years ago, and have not reputedly migrated to the Kathmandu area. Soon we reach the intersection of the old trail from Dingla, and after contouring around a hillside we reach a larger trail near a cluster of banyan trees. The forest thickens again as we ascend and then drop back down to the Irkhuwa River, crossing two bridges, the second one a long suspension bridge, and following a riverside trail for another hour or so to Gothe Bazaar, the inhabitants a mix of Gurung and Rai. At Gothe Bazaar, the local woman will have bunches of sweet bananas and tangerines for sale at the first section of the village for overnight stay. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

After breakfast we start as we head towards Lankuwa village and then further on to Dhobani, a village of paper-makers en route to Salpa Phedi. We leave Goethe Bazaar by crossing the stream, and soon pass many thatched huts, some for buffalos and others simple dwellings. Delicious tangerines are sold along the trail again by local villagers, so don't miss the chance to pick up a bunch for the day. We cross the river on a flexing bamboo bridge and trek through several small picturesque whitewashed villages with thatched roofs and ochre bases. We pass through Lankuwa village and then start on a steep, uphill climb to Dhobani along the way keep an eye out for the traditional fishermen with their long bamboo nets. We continue through a thick tropical forest & climb the 'waterfall steps' and eventually reach Tala (Lower) Phedi where they also make paper. We'll stop for lunch before hiking another hour uphill on a lovely hill-side trail backed by undulating grasses rocks and fruit trees until we reach the sprawling settlement of Salpa Phedi for overnight. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

We start the morning with a steep climb on stone steps passing through the many dwellings of upper Salpa Phedi, and then keep climbing with increasingly amazing views down the valley.Tthe layers of hills various shades of icy-blue below us. It will take us several hours of climbing to reach Jau Bari, a village where they grow the best barley in the region and where there is a Sherpa gompa (monastery) just below a lovely Sherpa-run campsite. We'll stop for a breather here and then continue past the terraced fields and then through rhododendron forests increasingly thick past the turnoff to Salpa Lake just past the small 'Guranse La' to Gurasne or Chayaksila a local porter stop with several Sherpa houses which translates as best rhododendrons. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

On the way to pass! The Salpa Bhanjyang 3,360 meters with its single chorten, is the border of Solu Khumbu and the Sherpa region. It's a short ascent, just over an hour to the chorten-topped and windy pass where we have wonderful views of snow-capped Karylung Peak. We descend steeply through the forest following a small stream and several mani walls to the Lidung Khola where we cross to the north bank and continue on to walk with its few local tea-houses. An hour or so afterwards we reach the picturesque Sherpa village of Sanam our stopping point for the day. Sanam 'the land of the sky' is a lovely village with traditional Sherpa houses and terraced fields. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Leaving pleasant Sanam we contour along a high trail with broad views first we reaching Duire (Tiu), a group of simple lodges. Soon afterwards we arrive at the rustic gompa at Nimtsola here is Sherpa influence ends and the land of the Rai begins. The trail is now larger as we contour another few hours along the hillside finally we reach the many buffalo huts and terraces fields of the large Rai village of Gudel. The equally sprawling village of Bung and the Naulekh mountains are visible in the distance as is Mera Peak. We descend steeply on slate steps to our campsite in back of a local teahouse. This is a very interesting bustling and traditional village. In afternoon we explore and take photos of the colorful dwellings and villagers. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Today is very long day but a fantastic day. It's a long and steep descent past rice paddies and cardamom plants, on stone slabs to the river far below us. We cross a long bridge and begin the equally steep ascent to Bung. Following the stream on a rock trail we ascend a switch-backing trail after crossing the Hungu Khola. the lowest houses of the village about 400 meters below the upper reaches. Bung means 'beautiful flower' in Rai, and is indeed a lovely large village of Rai inhabitants renowned for its tongba or millet beer and which has received much development aid recently. Half way to their several shops where you can pick up a coke or snack if you want. The school is just past these shops and the entrance to the Makalu Barun National Park (across the trail). And we continue to trek with great views and cooler temperatures until we reach a grassy plateau where we'll stop for lunch. Soon afterwards there is a small, friendly tea-house where we might stop for rest. Just afterwards is the local school of Kiraunle and a bit of 'off-trail' climbing leads us to the grounds of Kiraunle-Chambaling Gompa recently built. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Today we have another pass. Today it takes two and a half to three hour hike up to the crest. Heading straight to the ancient moss-covered chortens and mani walls on the ridge we pass through an rhododendron forest and at the intersection by the small group of tea-houses. Head up towards the Surkie La pass at 3,070 meters. There are better views at the sightseeing platform just above the narrow 'pass' ridge where we'll be able to see Karylung, Khatang and Numbur mountain so head up for a look. The descent is steep down a rocky trail and through a forest of bamboo and soon we arrive at our destination for the day, Najing Dingma a tiny hamlet and grazing area with a few small tea-houses and shops set on a flat green section of the hillside. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Today another fantastic, big climbing and pass! After breakfast we leave Najing Dingma and descend through leafy woods for an hour to Gai Kharka (a kharka is a seasonal grazing settlement in Nepali and gai means cow), another small village of only a few thatched huts and continue descending steeply to the rickety bridge high above the Inkhu Khola. From here we've got a steep ascent of which the owner of the small Nepali tea-house near the bridge said 'it's so steep that even the monkeys fall off'. Enough said it's a steep climb of two to three hours to the next village but as we gain altitude we're treated to spectacular views up and down the Inkhu Valley eventually spotting Mera Peak looming in front of us. Shubuche (pronounced Sibuche the local Sherpa name is Ningso which means dense bamboo forest) is a large village at 2,660 meters spread out over the hillside market by Tibetan prayer flags at the lower end with two local tea-houses just past the flag and a small gompa at the upper reaches. It will be take us another hour of climbing to reach the two small tea-houses below the pass and then another hour to reach the Pangum La (or Satu La) pass at 3,175 meters. We see the trail from Jiri, the Trakshindo La and the incredibly scenic Sherpa village of Pangum below and in half an hour reach our scenic campsite in back of a friendly Sherpa lodge. Pangum now has a few quite nice lodges, Hillary school, fields marked by wooden fences and a Tibetan Buddhist gompa off to the northern side of the village. We'll have a fantastic sunset out over the wide open valley with Karylung rising majestically in front of us across the Dudh Kosi (the 'milk river' that leads to the Khumbu region). o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Heading out of town past the long rows of old mani walls. We look out at the hilltop villages of Bupsa and Karikhola in the distance but veer right on a smaller wooded trail towards the small hamlet of Kharte two and a half hours away and then the Khari La ('wide pass'). It will take us a good hour and a half of contouring and climbing to crest the pass at 3,075m meters but the views are amazing from the top. We'll have our first view of the sacred Sherpa peak, Khumbu Yul Lha (Khumbila), Gyachen Kang and then Kusum Kangaru just around the corner. It's a quick descent on a rocky trail to the main Jiri trail and then just another half an hour to the charming village of Puiyan. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

After breakfast enjoyable hour of hiking along a wide trail with broad views and over a small ridge brings us to Phakepani. The trail continues to climb through a tributary valley filled with prickly leaned oak and rhododendron forest, where languor monkeys may occasional be seen. From Painya walk leads on the long winding trail with few small ups and downs just before the long downhill Surkhe, one can view the Lukla airstrip and the town at Lukla. An hour descend will brings you at Surkhe and have a lunch here & overnight stay same place. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

After Surkhe the trail climbs for about an hour, followed by another ridge. The trail now leaves this tributary valley and heads more directly north towards Chaurikharka, another dispersed village. Before ascending to Chaurikharka (2,713m) the main trail crosses a spectacular deep gorge with a high waterfall (2,408m). Chaurikharka, a large scattered village with monastery and high school and this place is also the bread basket for the Khumbu area as the land is fertile and harvest crops like barley, wheat and enough green vegetables, after this village the trail from Lukla joins towards Phakding, making the path quite busy with more trekkers, porters and pack animals and few hours of good scenic walk brings you at Phakding. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Walking through a beautiful pine forest, the track leads us along the Dudh Koshi River through many suspension bridges, one of which is the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. First, we catch wonderful prospect of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Through the settlement of Benkar, Chumoa, Monjo, we come to the check post and entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We pass through the last village of Jorsale before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs through the forests and bridges until we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. After a final steep ascent of about two hours we get first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Upon this juncture, we stop at Chautara to admire the view. We still need to hike about 1.5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar, a gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

You may have full day leisure today for the acclimatization or stroll around the market, if Saturday can be seen many people in Saturday market for shopping to fulfill their daily needs and only one shopping market in the surrounding areas. Also you can visit Sherpa Museum as well a great place to learn Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering or visit up to the luxury Everest view hotel & Syangboche airstrip and stroll back to hotel for overnight. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. We pay our visit to the monastery the same day at around 3 p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

With mountains at its backdrop, the monastery at Tengboche looks more spectacular in the morning. At this juncture, we can take pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views on the way to Pangboche village. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon, we walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Today we rest for acclimatization at Dingboche valley, you may have full day rest or there are some places where can go for a day walk like trek to Chhukung 4,730m is worthwhile which takes approx. 3-4 hours from Dingboche, towards east within the Imjatse Valley, although the trek is gradual, however you can feel the thin air as the altitude gains slowly coming towards Chhukung. At Chhukung, there are few teahouses overlooking superb view of the snow capped peaks and glaciers of Lhotse, Ama-Dablam and Imja glacier, Chhukung valley is the last settlement in eastern Khumbu region. After enjoy stroll back to Dingboche. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Today the trail diverts towards north, the path is gradual up for about an hour as you come to a mani-prayer Stupa, from here the trail is gentle on the hard meadow looking down below Pheriche village and today’s walk offers beautiful view of the scenic mountains. After a pleasant walk through the ridge will reach at Thukla, an hour steep up brings you to the top, where you can view Mt. Pumori and other peaks west of Everest, the spot here is good place for a few minutes break after the strenuous climb, close to this spot you can also see a number of memorial of the unfortunate climbers monuments, who died in expeditions around the mountain of this region. We trek continues to the Lobuche an hour for overnight stop. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

Today, we’ll be walk in the morning towards the Gorakshep. After 2 hrs walking in a windy and rocky path will arrive at Gorekshep for our overnight. This trails offer the wonderful view with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, other peaks, Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar and below the Gorekshep valley including top of the world. After hotel check in our adventure continues towards Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall, the path from Gorekshep can be misleading, follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air, the walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. It takes 2-3 hrs to get to base camp and after a grand time here retrace the journey back to Gorekshep. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

This early morning we start to steep climb to the Kalapthar takes 2 hour walk on our pace. After reaching the top, you will feel beaming as you achieve the moment that you been dreaming, since the beginning of the journey. Top of Kalapathar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt. Pumori, the view from here is beyond imagination as the Everest looks amazing, the panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish, and you feel its worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world, and can be seen to the south Khumbu glacier sweeps below you, and you can also see the Everest Base camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier and lot of picturesque scenery. Stroll back to Gorekshep for breakfast and we walk fairly easy down to Pheriche then Pangboche village for the overnight. It takes 5-6 hrs walk down and during the walk may get a wind and better to start early. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Pangboche the walk is pleasant and all the way to Namche. From Pangboche village further down to Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful place in the Himalaya the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards north east and more peaks all around you. We trek down to Phungithanka a small settlement with couple of teahouses for lunch. The trail leads downhill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron and some few magnolia and birch trees and with a great memories and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek onwards to the Sanasa and retrack to Namche bazzar for the overnight stay. We need to walk about 6-7 hrs in total. o/n in lodge +B/L/D

After a long walk today we’ll have long and last day trek back to Lukla, Firstly we descend the long way before cross the bridge and further walk to Monju and ten Phakding for lunch. We trek back with enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. After long walk 7-8 hrs we arrival in Lukla and you’ll have time to stroll around the areas and guide will re-confirm your flight ticket and enjoy the last celebrate dinner with your crew member and overnight at Hotel. o/n in hotel +B/L/D

The flight time to Kathmandu, are scheduled for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, but sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond will. Anyway we will fly back to Kathmandu and your guide will transfer you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us. o/n in hotel +B

After breakfast you can explore Thamel for some nice souvenirs or we can invite you for some additional sightseeing. Maybe still interested to go to Patan or Bhaktapur and see these enchanting former King's cities? Or just hangout on one of the many terraces in lively Kathmandu. o/n in hotel +B

Depending on your flight time, we timely drive to the airport, +B