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It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities..
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square..
Our beautiful adventure in Nepal starts with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Tumlingtar is our trekking starting point, 50 minutes of adventurous flight away from Kathmandu. We drive to Num from Tumlingtar for overnight stay which taks around 3 hours. .
We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the corn fields of Lumbang. Below the village the trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m). From the bridge we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua (1460m)..
Leaving Sedua, we make a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m). Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village, and on to Rupisa. En route, we cross meadows and several streams, and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley. .
We climb over the ridge and ascend through forests to a stream and onto a ridge where there is a small campsite. The trail levels out, and then climbs to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We climb past two small streams, then switchback up the ridge in forests to a kharka at 2900 meters and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx 330 meters. Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. The slope gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow atop the ridge. We then move over a hillock and descend a bit to reach Kauma (3470 m). .
After the breakfast, We continue our trek to Dobate. Our trekking trail is ascending and takes us towards Shipton La summit. We pass through Kalo Pokhari, KeKe La and cross the Ke Ke La pass. Finally, a descend takes us to Dobate valley, our overnight stay destination..
Our trek today is steep and dangerous in the start from Dobate. Trek should be done under guidance and precautions provided by experienced crew. The trail slowly goes flat on reaching Yangri Kharka. Overnight stay is arranged in Yangri Kharka. Our trekking hours sum upto around 6-7 hrs today..
Beyond the Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun Khola for a while. We then cross a small wooden bridge before the river turns northward. The Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve and the walls rise almost vertically 1500 to 2000 meters above the river, but the trail climbs gently as we approach Ripok Kharka. Still on the north side of the Barun, the trail turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. Above Ripok Kharka, the route crosses a rocky crest with a few goths, and then ascends alongside a moraine formed by the Barun Glacier. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3 and Peak 5, but Makalu is not yet visible. As we pass a ridge the glacier turns slightly north. We enter an alluvial valley and Makalu pops into view just before Sherson (4615 m). Sherson is somewhat sheltered, but still is a very cold spot. It is a long trek today of approx 8 hours..
From Sherson, we stay to the right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is gradual descent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We then descend to a stream, cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river. From here we get terrific views of the south face of Makalu. The large buttress of the south face rises across from base camp. An ascent of this buttress yields views of Peak 6, 7 and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama..
Today is a rest day for acclimatization and exploration..
Today we retrace our steps down the Barun Valley towards Yangri Kharka..
Descend continues as we head from Yangri Kharka passing through enjoyable landscapes. We reach to Dobate in around 6-7 hours. Overnight stay is in Dobate. .
Trek starts today from Dobate in steep trail. Our trek is around 5-6 hrs long today. Crossing beautiful sceneries of Ke Ke La, Tu Tu La and Kauma La we return back to Khongma Danda and stay there for overnight stay. .
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The trail now follows a route through forests and some spectacular high and exposed narrow tracks as it climbs over rocky ridges. The route eventually enters a region of intense valley bottom cultivation, crosses a huge landslide and some more scrub jungle before descending to Tome (520 m). Below Tome, the Arun Valley becomes wider and more U shaped. The trail climbs over another ridge on a steep, narrow stairway of rock steps. From the top of the ridge at 530m, the trail descends to a delightful camp on the banks of the Sankhuwa Khola (370m), across from the Chhetri village of Bumling. .
Drive from Num to Tumlingtar and overnight in hotel..
Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for your own..
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as wildlife Safari at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc.- ask us. .
The trek was beautiful but very had. Tour guide & staff were very professional, helpful and very friendly. We had a great cook (Meg Bahadur) and kitchen team. Meals were healthy and varied a lot. Camping sites were very good and chosen carefully. Camping equipments (tents etc) were excellent. The overland transfers were very good and the people were very helpful . The last four days in the Arun Valley (Balung, Phukuwa & Bamling) were difficult as the trail was quite old. But after we crossed the river, we picked up a better trail and everybody was happy again!
We would like to stress that Explore Himalaya is a very professional and well equipped organization. Along the way we met two other groups. They had to return before reaching Makalu, because of bad equipments (leaky tents) and badly equipped porters. With Explore Himalaya everything was excellent and because of them we were able to obtain our goal. Dhanyabaad!!
With Explore Himalaya everything was excellent and because of them we were able to obtain our goal. Dhanyabaad!!
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.