OVERVIEW
The Numbur Cheese Circuit trek is one of the recently opened new trekking routes in Nepal. This trail takes you on a picturesque passage through two river valleys namely Khimti and Likhu valleys which are nestled on the foothills of Everest and Rolwaling region respectively. The rich biodiversity ranging from temperate to alpine forests is inhabited by wild life like Red Panda, Musk deer, Himalayan thar, Snow Leopard and various species of pheasants like Danfe.
‘Numbur Cheese Circuit (NCC)’. Located in Ramechhap, around 190 km east of capital city Kathmandu, NCC is a 14 to 16 days circuit trail connecting two beautiful river valleys, namely Khimti and Likhu in the lap of Everest and Rolwaling region respectively. The trail has been named in honor of the yet unclimbed peak Numburchuli (6959m) and so is Numbur Cheese Circuit, one of Nepal’s first Yak Cheese factories established in 1957. NCC offers visitors’ spectacular and breathtaking views of majestic Himalayan peaks including Everest range, Numburchuli, Gaurishankar, Jugal and Langtang Himal range and pristine nature and unspoiled culture. NCC is fairly an eco-lodge camping trek in addition to the unique homestay experience among Sherpa community. NCC welcomes both domestic and international visitors. The trek encompasses a variety of terrain- deep river gorges, glacial lakes, terraced rice fields, temperate to alpine vegetation, Sherpa villages to the towering peaks of Bigpara Go Nup (Pathibhara) and Numburchuli. The trail also offers a close look at the lifestyle and culture of the indigenous communities such as Sherpa, Newar, Tamang.
The Sacred Lake of Jatapokhari
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will transfer to your hotel, We will brief about your trip activities. You’ll have rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Some of landmarks that are the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of (Pashupati Nath), the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). You can also make your last minute buying of personal items and preparation for the next day.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 03: KATHMANDU – SHIVALAYA
We drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya, the gateway for the Everest region as well as the NCC. Shivalya lies on the Khimti Khola River valley and hosts lodges and trek info center. Local trekking guides and assistants are available along with tent and camping equipment from Tourist Guide and Assistant Center. 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 your trek. The trail from Jiri to Shivalaya on the other hand is the classic Sir Edmund Hillary route.
Day 04: SHIVALAYA – KHAHARE
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 the first snow-capped peaks of the Rolwaling Himal Range, whose visibility becomes more clear and crystal in the next 6 to 7 days. The trail runs up and down through terraced fields, crisscrosses the river and then snakes steeply up the 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 homestay with a Sherpa family tasting variety of dishes made of Yak cheese, potato and barley.
Day 05: KHAHARE – PANIPAKHA (3-4 HOURS)
Be prepared for adventurous trek and eco-camping ahead. Enjoy wilderness trekking along the Khimti River and at Panipokhari find your first eco-camping site amidst scattered Chauri sheds and towering alpines. Enjoy majestic sunset views from Panipakha.
Day 06: PANIPAKHA- MAANEDANDA (3-4 HOURS)
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.
Day 07: MANEDANDA- JATAPOKHARI & PANCHPOKHARI
Next the trail makes a climb towards Jatapokhari and as altitude increases alpine pastures give way to scrubby forests of Sunpati, a rare mountain herb. The path trails by the river coming to a dramatic waterfall that signifies our arrival at Jatapokhari, a holy mountain lake perched in the lap of Numburchuli. The lake is a popular pilgrimage destination where over 3000 pilgrims gather to celebrate Janaipurnima 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! There are five small lakes, known collectively as Panchpokhari, within this huge glacial cirque regarded as precious high altitude wetlands. Sunset views of Himalayan mountain peaks of Number and Parchemo peak from here is not to be missed. Enjoy campsite accommodation at Panchpokhari.
Day 08: and 09: PANCHPOKHARI-TARE & AROUND KHOLA SEER
The morning trek will be a challenging one as you cross over the Panchpokhari Pass at 4,605 m and up to the base camp of Bigphera Go Nup (Pathibarra peak). This is followed by a glacier 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 scenic landscape at Kholakharka or do some rock climbing. 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 wilderness camp.For anyone with an extra day, a side trip to Bigphera Go Nup base camp and glacier, Khola Cire (4469 m) and Linkhu Nup glacier is worthwhile. Next day, plan your trek 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 snow leopard. Go up to the base camp or see the up-close view of Ramdung, Chukyima Go and Bigphera Go Nup peaks. Horses can be rented during the grazing season to take you further up the pastures and into Khola Cire where the impressive Lhasa lake (4469 m) remains hidden. This vast, remote lake boasts an amazing Tibetan panoramic backdrop that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Day 10 and 11 TARE- RHAKIDANDA-NGEJU
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 4880 m, 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 Rhakidanda (4315 m) in the Likhu Khola valley. “Wilderness” is the only apt term for the wild and rugged basin of the Lhiku River valley where you could catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard From Rakhidanda 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 intense Likhu Khola River until you reach the remote yak pastures of Ngeju (3690 m) 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.
Day 12 NGEJU-LAHCHHEWAR
From Ngeju the trail weaves through thick ancient forests alongside the Likhu Khola re-emerging into remote civilization of Sherpas in Lhachhewar. Lahchhewar ‘Sewar’ is one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the Upper Ramechhap region, with its astonishing landscapes, cultural wealth, and the hospitable Sherpa people. ‘Sewar’ offers unspoiled Sherpa culture where people still maintain their traditional way of life. Enjoy again the home-stay accommodation amidst Sherpa culture.
Day 13: LHACHHEWAR-KYAMA
The trail follows the Likhu Khola River valley, descending through deep forest to Kyama with good views along the way of Bigphera Go Nup (Pathibarra) and Numburchuli. Just at the confluence of Likhu and Nupche River, you will find Umatirtha temple, widely regarded as KASHI of HIMALAYAS. Enjoy the chanting of deer and varieties of birds towards Kyama. Again visit monastery and experience Sherpa culture.
Day 14: KYAMA-GUMDEL (2 HOURS)
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 luxuriant landscape and spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 15: GUMDEL-SERDING or BHANDAR (4 to 5 HOURS)
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 (3360 m). Enjoy folded temperate and subalpine forest with the backdrop of Numburchuli, Bigphera Go and Gaurishankar Himal range. Enjoy fresh Yak cheese.
Day 16: SERDING/BHANDAR – THODUNG-LAPCHANE (4-5 HOURS)
Descend gently to observe one of Nepal’s first Yak Cheese factories, established in 1957 along the way to Thodung. Thodung Monastery is a large active monastery surrounded by aromatic pines, a variety of flora that enhances the serenity of the monastery and its surroundings. Visit monastery and get warm blessing from the Lamas. Have your lunch with Lamas at Thodung or stroll back down to Deurali on the way to Everest trek, with good views of Gaurishankar to reach Lapchane. Enjoy home stay facility and Newari culture at Lapachane. Tamdanda (3105 m), thirty minutes above 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 Dhalguiri, Annapurna, Gauri Shanker, Numbur, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. The peak also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. The variety of flora and fauna, with 65 species of birds, makes it the place to head off to for nature lovers.
Day 17: LAPCHANE-THOSE (3 HOURS)
Enjoy sunrise views from Tame and gradually descend down to 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 look through your photos with your guides.
Day 18: THOSE-KATHMANDU
Drive back to Kathmandu through the mountain terrain.
Overnight in Hotel B/B.
Day 19: Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will take you for Farewell dinner.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu
Matterhorn treks & Expedition will transferred to the International Airport your departure flight to your onwards destination.
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