Arun Valley Trek-Trekking Arun Valley Hike

Arun Valley Trek offers best views of Everest and Makalu as you will trek in Sagarmatha and Makalu Barun National Park.The Arun Valley is densely forested, contrasting with terraced slopes higher up which are farmed by villagers of diverse tribal groups. High pastures of the upper slopes, which border on Makalu Barun National Park, an important conservation area for many endanger species flora and fauna.
Arun Valley Trek is an unexplored off beaten track follows along Arun River. Tumlingtar is the starting point and Lukla, the ending point of Arun Valley Trek. It is also possible to extend Arun Valley Trek to Everest Base Camp.The Salpa Bhanjyang is the highest point of Arun Valley Trek where the holy lakes Salpa is there.

Besides, Arun Valley Trek through numerous hill and mountain villages you will see few trekkers on the trail. You will also experience the warmth of the local Nepali people, spot rare wildlife in the Sagarmatha National Park-Red Pandas and Snow Leopards, follow beautiful rivers and cross high suspension bridges for a great thrill, enjoy mountain vistas of some of the highest peaks in the world-Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.

Arun Valley Trek is culturally very interesting, moving from Sherpa to Rai villages, then down to Chhetri and Brahman villages.You will follow an ancient route that takes you through farming villages and high mountain settlements. The views grow even more spectacular as you venture up the Dudh Koshi River to Lukla, the most dangerous airport in the world.
Arun valley Trek Accommodation.

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ tea houses. You may find comfort and better quality tea houses - having the attached bathroom - in Namche and Lukla which is a thriving town seeing many more tourists and a greater range of accommodation. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.

Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Khumbu region is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90 s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu to Lukla and return.

Arun Valley Trek Difficulty
Arun Valley Trek is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day.If you have previous experience of hiking or trekking, it is helpful.You will meet people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal Trek it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake. 

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu airport(1300m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will receive you at airport and transfer to you hotel in Kathmandu. Evening free time to enjoy the surrounding on your own.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
As Kathmandu is city of the temple and shrines we take you to these famous Hindu monuments and temples including Pashupatinath, various temples in Durbar Square. We visit two Buddhist temples Boudhanath and Swoyambhunath. These places reflect true architectural beauty of Nepal with cultural diversity. In the evening, you meet with your guide and discuss with him regarding the trek preparations, trekking gears and plans. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (518m)
From kathmandu take a flight from domestic airport to Tumlingtar, takes about 1 hours. Overnight at Simple lodge.
Day 04: Tumlingtar (518m) to Marduna (1200m,6 hours) trekking.
We follow the Arun River north, After some hour walking we stop at Balwa Besi for lunch. Then we started quite a long climb through forest to Marduna. Over night at Marduna.
Day 05: Marduna to Dobani (975m,5 hours) trekking.
This day frist we get up hill then down hill untill Chikhuwa Khola. Then we take lunch at Ghote Bazzar where simple accommodation available. After lunch we trek to Dobani, Overnight at Dobani.
Day 06: Dobani to Salpa Phedi (1700m,4 hours) trekking.
This day all the way is uphill, Tallophedi will be our lunch stop. Then more uphill to Salpa Phedi. Then we trek towards Salpa Phedi, There are very nice tea houses for your stay good foods with good accomodation.
Day 07: Salpa Phedi to Guranse (2920m) about 5 hours trekking.
We start trekking early morning, trail is uphill all day and it is quite tough. thus you get at least so far up before the sun gets hot. On the way you meet some small villages where you can have some tea and lunch. Overnight at Guranse.
Day 08: Guranse to Sanam (2650m, 5 hours) trekking.
From Guranse after some time walking we reach to Salpa La pass (3350m, then downhill through forest, At Dhaka There is some tea houses where we take lunch, from there it is undulating and then slightly up to Sanam where there is an nice lodge. Overnight at Sanam.
Day 09: Sanam to Bung (1700m,5 hours) trekking.
We trek downhill untill lunch place to Guidel, then steeply downhill to cross Hongu Khola then slightly up and through terraces into Bung. Bung is a village where Rai people leaves. Overnight at Bung.
Day 10: Bung to Boskam Gompa (4 hours) trekking
This day almost way will be uphill but this is short day trekking just about 4 hours walking. There is very well tea houses at Boskam Gompa. Overnight at Boskam Gompa.
Day 11: Boskam to Vasme (about 6 hours) trekking.
Walking forward from Gaikharka we pass via a moist, ferny jungle and then the path moves across the Hinku Khola through a 62m-long, steel bridge. You will look at two stunning waterfalls and the trail begins to ascent vertically to the valley of Sibuje (2500m), also recognized as Vasme and Chatuk. Overnight at camp in Vasme.
Day 12: Vasne to Pangum (3140m, 5 hour) trekking.
We leave Vasme to reach uphill where you will observe pocket sized village Gompa. The track moves up for an hour all the way through the forest of untidy rhododendrons. We will get to Pangum La pass, taking pleasure from the grand views of Mera Peak (6476m) and Khumbu Himalaya. Then, we have a short climb to Pangum Gompa where we camp for overnight. Walking forward from Gaikharka we pass via a moist, ferny jungle and then the path moves across the Hinku Khola through a 62m-long, steel bridge. You will look at two stunning waterfalls and the trail begins to ascent vertically to the valley of Sibuje (2500m), also recognized as Vasme and Chatuk. Overnight at camp in Vasme.
Day 13: Pangom to Painya (2800m, 5/6 hours) trekking.
Final days trekking before joining the main route from Jiri, also crossing the final La of the Arun valley trek. Downhill at first, then up and over Kari La (3145m). There is a small tea house on the top of the pass where we took lunch. Then downhill, quite steeply in the end to where the Arun Valley path joins the route from Jiri just before Paiya. Paiya is a nice village overlooking a small tributary of the Dhud Kosi.
Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2850m, 4/5 hours) trekking.
Today leaving Painya, we will move along the track and reach to Lukla seeing different Sherpa villages coming across a suspension bridge above Thado Koshi. We stay at camp in Lukla for overnight.
Day 15: Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu our guide transfer you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after your journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us.

Cost Included:

• Airport pick up and transfer to hotel by private Vehicle.
• 3-Star hotel on Twin Sharing accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis.
• An experienced,Government license holder trekking Guide.
• Kathmandu Domestic airport pick up and drop transfer to hotel as mentioned in itinerary 
• Kathmandu to Lukla /Lukla to Kathmandu both way flight ticket.
• Trekking porter /sherpa who will carry your bag pack during the trekking.(two person will get one trekking sherpa/ porter)
• Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
• All necessary trekking permit (TIMS & Sagarmatha National park permit)
• Trekking guide both way flight ticket.
• Trekking Guide salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• All government and local taxes.

Cost Not Included :

• International airfares
• Trekking Equipment
• Major meals, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
• Nepal entry visa fee – you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport.
• Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
• Tips for guide and porters.

Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek. 

Physical fitness
This is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake. 

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for Ganesh Himal Trek.Your travel insurance covers personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, and any kind of illness. We strongly recommends you to buy an insurance package through a reliable insurance company in your city or country.

Trekking Equipment
Depending on the season, you need to adjust your trekking equipment. However, here is our list to help you decide what to bring to the trek. 
Head
Sun hat or scarf
Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
Headlight with extra batteries
Face
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Face/body wipes
Hands
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
Hiking shirts
Long sleeved shirt made of synthetic fiber
Hooded rain jacket
Fleece jacket
Lightweight cotton pants
T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
Polypropylene underwear
Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
Sweater
Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
Hiking Boots that have been worn in
Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
Backpack or day pack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)
Thermal bottle
Water purification
Trekking pole
Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trekking)
Toiletries
Medium size drying towel
Tooth brush
Toilet paper
Toothpaste
Deodorant/ floss
Biodegradable bar soap
Nail clippers
Small mirror
Personal accessories
Money
Watch
Cell phone
Camera
Extra items
First aid kit
Extra passport photos and passport photocopies
Notebook and pen
Binoculars

Travel and Transportation Modes
There are two options for transportation used throughout this trip. By land-Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private or public vehicle such as a car, jeep, or microbus and tourist bus. Luxury tourist buses which are only hired by us for most part, make long-distance travel. You will have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.

By air-Transportation by plane is available to fly from Kathmandu-Pokhara(flight is optional and cost is USD 120 PP- One way) and Pokhara-Chitwan and back to Kathmandu (USD 120- one way) at the end of the trip.

Last-minute booking
For those unable to book in advance, we also have a last-minute booking facility. For last-minute booking, you need to pay the whole payment 24 hours before the trip departure. However, we will try our best to conduct trek at any time, but we are not liable for delays stemming from circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather or lodge unavailability. For more information call or leave message on WhatsApp at + 977-9851023742 and email-missionecotreknepal@gmail.com

Trip Extension
If you have extra days to spend in Nepal after this trip, we can arrange several activities for you. You can go on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley, tour to Chitwan National Park. You can also choose to paragliding, raft, canyon, or go on another trek. If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding (90 pp), Bungy jump (70pp), Mountain flight (USD 185pp), Heli Tour (USD 800pp–based on 5 pax). Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can book by contacting us at missionecotreknepal@gmail.com. For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at missionecotreknepal@gmail.com. We do many more thing on your request at reasonable price.

Best season for Arun Valley Trek
Ganesh Himal Trek is possible throughout the year, but certainly, there are ups and downs based on seasons. The trails are easier, along with clear mountain views during spring and autumn. During winter and summer, the treks get a bit challenging. In winter trek get cold and may receive snow, while summer coincides with the monsoon that makes the trails wet and slippery. 

March-May (Spring) Trek
The temperature is mild in Spring, the rainfall is quite low, and the trekking conditions are perfect. The mean daily temperature in the higher elevations of the Mardi Himal trek is between 5°C to 0°C.  Lower regions are even warmer.By April, the rhododendron flowers bloom adding red, pink, and white colors to the forests. The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May. During this time, the sky is clear, and you can enjoy the unobstructed mountain views.

June - August (Summer) Trek
Summer is the hottest season, and therefore the temperatures are higher. However, summer coincides with the monsoon in Nepal, making the trails wet and slippery. Monsoon generally begins around the end of June and continues up to the second week of August. The daily temperatures at high elevations range from 15°C to 25°C. The night temperatures are colder at 5°C to 10°C. Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon and disappearing at night. Though the rain may cause some problems, various plants bloom during this season, providing a green look to the trekking regions.

September-November (Autumn) Trek
Autumn is a perfect season for Mardi Trek due to moderate temperature, mild wind, and low precipitation. The sun shines brightly, the skies are clear, you get a superb view of mountains, and the temperature is perfect. Moreover, you can also enjoy spectacular starry skies. The monsoons will be over by early September. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C in high altitudes, the nights are colder at around 5°C. In this season, the greens that grew during the monsoon fade to golden/amber providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies.This is also a season to harvest ripening grains in terrace farms. The environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. Nepal's biggest festivals - Dashain and Tihar also fall during this season, adding a festive mood to the whole environment. If you are looking for an easy trek, this season can be your choice. 

December - February (Winter) Trek
Winter (December - February) trek is less popular. The places along the Mardi Himal trek can be cold during the winter, but it excites some trekkers. The winter temperatures at higher trek elevations of the Mardi Himal trek can be as low as -10 °C, but this tempts adventurous trekkers. The coldest period starts from December and continues through early February. After late February, the climate gradually gets warmer. Despite being cold, winter skies are usually quite clear, mountain views with snowy caps look stunning. However, it snows in winter, making your trek more challenging. On the positive side, the trails are the least busy in winter. Winter treks might not suit trek beginners, but experienced trekkers will have no problem completing this trek during winter.

Communication on Arun Valley Trek
During the Mardi Trek, you can use internet at lodges/tea houses for an extra charge. At high elevations, you can use NTC or Ncell Sim mobiles. Depending on the kind of network you use, you might get signals, but they may not be strong enough. If you want, you can buy a local sim card in Kathmandu. Wi-Fi is available at trek lodges, but you need to pay a service charge.

Electricity and water on Arun Valley Trek
Electricity for camera and mobile battery recharge is available.  You can buy packed mineral water from local lodges and en route shop or fill your water bottle with boiled water for an extra cost. We will provide you water purification pill to make water drinkable.We advise you not to drink water from rivers, taps, and wells because the water may not be drinkable.

Nepal Visa
You can get Nepal visa upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport at USD 30 (or equivalent in other major currencies) for a 15 days visa, USD 50 for a 30 days visa and USD 125 for a 90 days Multiple visas, and you can also extend it later on if you wish. They have newly installed technology (visa machine) which makes it no longer necessary to have a passport photo. Please bring 3 photos for your trekking permit, TIMS and for others.

Money Matter
Some major currencies (USD, AUD, Pound and EURO) are accepted for both visas and in general. There are plenty of ATM's in both Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche and credit cards are accepted in limited shops and many restaurants. Please note that only Nepali rupees are accepted on the trek. It’s difficult to give an exact amount of money that you should bring. Costs will vary according to how much you want to spend for shopping and meals (lunch and dinner) you want to eat. Trekkers find that around $30 (for lunch & dinner) a day is reasonable for the trekking days. You may have to pay for Wi-Fi, electricity and hot showers too (up in the mountains during the trek). Hence allocating the allowance for each day accordingly would suffice.

Group size
For each tour date, there will be several separate groups. Each group will have a maximum of 14 people with its own experienced English speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters to carry your luggage.

Tipping
A general rule of thumb for tipping is USD 90-150 for porter and guide if you are fully satisfied with their service. So we suggest you allocate a minimum of USD 70 for tipping. This is just a guideline and you may tip whatever /how much you think is appropriate for the services rendered which made your trek a memorable one.

Porter's Luggage Limit 
For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12 kg-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.

Buying Gear and Equipment
If you are considering to donate, School supplies (pens, notebooks, colored pencils, etc). These gifts can be directly turned over to our company when you arrive in Kathmandu. And we will manage them to distribute through our proper channels. As for your the need of much of your trekking clothes and tour supplies and gears, they can be easily purchased in Kathmandu at good prices. Bring hiking boots/shoes from your country. The Nepali ones are not recommended. Your guide will assist you to get anything you may need here.

The Risk and Liabilities
We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a lifetime journey. We perform our duties honestly and seriously to make your journey very smooth and pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of their policies. So in this case, we will give options to choose a different itinerary for an enjoyable holiday. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sleeping Bag
You will need a good quality sleeping bag for this trip. It helps you sustain the colder climate in Nepali mountains up to -25 degree Celsius of temperature. However if you need the one of your own, you can buy one here. Your guide shall assist you to get it here. Keep the track of the weather forecast of the area and pack your clothes accordingly. This would help you be prepared for the type of weather Nepali Mountains are accustomed to. It is also possible to rent sleeping bag here in Kathmandu too.

Electricity Device
Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the supermarkets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.

Luggage Storage Facility
The hotel in Kathmandu does provide free storage services. So you can store your luggage and clothing that are not required for trekking and you can collect it after your Trek and Tour.

Refund Policy in case of not completing the trip
Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the trek/tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.

Cancellation Policy of Trip
No refund will be made for 20% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid the full amount of any trip, you will get your money back but still, cancellation charge (20%) is invoiced to you. And for the voucher holders, since you have purchased the voucher from the deal companies, we have to follow their cancellation policy. But for both the conditions, we are flexible to postpone your trip in any later days. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip.