Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is an adventurous and thrilling trekking journey located in the Ramechhap District of Nepal. Only a few travelers have visited the highlands of the Numbur Cheese Circuit trail. The trails are peaceful and unspoiled which provides a genuine trekking experience.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek doesn’t only offer you some of the best views, chances to explore the unknown and enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal but also offers you some of the best and delicious cheese in the region. Throughout the trail, there are 13 cheese-making factories and some of them are decades old. Most of them are only opened in the monsoon season (June to September) however, there is one factory near the Thodung Monastery which opens throughout the year.

During the trek, you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the unique landscapes, terraced fields and beautiful Himalayan range including the snow-covered peaks such as Dhalguiri ( 8,167 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Gauri Shanker (7,134 m), Mt Numburchuli (6,959 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).

The green vegetation and the water bodies are amazing during the trek. You’ll be visiting the 5 holy lakes ‘Panch Pokhari’ which is equally honored by both Buddhists and Hindus. You’ll also see the incredible flora and fauna and wildlife. If you are lucky enough, you might see the rarest species ‘Snow Leopard’ during the trek.

Sherpa people dominate this region. Most of the time you’ll find warm-hearted and friendly Sherpa people during the trek. You’ll explore the ancient lifestyle, culture, and traditions of these people. During the trek, you might also come across some ethnic groups of people. You’ll also explore the sacred and religious monasteries, gompas, and stupas.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek continues for 2 weeks. From Kathmandu, you’ll be taking an 8 hours to drive towards Shivalaya. The trekking journey starts from Shivalaya on the second day of your trip. The trek gradually starts to ascend until you reach the highest point of the trip ‘Gyazo-La Pass (4,880 m)’. You’ll pass through many different villages and some of the famous places such as Panch Pokhari, Jata Pokhari, Serding, Thodung, and Jiri.

After reaching Jiri, your trek will end and you’ll be driving back towards Kathmandu and departure.

Trip Highlights

Picturesque view of some snow-covered peaks Dhalguiri ( 8,167 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Gauri Shanker (7,134 m), Mt Numburchuli (6,959 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
Cross the high Gyajo La Pass (4,880 m).
Explore the culture and tradition of Sherpa people.
Visit the ancient monasteries, shrines, and stupas.
Visit the first yak cheese factory in Nepal.
Visit the five beautiful holy waters at Panch Pokhari (4,515 m).

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Itinerary

Faqs

Review

Day 1 :

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Shivalaya (1,790 m)

Drive duration: 8 hours

The first day of the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek starts with an early morning drive to Shivalaya (1,790 m) from Kathmandu (1,400 m). Shivalaya is the starting point for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek and also for the Everest Base Camp trek for those who don't fly to Lukla.

After your breakfast, you’ll head towards Shivalayan. You’ll enjoy the mesmerizing views of waterfalls, hills, mountain ranges, and snow-capped peaks while passing through different villages and small streams.

After a long 8 hours drive, you’ll enter the Ramechhap district and eventually reach Shivalaya. Located near the Khimti river, Shivalaya is a beautiful village. Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Shivalaya.

Day 2 :

Day 02: Trek from Shivalaya to Khahare (2,175 m)

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

On this day, you’ll start your trekking journey from Shivalaya to Khahare (2,175 m). Khahare is a small settlement where the local people only live in winter and they move to livestock pastures that border Tibet during summer.

First, you’ll be walking through terraced pastures fields rising and falling all along the valley. Then you’ll cross a river and start to ascend uphill through the narrow and steep paths. After you reach the other part of the hill, Khahare village will welcome you. Overnight homestay at Khahare.

Day 3 :

Day 03: Trek from Khahare to Panipakha (3,105 m)

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

Today you’ll be trekking from Khahare to Panipakha (3,105 m). Panipakha is a temperate plain camping area in the middle of the scattered Chauri sheds and the lofty alpines. This place is the first campsite of the trek.

First, you’ll ascend uphill while passing through different settlements and small villages. The path is steep and narrow filled with green vegetation, flora and fauna, waterfalls until you reach Panipakha. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Panipakha.

Day 4 :

Day 04: Trek from Panipakha to Maanedanda (3,940 m)

Walking duration: 5 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Panipakha to Maanedanda (3,940 m). Maanedanda is a campsite equipped with a basic cooking shelter and area for tents.

During the trek, you’ll be ascending uphill while the trail goes through a small Sherpa village of Phokte. After some rest and food at Phokte, you’ll continue the trek while walking through the trails of the rhododendron forest until you reach the summer meadows of Maanedanda. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Maanedanda.

Day 5 :

Day 05: Trek from Maanedanda to Panch Pokhari (4,515 m)

Walking duration: 5 hours

You’ll continue the trek from Maanedanda to Panch Pokhari (4,515 m) on this day. Pancha Pokhari is a group of 5 holy lakes that are equally honored by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya.

First, you’ll be walking uphill towards a place called Jata Pokhari while passing through the alpine pastures and scrubby jungle of Sunpati (mountain herbs for medicinal purposes). Jata Pokhari is located in the lap of Mt Numburchuli (6,959 m) and is a popular pilgrimage in Ramechhap.

After a short and gentle walk from Jata Pokhari, you’ll reach Panch Pokhari. You’ll enjoy the mesmerizing views of Himalayan ranges and explore the five holy lakes. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Panch Pokhari.

Day 6 :

Day 06: Trek from Panch Pokhari to Tare (4,140 m)

Walking duration: 5-6 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Panch Pokhari to Tare (4,140 m). Tare is a campsite which has a couple of houses and one shelter.

You’ll continue the trek by crossing the elevation of 4,600 meters and then descend downhill while passing through Khola Kharka. Then you’ll trek further ahead Nupche River passing through the dense bamboo forest.

After you reach Nupche River, you can rest near the green pasture on the bank of the river. As this place is famous for cheese, you can enjoy fresh and delicious cheese and you can observe the cheese-making process in Nepal.

After a short walk from Nupche River, you’ll reach Tare. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Tare.

Day 7 :

Day 07: Trek from Tare to Ngeju (3,690 m) via Gyazo-La Pass (4,880 m)

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

Today, you’ll continue the trek from Tare to Ngeju (3,690 m) and pass-through the Gyazo-La Pass (4,880 m). There are lots of big tree shelters in Ngeju. Above the treeline, there lies the ancient Buddist Shrine of Kau Gumba enclosed by a great sweep of snow peaks and high rocks.

Today’s trek might be a little challenging than the other days. First, you’ll ascend uphill towards Gyazo-La Pass through steep and narrow paths. As you reach Gyazo-La Pass, you’ll see the amazing views of the Himalayan range, mountains, and landscapes.

After spending some time at Gyazo- La Pass, you’ll descend the trek downhill until you reach Ngeju. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Ngeju.

Day 8 :

Day 08: Trek from Ngeju to Lahaksewar (2,665 m)

Walking duration: 5 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Ngeju to Lahaksewar (2,665 m). Lahaksewar also popularly known as ‘Sewar’ is one of the most amazing Sherpa communities in the upper Ramechhap area.

You’ll continue the trek by descending downhill through the dense rhododendron forest while the Likhu Khola (river) accompanies you.

After you reach Lahaksewar, the Sherpa people will welcome you with their hospitality and friendly behavior. These people live in harmony and follow their ancient traditions, culture, and lifestyle. This village isn't touched by the modernity of the world. Overnight stay in a tented camp or homestay at Lahaksewar.

Day 9 :

Day 09: Trek from Lahaksewar to Kyama (2,380 m)

Walking duration: 4 hours

Today you’ll be trekking from Lahaksewar to Kyama (2,380 m). Kyama is a small settlement to a locality but with a small group of dwellings or other buildings.

During the trek, you’ll descend downhill through the dense forest, river valleys and enjoy the mesmerizing views of Mt Numburchuli (6,959 m) and Pathibara. You’ll pass through the hidden pilgrimage site ‘Uma Tirtha’ which is the Kashi of Himalaya.

After you pass through Umatirtha, a short and gentle walk will take you to Kyama. Overnight stay in a tented camp or homestay at Kyama.

Day 10 :

Day 10: Trek from Kyama to Gumdel (2,255 m)

Walking duration: 3 hours

On this day, you’ll trek from Kyama to Gumdel (2,255 m). Gumdel is a small settlement around a large Buddhist stupa.

First, you’ll take a descend from Kyama leaving behind the beautiful snow-covered peaks. You’ll pass through the dense rhododendron forest, waterfall, landscapes and many more until you reach Gumdel.

After you reach Gumdel, the scenic views of the Himalayan range and landscape will amaze you. The kindness and hospitality provided by the local Sherpa people will make you feel like home. Overnight stay in a tented camp or homestay at Gumdel.

Day 11 :

Day 11: Trek from Gumdel to Serding (3,360 m)

Walking duration: 4 hours

Today, you’ll continue the trek from Gumdel to Serding (3,360 m). Serding is a famous place for yak cheese and has a cheese factory.

As you ascend uphill, you’ll come across many different small settlements, sub-tropical alpine forests, landscapes, and green vegetation until you reach Serding.

After reaching Serding, you can enjoy the delicious yak cheese and get a chance to visit the cheese factory. Overnight stay in a tented camp or homestay at Serding.

Day 12 :

Day 12: Trek from Serding to Lapchane (3,150 m) via Thodung

Walking duration: 5 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Serding to Lapchane (3,150 m) via Thodung. Lapchane is a Newar village and the tallest hill in Ramechhap.

First, you’ll take a short ascend to Thodung. Thodung is an active small monastery, surrounded by aromatic pines, beautiful flora and fauna.

Then, you’ll continue the trek by heading downhill towards Deurali. You can see the picturesque view of Mt. Gauri Shankar (7,134 m) from here.

After a short walk from Deurali, you’ll reach Lapchane from where you see the incredible snow-covered peaks of Dhaulagiri ( 8,167 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Gauri Shanker (7,134 m), Mt Numburchuli (6,959 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).

After you reach Lapchane, you’ll walk 30 minutes towards Tamdanda which is famous as the tallest hill in Ramechhap. You can see the mountain range, snow-covered peaks, and landscapes. After enjoying the time at Tamdanda you go back to Lapchane. Overnight stay in a tented camp or homestay at Lapchane.

Day 13 :

Day 13: Trek from Lapchane to Jiri (1,935 m)

Walking duration: 4 hours

Today, you’ll trek from Lapchane to Jiri (1,935 m). Jiri is a beautiful place for nature lovers and having a peaceful time. Jiri used to be the gateway of the Everest Base Camp Trek route.

You’ll continue the trek by a steep downhill descend from Lapchane while passing through the beautiful landscapes, green vegetation, rivers, waterfalls, and small streams until you reach Jiri. Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Jiri.

Day 14 :

Day 14: Drive from Jiri to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Drive duration: 7-8 hours

On this day, you’ll be on a return trip towards Kathmandu from Jiri on a private jeep early in the morning. After you reach Kathmandu, Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek comes to an end and departure.

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Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek difficulty

Although Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is a moderate trek and has gained popularity throughout the years, there are some difficulties that you might face during the trek.

As you elevate from 1,400 meters to 4,880 meters, altitude sickness can be one of the problems that you might face during the trek. No matter how fit, young or old you are, any individual can get caught by altitude sickness. But you can overcome the altitude sickness by taking easy and gentle steps, keeping your body hydrated, taking short rest and following the instructions of your guide.

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek continues for 2 weeks and demands 5-6 hours of walk every day. Experienced trekkers can complete the trek easily. It might be a little hard for people who are not physically fit and experienced, however, the trek is suitable for any age group of people. We suggest you do light physical exercise a month before the trek.

Climate is another difficulty that you can face during the trek. The weather and temperature changes from time to time as you gradually elevate higher and higher during the trek. You can experience snowfall, rainfall, heat, and cold in these two weeks of your journey. So, having the right equipment and wearing the right gear is a must in order to protect yourself from the unstable climate.

You can overcome the difficulties of Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek because we provide some of the professional and experienced trekking guides. They will help you complete the trek successfully.

Best time for Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is doable at any time of the year. The peak season for trekking in Nepalese Himalayas are spring (March to May) and autumn(September to November). At this time of year, you can see the skies and Himalayas up close and clearly without any clouds blocking the beautiful views.

During spring and autumn seasons, the surroundings and atmosphere is clean and filled with green vegetation. The water bodies such as rivers, waterfalls, streams, and lakes are at its fullest. The only downfall while trekking in spring (March to May) and autumn(September to November) is the increase in crowds and lack of accommodation facilities.

You can do this trek in winter (December to February), but you’ll face cold temperatures. In summer (June to August) the temperature heats up and the clouds will block the beautiful views. There are also high chances of rainfall during summer.

With proper planning and the right gear and equipment, you can complete the trek successfully in winter (December to February) and summer (June to August).

Accommodation

Providing some of the best accommodation facilities is our duty. In Kathmandu, you’ll be staying in clean and comfortable rooms with proper accommodation facilities.

During the trek, our guides will try to provide you with some of the best lodges in the area. But most of the time you’ll be spending the nights under tented camp during the trek.

In some places, you’ll spend the nights with the local people at their home. Homestay can be some of the memorable and enjoyable places for you to stay. The local people try to provide warm hospitality and kindness to you in order to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.

Food

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek consists of a wide variety of food facilities. In Kathmandu, you can enjoy both typical Nepali food and international cuisines.

During the trek, our guides will try to provide you with some of the best food facilities in the area. Some of the guesthouses might include the food required as per your carving. But as the trekking routes situate in some of the remote areas of Nepal, the food facilities decrease.

However, the typical Nepali foods (Dal Bhat, Dhindo, local bread, Momo, Pancakes and many more) are available almost everywhere and provided to you during the trek. These foods taste great with lots of health benefits and pack lots of energy as required for your trek.

You can also try the famous and delicious yak cheese and their dairy product as it is available in most of the areas.

If you are a vegetarian/vegan and require gluten or lactose-free food, then you can inform us before your trip starts.