Pikey Peak and Arun Valley Trek

Driving time: 8 to 9 hours. We begin our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu by private jeep to Dhap. Overnight at hotel.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. Today we embark on our trekking journey; if the weather is clear we get a glimpse of the Numbur Himal chain from the start. We descend to Sigane and move uphill to Jhapre. Overnight at Jhapre.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. After breakfast we head towards Pikey Base Camp via Bhulbhule, through beautiful rhododendron forest on the foothill of Taklung Danda, passing stone mani walls and prayer flags on the way.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. We rise early so as not to miss the best sunrise view from Pikey Peak, the highlight of this trek. You can see mountains such as Manaslu and Dhaulagiri in the west and Everest, Thamserku, Kanchenjunga, Numbur, Mera Peak, Gauri Shankar and many more of the eastern Himalayan peaks. After this we descend and start for Loding.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. From here we walk down towards the Solu Khola (river), cross on a suspension bridge and climb to Salleri, district headquarters of Solukhumbu.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. We ascend to Ratnange Danda for about 3 hours; mountain peaks like Everest, Mera Peak, Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru come into view. We then descend through sparse forest and villages, the trail running along terraced farmland all the way down to Kaku. Overnight at a home stay.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours. Today's trail takes us to the neighbouring village of Waku. The path slopes for around 1 hour and then we descend to the Dudh Koshi for another hour. We cross on a suspension bridge and ascend to Waku on a pine forest trail.

An early morning sunrise at Waku is worth every hardship you faced climbing up to the region. As the rays of the sun hit the mountain peaks, the gigantic Himalayas appear even more appealing. The region is famous for its hospitable people, who treat their guests with warmth. We explore the trails of Waku today and admire the incredible ambience of the place.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. The trail from Waku takes us through scattered villages of Rai settlements and lush green forests to Sotang. The way of life of the local people here is well worth encountering. Overnight at a lodge.

Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours. After an early breakfast we make our way to Bung. The trail ascends through firs, shrubs and sparse rhododendron forest. Bung is another area of scattered whitewashed Rai settlements. We enjoy the pleasant walk and stay overnight at a lodge.

Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours. We make our way up from Bung through dense rhododendron forest growing alongside mani walls and stupas, which make the area even more beautiful. With every step further up you get a glimpse of the peaks of Solukhumbu in the distance. Walking past damp forests, we reach Sanam. Overnight at a lodge.

Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours. We leave Sanam early with a positive and energetic attitude, as the walk is a little tedious today and demands long hours. You come across a few ridge walks and slopes before reaching Jaubari. The strenuous walk is rewarded with an amazing view of green, steep hills and valleys.

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. En route to Gothe Bazaar we pass many bamboo houses where Rai people and a few other ethnic groups live as a community. We walk gentle trails across rice paddies set on the bank of the Arun River as we reach Gothe Bazaar.

Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours. After a light meal we leave Gothe Bazaar on a trail that descends along river banks, high rice terraces and Rai settlements to Katike Ghat. We stay overnight at a lodge.

Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours. From Katike Ghat we walk past the Mangmaya Khola in a soft, cool breeze and finally reach Tumlingtar, also known as the gateway to the Makalu region. Overnight at a lodge.

Flight time: 45 minutes. A flight by small plane from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu.