Arun valley is situated between the Everest and Makalu trekking areas and is the deepest valley in the world. The trek to Arun valley provides panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku. Despite these, Arun valley is also famous for the variety of natural vegetation and wildlife, beautiful natural landscapes and culture. Arun valley is the home for more than 650 species of birds and more than 800 species of butterflies. The trail of this trek also provides shelter to the endangered Panda. Additionally, orchids and other flowers in the forest route, prayer flags at Shipton La have added beauty to this trek trail. One major attraction of this trek is that you can see variety of natural magnificence and get to walk through the lovely Sherpa villages. Arun Valley trekking also serves as an alternative to the Khumbu region trekking. Arun valley is enriched with the natural beauty as well as with Sherpa culture.
The trek to Arun Valley can begun by flight to Tumlingtar which is a small village situated on a plateau. Another route is that you can go to Biratngar by flight and trek in the Arun region from Hile. If you want a daring experience, you can aim for the upper Hongu valley.
Salpa Bhanjyang is the highest point if this trek where you can also visit Hindu holy lake named Salpa Lake (3414m). The main residents in this region are Rai, Sherpa and Limbu who have different culture and traditions that will make your trip memorable. During the trek, you will come across firs, rhododendron and spurs forests. You need to be energetic and physically fit to go for Arun valley trekking and if you want to go explore the wilderness of this region but are looking to avoid the logistical complications of this region, you can plan for Makalu Arun Valley region trekking.
Day 01: Greetings at Kathmandu Airport
Day 02: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Biratnagar flight and drive to Hille (1800m)
Day 04: Hille trekking to Tumlingtar (460m)
Day 05: Tumlingtar trekking to Kartike (300m)
Day 06: Kartike trekking to Gothe Bazaar (775m)
Day 07: Gothe trekking to Dhobane (920m)
Day 08: Dhobane trekking to Phedi (1680m)
Day 09: Phedi trekking to Gurase (2880m)
Day 10: Gurase trekking to Sanam (2850m)
Day 11: Sanam trekking to Bung (1900m)
Day 12: Bung trekking to Surke la (3085m)
Day 13: Surke La trekking to Gaikharka (2300m)
Day 14: Gaikharka trekking to Pangum (3173m)
Day 15: Pangum trekking to Puiyan (2680m)
Day 16: Puiyan trekking to Lukla
Day 17: Flight back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 19: Final Departure
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Important documents and items
- Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
- Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
- Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
- Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
Head
- Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
- Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
- 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- 1 pair of Hiking shorts
- 1 pair of Hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
- 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Feet
- 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Rucksack and Travel Bags
- 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
- 1 large duffel bag *
- A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
- 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
- Water purification tablets or water filter
- 1 set of earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Practical Items
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
- 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS(optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
- large Ziplocs
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
- 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
Toiletries
- 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products
- Small mirror
Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash