•   Duration: 12 Days
  •  Activities: Nature and Cultural Tour
  •   Trip Grade: Easy
  •   Departure from: Kathmandu,Nepal
  •   Arrival on: Mayum
  •   Destination: Nepal
  •  Group size: 2-15
  •  Best Seasons: March - May / September - November
  •   Trip Mode: Hotel and Local homestays

Trip Overview

The 12-day Upper Mundum Valley Trek via Muddi Kharka presents an extraordinary alternative path through the pristine Hunga Valley corridor. Beginning from the remote settlement of Mayum, this high-altitude trail passes through traditional Rai villages, gradually ascending into secluded alpine terrain and untouched wilderness. Perfect for adventurers looking to bypass standard trails, this route tests your trekking spirit with technical landscapes, high-altitude glacial lakes, and the spectacular terrain surrounding the mighty Amphu Lapcha Base Camp.

Trip Highlights

  • Pure Foot Journey: Unlike other variations, this route begins directly with trekking from Day 1 at Mayum.

  • Authentic Village Immersion: Stay in traditional, deeply cultural settlements including Kulung Ponkho, Gudel, and Chheskam.

  • Stunning Alpine Transitions: Witness the landscape change rapidly from terraced hillsides to the high plateaus of Waiko and Gopichaur.

  • High-Altitude Adaptability: Rest and properly acclimatize at the sweeping, snowy plains of Khongmading.

  • Glacial Exploration: Walk among ice giants at the holy waters of Setipokhari and the rugged Amphu Lapcha Base Camp.

Outline Itinerary

    • Day 1: Mayum to Kulung Ponkho (Trek)

    • Day 2: Kulung Ponkho to Gudel (Trek)

    • Day 3: Gudel to Chheskam (Trek)

    • Day 4: Chheskam to Muddi Kharka (Trek)

    • Day 5: Muddi Kharka to Waiko (Trek)

    • Day 6: Waiko to Watelma (Trek)

    • Day 7: Watelma to Gopichaur (Trek)

    • Day 8: Gopichaur to Khongmading (Trek)

    • Day 9: Rest and Acclimatization at Khongmading

    • Day 10: Khongmading to Setipokhari (Trek)

    • Day 11: Setipokhari to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp (Trek)

    • Day 12: Amphu Lapcha BC to Chhukung / Connect to Normal Everest Route (Trek)

Detail Itinerary

Day
1

Mayum to Kulung Ponkho

  • Altitude: 2,840 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

Your trekking expedition begins directly with your boots on the ground at Mayum. The trail immediately introduces you to the rugged beauty of the region as you climb through forested hillsides and rural pastures. As you ascend steadily, the crisp air keeps you refreshed, eventually leading you to your first wilderness campsite at Kulung Ponkho.

  • Overnight Stay: Kulung Ponkho

Day
2

Kulung Ponkho to Gudel

  • Altitude: 1,677 meters | Approximate Time: 8 hours

Today brings a long and physically engaging trek that descends into the deeper river valleys of the region. You will traverse undulating paths, stone staircases, and vibrant hillsides to reach the beautifully terraced indigenous village of Gudel. This vibrant community provides an incredible look into traditional rural architecture and local farming life.

  • Overnight Stay: Gudel

Day
3

Gudel to Chheskam

  • Approximate Time: 6 hours

Leaving Gudel behind, you will cross a local river before climbing back up the opposite side of the valley toward Chheskam. This section of the trail is filled with fascinating cultural encounters as you pass local homesteads and school paths. The steady hike offers vast, open views across the massive canyon before you arrive at your lodge.

  • Overnight Stay: Chheskam

Day
4

Chheskam to Muddi Kharka

  • Altitude: 2,590 meters | Approximate Time: 8 hours

Get ready for a demanding but incredibly scenic climb today as you leave the main villages behind. The trail pushes upward into thick, untouched rhododendron and bamboo forests, stepping onto historic paths used by local herders. The air grows cooler and quieter as you finally arrive at the high-altitude grazing pastures of Muddi Kharka.

  • Overnight Stay: Muddi Kharka

Day
5

Muddi Kharka to Waiko

  • Altitude: 3,000 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

Your journey pushes deeper into the isolated Upper Mundum wild lands today. The forest begins to thin out as you cross the 3,000-meter threshold, opening up into expansive alpine territory. The stark silence of the wilderness takes over, guiding your path along rocky ridges until you reach the scenic high camp at Waiko.

  • Overnight Stay: Waiko

Day
6

Waiko to Watelma

  • Altitude: 3,159 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

The trail continues its steady, rhythmic ascent higher into the sub-alpine zone. You will navigate rugged trails that wind across clear mountain streams and frozen rocky outcrops. Every hour of hiking reveals grander perspectives of the surrounding mountain ranges, culminating in your arrival at the peaceful high clearing of Watelma.

  • Overnight Stay: Watelma

Day
7

Watelma to Gopichaur

  • Altitude: 3,900 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

Today features a significant gain in elevation as you climb close to the 4,000-meter mark. The trail leads you across majestic, windswept ridges where few travelers ever step. Moving at a slow, measured pace is vital here to aid your natural acclimatization as you approach the vast alpine pastures of Gopichaur.

  • Overnight Stay: Gopichaur

Day
8

Gopichaur/Urpha to Khongmading

  • Altitude: 4,850 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

You will enter a true high-altitude glacial environment today as you push toward Khongmading. The path traverses rugged moraines and boulder-strewn flats, heavily surrounded by towering snow-capped giants. Keep your pace steady and focus on deep breathing to help your body adapt to the rapidly thinning air at this high plateau.

  • Overnight Stay: Khongmading

Day
9

Rest and Acclimatization at Khongmading

  • Altitude: 4,850 meters

Safety remains the top priority on this trek, making this dedicated rest day absolutely critical before attempting the technical passes ahead. Take this time to rest your muscles, hydrate properly, and let your body adapt to the high elevation. If you feel energetic, a light walk around the surrounding ridges offers spectacular, dramatic photo opportunities.

  • Overnight Stay: Khongmading

Day
10

Khongmading to Setipokhari

  • Altitude: 5,065 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

After a refreshing rest, you will head deeper into the raw glacial landscape toward the sacred, milky-white waters of Setipokhari. The trail crosses cold moraines and frozen streams, offering dramatic close-up views of ancient, massive glaciers. Reaching the shores of this pristine alpine lake feels like stepping onto an entirely different planet.

  • Overnight Stay: Setipokhari

Day
11

Setipokhari to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp

  • Altitude: 4,730 meters (Pass altitude: 5,527 meters) | Approximate Time: 10 hours

This is the most physically intense and rewarding day of your entire journey. You will navigate a challenging, technical path across rugged glacial fields to reach the base of the formidable Amphu Lapcha pass. Your long, grueling hours on the trail are rewarded by awe-inspiring views of vertical ice walls and immense, towering mountain peaks.

  • Overnight Stay: Amphu Lapcha Base Camp

Day
12

Amphu Lapcha BC to Chhukung (Normal Route to Everest)

  • Altitude: 4,910 meters | Approximate Time: 6 hours

Leaving the dramatic base camp behind, you will descend into the beautiful and welcoming Imja Valley. The trail opens up beautifully as you drop down into Chhukung, a famous mountaineering hub. From here, you officially connect with the standard Everest Base Camp route, allowing you to seamlessly continue your trek deeper into the Khumbu giants or begin your journey home.

  • Overnight Stay: Chhukung / Next Everest Route Destination

Date & Cost

Trip Start Date Trip End Date Status Price
1 March 2026 12 March 2026 $2000 Available Book Now
3 April 2026 14 April 2026 $2000 Available Book Now
2 May 2026 13 May 2026 $2000 Available Book Now
5 September 2026 17 September 2026 $2000 Available Book Now
4 October 2026 16 October 2026 $2000 Available Book Now

Cost Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services
  • Domestic flights and required ground transportation
  • Experienced trekking guide and necessary support staff
  • Trekking permits and national park entry fees
  • Accommodation in teahouses and camping where required
  • Meals during the trek
  • Basic first aid kit and trekking arrangements
  • Government taxes and official service charges

Cost not Include

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  • Travel insurance and emergency evacuation costs
  • Personal trekking equipment and climbing gear
  • Extra accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, and Wi-Fi
  • Tips for guides, porters, and staff
  • Any expenses caused by weather delays, flight cancellations, or unforeseen situations

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