Arun Valley Trek:

This mainly low altitude trek is centered on the Arun Valley, in eastern Nepal. The sub-tropical valley floor of the mighty Arun River is in places densely forested, contrasting with the terraced slopes higher up, which are farmed by villagers of diverse tribal groups. High pastures typify the upper slopes, which border on the Makalu-Barun National Park, an important conservation area for many threatened species.

Our trek starts at Tumlingtar, from where we take the Makalu Base Camp trail, following a ridge high above the eastern bank of the Arun River. After several days on the trail and distant views of Makalu and Chamlang, we descend to cross the river and head northwest to explore an area that is completely off the normal trekking route. Following paths used by yak herders, we make our way to a 4,300m plateau on the Thuli Danda ridge, from where the stunning wall of Chamlang and other major Himalayan peaks may be seen. After several days in the wilderness, we descend to reach the community of Walung. Perched on the steep slopes of the Arun Valley, with impressive views towards Makalu, this Buddhist village has never had its own gompa, an important spiritual centre for a community.

Highlights of the trek are the lush and dramatic scenery of the Arun Valley, the chance to visit a community that is benefiting directly from tourism and the several days spent in the wilderness of the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area. This is a trek for those wanting to get off the beaten track and some of the trekking days are quite long, though most are not especially strenuous. The Arun Valley can be quite hot and we recommend this trek for the winter months