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Numbur Cheese Circuit

Trip Length: 15 Days
Highest Point: 4880m (Thado Lapcha Pass)
Trek Grade: Moderate/Strenuous
Accommodation: Tent
Walking Time: Approx 6-7 hrs per day
Trek Region: Gaurishankar
Starting Point: Shivalaya (Ramechhap)
Ending Point: Thosey (Ramechhap)

Trip Highlights

  • Trek through the unexplored and unspoilt mountainous region of central Nepal
  • Cross the high passes of Panchpokhari (4580m) and Thado Lapcha (4880m)
  • Enjoy views of Jatapokhari, Panchpokhari and other alpine lakes
  • Enjoy Sherpa hospiality at its finest, and explore beautiful monasteries in Gumdel and Thodung
  • Trek through beautiful yak pastures and sample yak cheese
  • Enjoy view Numbur, Sarmoche, Ramdung, Parchamo and host of other mountain peaks

Overview

The Numbur Cheese Circuit trek is different from other conventional treks of Nepal. While other treks take trekkers to the foot of high mountains or through high passes, Numbur Cheese Circuit is all about experiences in a remote and relatively unexplored mountainous region. It's an ideal trek for those looking to avoid the tourist traffic and wishing to enjoy the mountains, mountain people, mountain culture, mountain environment and mountain experience. The trek passes through terraced fields, climbs to alpine pastures where yaks thrive, ascends beautiful river valleys, crosses high passes and offers superlative mountain views. The trek begins from yesteryear's busy tourist town of Shivalaya and contours the hill above Khimti River to reach Jatapokhari and Panchpokhari lakes. It then descends to beautiful river valleys of Tharekharka and Ngeju after climbing high passes and goes through beautiful Sherpa settlements of Lachhewar, Gumdel, Serding and Thodung before ending at Thosey. On the way you can visit yak farms and sample yak cheese at different factories -- one dates back to 1950s!
Trip Inquiry

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1340m)

Welcome to Nepal. Meet our representative who will transfer you to your designated hotel and assist you in checking in. Remaining time is free for independent activities. In the evening, you’re your guide at the hotel lobby and attend the trek briefing session.

O/N: Hotel
Day 2
Sightseeing and trek preparation

Today, you will embark on a sightseeing trip while we take care of your permits. Our guide will take you to Swoyambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath Temple. All three are UNESCO World Heritage sites rich in ancient stone, metal and wood crafts. In the evening, take a stroll in your hotel neighbourhood to do some last minute shopping and check out the variety of cuisines that Kathmandu offers.

O/N: Hotel
Day 3
Drive to Shivalaya (1790m) – Approx 8 hrs

You will drive to your trailhead at Shivalaya today. After breakfast, leave Kathmandu in a private car enjoying scenic drive through Nepal's mid-hills region. The drive is pleasing as the road snakes through green hills, terraced fields, lush forests and bustling settlements. Shivalaya, the entry point of Numbur Cheese Circuit trek, is a small town located on the banks of Khimti River. Your tents will be erected near the river.

O/N: Tent
Day 4
Trek to Panipakha (3105m) – Approx 6 hrs

Your trek begins in earnest today. You will meet rest of the trekking crew who will be with you throughout the trek. The walk till Khahare is easy as it is on a levelled terrain. Khahare is a winter settlement of herders who generally herd their livestock in the highlands. It passes through terraced fields where you can see locals busy in farm works. Your lunch will be served at Khahare. After Khahare, the trail makes a gentle climb toward a ridge that rises toward Panchpokhari. Continuing further through the forests of rhododendrons, you will reach Panipakha – a beautiful pastures offering views of green hills around.

O/N: Tent
Day 5
Trek to Maanedanda (3940m) – Approx 5 hours

Continue walking toward the ridge. Trees look stunted as you climb up indicating that you are going above treeline. Apart from occasional travellers, herders are the only people you will meet on the trail. You will reach the top of the ridge after a walk of couple of hours. From the top, you can enjoy views of Numbur and many other unnamed peaks. After enjoying the view, walk the trail on the ridge to your camp at Manedanda.

O/N: Tent
Day 6
Trek to Panchpokhari (4520m) -- Approx 7 hrs

From Manedanda, the trail gradually drops to the valley below the Panchpokhari lake complex. After reaching the valley floor, the trail climbs steeply to Jatapokhari lake. Take pictures and enjoy the beautiful view around. After sometime, make one final push on the trail that contours a hill that rises right above the lake. A hike of about couple of hours will take you to Panchpokhari Lake. It is a lake compelx comprising of one big lake and four small satellite lakes. The area wears a festive look during Janai Poornima festival in August. Your tents will be pitched near the lake below a high pass that you will cross tomorrow.

O/N: Tent
Day 7
Trek to Tharekharka (4140m) – Approx 6 hrs

Today, the trail climbs the Panchpokhari pass where a new valley opens before you. Mountain views are dominated by Numbur. After taking some pictures at the top, the trail descends a bit toward the lake. From a little below the lake, the trail climbs a bit and contours the hill rising above Nupche khola before finally descending to the beautiful grasslands of Kholakharka. You can see few shelters of yak herders where you can taste their famed cheese. The trail then goes around a hill rising from the confluence of Nupche and a river coming from Tharekharka and gradually descends to the beautiful pastures of Tharekharka. You can see some more shelters of yak herders where you can sample more cheese. Your tents will be erected in the rich pastures overlooking the river.

O/N: Tent
Day 8
Trek to Ngeju (3690m) via Thado Lapcha Pass (4880m) – Approx 7 hrs

Today, you will cross a high pass and descend to the beautiful valley of Likhu River. Continuing walking upstream of the river for about two kilometres, you will see a distinct trail rising steeply toward east. The trail is steep initially but becomes less inclined as you approach the pass. Make one final climb to reach Thado Lapcha Pass where view of mountains open up right before you dominated by the now familiar Numbur. After enjoying the views and taking some rest, start making a descent to the beautiful valley of Likhu River. A steep descent will take you to the valley floor along the moraines of a glacier coming from an unnamed 6,000-meter peak. Continuing further, it enters sparse woods from where you can see a glacial lake and water cascading from it. After crossing Likhu River, the trail then opens into the beautiful pastures of Ngeju where you can see yaks grazing. You can see several huts of yak herders where you can interact with them and sample cheese produced using their native skill. Your camp will be erected in this grazing grounds itself.

O/N: Tent
Day 9
Trek to Lachhewar (2665m) – Approx 5 hrs

You will reach a proper human settlement today after four days in wilderness. After breakfast at the camp, cross the river and continue on the trail that you branched to Ngeju yesterday. The trail gradually loses altitude and the terrain becomes greener as you near Lachhewar. Lachhewar is a beautiful Sherpa settlement – the highest settlement in the Likhu River Valley. Farming and animal husbandry is the main occupation of the people of Lacchewar. They make very tasty cheese. You have the option to enjoy home cook food today.

O/N: Tent
Day 10
Trek to Gumdel (2255m) – Approx 6 hrs

You will trek to another Sherpa village of Gumdel today. The trail gradually loses altitude and reaches the river bank where a hydropower project is being developed. From there, however, the trail climbs through lush forests to reach the settlement of Kyama with a beautiful monastery. You can see Gumdel on the other side of Gumdel River. From Kyama, the trail descends to the river and makes one final climb to reach the settlement of Gumdel.

O/N: Tent
Day 11
Trek to Serding (3360m) – Approx 5 hrs

This is going to be a relatively shorter day. After losing altitude for two straight days, the trail today climbs though the beautiful woods to ridge top settlement of Serding. Serding offers beautiful view of Gaurishankar, Numbur and host of other mountains. The ridge has reach pastures where you can see yaks grazing. Another place to sample cheese! As you will reach Serding by lunch time, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the view, interact with herders and taste yak cheese. Serding is the place where the world famous Yak Blue cheese is make.

O/N: Tent
Day 12
Trek to Lapchane (3150m) – Approx 6 hrs

Continue walking along the ride enjoying views all around. A short walk will take you to the settlement of Thodung which has a beautiful monastery named Thodung Samteng. A short descent from Thodung will take you to a beautiful pass of Deurali from where you can enjoy view of the majestic Gaurishankar in its full glory. Deurali is a popular junction on the classic Everest Base Camp trail which starts from Jiri and continues toward Bhandar. You, however, will continue on the ridge to reach the beautiful settlement of Lapchane.

O/N: Tent
Day 13
Trek to Thosey (1750m) – Approx 5 hrs

Leave your camp early morning for a short hike to a viewpoint above Lapchane. You can enjoy a breath taking mountain vista from the view point – Makalu, and Kanchanjunga toward east, and Langtang peaks and further to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri toward west. Return to your camp for breakfast and start descending toward Thosey where your trek ends. Thosey is a bustling settlement on the banks of Khimti River. In the evening, we will organize a special program in honor of your fantastic crew.

O/N: Tent
Day 14
Drive to Kathmandu (4630m) -- Approx 7 hrs

After breakfast, board a waiting car and start a leisurely drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel. In the evening, we will organise a dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant to celebrate the success of your trek. Share you trek experiences over a bottle of beer or two and enjoy traditional Nepali songs and dances.

O/N: Hotel
Day 15
Departure

Your last day in Nepal. Our representative will escort you to the airport three hours before your flight time. On the flight, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the amazing time you had in Nepal and plan your next holiday.

*** Trip Ends ***

Trip Map

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Numbur Cheese Circuit

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If you want to customize your trips, need any logistics or permits for filming, guidance for climbing and rafting then feel free to contact us directly and start planning your trip to Nepal.

Bhoj Raj Bhat
+977 9851087675
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Bishnu Bhattarai
+977 9851230792
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