Arun Valley to Everest Trek is a popular trek recognized for spectacular views of Everest and Makalu. This trek takes you to Arun Valley in Makalu region of Nepal, perched in between Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park. The trek route follows an ancient and non-touristy trail through the beautiful villages of Sherpa, Rai, Chhetri, and Brahmin, high mountain settlements, and valleys.
The trail passes through mountain villages, beautiful hills, rivers, diverse landscapes and Sagarmatha National Park. If you are lucky, you will spot endangered wildlife like Snow Leopards, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Himalayan Thar and others in the Sagarmatha National Park. Crossing high suspension bridges will be a thrilling experience for you.
The unique and well-designed itinerary of this adventure takes you to prominent landmarks like Gothe Bazaar, Salpa Phedi, Salpa Pokhari, Khola Kharka, Mosam Kharka, Hungku Khola, Pach Pokhari, Monjo, and Lukla. You will also explore Makalu Barun Conservation Area and Salpa Pokhari, the holy pond for Hindu pilgrims.
The grandeur of Lukla will leave you speechless. Lukla is a small town, brimming with lodges and shops catering to trekkers.
Arun Valley to Everest Trek and Mera Peak Climbing Route
This trek starts with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. The 35-minute flight rewards spectacular views of green hills, gorges, and the towering Himalayas. From Tumlingtar, you will head to Chewabesi, through the subtropical forest, and explore Brahman, Chettri, and Rai villages. En route, you will also cross a suspension bridge stretching across the wide Arun River. And in about a couple of hours, you will arrive in Chewabesi.
You will walk past a tropical forest of cardamom, and terraced fields, climb Marduwa, a small hamlet, and cross two bridges to reach Gothe Bazaar. Gothe Bazaar is a beautiful village inhabited by Rai and Gurung people.
The next day, you will head to towards Lankuwa and Dhobani villages. The route meanders through small whitewashed villages and thick tropical forest before reaching Salpa Phedi. On your way to Guranshe, you will climb stone steps to reach Jaubari village. The trail continues through rhododendron forest before arriving in Guranshe.
Furthermore, you will head to Gudel via Salpa pass at 3570m. But before reaching Gudel, you will explore Salpa Pokhari, a holy pond frequented by Hindu pilgrims every year during the full moon of October. You can admire the jaw dropping views of Makalu (8463m) and Chamlang (7321m.) Walk on slate steps to Gudel village, inhabited by Rai ethnic groups and stay overnight.
En route to Khiraule, you will cross a bridge over Hinku river and walk on a grassy plateau. The trail further continues to Cholam, Khola Kharka, and Mosam Khara before reaching Thangnag. Walking on grazing grounds in the Upper Hinku valley will be a pleasant experience. You will cross a single plank bridge and arrive in Thangnag.
The trail ascends slowly and reveals stunning views of Mt. Charpate and surrounding peaks. On the 14th day of the trek, you will reach Khare and continue to Base Camp. From Base Camp, the trail gradually ascends to High Camp. At High you, you will prepare to scale Mera Peak.
You will start early and follow the footstep of your mountaineering leader. From atop Mera Peak, you can admire breathtaking views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Makalu, Baruntse, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Kangtena, Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks. After spending quality time, you will descend back to Base Camp.
On the 17th day, you will trek for 5-6 hours to arrive in Hungku Khola. The trail further stretches to Panch Pokhari. The trail then leads to Dingboche and Tengboche. The trail is well marked and frequented by many trekkers to explore the Everest region. You will descend along the Dudh Kosi River and cross the river a few more times to Monjo.
You will then make your way through beautiful villages of Phakding, Chumoa, Benkar, and visit Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate. After trekking for 5-6 hours, you will arrive at Lukla. From Lukla, you will catch a flight to Kathmandu.
Arun Valley to Everest Trek and Mera Peak Climbing Difficulty
Arun Valley to Everest Trek is a difficult to challenging trek, ideal for experienced trekkers. The highest elevation of this trek is 6476m at the top of Mera Peak.
The trek demands 5-6 hours trek every day, and on a challenging day, you must trek for 8-9 hours. An alternative to this trek would be Arun to Hungku valley trek.
Arun Valley to Everest Trek and Mera Peak Climbing Itinerary
Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu- 35 minutes flight, and trek to Chewabesi (750m)
Duration: 4 hours trek
Trek from Chewabesi to Gothe Bazaar (1050m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Gothe Bazaar to Salpa Phedi (1750m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Salpa Phedi to Guranshe (2980m.)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Granshe to Salpa La (3570m)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Explore Salpa Pokhari (4040m) and trek to Gudel via Salpa pass (3570m) and Gudel (2500m.)
Duration: 8-9 hours
Trek from Gudel to Kheraule (2850m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Kheraule to Khiraule (2585m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Khiraule to Cholam, (3750m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Cholam to Khola Kharka (3500m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Khola Kharka to Mosam Kharka (3691m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Mosam Kharka to Thangnag (4650m)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Trek from Thangnag to Khare (5045m)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Trek from Khare to Base camp (5350m)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Trek from Base Camp to High Camp (5780m)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Summit Mera Peak (6476m) and back to Base Camp
Duration: 8-9 hour
Trek from Base Camp to Hungku Khola (4970m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Hungku Khola to Panch Pokhari (5484m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Hungku Khola (5845m) and other side camp
Duration: 7-8 hours
Trek to Dingboche (4410m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche (3960m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Tengboche to Monjo (2860m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2840m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Fly back to Kathmandu