No area of the Himalayas is more dramatically scenic or more ecologically and culturally diverse than the remote Arun Valley of Eastern Nepal. Isolation from Kathmandu and the low lands of India has limited many of the modern influences one finds in other areas of Nepal. A generally wetter climate and much steeper terrain has encouraged and sustained a Natural diversity of plants, birds and animals greater than is found in any other area of Nepal.

From some of our chosen trekking route it is possible to see an unobstructed panorama of great Himalayas peaks in Nepal. Tibet and Sikkim including three of the four highest peak in the World. Your route takes you between the great complex of Mt. Everest / Makalu and Kanchenjunga, possibly the most scenic peak in Nepal but one seldom seen by westerners.

This is also excellent habitat for the many species of large Himalayan animals which are seldom seen in more populated areas of the Himalayas in the Arun valley. You have chance of seeing ghoral, serow, musk deer, wild dogs, red panda, barking deer and possibly

Himalayan black bear, leopard, wolf and snow leopard, some of the most convincing evidence for the existence of the abominable Snowman or "Yeti" has been collected in the region. Because it is not necessary to cross any very high passes to see the areas of greatest interest. This is also a good trekking areas for winter trips, in fact, the winter weather often contributes to spectacular Mountain viewing with lowlands beneath 10,000 submerged in clouds while only snowy peaks penetrate the fluffy ocean of mist extensive Wilderness.

There are few travelers and lower villagers along such of your route contributing to more of a wilderness sense than is available in most areas of the Himalayas. It is possible to reach altitudes above 15,000 feet along the trekking route we recommend but it is equally possible to remain below this elevation while still feeling a proximity to the highest Himalayas.

EXCELLENT RHODODENDRON AREA

Botanical interests are amply gratified the more than 30 species of rhododendrons that grow up to 60 feet high and bloom between January to June. More species of birds occur in this region than anywhere else in Nepal. The Impeyan pheasant is common as are representative of Nepal's most colorful bird family, the Sunbird. The area has been little studied and each year new species are added to the country's list from this region. An exploration itinerary for this area can take a variety of forms. You will include one or more of the hill Bazaar towns such as Chainpur, Hile, Khadbari and Dhankuta the itinerary as a cultural focus. We arrange for you to be in at least one of these towns on the weekly Bazaar day to both enjoy the spirit or the market and see the many cultural groups in their finest traditional dress. Market day is usually a day of celebration special food and socializing.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Trekkers will want to be up high for part of the trip and we recommend travel along the Milke Danda as a good way to maximize mountain viewing, gain access to the wilder parts of the region and experience a variety of highland cultures. The ridge provides a convenient route from above Chainpur to Hile at the road head. The gorge and spur valleys of the Arun valley also provide interesting natural and cultural diversity. No trip to this area would be complete without some time in the beautiful Sabahya Khola valley near the airstrip at Tumlingtar. Almost any time of year the Sabhaya River offers swimming and cool relaxation in sub-tropical forest along the shore. Many very experienced trekkers feel this is one of the most beautiful, clear streams in Nepal.

Your trip begins at Tumlingtar airstrip, a one-hour flight from Kathmandu by twin-engine aircraft. Trekking in the Arun during the winter and the spring requires self-sufficiency in food, which we take care of by bringing supplies from Kathmandu. In the higher area and lower elevation we use kerosene oil for our cooking. Unlike more heavily trekked regions of Nepal, there are no facilities that cater particularly to the trekker and few local people who speak English. It is possible to stay in local inns or houses along the trail, as do Nepalese travelers, but a tent is required for the more remote sections along the Milke Danda. This Far East in the Himalayas, storms can occur at any time of the year and the trekker should be prepared with both warm and waterproof apparel. Snow may be encountered between December and February above 10,000 feet. This may be best area of Nepal for rhododendrons between March and May.

As with other, we suggest exploration at a leisurely pace with base camps that enable off trail, independent exploration in particular. It is worth spending time at a high camp on the Milke Danda (10 to 14,000 ft.) and searching for signs of the Yeti which local people unanimously insist is found in the area.

The Arun Valley offers many alternative routes for an extended exploration into forest, villages and environments that few westerners have seen. The itinerary below describes a typical route that we follow on the east of Everest ridge top trek.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport,  More Than Mountain staffs meet and transfer to Hotel on BB basis.

Day 02: Full day Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.

Day 03: Depart for Tumlingtar in remote east Nepal by air. You camp at Sabya  Khola not far from the Arun and short walk from local village

Day 04: Second day at Sabya Khola with free for extended hike to Khadbari or just enjoying the stream side campsite, which is great for birds, monkeys and other animals. Try your hand at fishing, visit a village, watch sugarcane manufacturing, or just get a general feeling for life in the Himalayan foothills.

Day 05: Wana is a Chetry and Brahmin village, with other castes on the outskirts the trek gradually uphill to the village passes through a great variety of terrain, most of it agricultural. You may be able to peak inside houses along the way and you and you will join Nepalese travelers on the winding trails. At Wana you are near a ridge top and you begin to get Good Mountain views.

Day 06: You will stay for the weekly market beginning in Wana and then join merchants as they travel to the next market in Chainpur. You will camp above the village at a site with a great view of Makalu and the village below Chainpur is considered by many people to be the most attractive hill Bazaar community in Nepal. You may be able to bargain for local crafts including Brassiere.

Day 07: This is a gradual trek through terraced fields and across wooded valley as you move steadily toward the high Milke Danda ridge.

Day 08: Climb to the Milke Danda and camp at Lam Pokhari, a community of small lakes with a great view of many of the highest Himalayas including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Chaming. This is an area of thick Rhododendron forest which blooms between March & May.

Day 09: Rest day in Lam Pokhari.

Day 11: Most local people fear spirits and wild animals and across the ridge quickly descending the East Side without stopping. You turn north up the ridge on a very marginal herder's path and trek for several more hours to a base camp at 12000 feet at Hattia sour. So named because from a distance the rocky outcrop presents the profile of an elephant's head and trunk. You camp two days explore up and down the ridge from a base camp. This is always an exciting part of the trip. If you are ambitious you can make an extended day hike up along the ridge to as high as 15000 feet through to do, So, you must first descend to a saddle at about 10,000 feet. Your campsite offers a true wilderness panorama to the northeast Kanchenjunga and the snowy peaks of Tibet in the back ground. You are on top of a very long north south ridge and weather moving to the east or west often creates high winds and dramatic hill, rain and snow condition that severely restrict use of the area at certain times. If you want a trip that brings you into dramatic proximity with Nature, beautiful scenery and dunning solitude, this is your place.

Day 12: Bhaise Kharka is a summer herding settlement occupied only June through September. The trail we follow is seldom used by local people and offers consistently Good Mountain views opportunities to observe birds and animals and just enjoy Himalayan vistas. The trails are gradually down or level most of the way camp at 11,000 feet.

Day 13: Again you follow an easy, scenic, wooded ridge top trail to a small lake side camp side near where a main trail arrives from point to the east and north camp at 10,500 feet.

Day 14: This day brings you through forest and along the ridge top to what appears very much like a 19th. Century western frontiers town, cattle graze in surrounding pastures and itinerant travelers with their Yaks, pack baskets and follow travelers crowd into local Hotels, some Nepalese say the best Yogurt in Nepal is served here. Other travelers only sample the Rakshi or white lighting. You camp out side the village, but close enough to pay an evening visit with your guide to check out the action camp at 9,800 feet.

Day 15: You have final dramatic day following along a narrow ridge top high above steep cliffs and descend back down to elevation where agriculture is possible and villages are more numerous. Yours camp is out side a market town at about 7,000 feet.

Day 16: From Basantpure to Biratnagar by bus is about 7-8 hours and night stop in Hotel.

Day 17: Kathmandu by Air.

Day 18. Free day in Kathmandu.

Day 19: International departure.....