Highlights

• Gorgeous and picturesque Khimti and Likhu River valleys

• Outstanding mountain views on daily basis with 360 degree panorama

• Journey through many glaciers like Linkhu Nup Glacier, Surmoche Glacier, Bigphere Go Glacier and Likhu Glacier

• Panoramic High altitude lakes and the passes

• A complete Himalayan journey package with the addition of rich and ancient cultures plus traditions

• Traditional and ancient Cheese factories

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking is the recently opened non-touristic trekking trail and also one of many unbeaten trails in the lap of Numburchuli Himal 6,959 m. Numbur Cheese Circuit lies in the Ramechhap district, 190 km east of the Kathmandu city. This off-the-beaten-path trekking trail is gaining recognition from the wilderness nature lovers slowly because of the rare stunning views one can get in this journey. Numbur Cheese circuit trail goes between two beautiful river valleys called as Khimti and Likhu valley beneath the Everest and Rolwaling region respectively. The name ‘Numbur Cheese’ originated from the beautiful peak Numburchuli, yet an unclimbed peak and the Nepal’s first yak cheese factory established in this region in 1957.

This wonderful trekking journey leads through the beautiful deep river gorges, terraced rice fields, subtropical forests, glacial lakes and the Sherpa villages. Numbur Cheese Circuit trek provides the unbelievable views of the innumerable massive Himalayas including Numburchuli (6,959 m), Ramdung (5,930 m), Sarmoche (5,255 m), Chukyima Go (6,259 m), Paniyo Tippa (6,696 m), Parchamo (6,273 m), Bigphrea Go Nup (6,666 m), Paniyo Shar (6,549 m), Everest ranges, Annapurna South (7,219 m), Langtang ranges, Jugal Himal and Gauri Shankar ranges. You will certainly be charmed by the panoramic views you will see in this trek. In addition to the pristine Himalayas, one can also explore the indigenous communities and their cultures unspoiled by the modern world.

For the nature lovers like you and many other international travelers or visitors, this new undeveloped route is the best. Learn more about the first Yak cheese factory when you get there, visit Thodung monastery en route and stay in the local cultural homestays as you go. You can trek on this journey throughout the year but spring and autumn being the main seasons. Get ready to encounter the Himalayan musk deer, The Himalayan Tahr, massive alpine vultures and eagles. You could also get to see the rare snow leopard if you get lucky.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking outline itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Hotel

Day 02: Numbur Cheese Circuit trek final preparation, B, Hotel

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1,790 m) 8 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Day 04: Trek from Shivalaya to Panipakha (3,105 m) 6 hrs, BLD, Camping

Day 05: Trek from Panipakha to Manedanda (3,940 m) 5 hrs, BLD, Camping

Day 06: Trek from Manedanda to Panch Pokhari (4,515 m) 5 hrs, BLD, Camping

Day 07: Trek from Panch Pokhari to Tare (4,140 m) 7 hrs, BLD, Camping

Day 08: Trek from Tare to Ngeju (3,690 m) via Gyazo La Pass 4,880 m 6 hrs, BLD, Camping

Day 09: Rest and sightseeing day in Ngeju, BLD, Camping

Day 10: Trek from Ngeju to Lhachhewar (2,665 m) 5 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Day 11: Trek from Lhachhewar to Gumdel (2,255 m) 6 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Day 12: Trek from Gumdel to Serding (3,360 m) 4 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Day 13: Trek from Serding to Lapchane (3,150 m) 6 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Day 14: Trek from Lapchane to Those (1,755 m) 4 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu from Those via Jiri, BD, Hotel

Day 16: International departure, B, Flight

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek detailed itinerary

BLD represents Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu, Hotel

Namaste and we welcome you all in Nepal. From here begins our friendship and we will trek together to Numbur Cheese Circuit trail. You will be well-received in the airport and transferred to hotel eventually. Welcome drinks is on the hotel. J

Day 02:Numbur Cheese Circuit trek final preparation, B, Hotel

We will do all the final preparations for our upcoming Everest region trek. Local Kathamandu valley sightseeing can be done upon request.

Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya (1,790 m) 8 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

 A long day scenic drive will take you to Shivalaya, our gateway to the Numbur Cheese Circuit trekking journey. Enjoy the mind-blowing views of the rolling hills, villages and the picturesque mountains en route.

Day 04:Trek from Shivalaya to Panipakha (3,105 m) 6 hrs, BLD, Camping

The first part of our trek will take us to Khahare through many uphill and downhill. Khahare is a small village which gets populated only in the winter since the people from the higher altitudes bring their cattle down in the pasture lands. Enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the mountains after you get to Panipakha where we spend the night in tented camp.

Day 05:Trek from Panipakha to Manedanda (3,940 m) 5 hrs, BLD, Camping

The trekking trail goes through the lush rhododendron forests and leads to a tiny Sherpa settlement Phokte first then gradually to the fields of Manedanda.

Day 06:Trek from Manedanda to Panch Pokhari (4,515 m) 5 hrs, BLD, Camping

In the early morning, we will start walking on a well-defined trail towards Paanch Pokhari (five lakes). The holy five lakes, the abode of Lord Shiva is one of many pilgrimage sites which gets crowded during different festivals. We will first ascend to Jata Pokhari and ultimately to Panch Pokhari. What a marvelous night in the holy lakes!

Day 07:Trek from Panch Pokhari to Tare (4,140 m) 7 hrs, BLD, Camping

As we continue our beautiful adventure in the Himalayas, we will come across the Yak cheese factory today, the first of its type in Nepal. Trek through the bank of Nupche river to get to Tare after a long day trek.

Day 08:Trek from Tare to Ngeju (3,690 m) via Gyazo La Pass 4,880 m 6 hrs, BLD, Camping

Today is the day we arrive to the Likhu Khola valley. This day is going to be very challenging but definitely rewarding since we cross a high pass called Gyazo la pass which will offer us the magnificent Himalayan views. Trek further down to Likhu glacier and later to Ngeju to stay the night.

Day 09:Rest and sightseeing day in Ngeju, BLD, Camping

After a long difficult journey, we will rest in this day to give us more time in the Himalayas when we can do excursions around and explore more of Ngeju.

Day 10:Trek from Ngeju to Lhachhewar (2,665 m) 5 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

Today we will trek towards the popular Sherpa settlement Lhachhewar, locally known as Sewar. The Sewar people still practice the mystical age-old cultures and traditions which you will be able to witness.

Day 11:Trek from Lhachhewar to Gumdel (2,255 m) 6 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

We will move uphill towards Kyama in the first half through the majestic panorama of Numburchuli and Pathibhara peaks. As we depart from Kyama towards Gumdel we will leave the majestic mountains behind us.

Day 12:Trek from Gumdel to Serding (3,360 m) 4 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

The journey continues through the thick sub-alpine forests with Gauri Shankar and Numburchuli in the background. Relish on some more yak cheese while you are here in Serding with the locals.

Day 13:Trek from Serding to Lapchane (3,150 m) 6 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

We will leave Serding and head towards Lapchane passing through Thodung. Visit the Thodung monastery on the way. Move further downhill to Deurali and gradually to Lapchane where we spend the night. You can do a quick hike to get to a viewpoint known as Tamdanda, famous as the tallest hilltop in Ramechhap district. Feast your eyes with the panoramic mountain views including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Gauri Shankar and many more.

Day 14:Trek from Lapchane to Those (1,755 m) 4 hrs, BLD, Camping/Homestay

The final day trekking is already here when we head towards Those to spend the wilderness and peaceful night. Relax and breathe in fresh mountain air in the tented camp for the rest of the night.

Day 15:Drive to Kathmandu from Those via Jiri, BD, Hotel

We drive back to Kathmandu experiencing similar experiences like the one we had started with, feasting the eyes with panoramic hills, river, valleys, villages and the pure nature.

Day 16:International departure, B, Flight

The day has come to leave this wonderful country with the beautiful memories of Numbur Cheese circuit trekking. Until we meet again, good bye and see you in the next Everest region journey or similar other adventures.

Cost for 1 PAX: $4099 /-

Cost for 2 or more PAX: $3770 per person

Note: Trip cost varies with the group sizes.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking cost breakdown

Cost Include

• Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle

• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis

• All other ground transportation

• Homestay accommodations wherever possible

• Proper tents and materials during the camping days

• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with hot tea/coffee during camping days

• All required trekking permits and TIMS card

• Necessary staffs such as trekking guide, porter, Sherpa and cook with their expenses plus insurances

• Company t-shirt and route maps

• First aid kits

• All government taxes and VAT

Cost exclude

• Nepal visa and international flight

• Travel and rescue insurance

• Personal expenses 

• Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and walking sticks (arranged on request but to be returned after)

• Gratuities to the staffs (mandatory)

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking Useful Information

Kathmandu airport pick up and drop services

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours’ staffs will pick you up from the airport as per your flight arrival time and similarly drop you off in the airport for international departure according to your flight schedule. During arrival, please don’t forget to look for your name placard hold by the team, outside the airport arrival gate. Our staff will be impatiently waiting for your arrival to greet you and warmly welcome you in Nepal. ‘NAMASTE’ is the foremost and the most commonly used greeting word in Nepal which you will hear from our staff at the very first moment you meet him.

Customized Trips and Trip departure

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group travelers if you wish to, when the trips cannot be customized.

But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable for you and so you need to choose your own dates and packages, when you can customize the trek as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your own friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.

Accommodations in Kathmandu and during trek

You will be staying in the 3 star hotel in Kathmandu while in the homestays or the tented camps during the trek.

Route Map and Company T-shirt

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers you a complimentary trekking map and the company t-shirts.

Safe Drinking Water during Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking

Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the trek. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid the altitude sickness and to avoid other health issues. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides you water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water on extra cost.

Your trekking guides and porters

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours has the best guides and porters in the whole tourism industry. We can guarantee you on that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staffs of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.

Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have a significant knowledge in the climbing and trekking so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trekking guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone through a whole lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and to make your journey a smooth and pleasant one.

Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone do. Some of the things he tells you, might even be hard to find in the travel guide books. Depending upon the situations and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly which when happens, he will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexibly ready to accommodate to your guides’ instructions. Let him know if you have any health problems as well since he will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will also provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.

Our porters are always fully equipped with the gears they need and as per the company policy, they are always insured and completely looked after. They are our backbone. We allow maximum weight of 25/30 kg to be carried by one porter. They are the strongest in our group with less communication skills. We also closely work with IPPG {International Porter Protection Group} and follow their ethics and guidelines.

Your safety

Nature Lovers Treks and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you our own comprehensive first aid medical kit bag along with the professional team of guides and porters. We are always in communication with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. Your entire journey will be monitored by us and we make sure you enjoy your journey in full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking cost?

The cost of the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking varies from $3000-$4000 depending upon the number of days you choose to trek. The longer the trek, more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will differ with the group sizes. Normally, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package which is inclusive of all the cost and expenses for the entire journey from the moment you land in Nepal till the moment you fly back home. However, you could also choose to buy only service-based package from us when we will be providing you only the supporting field staffs plus trekking / climbing permits and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.

How is the Accommodation during the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

In Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking, we will provide you the homestay accommodations as per availability in some days but for most of the days, you will be sleeping in the tented camps. A homestay is typically a local house with addition of some extra beds and minor facilities to welcome the guest. Homestay is where you can stay and experience the local lifestyles and cultures. Most of the homestays have Asian style of toilets. Hot showers are available but on extra cost. The same goes with the hot drinking water since they use the gas or solar to boil the water. Sleeping blankets are usually provided but we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries including the towels.

During the camping days, you will be sleeping in the camps set up by our field Sherpa staffs. There will be separate kitchen and dining tents. Your meals will be freshly cooked and you will be served day and nights by our Sherpas. Our staffs will carry the sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses for you to sleep in the tents. Undoubtedly, you will have a perfect camping trek experience with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours.

What are the permits that I need for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

For Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking, you will need to make two permits: Gaurishankar Conservation Area entry fee and TIMS card {Trekkers' Information Management System}.

How does this tipping system in Nepal works and do I have to tip?

Tipping is not compulsory for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking however tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staffs in the fields so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and also your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected and we’ve made it mandatory too. The amount of gratuities can be determined by yourselves. Normally, a guide expects around $5 or more per day per person while a porter expects $4 or more per day per person.

Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices during Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

The charging of your electronic devices can be rarely done in this trek but in some days when you stay in the homestays you can do so by paying small amount or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adapter or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu.

Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking route has hardly any mobile networks in most of the days. But you can buy one of the NTC or Ncell Sim cards from any local phone shops in Kathmandu which has coverage in most parts of Nepal. It is wiser to buy a sim card with around 4 GB data in Kathmandu and use the mobile data in the trek if available.

When is the best time to trek to Numbur Cheese Circuit?

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking can be done throughout the year. However in average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to trek to Numbur Cheese Circuit. Spring and Autumn are known as the Peak season or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed while during other Summer {June, July and August} and Winter {December, January and February} season, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer and a peace lover, less busy season can also be the right time to do Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter and there’s snow everywhere while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time.

Do I have to worry about the altitude sickness in Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

The itinerary of our Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours and has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact can affect anyone regardless of the age or the fitness level, so it is very important to walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more in details about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking.

Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

When it comes to trekking in the mountains, health and fitness of a person plays a vital role. If you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking is for you but if you have any sorts of medical issues, please consult to your doctor before coming to Nepal for the trek. We will be gaining the high altitude of 4880 m above the sea level which is not a joke. People normally start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the sea level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Now when it comes to the fitness level required, Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking demands moderately high physical fitness. The trekking includes daily walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents which means you need some practices before you start the trekking journey. If you do not have the previous trekking experience, that’s fine but obviously if you have previous experiences, it will be lot easier. For those not having previous trekking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least one month prior to your trekking departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking.

What kind of food items or meals can I eat on Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

Only breakfast is included in Kathmandu while full board meals or full meals are included during the trek. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same homestays or tented camps where you spend the night while the lunch will be served en route towards the next destination of the day. Freshly cooked meals will be served in most of the days and usually the foods are basic and with few choices but they will certainly be healthy and nutritious. During homestays, there will be some good choices from Nepali, Tibetan to Continental dishes.

Do I need a travel insurance for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

Travel insurance is a must when you do Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance which covers any medical risks up to 4800 meter as well as the medical evacuation from the mountains.

What gears and equipment do I need to pack for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking?

Choosing the right gear and equipment is important as well for the successful trek. Pack the right gears and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when doing Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trekking.