Arun Valley and Salpa Pass Trek

Trip Duration 21 Nights/22 Days
Trip Code NAP-ASP-413
Trip Grade Moderate to strenuous trail.
Trip Cost Prices on request
Best Time Sept – Nov / March - April

Overview

Arun valley and Salpa Pass trek located between the Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Parks, provides really superb views of both Mt Everest and Mount Makalu and hundreds of other mountains just on your eye. The route follows the same ground, albeit in reverse as H.W. Tilman on his approach to the Khumbu Valley in the autumn of 1950. Culturally, the Arun trek is very interesting - moving from Sherpa through to Rai villages, then down to Chhetri and Brahmin villages. Despite the chain of basic lodges, impromptu lodgings can be found in keeping with traditional hospitality throughout Eastern Nepal. 

This trek begins in Tumlingtar and follows the Arun River until we turn into the Irkhu Khola valley, which is renowned for its natural paper products. The Salpa Pass trail is a marvelous way to walk into the Everest massive following the unique ecosystem of the Arun Valley. This trekking trail is known as an ancient trade route used by local people to transport agricultural products to Namche Bazaar and Tibet across Nangpa-La. Arun valley takes us to the Salpa Pass and the holy Lake Salpa Pokhari. Friendly villagers and beautiful waterfalls bring us to the second pass of the trek - the Surkie-La. Rai populates this area and Sherpa people settled in a wonderland of isolated villages.

Highlights

  • Rim of the Kathmandu valley sightseeing
  • Scenic flight to Tumlintar and Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Trekking on off the beaten track
  • Fifth highest mountain in the world
  • Home of Sherpa, Rai and other ethnic group
  • Salpa Bhanjyang Pass
  • Join main Khumbu trekking trails
  • Superb mountain views
  • Biggest Khumbu glacier
  • Close view of Everest (8848m)
  • Hiking to Kalapathar and Everest base Camp
  • Spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife
  • Impressive display of wild flower picturesque Sherpa settlements

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Moderate to strenuous trail.
Trip Duration 21 Nights/22 Days
Trip code NAP-ASP-413
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu/Tumlingtar and Lukla - Kathmandu flight
Maximum Altitude Salpa Pass (5310m), Kalapatthar BC (5545m)
Trip Cost Prices on request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group
Accessibillity 45 minutes fly to Tumlingtar and 35 minutes fly from Lukla to Kathmandu.
The Route Salpa Pass (5310m), Kalapatthar BC (5545m) 5/7-hrs average walking per day, Moderate to strenuous trail.
Season Sept – Nov / March - April
Permit Fee Per week per person US$ 10 or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Trip Facilities 3+ hotel in city and home-stay/camping accommodation on mountain.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

DAY 3-5: Fly to Tumlintar - Chewabesi – Dangmaya: Our morning flight is to Tumlingtar, a village of the Kumale caste who manufacture earthenware pots from the red clay of the region. From here the trail follows the Arun River gorge, sometimes high above the river, sometimes traversing the sandy riverbank – this mighty river has its origins in Tibet and is one of the major tributaries of the Ganges. Even in winter the climate here is hot and tropical and many of the settlements are inhabited only during planting and harvesting, the inhabitants preferring to live high above their fertile farmlands. Cross the spur separating the Arun and Inkhuwa Kola. The original inhabitants of the area were almost exclusively Rai, but following the Gurkha conquest about 200 years ago considerable numbers of Chhetris and Brahmins have settled here.

The trail leads upwards, almost imperceptibly gaining in elevation, through the rice fields. Numerous bamboo bridges, flimsy and substantial – all picturesque – cross and re-cross the river and there are many pools large enough for swimming. 

DAY 7-9: Salpa Phedi – Gudel via Salpa Pass – Gai Kharka – Khare - Phakding: Ascend through bamboo then rhododendron, from the steamy Arun valley to the Salpa Bhanjyung Pass (5310m) where a large Chorten marks the pass and the beginning of Sherpa influence. It is a long descent to the Hongu Khola, through hemlock and fir forest that abounds with bird and animal life including Himalayan bear, barking deer and lesser panda. This is followed by an equally long, although steeper, ascent to Bung. This rice growing area is one of the most fertile regions of Nepal and is almost exclusively Rai, although you begin to find some Sherpa villages at higher elevations. The ascents and descents continue across the Hinku Khola towards the Dudh Kosi, which leads north tar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Pakding you will encounter your first yak caravans carrying trekking and equipment and supplies – including yours – towards base camp. These wonderful beasts creating mobile roadblocks, or virtual avalanches on downhill stretches, are a feature of all treks in the Everest region. It is also possible to see musk deer, Himalayan thar and, if you sit quietly on the river banks, water rats. Namche Bazaar is the administrative capital of the region, historically it was the staging point for trading expeditions to Tibet and its Saturday market remains an important event bringing traders from villages a week’s walk away. 

From Phadking the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and reaches Zamphuti. From here you can see excellent views of Mt. Thamserku peak then the trail climbs to Chomoa, the site of an agricultural project, an interesting place to have a look around and gain an insight into the farming way of life of these people. From Chomoa, the trail again climbs to Monjo (2840m) and enters the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park (1148sq km, established in 1976). Walking some distance up hill you will be at Jorsale (2830m) and after a long climb with views of Mt. Everest over the ridge of Nuptse (7879m) the trail reaches the street of Namche Bazaar. 

This day you will take the day off to allow your bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere before ascending to higher altitudes or you can spend it taking a day hike to Thame, the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who made the first ascent of Everest with Hillary in 1953 or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. It's the main centre of the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants; a bakery and a colorful market each Saturday. 

From Namche Bazaar the trail climbs up and down to Sanasa where the trail descends gradually to Teshinga and then it drops steeply to Phunki Thanga. Climbing two hours from Phunki Thanga you will reach Tyangboche. Tyangboche is a religious place for the Sherpa people and the entire Solukhumbu area. Here you will see the Tyangboche Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. Maybe you can get a chance to see the monks chanting and singing. 

From Tyanngboche you will reach the tiny village of Dibuche and after climbing some magnificently carved stones you will be at Pangboche (3860m). Walking the lower route from Pangboche and entering the alpine meadow you will be at Shomara. The trail then passes to Orsho. Beyond Orso the route divides to Dingboche/Pheriche (4260m). Pheriche is the windiest place of the Khumbu area; here you will find the Health post and Himalayan Rescue Association.

The trail ascends from Dingboche and after crossing some bridges you will reach Thukla. From Thukla the trail steeply goes up to the Khumbu glacier and drops a bit to the valley of Lobuche (4930m). 

The trail from Lobuche progresses gradually upwards providing splendid views of Mt Pumori. In the afternoon you will reach Gorakshep which is surrounded by mountains. You are now nestled high up amongst some of the tallest peaks in the world. We stop at the Gorakshep and enjoy the night at higher elevation but care with drinks and are sincere with altitude.

Early morning our journey continue steep climb to the top after 2 hour walk on our pace. After reaching the top, you will feel beaming as you achieve the moment that you been dreaming, since the beginning of the journey. Top of Kalapatthar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt. Pumori, the view from here is beyond imagination as the Everest looks amazing, the panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish, and you feel its worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world, and can be seen to the south Khumbu glacier sweeps below you, and you can also see the Everest Base camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier and lot of picturesque scenery. Re-track to Gorakshep and after the breakfast at Gorekshep we ready for our adventure to the targeted destination and we continues our trek towards the Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall, the path from here can be misleading, follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air, the walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. It takes 2-3 hrs to get to base camp and after a grand time here retrace the journey back to Gorekshep for the overnight at lodge.

After breakfast trek down to Dhugla then go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail. Staying high above the valley floor, we pass the yak pasture at Dusa to a Chorten at the head of the Imja valley. From Dingboche the walk is pleasant all the way to Tyangboche. After crossing the bridge our route descends following the stream towards Pangboche village.

From Pangboche further down to Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful place in the Himalaya the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery. Then trek goes down to the riverside at Fuki Tenga and steady climb through forest and continuous walk to Namche Bazaar. After Namche we walk down to the hill, cross some suspension bridge and reach monjo for over night.

After breakfast you will depart Monjo and continue your descent along the Dudh Kosi, you can walk at your own pace and enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. Arrival in Lukla and you'll have time to stroll around the areas and guide will re-confirm your flight ticket and enjoy the last celebrate dinner with your crew member and overnight at Hotel. On arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.

This morning you will be transferred to Lukla airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are mostly in morning due to impact of weather and wild blowing at Lukla airport. We take a Trans Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu by small aircraft and transfer to hotel. Free afternoon to be fresh up; evening we comment about the trip and celebrate farewell dinner together at Nepalese Typical Restaurant. 

We allow a Leisure day in Kathmandu incase the flight from Lukla is canceled due to weather. If you are in Kathmandu we will take you on a guided tour to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the oldest cities in the valley.

After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Cost Included

  • Documents: Arun Valley permit, National park entrance permit and TIMS card 
  • Activities: Sightseeing, hiking and trekking trip as per itinerary. 
  • Equiliment: All camliing equiliment and kitchen utilize.
  • Accommodation: 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing bedroom and 17 nights camping/teahouse accommodation on twin or multi shared tented during trekking 
  • Food: Full board on camping/teahouse (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking and 4 breakfast in Kathmandu. 
  • Staffs: Leader/Guide and supporters and their daily wage, food, and accommodation
  • Transportation: All airport arrival/departure transfer and surface road-head transportation and Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and return flight to Kathmandu
  • Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

Cost Excluded

  • Your international flight
  • Travel/medical insurance coverage personal accidents, medical and emergency Helicopter rescue
  • Personal travel and trekking equipments 
  • Lunch and dinner while in city
  • Items of a personal nature such as normal drinks, hot shower, dessert, laundry, internet and phone call.
  • Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
  • Tips/Gratuities for your trekking crews
  • Optional activities
  • And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Trip Notes

Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.

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