Arun Valley Trek Gokyo Valley Trekking – 15 Days

Arun Valley Trek Gokyo Valley Trekking, a nontourist destination and the route followed by Tim Macartney-Snape his ‘’sea to summit’’ ascend to the Everest, is designed with sufficient acclimatization time to the altitude to increase your chances of completing the traverse into the region.

Starting in the rustic east of Nepal, the homeland of the Rais and other ‘middle-hill’ Nepalis, we begin our journey from Tumlingtar, landing on a grass runway next to the groves of tangerine trees. We trek along the turquoise Arun River, through the green, terraced hills of the Arun and Salpa Valleys to Solu, and continue traversing across the many high ridges that characterize Nepal’s lush middle hills. We pass through lively, thatched Rai and Sherpa villages as we head towards Lukla and the old Tibetan trading center of Namche Bazaar.

During this trip, we will pass along a tranquil turquoise river viewing the diversity of the region as we change altitudes to capture jungle vegetation, terraced rice fields, and snow-capped peaks along the way. Learn the ways of the mysterious Sherpa culture while taking a unique path including all the highlights of the Khumbu Region including sights of Everest, the Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and timeless untouched Sherpa villages to create the adventure of a lifetime. Join our professional’s sherpas to make this trip happen.

Arun valley trekking requires endurance and fitness to fully appreciate the beauty 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. Arun valley trek requires stamina and fitness to fully appreciate the beauty of the region. which provides some outstanding mountain views. Commencing with a flight to Tumlingtar to the East of Everest, the first week is spent trekking through virgin territory into the Solu Khumbu region before a push up on the main Everest trail to Kala Pattar for tremendous close-ups of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse along with many others before a journey back to Lukla and a flight to Kathmandu or trekkers can back Kathmandu through Solu Khumbu Jiri trekking route. 

Arun Valley Trek Gokyo Valley Trekking Highlights

• Scenic flight to Tumlingtar and from Lukla.
• Experience the lifestyle of Sherpa, Rai, and Limbus (Different indigenous groups of Nepal).
• Significant views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, and hundreds of other mountains.
• Salpa Lake (3414m), the holy lake of Hindus.
• Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.

Arun Valley Trek Gokyo Valley Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be kindly welcomed by our team and later you will be taken to your hotel. Feel free to enjoy your day here in Kathmandu. You will stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.

The early morning flight from Kathmandu gives us attractive views of the hills, gorges, and the eastern Himalayas until we land in Tumlingtar. This is the beginning of our Arun Valley Trek journey. Upon arrival in Tumlingtar, you walk through the forested trail and descend through the farms to reach Kumal Gaon, situated on the edge of a broad hill. We move through the eastern bank of Arun River, crossing it on a bridge leading to the settlement of Bheteni. From here, walk to Chewabesi (250m) and stop here to take lunch. Passing through the sub-tropical forest, continue south along the east bank of Arun River through Rai, Chettri, and Brahmin villages to reach the lively village of Kartike. Overnight in Kartike.

Day 3: Kartike – Gothe (775m)

Walkthrough the meadows to pass the bridge over Arun River to reach the tiny village of Baluwa Besi. The trail climbs into Sal forest and passes several villages before continuing on a trail through rice terraces to reach the Rai village of Marduwa. The trail then continues along the Irkhuwa Khola through rice and banana farms to arrive in Gothe Bazaar. Overnight in Gothe.

Day 4: Gothey – Phedi (1680m)

Ascend through Rai and Sherpa villages crossing suspension bridges over Irkhuwa Khola to reach Dobane. Pass through the beautiful villages of Tendor and Tallo Phedi, and ascend through terraced fields and later through damp forest area following the south bank of Irkhuwa Khola. A winding trail through the riverbed of Irkhuwa Khola brings us to Phedi. Overnight in Phedi.

Day 5: Phedi – Gurase (2880m)

Ascend from Phedi to climb along small streams through the densely forested trail. After ascending, reach the village of Thulo Fokte and cross the stone path through the forest, with lots of sunny clearings for occasional rests. Climb up towards the forest of oak, birch, and rhododendron, and drop down from the top of Bilbate. Further walking for about 30 minutes, we reach the village of Gurase. Overnight in Gurase.

Day 6: Gurase – Sanam (2850m)

Today the trail begins after passing through lush rhododendron forest to reach Salpa Pokhari. Situated in Salpa Bhanjyang, Salpa Pokhari is a holy pond, visited by throngs of Hindu pilgrims each year during the full moon of October. The area is bounded by hemlock and fir trees and is abundant with various birds, flora, and fauna. Glimpses of Makalu (8463m) and Chamlang (7321m) can be seen from Salpa Bhanjyang. Reach the open part with loose stones and rhododendrons above Salpa Bhanjyang and descend to the mainstream. Move on the path across the hillside and through the moist forest to reach Sanam. Overnight in Sanam.

Day 7: Sanam – Bung (1900m)

Descend through the forest of rhododendron, brown oaks, and chir pines towards the village of Sorung. About two hours trek from Shorung, we reach the Rai village of Gudel. Cross Hinku River on a steel suspension bridge, after which the main trail descends through a collage of rice, millet and soybean terraces to reach the village of Bung. We need our Makalu Barun Conservation Area entry permit to enter Bung. Overnight in Bung.

Day 8: Bung – Gaikharka

Descend steeply through the cliff of a hill covered in wispy bamboo. Pass Najindingma village and enter a clear area of savannah, used as summer grazing of yaks by the people from surrounding settlements. Another one and the half-hour drop across damp forest takes us to Gaikharka. Here, you’ll have pleasing views of green terraces and dispersed farmhouses. Overnight in Gaikharka.

Day 9: Gaikharka – Vasme

Descend through the edge to walk through numerous ups and downs across the ravines and old moraines. The trail slowly descends and later ascends through the rhododendron and juniper forest alongside the Hinku River to reach Vasme. Vasme offers a distant view of Mera Peak (6476m) along with the glimpses of the Upper Khumbu region. Overnight in Vasme.

Day 10: Vasme – Panggom (2804m)

Begin bypassing the small village of Vasme through the rhododendron forest. A steep ascent through the forest takes us to the top of Panggom La Pass (3174m), from where amazing views of the snow-covered Mera Peak (6476m), Kusum Kanguru (6367m), Kangtega (6685m), and other peaks can be seen. Then a steep descend through the ridge takes us to the beautiful Sherpa village of Panggom. Here, we can visit the PaldiOrken Choling Gompa and Hillary School. Overnight in Panggom.

Day 11: Panggom – Paiya (2730).

Ascending through the lush forest of rhododendron and oak, we head towards the village of Paiya. A gradual ascend through the ridge takes us to the top of Kari La (3145m), which serves as a vantage point to view the beauty of Kusum Kanguru (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), and Kangtega (6685m). Afterward, descend gradually and cross a wooden bridge above Paiya Khola and head towards Paiya. Overnight in Paiya.

Day 12: Paiya – Phakding (2610m)

From Paiya, ascend gradually through the lush forest with mixed vegetation to arrive in Chutok La (2945m). Then a slow descend takes us to Surke, from where the trail ascends through Chheplung and Nurning to reach Phakding. En route, we pass many small monasteries and Mani walls before reaching the small Sherpa village of Phakding. Phakding hosts an amazing view of Kusum Kangaru (6367m) and Thamserku (6608m). Overnight in Phakding.

Day 13: Phakding to Lukla

Leaving Phakding, cross the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River and descend through rhododendron and pine forests to reach Lukla. We cross many Buddhist villages and their prayer flags on the way to Lukla. On reaching Lukla, we celebrate our accomplishments. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 14: Fly From Lukla – Kathmandu

Day 15: Departure