The Arun to Hungku Valley Trek is an adventurous and remote trek in eastern Nepal, offering breathtaking views of Makalu, Everest, and the surrounding peaks. This trek follows the Arun River Valley, passes through lush forests, and leads to the isolated Hungku Valley, home to stunning glacial lakes and dramatic landscapes. It is a physically demanding trek with high-altitude challenges, requiring good stamina and experience. The trek is perfect for those seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and raw Himalayan beauty.
Destination
Arun Valley & Hungku Valley, Nepal
Duration
15 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous-Difficult
Start/ End
Kathmandu-Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
Max People
10-12 people
Transportation
Private vehicle, Flight
Activities
Trekking/Sightseeing/Cultural Exploration
The Arun to Hungku Valley Trek is an adventurous journey through remote and pristine landscapes, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Makalu, and Mera Peak. This trek takes you across diverse terrains, from lush Arun Valley forests to high-altitude passes and glacial lakes. Along the route, you’ll experience rich cultural encounters with Rai and Sherpa communities while traversing challenging yet rewarding trails. The trek is ideal for those seeking solitude, rugged beauty, and an immersive Himalayan adventure.
Arun to Hungku Valley
Trek Facts
Title
Information
Trek Name
Arun to Hungku Valley Trek
Travel Budget
$2,000 - $2,800 per person
Standard Budget
$2,500 - $3,500 per person
Difficulty
Strenuous-Difficult
Best Time
Spring(March-May) and Autumn(September-November)
Permits
TIMS Card, Makalu Barun National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit
Accommodation
Tea Houses, Lodges & Camping
Best ViewPoints
Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Hunku and Hongu
Day Wise
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport
Transfer to a hotel in Thamel.​
Free time for relaxation or personal activities
Short pre-trip meeting with guide and porter
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Flight to Tumlingtar (410m)- 45 minutes
Early morning domestic flight to Tumlingtar.
Alternative option: Fly to Biratnagar and drive to Tumlingtar.
Free time for rest or exploration.
Overnight in Tumlingtar.
Day 3: Trek to Chiyabesi (280m)- 5 hours
Descend to Arun River Valley and follow the trail
Pass through Giddhe village and Satighat
Experience local Rai and Sherpa settlements
Overnight in Chiyabesi
Day 4: Trek to Tabular (600m)- 6 hours
Trek through the Arun Valley with gradual ascents
Pass through Kkattige (500m) and Majhuwa (Mardana)
Enter Irkhuwa Khola Valley and Chalise village
Overnight in Tabular.
Day 5: Trek to Dobhane (600m)- 6 hours
Follow the Pikhuwa Khola trail to Gothe Bazaar
Cross the Benkhuwa River, passing Negdaha village
Trek through scenic landscapes and remote settlements
Overnight in Low Camp.
Day 6: Trek to Salpa Phedi (1,565m)- 5 hours
Trek along the Great Himalaya Cultural Trail
Pass through Donghae and reach Tendo (1,475m)
Ascend towards Salpa Phedi, located below Salpa Bhanjyang Pass
Overnight in Salpa Phedi
Day 7: Day 7: Trek to Guranse (2,990m)- 6 hours
Steep ascent through rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests
Challenging but rewarding climb with diverse flora and fauna
Reach Guranse and enjoy stunning mountain views
Overnight in Guranse
Day 8: Trek to Sanam (2,600m)- 6 hours
Cross Salpa Pass (3,360m) with a large chorten at the entrance
Descend through dense forests with chances of spotting wildlife
Trek past Dhaka (2,676m) before arriving in Sanam
Overnight in Sanam
Day 9: Trek to Bung (1,800m), 6-7 hours
Challenging day with multiple ascents and descents
Cross the Hongu Khola river and pass the Rai village of Guidel (1,968m)
Reach Bung, a beautiful traditional Rai village
Overnight in Bung
Day 10: Trek to Gaikharka (2,500m), 6 hours
Trek to Khiraule (2,400m), home to a famous monastery
Continue ascending towards Surkhe (3,085m)
Spectacular views of the Inkhu Khola Valley en route
Overnight in Gaikharka
Day 11: Trek to Pangom (2,846m)- 6 hours
Follow the Inkhu Khola river and descend steeply to Sibu (3,942m)
Pass through Pangom, home to the Hillary School
Overnight in Pangom
Day 12: Trek to Puiyan (2,640m)- 7 hours
Rejoin the Classic Everest trekking route
Cross Kharte (2,830m) and have lunch at Khari La (2,840m)
Continue trekking towards Puiyan through picturesque landscapes
Overnight in Puiyan
Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2,860m)- 4 hours
Final trekking day towards Lukla, a major trekking hub
Free time for exploration, rest, or a hot shower
Celebrate the trek’s completion with team members
Overnight in Lukla
Day 14: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu- 30 minutes
Early morning scenic flight to Kathmandu
Transfer to the hotel for rest or sightseeing
Free time for souvenir shopping or exploring Thamel
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your departure flight.
Assistance with travel arrangements if extending the trip
Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop service by private car.
Meals on full board during the trekking(Breakfast, lunch,dinner,soup,Tea or coffee) .
Free Trekking map.
An experienced Government licensed holder guide.
Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bags during the trekking.
Ground transportation.
All necessary paper works and Trekking entry permits.
Unforeseen delay and emergency expenses.
Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue
Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
All kind of Personal Expenses
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
Tips, gifts, souvenirs
Helicopter return from Base Camp.
Private room & meals.
Extra food/snacks.
Why Choose Arun to Hungku Valley Trek ?
Off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in eastern Nepal: This trek offers solitude and untouched natural beauty, away from the crowded mainstream trekking routes.
Breathtaking views of Everest, Makalu, and Mera Peak: Panoramic mountain scenery with towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine landscapes throughout the journey.
High-altitude adventure with challenging Amphu Lapcha Pass: This trek involves crossing a technical high-altitude pass, adding excitement for experienced trekkers.
Unique cultural experience with Sherpa and Rai communities: Explore remote villages, meet local people, and experience their traditional way of life.
Best Time For Arun to Hungku Valley Trek
Spring (March-May): Best season for clear skies and rhododendron blooms.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Stable weather and best mountain visibility.
Avoid Monsoon (June-Aug): Heavy rain and leeches on lower trails.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Too cold and high passes may be blocked by snow.
Cost and Planning Facts for Arun to Hungku Valley Trek
Budget: $2,500 – $3,500 depending on group size and services.
Accommodation: Mix of teahouses and camping in remote areas.
Food/Meal: Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, noodles, and dehydrated meals during camping.
Transportation: A one-way flight ticket costs approximately $100 to $106. Bus tickets are priced between $10 to $20. Renting a jeep for transportation can cost anywhere from $120 to $150.
Guide/Porter: Hiring a guide costs between $28 to $35 per day. The cost of hiring a porter ranges from $20 to $25 per day.
Permits: The permit includes TIMS, Makalu Barun National Park Permit, Khumbu Municipality Permit that range between $40-$50.
Packing Tips for Arun to Hungku Valley Trek
Head
Warm hat & cap.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Headlight.
Face Mask or Balaclava
Footwear
Trekking shoes
Hiking boots
Warm Hiking socks
Gaiters
Body
Base Layers
Waterproof jacket
Thermal Gloves
Trekking Trousers and Shorts
Personal Hygiene Items
Fleece Jacket
Thermal Shirts and Pants
Essentials/ Equipments
Sleeping bag
First aid kit
Trekking poles & Raincoat
Water Bottles and Hydration Bladder
High-energy snacks
Maps & Compass/GPS
Arun to Hungku Valley Trek By Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition
Arun to Hungku Valley trek is organized by Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition, ensuring a safe and well-managed experience with experienced guides and proper logistics. This remote trek offers a unique Himalayan adventure for those seeking solitude and extreme challenges.
Yes, prior experience is recommended as the trek involves high-altitude challenges, long trekking days, and remote terrain with no easy escape routes.
2. What is the highest altitude?
The highest altitude on this trek is Amphu Lapcha Pass at 5,845m, a challenging high pass requiring technical climbing skills and proper acclimatization.
3. Are there teahouses on the trail?
Teahouses are available in lower sections, but the Hungku Valley requires camping due to its remote and uninhabited high-altitude terrain.
Want to Trek Arun to Hungku Valley with Mardi Himal Treks & Expedition?