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Everest Arun Valley Trekking Detail Itinerary: |
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Days 01 : Arrive at Tribhuwan international airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Short briefing will be followed about necessary formalities and rest of the program. Depending on arrival time you will have choice of visiting nearby sanctuaries or have a rest day. Days 02 : After breakfast we drive to Swoyambhunatha stupa has it that Manjushree, found of Kathmandu valley, and discovered the lotus of ancient valley lake on which site the great stupa of swoyambhunath was later built. The omni sighted stare of Buddha greets visitors & residents a like compassion. This is one of the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, which has been registered in UNICEOO heritage side. We then visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu durbar square situated the center of Kathmandu where you can see the House of Living Goddess”KUMARI” Kasthamandup temple” Said that was built from single tree in 16th century, big bell-big drams, erotic carving in old temple, old palace etc. We then finally were sightseeing to Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar square is one of the beautiful Durbars square in Kathmandu valley. It is very famous for woodcarving, Metal works, Temples and Monasteries. Tour of Patan includes tour of Krishna temple, Patan king’s palace, Golden temple and much more. Days 03-05 : Our morning flight is to Tumlingtar, a village of the Kuhmale (potter) 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. Days 06 : 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. An enjoyable day in preparation for the continuous ups and downs to come. Days 07-09 : Ascend through bamboo then rhododendron, from the steamy Arun valley to the Salpa Bhanjyung Pass (3349m) 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. Days 10-11 : Heading through pine and cedar 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. Days 12 : Leaving Namche Bazaar the route is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise in front. Woods, rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk. The morning view from Tengboche is justifiably considered one of the most magnificent in the world. Tengboche Gompa, the cultural and religious center of Khumbu. Founded in 1912, it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice as the result of earthquake and fire. Days 13-14 : Stone steps lead down through rhododendrons, birches and conifers where, due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen. At the bottom lie the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Raising above the tree line the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. From Dingboche, the only place in the region where barley is grown, the mountain views are outstanding. An acclimatization day here can be used to hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement from where the views of Island Peak (6189), Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass are one of the highlights of the entire trek. Days 15-16 : Alpine meadows and summer yak pasture lead toward the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier where there is a steep, tough climb. There are stone monuments to six Sherpa who died in avalanche as well as monuments to other climbers. From Lobuche the view is straight towards Nuptse and sunset is truly magnificent. Altitude makes the climb onto the Changri Glacier tough. From Gorakshep, near a small, usually frozen lake, climb to Kala Pattar, a 5545m peak which provides the best view of Everest. The descent back to Lobuche is not difficult, but altitude induced lethargy can make the many uphill sections below Gorakshep seem endless. Days 17-20 : Descending the Imja Khola overnight at Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement. Its gompa, the oldest in Khumbu, is built over the hermitage of Khumbu’s saint Lama Sanga Dorje. The juniper trees on either side are said to have sprung from hair cut from his head and a rock-like projection is a piece of mountainside he pulled out for protection one day. Continue down through Namche Bazaar and Phakding to Lukla. Days 21 : This morning you will be transferred to Lukla airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day has been left free. Days 22 : After breakfast drive to Pashupatinath. The holiest of holy Hindu temple in south Asia is the focal point of pilgrimage from all over the sub-continent. The holy river Bagmati flowing nearby is the cremation ground of the Hindus. Funeral pyres can be viewed from across the riverbank. We then visit to Boudhanath stupa. Probably the largest stupa in the world is also found in Kathmandu valley the great stupa of Boudhanath. Again the omni-sighted eyes of the Budha stare all the directions. This stupa is the place of worship of Tibetan Buddhists predominantly. We then drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is one of the oldest cities in Kathmandu valley. It is well known as Living Museum. Old brick paved enclave of old Royal palace, Nyathapola Temple, Datatriya temple exquisite artwork offers a picture of the grandeur of medieval Nepal. It is very famous for woodcarving and pottery products. Then after we have short visit to Changunarayan temple. This is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kathmandu valley that exists in the valley dating back to the 4th century. Days 23: After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.
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