NUMBUR CHEESE CIRCUIT TREK

In the morning drive to Swayambhunath. Regarded as more than 2000 years old this stupa is situated at 77m above the level of the valley and thus has magnificent birdseye view of Kathmandu Valley. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square. With more than 50 temples and shrines within a few blocks of one another, the square contains one of the most concentrated groupings of historical structures in the valley. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon drive to Bhaktapur. The urban city of Bhaktapur from the medieval period also known as Bhadgaon has an area of 4 sq. miles in a conch-shell shape. Bhaktapur also means the city of devotees. We also visit the Nyatapola Temple, which at 98ft. Height, is not only the highest temple in the valley but also one of the best examples of traditional Nepali Temple architecture. 

An 8-9 hours drive from the capital city Kathmandu brings you to Shivalaya, the gateway to the Everest region as well as the NCC. Shivalya lies on the Khimti Khola River valley withlodges and a trek info center. Local trekking guides can be arranged at Shivalaya. The town has a busy and well-stocked bazzar for trekking supplies. Enjoy a cold river-cooled beer and yak cheese on the lodge verandahs before beginning the trek. The trail from Jiri to Shivalaya on the other hand is part of the classic Sir Edmund Hillary route to Everest. 

Day two is a leisurely four-hour trek northwards along the Kimti Koala River to Khahare village. Just beyond Shivalaya, the valley opens up to allow views of the first snow-capped peaks of the Rowaling Himal Range, whose visibility becomes crystal clear in the next 6 to 7 days. The trail runs up and down through terraced fields, crisscrosses the river and then snakes steeply up a cliff. Khahare village comprises of less than 5 houses, inhabited only during the winter by herders who spend their summer on higher pastures tending their Yaks. Enjoy your night at a home-stay with a Sherpa family and taste a variety of dishes made of Yak cheese, potato and barley. 

Be prepared for an adventurous trek and eco-camping ahead. Enjoy wilderness trekking along the Khimti River and at Panipakha find your first eco-camping site amidst scattered yak/chauri sheds and towering pines. Enjoy majestic sunset views from Panipakha. 

Continue to snake your way up as the trail ascends through conifer and rhododendron forest before leveling out in the summer pastures of Maanedanda. A flattened ridge, Maanedanda offers spectacular views of thick green jungle carved by numerous steep waterfalls on both sides. 

Next the trail makes a climb towards Jatapokhari and as altitude increases, the alpine pastures give way to scrubby forests of Sunpati, a rare mountain herb. The path by the river reaches a dramatic waterfall that signifies their arrival at Jatapokhari, a holy mountain lake perched in the lap of Panchpokhari Danda. The lake is a popular pilgrimage destination where over 3000 pilgrims gather to celebrate Janaipurnima (during August) every year. It is believed that taking a dip in its holy water will fulfill one's wishes. An overnight stay here is recommended to allow for acclimatization. Take a side trip to Baula Pokhari or "Mad Lake" but don't disturb the spirits within or your wishes may not come true! In sum, there are five small lakes, known collectively as Panchpokhari, within this huge glacial cirque regarded as precious high altitude wetlands. Sunset views of the mountain peaks of Numbur and Parchemo arenot to be missed from here. Enjoy camping accommodation at Jatapokhari. 

The morning trek will be a challenging one as you cross over the Panchpokhari Pass at 4,605m and climb up to the base camp of Bigphera Go Nup (Pathibhara). This is followed by a glacier river walk to Tare. The Panch Pokhari pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the Rolwaling, Numbur and Everest ranges. The trail and views of the Himalayan peaks, glaciated valleys and folded hills to the south are breathtaking. Enjoy the scenic landscape at Kholakharka or do some rock climbing. Interested visitors can make their overnight stay even at Kholakharka. Over the white river (Nupche) cross the yak pasture and enjoy fresh cheese. Observe the golden Bigphera Go Nup (Pathivara) during sunset before setting into a wilderness camp. For anyone with an extra day, a side trip to Bigphera Go Nup base camp and glacier, Khola Seer (4469m) and Linkhu Nup glacier is worthwhile. Plan your trek wisely to visit beautiful Luikharka, Linkhu Nup Glacier, Bigphera Go Nup glacier and Panga Dinga glacier. If you are lucky enough, you will see Himalayan tahr, and even snow leopard. 

Go up to the base camp or see the up-close view of Ramdung, Chukyima Go and Bigphera Go Nup. Horses can be rented during the grazing season to take you further up the pastures and into Khola Seer where the impressive Lhasa Lake (4469m) remains hidden. This vast, remote lake boasts an amazing Tibetan panoramic backdrop that is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

The most strenuous section of the Numbur Cheese Circuit, specifically the trail from Tare to the Likhu Khola valley is one that is both challenging as well as rewarding. The mountain views extending north into Tibet as you cross the Gyajo La (Thulo Lapcha) at 4880m, traditionally used by local Sherpas to bring yaks across the mountains, are sensational. A gradual decent to Thulo Lapcha brings you to the seasonal Kharkas of Lakhedanda (4315m) in the Likhu Khola valley. "Wilderness" is the only apt term for the wild and rugged basin of the Lhiku River valley where you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard. From Lakhedanda take in striking views of Dudkpokhari or 'Milky Lake' surrounded by tumbling glaciers like Surmoche and Likhu glacier and large moraines. The trek down from the Likhu glacier follows the turbulent Likhu Khola River until you reach the remote yak pastures of Ngeju (3690m) nestled by the river. Here you`ll find two more cheese factories and numerous chauri sheds dotted alongside the river. A short side trip up from Ngeju is the ancient Buddhist Shrine of Kau Gumba lying above the tree-line in the upper Likhu Khola Valley enclosed by a great sweep of high rock and snow peaks. 

From Ngeju the trail weaves through thick ancient forests alongside the Likhu Khola re-emerging into the remote civilization of Sherpas in Lhachhewar. Lahchhewar 'often called Chhewar' is one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the upper Ramechhap region, with astonishing landscapes, cultural wealth, and hospitable Sherpa people. 'Chhewar' offers unspoiled Sherpa culture where people still maintain their traditional way of life.Enjoy again the Sherpa culture with home-stay accommodation. 

The trail follows the Likhu Khola River valley, descending through deep forest to Kyama with good views of Bigphera Go Nup and Numburchuli. Just at the confluence of Likhu and Nupche River, you will find Uma-Tirtha temple, widely regarded as KASHI of the HIMALAYAS. Enjoy the natural chanting sounds of deer and varieties of birds around Kyama. Visit an artistically painted monastery and experience Sherpa home-stay with cultural performance, too. 

With the glistening Numberchuili as the backdrop, Gumdel is a tiny hamlet gathered around a large Buddhist Stupa. The Gumdel home-stay offers the best of Sherpa hospitality and cultural traditions amidst a luxuriant landscape and spectacular mountain scenery. 

From Gumdel, the trail either descends through the mountain terrace along the Likhu River finally meeting the Everest trail at Bhandar or ascends through the dense forest finally reaching the beautiful Serding (3360m). Enjoy densely folded temperate and subalpine forest with a scenic view of Bigphera Go Nup, Numburchuli, and Kalla pass/danda as a backdrop. Enjoy fresh yak cheese in the serene environment of Serding. At sunrise, don’t miss to see the unique view of Gaurishankar from Serding or from Punnasa view point. 

Descend gently to observe one of Nepal’s first yak cheese factories, established in 1957 along the way to Thodung. Visit the nearby monastery and get a warm blessing from the lamas. Thodung Monastery is a large, active monastery surrounded by aromatic pines, and a variety of flora that enhance the serenity of the monastery and its surroundings. Have your lunch with lamas at Thodung or stroll back down to Deurali which lies on the Everest trek. You will see a unique vista of Gaurishankar Himal from Ekanagi. Falamedanda (3105m), thirty minutes before the Newar village of Lapchane, is one of the tallest hills in Ramechhap from where you can see most of the central and eastern Himalayan peaks like Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Numbur and the Everest range. The hilltop also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. The variety of flora and fauna, with 65 species of birds, makes it a fine place for nature lovers. In the evening, enjoy Newari culture and tradition with home stay accommodation at Lapachane. 

Enjoy sunrise views from Falamedanda/Tame and gradually descend down on your last day at Those. Before the construction of the Jiri Road, Those were the busiest market town on the trade route between Namche and Lamosangu. Sit back and relax by the river and perhaps look through your photos with your guides. 

Enjoy sunrise views from Falamedanda/Tame and gradually descend down on your last day at Those. Before the construction of the Jiri Road, Those were the busiest market town on the trade route between Namche and Lamosangu. Sit back and relax by the river and perhaps look through your photos with your guides. 

Drive back to Kathmandu through the mountain terrain. 

In the morning after breakfast start sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath - One of the holiest Hindu shrines situated on the banks of Holy Bagmati River. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, (or phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva. This is also a cremation site for Hindus, where the dead bodies are burned with ritual ceremony on the banks of the holy river. Just a few minutes drive from Pashupatinath is Boudhanath which is one of the biggest stupas in the entire world. With its four pair of eyes in four cardinal directions, it keeps watch for righteous behavior and human property. the afternoon sightseeing tour of Patan city. This sister capital is an ancient city also known as Lalitpur and is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati River and is 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. This city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. It is also known as the city of fine arts and for the superb craftsmanship of its artisans. 

Day free until departure transfer to the airport for onward journey.