Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek - 20 Days

The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek route has been developed with the initiation of TAAN and many local organizations especially for the real adventure seekers to fulfill their needs of eco-trekking trails among the congestion of commercialized trekking trails. The ‘Numbur Cheese Circuit (NCC)’ trail is situated in Ramechhap district, some 190km east of the capital city Kathmandu. It is a 19-day circuit trek connecting two beautiful river valleys; Khimti and Likhu in the lap of Everest and Rolwaling region.

The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is named in honor of the virgin peak Numbur Chuli (6959m) and one of Nepal’s first Yak Cheese factories, established in 1957. The Numbur Cheese Circuit trail offers its visitors the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas including Everest range, Numbur Chuli, Gaurishankar, Jugal and Langtang Himalayan range.

The virgin and vibrant Sherpa culture is another major attraction of the trail and the trek can also be combined as eco-lodge camping trek with the unique home-stay experiences among Sherpa communities. The Numbur Cheese Circuit trekking is more potential for the trekkers who are looking for ‘off-the-beaten path’ treks.

The High Himalayan lakes, revered by pilgrims including Panchpokhari, Jatapokhari, Bhalepokhari, Dudhpokhari and richness in biodiversity are also among the prime attractions of Numbur Cheese Circuit trail. Many pristine monasteries lie along the trail in Lachhewar, Kyama, Gumdel, Bhandar and Thodung offering spiritual delights.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek: Highlights

Numbur Cheese Circuit could be a best choice for wilderness seekers in comparatively less-visited regions looking for a circuit trekking package. Together with exuberant cultural rituals, visitors can experience the peaceful natural environment in two hidden valleys.

Trekkers can also reach Numburchuili’s south-facing glacier and hike through deep river gorges, terraced rice fields, temperate and sub-alpine forests, elevated summer pastures and experience a glacier walk through the Lhiku valley.

Soft to moderate eco-camping, rock climbing, high Himalayan wetland observation, wilderness walking through the deep forest, glacier walking, base camp trekking, high pastures and Yak cheese experience, Sherpa and Newar cultural experiences, monastery spiritual rests, study of biodiversity and climate change, interaction with typical rural people through home-stay, and if organized well in advance, some adventure sports such as rock climbing and mountain biking would be some of the tourism activities featured in Numbur Cheese Circuit.

The views of the mountains are sensational and the Panchpokhari Pass (4605 m) and Gyajo La Pass (Thulo Lapcha) (4880m) require the most spectacular passes with views from north to Tibet and south to Pikey Peak.

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal (1400 meters)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing and gear check.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

There will also be a full trip briefing today with gear check. In case you need to hire or buy equipment locally there will be time to do this today. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1790 meters) 9 hours, Overnight at lodge / tented camp.

It takes 6-8 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya. The road is well paved with fine views. Shivalaya is gateway for the Numbur Cheese Circuit. It is located on the picturesque Khimti River.

Day 4
Trek Shivalaya to Khahare (2175 meters) Overnight at tented camp, 5 hours.

The trail from Shivalay to Khahare runs up and down along the valley side through terraced fields, dips to cross the river and then winds steeply up the cliff on the other side. Khahare is a small villages which is inhabited only during winters by the house owners. During the summer they move to cattle pastures bordering Tibet tending to their yaks and Chauris.

Day 5
Trek Shivalaya to Panipakha (3105 meters) Overnight at tented camp, 4.30 hours.

Panipakakha is the first campsite on the trail route. It has a relatively flat camping area carved into the hillside with a basic two room hut. There is space sufficient only to house 5-10 tents.

Day 6
Trek Panipakha to Maanedanda (3940 meters) Overnight at tented camp, 5.30 hours

In the course, the trail crosses a tiny Sherpa village of Phokte. The trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to the summer pasture of Maanedanda The campsite at Maanedanda is equipped with a basic cooking shelter and area for tents. It offers good views in clear days.

Day 7
Trek Maanedanda to Panchpokhari (4515 meters), Overnight at tented camp, 5 hours.

Along the riverside, the trail climbs to Jata Pokhari. With the increasing altitude we move through alpine pastures to scrubby forest of sunpati –a rare mountain herb. As we reach before a dramatic waterfall we get the signal of our arrival to Jata Pokhari. Lake Jata Pokhari lies in the lap of Mt. Numburchuli.

The lake is a popular pilgrimage in Ramechhap where thousands of pilgrims gather to celebrate holy festival Janaipurnima during the month of July. The trail continues and after a short walk you reach to Panch Pokhari. There are five small lakes, known as Panch Pokhari. The view of Annapurna South dominates the Western horizon of Panchpokhari.

Day 8
Trek Panchpokhari to Tare (4140 meters) Overnight at tented camp, 7 hours.

Today we will the cross pass (4600meters) and descend to Thare.

Day 9
Rest Day and explore around, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 10
Trek Tare to Ngeju (2665 meters) Overnight at tented camp, 4 hours

The only suitable term to call Likhu Khola valley is complete wilderness. Your trek continues with the marvelous mountain views that extends north into Tibet.

Following the trail, traditionally used by local Sherpas,to bring yaks across the mountain, we cross Thulo Lapcha pass at 4838m and make a steady walk along the Likhu Khola valley to reach pastures of Ngeju. Ngeju is nested at the foot of iceall tumbling from the sacred summit of Numbur.

Kau Gumba, an ancient Buddhist Shrine is enclosed by a great sweep of high rock and snow peaks above tree line of the valley. Dudhkunda –the Milky Lake rests in the heart of the basin. The lake is surrounded by tumbling glaciers and large moraines.

Day 11
Rest and explore around Ngeju, Overnight at tented camp.

Rest and explore around Ngeju.

Day 12
Trek Ngeju to Lahaksewar (2665 meters) Overnight at home-stay / tented camp, 4 hours.

Lahaksewar is simply known as Sewar which is the most beautiful Sherpa villages in the upper Ramechhap region. The village welcomes you with its amazing landscapes, culture and hospitality. Sewar people has still maintained their traditional lifestyle.

Day 13
Trek Lahaksewar to Kyama (3190 meters) Overnight at home-stay / tented camp, 4 hours.

The trail from Lahksewar to Kyama descends through deep forest of Kyama with eye catching view of Pathibhara and Numberchuli.

Day 14
Trek Kyama to Gumdel (2255 meters) Overnight at home-stay / tented camp, 2.30 hours.

Gumdel is a tiny Sherpa village around a large Buddhist Stupa with the gleaming Number Chuli as the backdrop

Day 15
Trek Gumdel to Serding (3360 meters) Overnight at home-stay / lodge / tented camp, 5 hours.

Day 16
Trek Serding to Lapchane (3150 meters) Overnight at home-stay / tented camp, 5 hours.

Day 17
Trek Lapchane to Daurali (1555 meters) Overnight at home-stay / tented camp, 4 hours.

Day 18
From Daurali drive back to Kathmandu, 9 hours.

The rest of the time is fre. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19
Free day and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guide or you can do it yourself too.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 20
Fly to home.

The trip concludes, our airport representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Hot drinks, (Tea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate).
  • Tented Camp & Home-stay accommodation during the trekking period.
  • National Park entry permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu by private car / bus / 4WD.
  • Full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) during camping, prepared by our cook withTea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate.
  • Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
  • A government licensed English speaking guide & a cook during the trek.
  • Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek.
  • The required number of staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • Accommodation / salary / food / drinks / insurance / equipment / medicine and transport for all staff.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Sleeping bags, and walking stick (if it is required).
  • All government taxes.
  • Farewell dinner.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare and Nepal visa.
  • Bottled drinks and cold drinks.
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
  • Personal clothing and equipments.
  • Tips for guide and porter (tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on service include section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. This itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

On an adventure trip of this type, weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek

Trip Facts

  • 20 Days
  • Moderate
  • Min. 2 to Max. 12 People
  • Spring & Autumn.
  • 4,515 M.
  • Gaurishankar
  • 4 to 5 hours
  • Shivalaya/Deurali
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”