Lukla to Arun Valley Trek
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Arun Valley Trek

5 reviews in Tripadvisor

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Trip Duration

15 Days
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Trip Difficulty

Moderate
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Group Size

2-16 pax
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Max. Altitude

3,550m. /11,647 ft.
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Transportation

Fly in - Fly Out
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Best Seasons

Mar - May , Oct - Dec
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Activity per day

Hiking and Trekking Holiday
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Start/End

Kathmandu

Trip Overview

We invite all nature lovers and enthusiasts to join the Arun Valley Trekking journey. This 15-day gem takes you deep into eastern Nepal, weaving between the Makalu and Everest regions without the usual crowds. You start in Kathmandu at 1350 meters, where ancient stupas mix with street vendors selling fresh chai and local street food. We pick you up at the airport in a private vehicle, drop you at a cozy 3-star hotel for two nights with breakfast included. Initially, you should get up, explore Thamel for last-minute gear, and meet your guide for a solid briefing.

After spending a night in Kathmandu, you fly 45 minutes to Tumlingtar at 410 meters, the next day. The views from the plane feature rolling green hills and glimpses of the Arun River below. From there, the real fun begins. You trek 5-7 hours daily through lush valleys, crossing suspension bridges over rushing waters and climbing gradual paths lined with rhododendrons. Villages like Bung and Sanam introduce you to Rai and Sherpa folks, who share their homes and stories. Expect terraced fields of rice and millet, forests buzzing with birds, and peaks like Makalu towering at 8463 meters above sea level on clear days.

Our package keeps things straightforward and safe. We cover all meals on the trek, dal bhat for energy, a licensed English-speaking guide, and porters one for every two people. They haul up to 25 kg, so you carry only a light daypack with a few essentials. Permits for Makalu Barun National Park and TIMS come sorted, the Arun Valley Trekking guide handles it all. Moreover, the guide packs an oximeter to track oxygen levels, which can be crucial even at the 3550-meter high point in Salpa Pass. The local stats show these areas host under 5000 trekkers yearly, preserving the peace we all crave, and offering a less-crowded trekking destination.

We include most of the essentials of the trek. Airport transfers use private vehicles, and two nights in a 3-star hotel come with breakfasts. Meals cover breakfast, lunch, dinner on trekking days, and breakfasts during your stay in the city. The guide speaks English and holds a government license. Our strong porters handle your luggage and gear, serving two people at once. The permits include the Makalu Barun National Park fee and the TIMS card, both a part of the Arun Valley Trekking package. Safety ranks high in any of our trekking adventures, so the guide carries oximeters and tracks oxygen levels, even if the max elevation is usually considered to be safe.

You should prepare for this trek with walks, hikes, swims, gym sessions, or any other stamina-building activities that are easily accessible to you. Building stamina for hills is the best way to prepare for the journey. You should also pack layers for weather shifts and boots that grip trails well. Adventure Tansen focuses on sustainable trips, so that locals benefit from tourism in the long term. We handle all the logistics and details so that you can focus on the steps ahead. As enthusiasts, we trek this route often, however, its peace renews us every time.

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Mr. Ashok KC

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Highlights of Arun Valley Trek

  • Trek through remote villages of the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa communities, experiencing their unique cultures firsthand.
  • Witness breathtaking, close-up views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and other giants of the Himalayas.
  • Follow the dramatic Arun River gorge, one of the deepest in the world, ascending from near sea level to high mountain passes.
  • Stay in traditional tea houses, enjoying local hospitality and simple, hearty meals prepared with regional ingredients.
  • Traverse diverse ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, spotting unique flora and fauna within Makalu Barun National Park.
  • Experience the serenity of an off-the-beaten-path adventure, far from the crowds of more popular trekking routes.
  • Cross the scenic Salpa La Pass, a highlight offering panoramic vistas before descending towards the Everest region.

Itinerary of Arun Valley Trek

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport on the first day of the Arun Valley Trekking journey. Our driver and representative will meet you, holding a sign with your name. The drive to your 3-star hotel takes 30 minutes. There, you check into a twin-sharing room and rest from the flight. Later, you can explore Thamel streets nearby, with many shops selling trekking poles and jackets. You will meet your guide in the evening as he briefs you on the schedule. You will learn about weather patterns, the itinerary, and all the other essential info you need to know. You should pack your duffel bag as per the instructions of the trek guide.

You should limit your luggage weight to 12 kg; the porters will carry it throughout the Arun Valley Trekking journey. Dinner options include local curry spots. We recommend trying dal bhat early, as it is one of the best-tasting foods and also good for acclimatization. Adjusting to time zone differences, Kathmandu buzzes with temples and markets. Altitude at 1350 meters feels mild for most people, even for those who come from somewhere near sea level. You can use this day to buy snacks, pack for the trek, and most importantly, prepare yourself mentally.

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Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)

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Accommodation: Hotel

If the above itinerary interests you or if you would like to plan and develop your own custom itinerary, please feel free to contact us by clicking ‘inquiry’ on the right hand side of your screen and we will be glad to advise, help, recommend and provide you with a quote.

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • All arrival, departure transfers as per the itineary by car, van or coach.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English speaking guide, transport and entry fees.
  • Domestic airfares and road transportation according to your choice.
  • All hotel accommodation with breakfast.
  • All meals (3 meals each day) during camping or tea-house trek.
  • Full service from our guides, cooks, and porters.
  • All camping and kitchen equipments and camp site fees.
  • Staff salary, transport and insurance.
  • TIMS card charge (Trekkers Information Management System).
  • Necessery government taxes.
  • Company ground handling charges.

What is not included?

  • International air fare to Nepal.
  • Meals not mentioned above or in the itinerary.
  • Travel and medical insurance including evacuation.
  • Nepal entry Visa fee.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc and tips for staff.
  • Any additional activities not in the itinerary.

Trip Information

Add-Ons

Upgrade Your Accommodation in Kathmandu

The standard package gives you solid three-star comfort. We get it if you want something more than that. You can easily swap it for four-star or five-star luxury. Think of spacious rooms, plush bedding, rooftop pools with Himalayan scenes on a clear day. Spa treatments are also available at some establishments to soothe tired muscles. Fine dining after weeks of dal bhat is a completely different experience. We arrange this before you land. It costs extra, but worth every rupee after sleeping in mountain huts.

Sightseeing in Pokhara

Skipping Kathmandu’s crowds, we will head west to Pokhara. It’s Nepal’s adventure capital with a chilled soul. Add a full day here post-trek for an ultimate ending to the Arun Valley Trekking journey. Walk along Phewa Lake, watch the reflection of Machhapuchhre shimmer on the water, ride a paddle boat, visit the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views, explore the caves of Mahendra Gufa, and paraglide over the valley if you crave adrenaline. We book your transport. Arrange a local guide. Or we can let you wander solo, Pokhara rewards slow exploration. It’s the perfect destination after the Arun Valley trek.

How does our trip start?

You fly into Tribhuvan International Airport, and our team greets you there. A private vehicle drives you to the hotel, where check-in happens fast. You can rest or shop in Thamel. The next day, we will transfer you to the domestic airport. The flight to Tumlingtar kicks off the adventure. Porters meet you on landing, our gear and luggage are loaded up, and you walk a short path to the first lodge. The guide briefs everyone and the meals begin from lunch onward. We handle all transfers so all you have to do is focus on settling in.

Difficulty

We rate this trek moderate, about 6.5 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. Daily hikes last 5-7 hours, trails include ups and downs, and elevations peak at 3550 meters above sea level. Fit people handle it easily, along with those with previous trekking experience. You need stamina for steep sections like Salpa Pass. But even if you are a complete newbie you can complete this Arun Valley Trekking journey by proper preparation. Train with 10 km walks weekly.

Best seasons

Spring runs from March to May, when flowers cover hills and temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Autumn spans September to November, when skies clear for views and days hit 10-20 degrees. Monsoon, from June to August, brings rain, which is the infamous time of slippery trails that pose risks. Winter, from December to February, drops to zero degrees at high points and sometimes snow blocks paths. As your trek partner, we recommend autumn for 70 percent of trekkers, while the rest go to spring. Both seasons are great for the Arun Valley Trekking journey.

Can a beginner join this trip?

Beginners succeed with a certain degree of effort in physical preparation. We recommend trekkers build fitness first, then walk the hills nearby. Carry a daypack during practice. Our guides support new hikers, they teach breathing techniques while the porters ease loads. Starting slow and listening to body signals is always highly recommended.

Altitude Sickness

Risk remains low under 3500 meters above sea level. Symptoms hit very few trekkers and the effects they have are very trivial. Headaches or nausea signal issues, which can be cured with Diamox pills easily. Preventing altitude sickness with hydration is always going to be the best option; drink 3-4 liters daily. Ascending slowly is always recommended. Oxygen content readings below 85 percent prompt descent. As per our experience, garlic soup aids blood flow, you should carry Diamox if the doctor approves. We even arrange evacuations in extreme cases via insurance.

Accommodation, Food and Drink

Teahouses line our daily destinations, featuring rooms holding twin beds, and blankets to keep you warm. Shared toilets flush basic and hot showers cost extra sometimes. Expect clean setups and meals featuring dal bhat twice daily or other dishes as per your preference. Lentils, rice, and veggies provide the calories needed for the trek. Breakfasts include eggs, porridge, sel roti, flat breads, toasts, etc. Lunches are light but filling, while dinners vary with pasta, but the main option is obviously dal bhat. Vegetarians find many options. The Arun Valley Trekking package covers three meals per day during the trekking days.

Transportation

Private cars handle airport runs and domestic flights connect Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. They take 45 minutes, while the return from Lukla lasts 30 minutes. Planes seat 15-20 people, since large planes can not land at Lukla. Weather delays occur about 10 percent of the time, but it’s usually due to bad weather, which is generally not an issue during peak trekking months. We monitor forecasts, and jeeps serve as backups if needed. Porters walk with you throughout the trails.

Permit

We secure the Makalu Barun National Park permit on your behalf, the fee covers conservation initiatives. Also, we get the TIMS card for you, which is used to track trekkers. Both permits are a part of the Arun Valley Trekking journey. Guides handle paperwork, you just have to show passports at checkpoints. The permit fees support park maintenance and keep the trail well-marked.

Trip preparation and fitness

Train three months ahead and hike on weekends with elevation. Strengthen legs on stairs and do cardio sessions to build stamina. We also recommend packing waterproof boots and breaking them in. Wear layers of clothes to manage cold, things like a jacket, a hat, gloves, etc. are essential. The first aid kit carried by porters includes bandages, some altitude pills, fever pills, and so on.

Cost & Budget

The package includes transfers, hotels, meals, a guide, porters, flights, permits, and more. Extras hit your wallet separately, you need to pay your visa fees starting at 30 USD for 15 days. Insurance runs 100-200 USD, while tips can total 30 to 50 USD per crew member. Drinks add about 10 USD daily including bottled water, tea, and others. Adventure Tansen keeps costs transparent so that you know exactly what you are paying for.

Gadgets charging & Internet

Some of the teahouses, especially the ones at high altitudes, use solar panels. Charge phones for 200 rupees per hour at such remote villages. Alternatively, you can also bring power banks, featuring a 20000 to 30000 mAh battery that lasts for days. Internet spots in Lukla, while WiFi costs about 300 rupees per day. Signals fade on the trails as there are many high hills and deep gorges. Satellite phones work for emergencies, we provide guide contacts for emergencies. Expect internet disconnections at times even in lower altitude villages.

Your Extra expenses

Tips for the crew members, visa fees upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, insurance fees, extra outside the mentioned ones, upgraded accommodation arrangements, extra nights at certain villages, any kind of drinks, etc. are your extra expenses.

Things to Remember Before Trekking The Arun Valley Trekking journey

  • Train your body for a minimum of two months. Walk uphill with a light bag on your back and build endurance. Ignore this, and the trail will humble you.
  • Break your boots in before you land. Blisters on any day during the trek ruin everything. Walk in them daily for weeks and make them part of your feet.
  • Pack Diamox or similar pills. Talk to your doctor first if you have underlying medical conditions.
  • Buy travel insurance that covers high-altitude rescue. No exceptions, helicopter evacuations cost thousands, in case you should be evacuated immediately. Your insurer will pay the said amount.
  • Respect the local people and their practices. Ask before you point your camera. A smile costs nothing and a simple “Namaste” opens doors to many interactions.
  • Carry all your cash in Nepali rupees. There are no ATMs between Tumlingtar and Lukla. Budget for extras and keep small bills handy.
  • Purify your own water with tablets and filters on the go. Avoid plastic bottles as much as possible, and go for reusable ones. Save the mountains from easily avoidable trash.
  • Pack for sun, rain, and snow. Layers are your friends, a waterproof outer jacket is non-negotiable. Weather shifts fast above the clouds, you can never predict what’s going to happen in the next 20 or 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3550 meters at Guranse. This height minimizes altitude sickness risks compared to higher routes like Everest Base Camp. Acclimate gradually, hydrate well, and descend if symptoms like headaches appear. Our guides are trained in first aid for safety.

Yes, travel insurance proves essential for this trek. It covers emergency evacuations, medical costs, and trip cancellations. Policies should include high-altitude rescue up to 3500 meters. Without it, you bear all risks. Review your policy before departure for full coverage.

We assign one porter for every two trekkers. This setup ensures efficient load distribution, with each porter carrying up to 25 kg total. Porters receive fair wages, insurance, and equipment. Limit your duffel to 12 kg per person. This system frees you to enjoy the trail with only a light daypack.

Groups typically range from 2 to 12 people. Smaller sizes offer personalized attention and flexibility on the trail. Larger ones build friendships and networks.

We cap at 12 to maintain quality guidance and reduce environmental impact. Solo travelers join shared groups. Contact us for private options if you prefer exclusivity.

Yes, vegetarian options are abundant on the trek. Teahouses serve dal bhat, vegetable curries, noodles, and potatoes without meat. Inform your guide of your preferences early. Meals provide balanced nutrition with fresh produce. Supplement with nuts if needed. The hygiene standards meet tourist needs.

Nights drop to 5 degrees Celsius at high points like Guranse, while days warm to 15-20 degrees. Pack thermal layers, down jackets, and sleeping bags rated to 0 degrees. Winds add chill on passes, so we suggest wool hats and gloves. Seasons affect temperatures; autumn stays milder than winter.

Bring Nepali rupees for small expenses. ATMs in Kathmandu dispense them easily with international cards. Villages lack banks, so exchange enough beforehand. Expect 100-200 rupees for drinks and track spending to avoid shortages on remote trails.

Yes, contact our agency for customizations. Extend stays in Kathmandu or add side trips. Adjust paces for fitness levels, tailor for families or photographers. Changes incur fees based on flights, logistics, and permits. Our flexibility ensures your trek matches goals.

Your guide arranges immediate descent or evacuation if sickness strikes. We use helicopters for serious cases, funded by your insurance. Oximeters detect issues early. Rest and hydration fix minor ailments. Local clinics help in villages. Prevent contaminants with hand sanitizer and boiled water.

Keep your daypack at 4 to 5 kg, including water, camera, snacks, and rain gear. Porters handle the main luggage. Use ergonomic straps on daypacks for comfort. Adjust the weight based on personal needs like medications, gadgets, and so on. Light loads prevent fatigue over 5-7-hour hikes.

No, the Arun Valley sees few trekkers compared to the Everest routes. Expect solitude on paths, with occasional locals. Local data shows that only around 5000 visitors annually travel to this region. This quiet appeal to nature lovers, as you connect deeper with villages. Off-peak seasons enhance privacy even more.

Expect birds like Himalayan monals, monkeys such as langurs, and deer including barking deer. Makalu Barun Park protects over 300 species, and you can spot them in the forests quietly. Use binoculars for better views and avoid feeding animals. Guides point out tracks if they see some fresh ones. Conservation efforts preserve habitats for these encounters.

Porters speak limited English, but guides translate fluently. Sherpa and Rai dialects dominate the region. Learn basic Nepali phrases for fun interactions. Guides handle communications for needs and also if you want to chat with the locals. Porters focus on loads while guides enrich cultural exchanges.

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