Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arriving in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), a Cold Feet representative will meet you and help you transfer to your hotel by private bus. Enjoy a free evening to explore Kathmandu and recover from your jet-lag. Meet the Cold Feet staff during a short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for Arun Valley Trek
A full-day guided tour around Kathmandu city's historical and cultural landmarks. Visit Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, the most important sites of Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal. Catch the playful antics of the monkeys and beautiful city views at Swayambhunath temple. Get lost in Kathmandu's old city bazaars, public squares, and former royal palaces at Durbar Square.
Day 03: Flight to Tumlingtar (937m) from Kathmandu
Today, you will fly for Tumlingtar from Kathmandu in the morning. Overnight at Camp.
Day 04: Trek from Tumlingtar to Bhotebas (1600m) 6½ hours walking
We start trekking along the main trade route to Khadbari. Then we climb steadily on the plateau that separates the Arun River from its tributary, the Sabha, to reach Bhotebas.
Day 05: Trek from Bhotebas to Num (1500m) 8½ hours
We climb to just over 2000m and during much of the day will be crossing and re-crossing the ridge. Some of the route passes through wonderful broadleaf forests which gives the clear views of Makalu to the north. After reaching at Mure, we start to descend towards Num.
Day 06: Trek from Num towards Jimmigaon
It's gonna be a strenuous day. Leaving the main trail, we cut down into the Arun Valley for one and half hours descending almost 800m through thick jungle. We cross the river before climbing up the other side towards Jimmigaon. We have now left Makalu Base Camp trail and from now on we are not likely to meet any other trekkers
Day 07: Trek from Jimmigaon to Nurbuchaor (2000m) 8 hours
We continue climbing out of the valley, entering the Makalu Barun Conservation Area which borders the Makalu Barun National Park. Following the trail will take us to Nurbuchaor.
Day 08: Trek from Nurbuchaor to Taklung
Still climbing steadily today, we aim to reach the ridge that separates the Iswa and Apsuwa Khola river. We camp among the pastures at Taklung.
Day 09: Trek from Taklung to Daware Phuk
We may start to get the views of Chamlang as we follow the ridge towards its impressive south face. Camp at a place known as Daware Phuk.
Day 10: Exploration Day/or Rest Day
Those who wish may explore further along the 4300m plateau which commands sweeping views of 7290m Chamlang and surrounding peaks.
Day 11: Return back to Taklung
We follow the ridge back to Taklung.
Day 12: Trek from Taklung to Walung (1500m) 8 hours
We finish a long day of descent as we make our way back down into Arun Valley to Walung. Walung's monastery or gompa has been completed with Community Action Nepal and we are likely to get a warm welcome from villagers.
Day 13: Trek from Walung to Pekhuwa (600m) 7 hours
We start to make our way down the western side of the Arun Valley. Trekking on this side of the valley is very different as the trails are little used—certainly we are unlikely to come across any other trekkers. Camp at Pekhuwa.
Day 14: Trek from Pekhuwa to Riverside Camp (8 hours)
A varied day of short ascents and descents but mostly following the Arun River, overnight camp by Sankhuwa River, a tributary of the Arun.
Day 15: Trek from Riverside Camp to Chewa Beshi (7 hours)
We follow the valley closely through farmed and forested terrain. We cross to the east bank and camp at Chewa Beshi.
Day 16: Trek from Chewa Beshi to Tumlingtar and flight to Kathmandu
A short walk brings us to Tumlingtar from where we catch the return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight we will stay in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
A Cold Feet representative will accompany you to the airport to catch your returning flight. We hope to see you again soon!