What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Makalu Barun National Park Buffer Zone Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 2850m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Makalu Base Camp Barun Valley Photography Time.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Guided Makalu Base Camp Trek Safety, Makalu Base Camp Trek Acclimatization Planning.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Home Stay, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Packing List.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Makalu Barun National Park Buffer Zone Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 2850m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Makalu Base Camp Barun Valley Photography Time.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Guided Makalu Base Camp Trek Safety, Makalu Base Camp Trek Acclimatization Planning.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Home Stay, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Packing List.

Makalu Arun Valley Trek

Transportation
Flight + Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 14
Maximum Altitude
2850
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Home Stay, Tea House
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Makalu Barun National Park Buffer Zone Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card.
Destinations
Makalu Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
Cultural, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Medium

Map

The Makalu Arun Valley Trek is a 16-day lower-altitude cultural trek through the Arun river valley, the deepest river valley in Nepal and one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Unlike the Makalu Base Camp trek which climbs high, this route stays between 400m and 2,850m, exploring Rai, Lhomi, and Sherpa villages, walking through sal forest and terraced rice paddies, and following ancient trade routes between Nepal and Tibet. The Arun Valley is a biological hotspot with over 650 bird species, red panda, and rare orchids, and the route passes through the Makalu Barun National Park buffer zone. This is the ideal trek for travelers wanting authentic cultural immersion without the physical demands of high altitude.

Highlights

Walk through the Arun Valley, the deepest river valley in Nepal.
Experience Rai, Lhomi, and Sherpa culture in villages untouched by mass tourism.
Spot rare wildlife including red panda,Assamese macaque, and over 650 bird species.
Stay in family-run home stays for authentic cultural exchange.
Walk beneath Makalu (8,485m) without climbing to high altitude.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and trek briefing.

Day 02 :

Fly to Tumlingtar

Morning flight to Tumlingtar airstrip. Afternoon explore the local market and the confluence of the Arun and Sabha rivers.

Day 03 :

Trek to Kuwapani

Begin walking up the Arun valley through Rai villages, terraced rice fields, and sal forest to Kuwapani.

Day 04 :

Trek to Num

Continue to Num, a Rai village perched high above the Arun with views toward Makalu.

Day 05 :

Descend to Sedua

Descend to the Arun river, cross the suspension bridge, and climb to Sedua, a mixed Rai and Sherpa village.

Day 06 :

Trek to Tashigaon

Climb through terraced fields and sal forest to Tashigaon, the largest Sherpa village in the lower Barun.

Day 07 :

Rest Day in Tashigaon

Rest day with village exploration, traditional Sherpa meal, and visit to the local monastery.

Day 08 :

Trek to Mane Bhanjyang

Take a lower altitude route through forest and small settlements to Mane Bhanjyang.

Day 09 :

Trek to Chyaksa Danda

Continue through the foothills with views of Makalu and Chamlang, staying at a Lhomi family home stay.

Day 10 :

Trek to Hururu

Descend back toward the Arun river through cardamom plantations and orange groves.

Day 11 :

Trek to Khandbari

Continue to Khandbari, the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha, with a bustling bazaar and good lodges.

Day 12 :

Trek to Arun River & Chainpur

Trek along the Arun to Chainpur, an old trading town known for its brassware and weekly market.

Day 13 :

Trek to Tumlingtar

Final walking day back to Tumlingtar via the terraced hills above the airstrip.

Day 14 :

Buffer Day

Buffer day in case of flight delays. Optional rafting on the Arun river or visit to a local school.

Day 15 :

Fly to Kathmandu

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping. Evening farewell dinner.

Day 16 :

Final Departure

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

Things to Carry for Makalu Arun Valley Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 3-season sleeping bag rated to -15C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 2850m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Manaslu Tsum Valley Packing List, Nar Phu Valley Trek Teahouses Or Camping Gear, Nar Phu Valley Tea Houses Or Camping Gear, Limi Valley Trek Package Camping Gear Meals Staff Simikot Flights.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Makalu Arun Valley Trek Information

Trip Name: Makalu Arun Valley Trek – 16 Days
Duration: 16 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 2850m
Group Size: Max 14

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Medium. Medium treks involve 5-7 hours of walking daily with significant elevation gain. Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience. The maximum altitude is 2850m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Makalu Base Camp Vs Everest Base Camp Crowds Difficulty, Makalu Base Camp Difficulty Vs Popular Treks.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) brings warming weather, rhododendron blooms, and reliable mountain visibility. Autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies, crisp air, and stable trekking conditions. Winter (December to February) is cold but possible on lower routes. Summer monsoon (June to August) brings rain and obscured views.

Read our seasonal guides: Arun Valley Trek Best Season, Arun Valley Cancellation Terms Weather Delays.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Home Stay, Tea House. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Arun Valley Trek Tea House Or Camping, Makalu Base Camp Tea House Or Camping.

Transportation

Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Arun Valley Trek Tumlingtar Flights Trailhead Transfers, Langtang Valley Trek Transport Teahouse Confirmation Booking.

Required Permits

Makalu Barun National Park Buffer Zone Entry Permit (NPR 1,695), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Makalu Base Camp Barun Valley Photography Time, Makalu Base Camp Permits And Guide Requirements.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 2850m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Guided Makalu Base Camp Trek Safety, Makalu Base Camp Trek Acclimatization Planning.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Details Prepare Makalu Base Camp Trek Quote, Arun Valley Trek Fitness Level.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 2850m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Tsum Valley Trek Itineraries Monastery Culture, Limi Valley Vs Upper Dolpo Culture.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.