In eastern Nepal, the Arun Valley cuts a deep gorge through the heart of the Himalaya. In the remote high mountain region of its tributary, the Barun, glaciers spill off mighty Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world.

 

We offer the chance to trek to Makalu base camp, crossing the Shipton Pass to isolated valleys nestled in among these awe-inspiring mountains. The shorter Arun Valley trek includes a classic ridge walk with wonderful views, a visit to our monastery project, and an ascent into the wilderness of the Makalu-Barun conservation area, returning along the lush and tropical valley floor.

​

ARUN VALLEY (13 days, max altitude 4,300m)

​

This mainly low altitude trek is centred 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.

​

After several days on the Makalu trail from Tumlingtar we explore an area that is completely off the normal trekking route. Following yak herders’ paths we journey to a plateau from where the stunning wall of Chamlang and other major Himalayan peaks may be seen. After several days in the wilderness, we reach the Buddhist village of Walung, where CAN built and funds a health post and we are guaranteed a warm welcome here.

​

MAKALU and SHIPTON LA (27 days, max altitude 5,200m)

​

The approach to Makalu’s base camp is reminiscent of early Himalayan expeditions, taking trekkers through a wild and sparsely inhabited region that is seldom seen by outsiders. The stark beauty of Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, 8463m, its glaciers and awesome granite south face can all be fully appreciated on this trek.

​

On the approach route, several days are spent in the lush and dramatic scenery of the Arun Valley before we trek over the Shipton La, a tough pass which offers sensational views of Makalu and Chamlang. We enter the Makalu-Barun National Park, which is known for its abundant bird populations and varied but elusive animals, among them snow leopard, forest leopard, red panda, grey wolf, Himalayan black bear and musk and barking deer.

​

Making our way up the valley, we reach first the low base camp, where we acclimatise for a day before ascending to the high base camp near the foot of the Chago Glacier. A free day in the area allows those who have fully acclimatised the chance to climb a 6170m peak which affords wonderful views of the whole region.

​

For more detailed information and accurate prices, please contact one of our team using the button below:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The Price Includes (on a camping basis):

• Transfers between Kathmandu airport and hotel accommodation

• Journeys (by road and 4WD) between Kathmandu and trail head

• Accommodation for 4 nights in Kathmandu in rooms on sharing basis (single supplement extra) with shower and WC and inclusive of breakfast

• Three meals a day (open lodge menus) and accommodation (sharing basis) during the trekking

• Participation in the trek as per itinerary inclusive of full board, camping equipment (not sleeping bags)

• Services of local porters on camping basis (15kg max per person), Sirdar (head guide), assistant guide (depending on group size) and kitchen staff

• All Nepalese staff’ insurance as per Government regulations

• All Trekking permits

​

Not Included:

• International flights

• Nepalese visa - (please refer to our document “Preparing for your trek: Nepal” for latest prices)

• Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• Travel insurance

• Tips

• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs (allow approximately £250 spending money)
   

Options:

• Extra nights are available in Kathmandu in our group hotel, and in Pokhara in our choice of accommodation.

• Extension packages can also be organised in Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan.

 

Please refer to our Himalayan extensions dossier for more details. Extensions should be arranged to booking international flights.