Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day
Welcome to Nepal! A representative will be waiting to welcome you to Tribhuvan International Airport and bring you to your hotel in Kathmandu. It's been a long flight, so enjoy the chance to rest! This evening, we'll hold a briefing on your adventure and what to expect regarding the trek.
Day 2 - Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Prep
Kathmandu is one of the world's great historic and spiritual landmarks. It contains more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in the world, and we'll be visiting some today as part of a whole day of sightseeing. We'll visit Boudhanath, the world's largest Buddhist stupa, as well as the "monkey temple" of Swayambhunath and the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. We'll also see the historic and famous Durbar Square. You'll also have a chance to pick up any needed gear or clothing from Kathmandu's many trekking and mountaineering supply shops. This evening, you'll be introduced to your trip leader and have the opportunity to have any last-minute questions answered
Day 3 - Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, Tumlingtar to Khandbari
It's an exciting morning as we set off on the first official day of our trek! We'll hop a quick (40 minute) flight to Tumlingtar, the starting point of our hike, while being treated to overhead views of Ganesh Himal, Everest, Kanchenjunga, and - of course! - Makalu. We take the first steps of our trek heading upward through the village of Kumal, and then a subtropical forest of sal trees that eventually gives way to the farmlands of Khandbari. We'll make camp nearby at Mani Bhanjyang, and use the remainder of the day to either relax or explore the town.
Day 4 - Khandbari to Chichile
The road is reasonably wide and flat as we start our first full day of trekking, and it eventually ascends to a ridge before our lunch stop at Bhotebas. After, our trail brings us through fertile land and forest paths to the small ridge above the village of Chichile where we’ll pitch our tents. The village is small, but offers delightful views of Makalu and Kumbhakarna.
Day 5 - Chichele to Num
Scenic, cool, and completely peaceful, the forests of rhododendron, oak, and hemlock frame our path today as we scale the top of the ridge. At that point, it’s a two-hour downhill walk to the village of Num (which consists of just fifteen small houses and a primary school) and the large, flat ground where we'll make camp. From here, we have an excellent vantage point on the route we'll be traveling in the next few days.
Day 6 - Num to Seeduwa
Steep downhill paths over terraced slopes greet us this morning as we head towards towards the Arun River, nearly 800 meters below. The lower slopes of this narrow valley are densely forested, and the paths are quite slippery! If all the precarious trekking this morning has yet to get your heart racing, there's still a suspension bridge crossing over the torrential river. We climb up and out of the valley by way of the rainforest, and stop for lunch after a busy morning! The afternoon consists of a steep climb towards Seeduwa, which is very tiny. Our campsite is nearby, allowing us the chance to relax.
Day 7 - Seeduwa to Tashi Gaun
Countryside, farmlands, and small villages dot the trail this morning as we trek uphill. The landscape gives way gradually to fields of millet and rice, signaling our proximity to Tashi Guan. We'll have time to walk around the village after setting up camp.
Day 8 - Tashi Gaun to Kahuma Danda
After Tashi Gaun we trek beneath the shade of the breathtaking rhododendron and oaks forest for some time, before arriving at summer pastures scattered with small, impermanent shepherd huts. Our subsequent hike to Kahuma Ridge is steep and strenuous, albeit lined in flowers and scented by juniper. We'll camp beneath the moonlight tonight with scenic mountain views as a backdrop.
Day 9 - Kahuma Danda to Mumbuk
We begin the day with outstanding views of snowy peaks and surrounding landscapes. Our trek follows a gradual trail with some up-and-down passes through the Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari (small pond). If the snowfall has been particularly intense, the path from here can be quite misleading and it can be difficult to find the trail. We walk further to cross the passes of Keke La ad Tutu-la, the latter of which is topped with a small chorten. It’s all downhill afterwards, heading back to vegetation and a small clearing place for camping in the middle of the woods.
Day 10 - Mumbuk to Nhe Kharka
The day begins with a sharp descent into a narrow valley, and then we continue on to cross the Barun Khola just beyond Tamatan Kharka. This takes about six or seven hours, and things definitely get challenging on the latter end. The trail gets hard to follow, things are slippery, and rock falls are a common peril. We follow our mercurial trail through the seasonal settlement of Yangri Kharka and then on to Nhe Kharka.
Day 11 - Nhe Kharka to Sherson
We cross the wooden bridge over the Barun River as we kick off today’s walk, and then cross boulders, along which a large prayer wall can be seen. The vegetation is starting to grow thin after a couple more hours, even as the rhododendron, barberries, cotoneaster and juniper bushes keep on for some time. Approaching Sherson, we have sight of the lower Barun glacier and the towering Mt. Makalu. This is also the lower base camp of Mt. Makalu, affording outstanding views of the surrounding peaks and ranges.
Day 12 - Sherson: Free Day
It's been an eventful trek so far, and between exertion and the need for acclimatization, it's high time for a day of relaxation! We linger in Sherson today, and you have free rein to rest at camp or hike about the valley for some excellent views. Come up close and personal with Makalu, Barun Pokhari, and the rare Kangshung face of Everest. The intrepid willing to walk an hour out of the way will reach a large, flat meadow with even better views of the peaks, and beyond.
Day 13 - Sherson to Yangri Kharka
We trek six or seven hours today through the end of Barun Valley to arrive at Yangri (Yak) Kharka for the night’s rest.
Day 14 - Yangri Kharka to Mumbuk
After breakfast, we continue our trek! It's between five and six hours to Mumbuk - and after leaving the Barun Valley, it is all uphill! The overnight camp is nestled in the midst of an alpine forest, making for many pleasant routes for a stroll once we camp outside Mumbuk.
Day 15 - Mumbuk to Kahuma Danda
Today we retrace our steps by five or six hours on the way back to Kahuma Danda via Shipton-la and Thulo Pokhari. Again, the scenery is gorgeous and the weather mild as we set up for our overnight rest beneath the stars.
Day 16 - Kahuma Danda to Tashi Gaun, Tashi Gaun to Navagaon
We return to Tashi Gaun today en route to our next stop, and then walk the upper trail for a few hours through cool forest shade. When the trees give way to farm terraces, we will be close to the larger Sherpa village of Navagaon, which is situated high above Seeduwa.
Day 17 - Navagaon to Seeduwa, Seeduwa to Num
It's downhill we go through vast farmlands for the first traveling leg after breakfast - we'll arrive in Seeduwa village within an hour or two. It's between six and eight hours to Num, two to three of which are downhill, and then an equal amount of time spent trekking beyond a suspension bridge. It's a pleasant and pretty walk, and overall quite a comfortable day.
Day 18 - Num to Chichele
It's about a 50/50 split between uphill and downhill walking today, with the first two or three hours being the harder leg. We reach a high ridge around the midpoint of our road to Chichele, and then get a break and easier walking. Chichele is a fun village to explore, and we’ll make it to camp with plenty of time to look around.
Day 19 - Chichele to Khandbari
The walking is sweet today as we take the gradual downhill path to Khandbari, a journey of five or six hours. We’ll pass through forests, farmland, and tiny villages before arriving at the larger town of Khandbari, and our overnight camp.
Day 20 - Khandbari to Tumlingtar
Our last trekking day is an easy one. We hike three or four hours downhill to arrive in Tumlingtar for lunch and then setting up camp. This is our last evening to camp, and your last one with your guides and porters as well. It’s time to celebrate the end of a long, difficult trek and our imminent return to civilization.
Day 21 - Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Trekking being over, we fly today back to Kathmandu. We'll either fly directly in or layover at Biratnagar, but either way it's a brief flight. Upon arrival, we’ll bring you back to you hotel and you’ll be free to rest, do some touring or souvenir shopping, or otherwise divert yourself.
Day 22 - Kathmandu: Free Day
Today is a day for free exploration! Wander Kathmandu and take in the sights you may have missed on the sightseeing tour, or revisit sites that you loved. Spend these last hours with the friends you made within the trekking party, or luxuriate in the time by yourself. In the evening, we'll treat you to dinner at one of the city's best Nepali restaurants for a small farewell celebration.
Day 23 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
We bid you farewell today as our travels together draw to a close. We'll get you to the airport, or simply say goodbye as you move on to your next adventure. Remember to trade email addresses with members of your tour group! We always appreciate our guests' feedback, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts on the trekking experience.
