Higher Limits Trek

Number Cheese Circuit Trek - 19 Days

Virgin circuit trekking trail in the lap of Everest and Rolwaling Region!

If you want to get away the congestion of commercialized trekking trails and get ‘off-the-beaten track’ then plan your trek to the newly developed trekking trail, the ‘Number Cheese Circuit (NCC)’. Located in Ramechhap, some 190km east of capital city Kathmandu, NCC is a 14 to 16-day circuit trail connecting two beautiful river valleys; Khimti and Likhu in the lap of Everest and Rolwaling region. Named in respect of the virgin peak Numburchuli(6959m) and one of the Nepal’s first Yak Cheese factories, established in 1957; the NCC trail offers visitors the excellent and spectacular view of majestic Himalayan peaks including Everest range, Numburchuli, Gaurishanker, Jugal and Langtang Himal range combined with the still virgin and vibrant Sherpa cultural attractions. NCC is mainly an eco-lodge camping trek combined with the unique home-stay experience among Sherpa communities.

The ‘Number Cheese Circuit’ boasts excellent breathtaking views of majestic Himalayan peaks including Numburchuli(6959m), Sarmoche(5255m), Ramdung(5930m), Chukyima Go(6259m), Parchamo(6273m), Bigphrea Go Nup(6666m), Paniyo Tippa(6696m) and Paniyo Shar(6549m). It is also home to beautiful glacier and moraine such as Linkhu  Nup Glacier, Bigphere Go Glacier, Surmoche Glacier, Likhu Glacier and other different tiny glaciers in the surroundings. The folded mountain range towards Gumdel, Rocky Mountains in and around Panchpokhari and Tare areas and glaciated landscape at Tare Karkha are some of the most scenic scenery in NCC. High Himalayan Lakes, valued by pilgrims and rich in biodiversity including Panchpokhari, Jatapokhari, Bhalepokhari, Dudhpokhari are also among the prime attractions of the NCC for visitors. The circuit also provides plenty chance to observe the rich biodiversity along the Khimti and Likhu river valleys, ranging from moderate to alpine vegetation that comprises folded pine forest, blooming rhododendrons, scattered bamboo patches and colorful pastures providing a suitable habitat for endangered wild animals and birds species such as Red Panda, and Musk deer; Himalayan thar, various species of pheasant including Danfe, and if you are lucky, the elusive Snow leopard. Beautiful monasteries lie along the trail in Lhachhewar, Kyama, Bhandar and Thodung offers visitors the spiritual and meditation experiences.

The NCC is a right choice for visitors looking virgin trekking areas in Nepal. Unique tourism activities in the NCC trail includes soft to adventurous eco-camping experience, rock climbing, exploring high altitude lakes, wilderness walks through the mountain forest, glacier walks, base-camp treks, high pastures and Yak cheese making Sherpa cultural experiences, spiritual and meditation visits at Monastery, biodiversity and climate change study, communication with rural Sherpa people. The mountain views are amazing and the Panchpokhari pass (4605m) and Gyajo La (Thulo Lapcha) pass at 4880m and most dramatic adventurous passes with views extending north into Tibet and south to P-Key and Tabe danda.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in airport pick up and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Sight-seeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Bus drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (8 – 9hrs)
Day 04: Trek from Shivalaya to Khahare (3 – 4hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Khahare to Panipacka (3 – 4hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Panipacka to Mannedanda( 3 – 4hrs)
Day 07: Trek from Mannedanda to Panchpokhari( 4 – 5hrs)
Day 08 & 09: Trek from Panchpokhari to Tare (4 – 5hrs)
Day 10 & 11: Trek form Tare to Gyazo la pass and Ngeju (4 – 5hrs)
Day 12: Trek Ngeju to Lhachhewar( 4 – 5hrs)
Day 13: Trek from Lhachhewar to Kyama( 3 – 4hrs)
Day 14: Trek from Kyama to Gumdel(2hrs)
Day 15: Trek from Gumdel to Bhandar(4 – 5hrs)
Day 16: Trek from Bhandar to Lapchane(4 – 5hrs)
Day 17: Trek from Lapchane to Those (3hrs)
Day 18: Drive from Those to Kathmandu (8 – 9hrs)
Day 19: Final departure for home

Cost Include

  • Airport to hotel to airport pick up and drop by private car/van/bus
  • 3 night hotel in Kathmandu on B/B
  • Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour with English speaking tour guide
  • Trekking Map of  Number Cheese Circuit trekking.
  • Trekking permit for Number Cheese Circuit
  • Full Board Plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation, tea or coffee) during trek
  • Join Nepali Cultural Program with dinner,
  • Hotel in Kathmandu as your requirements.
  • An experienced licensed holder English speaking trekking guide, a cooks, cooks helper, required porters and others helping staffs.
  • Food, drinks, salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, accommodation, and local tax for all trekking staffs,
  • All local Transportation from to Kathmandu by bus, car and van.
  • Medical kit box
  • New TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
  • Camping equipments all kind of Tents-Sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and sleeping bags, mattress down jacket etc.
  • All government tax

Cost Exclude

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu Approx, US$12 to US$ 17 per day.
  • International flight and departure tax
  • Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fee
  • Domestic airport tax( Nepali Rupees Rs.170)
  • Nepal entry visa fee US$ 25 (duration 15days from date of issue), US$ 40 (duration 30 days from date of issue) and US$ 100 (duration 90 days from date of issue) you can easily issue your visa upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will require two passport size photos.
  • Personal Trekking Equipments
  • Any kinds of Bar bills Mineral water, Alcoholic drinks, Juice etc.
  • Your travel insurance
  • Any Expense of Personal Nature /Helicopter Rescue
  • Tips for trekking staff ( Tipping is expected but not compulsory)
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price includes section

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN AIRPORT and transfer to hotel, rest day, itinerary briefing

Day 02SIGHT – SEEING OF KATHMANDU VALLEY: Leave for full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley includes the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (An UNESCO world heritage site) & the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath. Also visit Monkey Temple the Swyambhunath (2000 years old temple) and visit Patan city of fine arts. Back to hotel and stay overnight.

DAY 03: KATHMANDU – SHIVALAYA (8 – 9 HOURS)
Drive to Jiri/ Shivalaya (187 km from Kathmandu) through the mountain terrain following the traditional approach march for Everest. Enjoy fresh water fish and refreshments at Shivalay and over night.

DAY 04: SHIVALAYA – KHAHARE (3 – 4 HOURS)
Enjoy soft trekking along the Khimti River and enjoy lunch at Garjyang. Enjoying Sherpa culture and home-stay accommodation at Khahare. Don’t forget to taste of NCC fresh Yak Cheese.

DAY 05: KHAHARE – PANIPACKA (3 – 4 HOURS)
Be ready for adventurous trekking and eco-camping. Enjoy wilderness trekking along the Khimti River and up to the Ranipakha where you will find your first eco-camping site amidst the scattered Chauri sheds and the towering alpines. Enjoy rare sunset views from Panipakha.

DAY 06: PANIPACKA – MAANEDANDA (3 – 4 HOURS)
Continuing to snake you way up, the trail as it ascends through the conifer and rhododendron forest before reaching Maanedanda present stunning views of thick green forest with numerous steep waterfalls.

DAY 07: MAANEDANDA – JATAPOKHARI/PANCHPOKHARI (4 – 5 HOURS)
The trail traverses beside the mountain before a dramatic waterfall heralds your arrival at Jatapokhari (4206m), a holy mountain lake in the lap of Mt.Numbur. Over 3000 pilgrims, both Buddhist and Hindu followers, make their way here to celebrate Janaipurnima in August. Just short climb above Jatapokhari are the five sacred lakes known as Panchpokhari (4508m) within a huge glacier, moonlike cirque. Sidewalks around Panchpokhari and Panchpokhari pass offer wonderful panoramic views of the Rolwaling, Numbur and Everest Ranges.

DAY 08 & 09: PANCHPOKHARI – TARE (4 – 5 HOURS)
The trail takes you to Khola Kharka and further downhill to Nupche River via thick bamboo forest. Enjoy fresh cheese making in green pasture alongside the Nupche River before you reach to your eco-camping site at Tare. For anyone with an extra day, a side trip to Bigphera Go Nup base camp/Glacier, Khola Cire (4469m), Linkhu Nup Glacier and impressive Lhasa Lake (4469m) is recommended.

DAY 10 & 11: TARE – GYAZO LA PASS – NGEJU (4 – 5 HOURS)
The most strenuous section of the NCC, the trail from Tare to the Likhu Khola valley is one that is both challenging and rewarding. The mountain views extending north into Tibet as you cross the Gyajo La (Thulo Lapcha) at 4880m Rakhidanda and Ngeju) are amazing. “Wilderness” is the only apt term for the wild and rugged basin of the Lhiku River valley, Dudhpokhari Lake, Likhu glacier at the base of towering dropping glaciers and large moraines. The trek down from the Likhu glacier takes you to Ngeju (3690m) nestled against the river. A short side trip up from Ngeju is the ancient Buddhist Shrine of Kau Gumba.

DAY 12: NGEJU – LHACHHEWAR (4 – 5 HOURS)  
From Ngeju the trail weaves through thick ancient forests alongside the Likhu Khola re-emerging to Lhachhewar (2665m), one of the most attractive Sherpa villages with its astonishing landscapes, cultural wealth, famous monastery, and the hospitable Sherpa people. Lhachhewar offers untouched Sherpa culture where people have maintained the traditional way of life. In Lhachhewar and onwards, the camping facilities can also be combined with the home-stay accommodation maintained at traditional Sherpa houses.

DAY 13: LAHAKSEWAR – KYAMA (3 – 4 HOURS)
The trail goes through the river valley, passing one of the still hidden Hindu pilgrimage site, ‘UMATIRTHA TEMPLE’ regarded  as the KASHI of Himalayas at the meeting of Likhu and Nupche River; descending through deep forest to Kyama (2380m) with gold views along the way of  Bigphera Go Nup (Pathibara) and Numberchuili. Enjoy Monastery, Sherpa lifestyle and home-stay at the peaceful village environment.

DAY 14: KYAMA – GUMDEL (2 HOURS)
With the gleaming Numberchuili as the backdrop, Gumdel is a tiny hamlet gathered around a large Buddhist Stuppa. The Gumdel home-stays offer the best of Sherpa hospitality and cultural traditions amidst plentiful landscape and fantastic 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 Serdding (3360m). Enjoy folded temperate and subalpine forest at the backdrop of Numburchuli, Bigphera Go and Gaurishankar Himal range from Serding and Punnasa Danda. Enjoy fresh Yak cheese and cheese making process.

DAY 16: SERDING/BHANDAR – THODUNG – LAPCHANE (4 – 5 HOURS)
Descend softly to observe one of Nepal’s first Yak Cheese factories, established in 1957 on the way to Thodung. Visit Thodung Monastery and get warm blassing from Lamas. Get your lunch with Lamas at Thodung or stroll back down to Deurali on the way to Everest trek, with good views of Gaurishanker before trekking to your penultimate NCC home-stay village at Newari houses, Lapchane. Tamdanda, thirty minutes above the Newar village of Lapchane, is one of the tallest hills in Ramechhap. From Tame you can see most of the central and eastern Himalayan peaks Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Gauri Shanker, Numbur, Makalu, Kanchenjunga.

DAY 17: LAPCHANE – THOSE (3 HOURS)
Enjoy sunrise view of mountains from Tame and gradually descend down to your last stay at Those.

DAY 18: THOSE – KATHMANDU (8 – 9 HOUR BUS)
Drive back to Kathmandu via Jiri and over night in Kathmandu.

 DAY 19: DEPARTURE FOR HOME
Our escort team will be ready to take you to the airport for your onward flight home. This will be a most memorable holiday ever experienced in a lifetime.

If above itinerary couldn’t meet your desires, we can design a teller made itinerary to suite your requirements. Please let us know whether you would like to make it shorter or longer

Start Price (USD) AVAILABILITY Booking
A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail info@higherlimitstrek.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 19 Days
All the Prices are in USD ($) Per Person.
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Why choose Higher Limits Trek?

Higher Limits Trek is a local agency base on Himalayan Country, Nepal. We know better our Cultural, Heritage & Nature.
Higher Limits Trek believe the beautiful Nature & Culture are our best attributes, so we never undertake any activity that undermines our Heritage.
Higher Limits Trek employees local experts such as Guides, Porters & all other staffs, who are experienced in the field of Tourism.
We are awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the Year of 2012 and 2015 from the community site TripAdvisor.
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Higher Limits Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
P.O.Box. No.12386
Thamel Marg | Kathmandu | Nepal.
Telephone: 00977-1-4510237
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