|
Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek – Virgin
Circuit Trekking in the lap of
Everest and Rolwaling Region / NPL –
20 |
|
Numbur Cheese Circuit (NCC)
could be a genuine choice for
wilderness seekers who are in quest
for a circuit trekking package in
relatively less visited areas.
Visitors can experience the serene
natural environment in two hidden
valleys combined with exuberant
cultural rituals. Efforts for
developing two new trails in the
district have been coordinating by
the Local Economic Development (LED)
Forum Ramechhap with the active
leadership of District Development
Committee (DDC) Ramechhap and the
Ramechhap Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (RCCI) along with the
technical and financial support from
International Labor
Organization/Employment and Peace
Building based on Local Economic
Development (ILO/EmPLED) from April
2008 to April 2010. If you want to
escape the congestion of
commercialized trekking trails and
get ‘off-the-beaten track’ then plan
your trek to the recently developed
trekking route, the Numbur Cheese
Circuit. Located in Ramechhap,
around 190 km east of the capital
city Kathmandu. The NCC is a 14 to
18 days circuit trail connecting two
beautiful river valleys, namely the
Khimti and Likhu in the lap of
Everest and Rolwaling region. The
trail has been named in honor of the
yet unclimbed peak Numburchuli
(6959m) as well as for one of
Nepal’s first yak cheese factories
established in 1957.Nepal Visitors
Trekking and walking recently
promoting this areas. Numbur Cheese
Circuit offers visitors the superb
and breathtaking views of majestic
Himalayan peaks including Everest
range, Numburchuli, Gaurishankar,
Jugal and Langtang Himal ranges,
pristine nature and unspoiled
culture. Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
is mostly an eco-lodge camping trek
in addition to the unique home-stay
experience among Sherpa communities.
Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking
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, and Sherpa
villages to the towering peaks of
Bigphera Go Nup (Pathibara) and
Numburchuli. One can also observe
Yak Cheese factories and the famous
Thodung Monastery on the way. In
March and April, rhododendrons bloom
in profusion and eagles, musk deer
and Himalayan Tahr are a regular
sighting! And with a lot of luck,
you can catch a glimpse of the
elusive snow leopard. |
 |
|
Featured
Pictures (Everest Region) |
 |
|
Brief
Itinerary |
|
Day |
Activities |
|
01 |
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to
the hotel |
|
02 |
Visit
Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Swayambhunath and Patan Durabr
Square |
|
03 |
Drive Kathmandu
- Jiri Shivalaya
|
|
04 |
Trek Shivalaya -
Garjang Khara
|
|
05 |
Trek Garjang
Khara -
PaniPakha (3-4
HOURS) |
|
06 |
Trek PaniPakha -
Manedanda (3-4
HOURS) |
|
07 |
Trek Manedanda -
Panch Pokhari
|
|
08 |
Trek Panch
Pokhari - Tare
|
|
09 |
Rest at Tare,
extra activities
hiking Nice
Valley |
|
10 |
Trek Tare -
Ngeju, crossing
Gyola la pass |
|
11 |
Trek Ngeju -
Lhachhewar
|
|
12 |
Trek Lachhewar -
Kyama |
|
13 |
Trek Kyama –
Gumdel |
|
14 |
Trek Gumdel -
Serding or
Bhandar |
|
15 |
Trek Serding or
Bhandar -
Lapchane via
Thodung |
|
16 |
Lapchane – Those |
|
17 |
Drive from Those
to Kathmandu |
|
18 |
Visit
Pashupatinath,
Boudhanath,
Bhaktapur Durbar
Square |
|
19 |
Departure
transfer to the
airport for
onwards journey |
|
|
 
|
Day
01: |
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer
to the hotel |
|
Day 02: |
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Swayambhunath and Patan Durabr
Square
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. |
|
Day 03: |
Drive Kathmandu - Jiri Shivalaya
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 04: |
Trek Shivalaya - Garjang Khara
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. |
|
Day 05:
|
Trek Garjang Khara - PaniPakha (3-4
HOURS)
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. |
|
Day 06: |
Trek PaniPakha - Manedanda (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:
|
Trek Manedanda - Panch Pokhari
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. |
|
Day 08: |
Trek Panch Pokhari - Tare
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. |
|
Day 09: |
Rest at Tare, extra activities
hiking Nice Valley
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. |
|
Day 10:
|
Trek Tare - Ngeju, crossing Gyola la
pass
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. |
|
Day 11: |
Trek Ngeju - Lhachhewar
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. |
|
Day 12: |
Trek Lachhewar - Kyama
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. |
|
Day 13: |
Trek Kyama – Gumdel
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. |
|
Day 14: |
Trek Gumdel - Serding or Bhandar
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. |
|
Day 15: |
Trek Serding or Bhandar - Lapchane
via Thodung
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. |
|
Day 16: |
Lapchane – Those
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. |
|
Day 17: |
Drive from Those to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu through the
mountain terrain. |
|
Day 18: |
Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath,
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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.
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. |
|
Day 19: |
Departure transfer to the
airport for onwards journey |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Highlight
of this Trek |
| Numbur
Cheese Circuit (NCC) could be a genuine
choice for wilderness seekers who are in
quest for a circuit trekking package in
relatively less visited areas. Visitors can
experience the serene natural environment in
two hidden valleys combined with exuberant
cultural rituals. |
|
|
|
|
Trip Facts |
Minimum altitude: 2640m.
Maximum altitude: 4880m.
Grade: Easy
Mode: Tented Camp
Duration of Trek: 13 Day
Entry: Kathmandu - Jiri
Exit: Those - Kathmandu |
|
|
|
|
Everest
Region Map |
 |
|
[ Click on
Map to Enlarge ] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
