Arun Valley Trek

Best Time

The most suitable months for the Arun Valley Trek in Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring has rhododendrons blooming across the valley, and the climate is pleasant with fine views of the mountains. Autumn offers the most consistent climate, cool blue skies, and the best view of Everest and Makalu.

Summer (June to August) is monsoon rain on the trail during this time, and it becomes slippery and leech- and landslide-prone. But off-beat trails can entice adventurous trekking souls with foliage everywhere and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) has fewer trekkers but is a peaceful adventure, but upper passes are still under snow, and night temperatures go below zero.

Off-season treks in summer and winter need special attention, good gear, and flexibility to adjust to changes in plans. Though not easy, the months are best for solitude and pure Himalayan scenery for the well-prepared. For most, spring and autumn provide the best comfort and beauty.

Elevation and Distance

The Arun Valley Trek is a diverse trek through the landscape and altitude. The lowest altitude of the trek is 300 meters (984 ft) at Kartike, and the highest is 3,173 meters (10,410 ft) at Pangum. From the starting point of Tumlingtar at an altitude of 450 meters, the path descends lower before ascending gradually through green valleys, terraced fields, and Sherpa villages to higher altitudes.

Throughout the trek, the trekkers experience massive altitude variation, especially between Dobhane and Pangum via trails like Guranse (2,880 m), Surke La (3,085 m), and Kari La Pass (3,145 m). The trek finally terminates in Lukla at 2,820 meters after returning to Kathmandu by air.

The total distance covered is around 160 kilometers (100 miles), covered in 13 days of trekking. Owing to its easy gain and loss of elevation, the Arun Valley Trek offers sightseeing with cultural exposure without too much altitude trouble.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

Arun Valley Trek is a tough to challenging trek due to its long duration, varied terrain, and continuous changes in altitude. Even though the trek does not ascend very much in altitude, such as Everest Base Camp, it has a progression of ups and downs, similar to passes at Surke La (3,085 m) and Kari La (3,145 m). The hiking time is between 3 and 6 hours daily, very tiring on steep sections.

Altitude sickness is less common on this trek than on more high-altitude treks since the trail allows for gradual acclimatization. Some members will experience mild symptoms at elevations above 2,500 meters, however. Proper hydration, a moderate pace, and the fact that rest days are included in the itinerary reduce risk to a minimum.

The trail also goes through isolated regions with hardly any infrastructure, so the trekkers must be properly equipped with the right equipment and good physical conditioning. It is generally best for individuals who already have some experience in trekking and are willing to take an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Maximum and Minimum Walk per day

Arun Valley Trek has 3 to 6 hours of daily walks, depending on the route taken and the destination. The two shortest walk days are Day 6 (Dobhane to Phedi) and Day 10 (Sanam to Bung), and both take around 3 to 3.5 hours. The shorter walking days leave time for rest and acclimatization.

The most tiring walking days are Day 11 (Bung to Surke La) and Day 13 (Gaikharka to Pangum), with about 6 hours of walking on high passes, forest, and ridges, and therefore the most exhausting.

Trekkers trek on average 5 hours a day and 13 days of trekking in aggregate for the entire duration of the journey. Nature’s rhythm on the trail—alternate hard and easy days—is the key that eradicates tiredness and gives one the feel-good factor. As physically demanding as it might seem, having the steady momentum of the trek is quite straightforward for most of the trekkers with enough physical fitness for the accomplishment.

Accommodation

Arun Valley Trekking accommodation is local taste with some comfort. You will be staying in a 3-night tourist-standard hotel in Kathmandu, which has twin-sharing rooms with modern comforts, including a private bathroom and basic facilities. For trekking, the accommodation is twin-sharing in local teahouses and lodges, and there is the option to upgrade to single rooms at additional cost, depending on availability.

The rooms within the trek area are simple yet cozy, supplied with beds, pillows, and blankets for warmth. The majority of the teahouses offer shared baths with Eastern-type toilets, simple and clean to use. Dining rooms are furnished with heaters to provide a welcoming and communal ambiance to rest and dine.

These lodges are an expression of the local way of life and hospitality, providing a cultural experience and rural ambiance to complement the trekking experience. It’s satisfactory for most trekkers who desire a mixture of nature and local lifestyle.

Foods and Drinks

During the Arun Valley Trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are arranged by package in the guise of simple but filling trekkers’ meals. Breakfast usually consists of a plate of things like toast, eggs, porridge, pancakes, Tibetan bread, and tea or coffee.

The lunch includes dal bhat (vegetables, rice, and lentils), noodles, fried rice, or momos. Dinners are the same as lunches and usually include soups, curries, potatoes, pasta, and hot drinks like tea or herbal teas.

Apart from these major meals, the snacks and other drinks like bottled water, soft drinks, or sweets are not included and need to be purchased. Meat should be avoided since it may not be fresh due to the poor refrigeration in such isolated areas. The same goes for activating drinks like alcohol, especially in high-altitude areas, to avoid the risk of altitude sickness and to keep themselves hydrated and charged.

Alternative trails

Arun Valley Trek also has alternative trails, each with varying experiences and challenges. A good example is the Arun Valley to Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, which connects Tumlingtar to the Khumbu region via Salpa Pass, ultimately concluding at EBC via Namche Bazaar. The trek provides trekkers with a glimpse of the peaceful Arun Valley and the world-renowned Everest region.

The second is the Arun Valley to Makalu Base Camp Trek along the Arun River north to Sedua and Num, then over Barun La pass (4,110m) into the upper Barun Khola valley for a close-up view of Mount Makalu (8,463m). It is a less-traveled and more remote route emphasizing the unspoiled beauty of the Makalu-Barun National Park.

For the adventurous, the Mera Peak to Arun Valley to Mera Peak Climbing Trek offers the summit of Mera Peak (6,476m) along with trekking in Arun Valley, along exposure to culture.
The other routes vary in duration and difficulty to suit different tastes and abilities. Trekkers can choose depending on interest, experience, and degree of challenge.

Can a beginner participate in this trip?

Yes, even a beginner can try the Arun Valley Trek, but it is recommended to undergo pre-trek conditioning. The trek is moderately difficult, with 3 to 6 hours of walking each day and a steady accumulation of elevation, and thus can be achieved by inexperienced trekkers who are very fit. There is rough terrain, forest trails, and hills on the trekking trail, and hence pre-trek conditioning, i.e., usual walking, going up stairs, or easy hiking, will come in handy a lot.

Compared to high-altitude treks, the Arun Valley Trek is still far from 3,200 meters and thus lower risk of altitude sickness. The acclimatization-friendly schedule and easy-going pace also allow beginners. Trekkers should be mentally prepared for basic amenities, shared bathrooms, and minimal comforts in remote teahouses, though.

With a proper attitude, physical condition, and good advice from local trekking staff, first-timers can complete this trek peacefully and safely and have a good experience in Nepal’s lovely and lesser-touristed area.

Preparation and fitness

Sufficient preparation and physical fitness are required to conduct the Arun Valley Trek comfortably and safely. Although the trek is straightforward for beginners, it involves 3–6 hours of trekking over a rugged trail every day, and therefore, basic fitness needs to be developed by walking, hiking, or climbing stairs at least a month before embarking on the trek. Cardio and leg-strengthening exercises can also prove useful to develop stamina.

Smart packing is also vital. Pack good trekking shoes, light layers of clothing, a good jacket, rainwear, gloves, and thermal wear. Hats, sun shades, sunscreens, water bottles, and personal hygiene materials must not be left behind. Headlamps, power banks, and trekking poles are essential items to pack as well.

Carry a small first aid kit with medications for altitude, cold, and digestion. Limit your main bag to around 10–12 kg and keep a daypack for daily essentials. With the right gear and fitness, you’ll be well-prepared for this scenic adventure.

Gadgets, Charging, Internet, and Communication

On the Arun Valley Trek, it is possible to stay connected and get your devices charged, though services are limited and may be charged extra.

Electronic gear charging points can be found in most teahouses along trails for a rate of overnight charging of $5 per item. Public places have facilities, and are fewer in more distant places. A portable power bank as a backup to charge is advisable, especially on long trekking days when charging stations are inconvenient.

There is internet access in a few of the low-altitude villages on Wi-Fi, typically at a cost. Quality and availability can be spotty, and the higher elevations may be slow or not be available at all. Or, purchasing a local SIM card via carriers like Ncell or NTC will offer mobile data coverage, although in more rural areas it will be sporadic.

For serious communication, rent a satellite phone. Satellite phones are found with trekking agencies and may be very crucial in times of emergency or for keeping relatives updated. Note that satellite phone use often attracts extra fees.

In general, though basic charging and communication amenities are available on the Arun Valley Trek, planning, careful management of your device to preserve battery life, and tolerance with periodic connectivity on the more distant parts of the trek are recommended.

Permits

To go on the Arun Valley Trek in Nepal, you will require the following permits:

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): All the trekkers in Nepal are required to carry this card, and it aims at giving trekkers a sense of security and comfort through registration of trekkers’ information.

Makalu-Barun National Park Permit: This is necessary since the Arun Valley Trek traverses through the Makalu-Barun National Park, a region of greater diversity and scenery.

If you are going to proceed with your hike into the Everest district, the following additional permits are needed:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This entry permit allows access into the Sagarmatha National Park, where Mount Everest and a UNESCO World Heritage Property is located.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: Permit to access the Khumbu district and also the areas of Lukla and Namche Bazaar.

Where to Get Permits

Permits can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office or from the registered trekking agencies themselves. It is also a good idea to carry extra passport-size photographs and photocopies of your passport to submit along with the applications.

Make sure to get all your permits before embarking on your trek because there are checkpoints on the route that must be stamped. Permit fees can be altered; it is better to verify through proper channels or your trekking agency for up-to-date information. Getting these permits is not only legal according to Nepalese law but also helps maintain and uphold these virgin trekking regions in their original state.

Transportation

Transportation for the Arun Valley Trek is well-organized to ensure the journey is comfortable and convenient. Airport pick-up services welcome trekkers on arrival in Kathmandu and escort them to their hotel. Similarly, on the completion of the trek, an airport drop-off service for departure from the city is provided.

The trek begins with an internal flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. The flight is the gateway to the start of the trek. On the trek, the most popular mode of getting around is walking, as this gives the trekkers a chance to get close to nature and enjoy the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the region.

Following the trek, a Lukla to Kathmandu flight is organized, with a scenic ending. Airport transfers, ground transport, and all other travel as per the itinerary are done in comfortable vehicles according to the group size, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the trip.

Insurance

Though there is no compulsion to buy travel insurance to go for the Arun Valley Trekking in Nepal, it would be highly recommended to do so, and the majority of trekking agencies would also recommend the same. Since the place is located in a very remote area, adequate insurance coverage is necessary for your well-being and comfort.

Your policy must specifically state emergency medical expenses, such as evacuation for altitude illness like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) at altitudes above 3,000 meters. Your policy must also include emergency evacuation, as helicopter evacuation will most likely be the only viable option in isolated areas where proper facilities are not available. Policies up to 4,500 meters are generally sufficient for the Arun Valley Trek.

Furthermore, ensure that your insurance includes coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and loss or theft of personal belongings. It’s advisable to carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek. Before purchasing, verify with your provider that the policy encompasses all aspects of high-altitude trekking in Nepal.

What to Expect

Arun Valley Trek offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure in one of Nepal’s most inaccessible and culturally rich regions. Trekkers can expect a combination of nature, culture, and scenery—from subtropical forests and terraced fields to high-altitude mountain passes.

Compared to more frequented routes, this trek is peaceful and less crowded, with greater opportunity to experience nature and village life. You will be trekking through isolated Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa villages, with a range of other varied traditions and open hospitality. The trek also offers stunning views of Makalu, Everest, and other Himalayan giants. Not too high in elevation, the trek nevertheless has steady ups and downs and can be strenuous at times.

Expect basic but cozy accommodation, traditional local food, and a tough but immersive trekking experience. The trek is ideal for anyone seeking solitude, nature, and cultural richness, far from the crowds of more established routes like Everest or Annapurna.

Many things make the Arun Valley Trek a wonderful experience. It is a hidden gem of eastern Nepal. Additionally, the untouched nature and cultural blend make Arun Valley Trek a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But since we cannot possibly list all the attractions of the Arun Valley, we have highlighted a few of them. Take a look:

Deep Valley

The Arun Valley Trek is a wonderful way of exploring the deep and picturesque landscape of the eastern region. The Arun River flows right through the heart of the Arun Valley. It is surrounded by steep hills and the Himalayan mountain ranges. The trek takes you through the charming villages of Dobane, Phedi, Guranse, Sanam, Bung, Surke La, Gaikharka, and many more. It is among the less popular routes in eastern Nepal. Thus, it is also less crowded. Trekkers looking to explore isolated trails and valleys, the Arun Valley Trek is perfect.

Scenic Landscapes

Witness the scenic and diverse landscapes during the Arun Valley Trek. At lower elevations, the route will pass by charming villages and terraced fields.

Similarly, the trail also goes through dense forests of rhododendrons and oaks. At higher elevations, the green and lush vegetation changes into alpine meadows and Himalayan wildflowers. Trekkers can also see that the mighty Arun River goes right through the Arun Valley. It is magnificent to see the river flowing through the green forest to the distant mountain. Likewise, the route provides stunning mountain views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and many more.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

The Arun Valley Trek route goes through two national parks, i.e., Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park. Hence, trekkers will be treated to sights of diverse flora and fauna. There is a variety of vegetation, like different species of rhododendrons, orchids, and wildflowers.

It is especially beautiful during the springtime when the whole rhododendron forest blooms. Trekkers will also witness forests of oak, pine, bamboo, highland pasture, juniper, mosses, and lichens. The national parks also to rare and endangered species like red panda, Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, and many more. It is estimated that over 650 species of birds and over 800 species of butterflies are home in the region.

Ancient Religious Sites

The Arun Valley Trek is also a wonderful opportunity to get connected with inner spirituality. In addition to the rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and mountain views, there are many monasteries, stupas, and Hindu temples along the route. Trekkers will come across a few monasteries and religious sites along the trail. The age-old monasteries and Hindu temples have cultural and religious significance to the region.

Cultural Experience

Arun Valley Trek’s other attraction point is its cultural richness. The region is home to diverse ethnic groups like Sherpa, Rai, Tamangs, Brahmins, etc. They have their own distinct culture, traditions, and languages. The majority of the locals in the region follow Buddhism, and there are ethnic groups that have their local religious practices. The villages of the region have traditional houses. Therefore, it is common to see stone and mud houses. It is also a common sight to see locals adorned in traditional clothing. It reflects their cultural identity and their daily lifestyle. Trekkers can experience the unique local culture and traditions. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local customs and get a taste of the local hospitality.