Barun Valley Trek – 23 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Alpine Club of Himalaya who will drop you off at our hotel. After checking in, you take a rest or stroll around the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu. In the evening, join in for a welcome dinner hosted by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of the valley towards various historical and spiritual attractions. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous "Monkey Temple" (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath, the largest stupas in the world. In the afternoon join in for a short briefing regarding the trip with your trekking leader and other team members.

Catch an early morning flight from Kathmandu domestic airport to Tumlingtar. A city perched between the Arun and Sabha Rivers. The flight takes you to the eastern part of the country and offers majestic views of the rolling hills and snowcapped mountains. Upon reaching Tumlingtar head towards Chichira, a small settlement located in Sankhuwasavha District.

Following the lush deep wilderness of the region start your trek. Following the trail cross several villages and terrace farms. As you gain altitude traversing along the forested trail witness views of the greater Himalayan range and the lush never-ending rows of hills. Progressing on the trail you be following ridge sections, a brief walk, and eventually reach the small settlement of Num.

Start the trek following the tracks across terraced fields and small settlements. As you progress the tracks lead through dense sub-tropical woodlands. Traversing along the forested trail descend towards the rapids of the might Barun River. Eventually crossing the river couple of times you will enter the Makalu Barun National Park. After your permits are inspected at the park's entry gate follow the trail and eventually reach Seduwa.

After breakfast head on the trail. The first section today takes you on a downward trail towards the Kasuwa Khola. After crossing the rapids follow the river network upstream and traverse across impenetrable jungles. Following ascending routes as you progress out of the canopy the trail then passes through agricultural fields and terrace farms. A brief walk and you will finally reach the pictorious village of Tashi Gaon. Upon reaching the village head out to catch grand views of the sunset and the Himalayas.

Start the trek following the trails across the wet hill forest of the region. Traversing on an uphill section reach the tiny settlement of Chipla Village perched on a hilltop. Next following through ridges and old-growth forest move to Kharka Village, a pasture land at an elevation of 2900 meters. From Kharaka head further towards the settlement of Unshisha. Next following a series of stairs on ascending routes proceed towards Dhara Kharka, a small grazing land at the top of the ridge. Then following the descending trail reach Kahuma Danda Village.

Today is your day for acclimatization, as you ascend higher, your body must acclimate to the thinner air at greater elevations. The village has various vantage points perfect for an acclimatization hike. Head towards any vantage point before dawn and witness mesmerizing views of the sunrise over the Himalayas. Later stroll around the village starting conversations with the locals and exploring the region.

Today you will be crossing a mountain pass so start early. Following the ridge, section start your trek. As, you gain altitude witness grand views of the twin peaks of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Next, ascending on a stone path reach a small lake. From here following the trail arrive at the base of the Kike La Pass. The climb to the pass is non-technical. Following the dry and dusty trail reach the top. From the top witness grand views of the landscapes. Then continuing on a descending trail following forested trails of rhododendron reach the tiny hamlet of Mumbuk.

Start today's trek following through the narrow valley on a descending trail. As you progress you will be traversing along the banks of the mighty Barun River. Next cross the rapids and head on an uphill track through rhododendron, birch, and oaks woodlands to Yangri Kharka, a summer settlement of the region.
Then the trails lead you up the Yangri Kharka village and yet again cross the rapids of Barun River. Traversing along the northern banks of the river eventually reach Nehe Kharka. After a brief rest head out to explore the region. Visit various Gompas and witness grand panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains and endless hills.

Following the northern bank of the Barun River start the trek. As you progress cross the rapids over a wooden bridge and follow the track across a Rocky River bed. Then move towards Ripok Kharka a high alpine pasture land of the region. Next head towards Sherson, which is marked by a Mani wall. Along this section witness grand views of Pyramid Peak, Chamlang Peak 3, 4, and 5.
Upon reaching Sherson head towards your accommodation. Later head out to explore the area and bask in the views of the sunset. Makalu’s south face, Mt. Baruntse, and other peaks change their colors according to the rays of the sun.

Traversing across the mountain country start the trek. Following arid and stony tracks with patches of vegetation climb down to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. Next head on a descending track crossing over loose rocks and boulders to Makalu Base Camp situated on the west bank of the river.
From the base camp witness grand panoramic views of the greater Himalayan range like never before. The mountain peaks of the south face of Makalu, Everest, Baruntse, Peaks 6 & 7, Lhotse, Chamlang, Kanchenjunga, Barun Glacier, and various other icefalls.

Wake up early and head towards any vantage point to catch splendid views of the sunrise. The rays of the sun turning the white snow-capped mountain into an array of colors. After enjoying the grand views head back to the base camp. Later stroll around the base camp and explore. In the afternoon enjoy the grandeur views of the sun setting basking in the views of the mighty mountains.

After having breakfast with grand views of the Himalayas retrace your steps back to Nhe Kharka. Following the downhill trails across mountain country. Progressing on the trail you will eventually reach the high alpine meadow of Nhe Kharka.

Following the sub-tropical and wet hill woodlands start the trek. Along the way keep an eye out as the unique wildlife of the region can pop up anytime. Traversing across lush pine rhododendron woodlands reach Mumbuk.

After breakfast leaves Mumbuk and head towards the Shipton La Pass. The climb to the pass is non-technical. Following the ascending route reach the summit of the pass. From the summit witness grand views of the landscape. Next following the descending trail reach the village of Kauma. In the village explore around and start friendly conversations with the locals learning about their culture and traditions.

Today's trek is mostly on downward sections. Traversing across the old-growth forest with impenetrable canopy and miles of undergrowth reach Tashi Gaon. After a brief rest head out to explore the village.

Start the trek traversing across the deep jungles of Mulgaon. As you progress the trail takes you across cultivated fields, terrace farms, past various settlements, and eventually to Ipsuwa Khola. Next, cross the bridge and from here you will be entering the mystical Arun Valley. A further walk along the forested trail and finally reach Balung.

Today's trail takes you past various settlements and deep sections of the woodlands. Following the track first, reach the village of Walung and then descend the hill and reach Apsawa Khola. Crossing the rapids head on an uphill climb towards Chhayang Village. Then following a forested trail reach Parangbhu and finally to Pukuwa village.

After breakfast head to the trail. Following the tracks head to the village of Tome and further on descending trails into the Arun Valley. Following the rapids of the Sankhuwa Khola finally, reach Bumling.

Today is your final day of the trek. Start by following the river downstream where its water gets mixed with the mighty Arun River. Traversing along the eastern banks reach the tiny village of Chyawabesi. From here climbing up and down on hill sections reach the plateau of Tumlingtar. After a brief rest celebrate your last night of the trek,

After breakfast catches an early flight back to Kathmandu. On the flight witnessed grand views of the Himalayan range and the lush network of hills. Upon landing at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. If you want to, we can arrange a guided tour of the city, or you can stroll on your own. In the evening join in for a farewell dinner program to mark the success of your trek with your team members and our representatives.

Today you will be returning to your country. Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.
NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.