ARNIKO PEAK TREK & CLIMB

  • Duration 23
  • Trip Grade Easy To Moderate
  • Starts at
  • Ends at
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Accommodation Hotel lodge with camping on treks and climbs.
  • Max. Altitude 6039 M
  • Activity scenic flights, treks, and climbs.
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights

Explore the hidden pockets of Far Western Wild serene Himalayas
Away from main busy trail off the beaten tracks into mountain wilderness
Close to Nepal and Tibet border facing both sides vast scenic plateau.
Arniko peak on the frontier of Nepal and Tibet and least climbed peak
Adventure on complete isolation far from villages and human civilization

ARNIKO PEAK TREK & CLIMB Overview

Arniko Chuli Trek & Climb is an adventure around the hidden pocket of the far end of the Dolpo and Mustang area. A classic trail explored by Sharmana Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese priest the first foreigner to enter Tibet from Nepal. That was more than a century ago, the region is still raw and unexplored few travelers have ventured into this wild country.

An opportunity for adventurers to visit around this fascinating wilderness in absolute tranquility within the harmony of pristine nature.

Arniko is a Nepali name of a great artist who visited Tibet and China in the 13th century. During the time of emperor Kublai Khan, where Arniko built and crafted a masterpiece white pagoda in Beijing.

Arniko peak a tribute and honor to the master craftsman Arinko, as well due to the location of the mountain. Arniko Peak Which straddles the border of the two countries is one of the most remote trekking peaks of Nepal.

Arniko Chuli Trek & Climb takes you to Kaligandaki valley of Lower Mustang at Jomsom flying from beautiful Pokhara city. Jomsom the headquarter town of Mustang district, from here our adventure begins towards our main destination around the far west. On leaving the Lower Mustang of Kaligandaki River valley entering at Dolpo region at Sangda and Phalyak crossing Bhima-Lojun-La Pass.

Phalyak is a large village where once a year archery festival is held, from here onward towards complete isolation into wild country. The adventure leads towards several high passes above 5,000 m facing stunning views of towering snow peaks.

After trekking for a week then finally reaching our destination and highlight beneath the base of majestic Arniko Peak. Located within a beautiful landscape, surrounded by high brown hills and snowy mountains with green meadow, where our camp is set.

The climb to Arniko peak classified as PD ‘Per Difficule’ from the French & Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification System. A straightforward climb on snow slopes and ice with little technical effort and a strenuous ascent to the summit.

At base camp full preparation and for acclimatization as well with practice exercise for the climb. Ascent to the summit of Arniko Peak on top 6, 034 m and 19, 797 feet high. From the top enjoy a sweeping mountain panorama with Tibetan plateau, which includes a view of Upper Mustang and Dolpo’s amazing landscapes.

After a glorious view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris Himalaya with Mustang Himal range, and then clearing the camp for a return journey.

Adventure from Arniko Peak base camp leads back to Jomsom via an alternative route heading towards the Upper Mustang area. Heading eastward towards Ghami village, located on route to the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang and Jomsom.

The walk leads on a dry arid flat country on an extension of Tibetan South West plateau to Chakra village. As the journey continues with a climb crossing a high Ghami Bhanjyang 5,740 m and then reaching a lovely Ghami village.

Ghami is a nice interesting village with large farming land and monastery, from here on the main trail to Jomsom. Where the motorable road has reached, however our walk leads as much avoiding the main dusty trail. As route follows several villages adorned with Buddhism monuments and then walk beneath giant colorful canyons and eroded cliffs.

Finally walk leads to Kagbeni and then back at Jomsom for a scenic flight to Pokhara to conclude our mesmerizing adventure on Arniko Peak Climb.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:          Arrival in Kathmandu 1,345 m and transfer to respective Hotels

Day 02:          Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, trek briefing and preparations.

Day 03:          Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel.
Day 04:          Fly to Jomsom 2, 715 m and trek to Eklay Bhatti 2, 840 m – 04 hrs.
Day 05:          Trek to Phalyak 3, 360 m via Bhima Lojun-La 4,460 m -06 hrs.
Day 06:          Trek to Lower Sangda 3, 710 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07:          Trek to Sano Kiraphuk Khola 4, 150 m via Geba-La 5, 130 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08:          Trek to the base of Chanagor-La 4, 400 m -06 hrs.
Day 09:          Trek and cross Chanagor-La 5,665 m and camp 4,840 m -06 hrs.
Day 10:          Cross Daknak Bhanjyang / Sena La 5,465 m and camp -05 hrs.
Day 11:          Trek to a small pond crossing Kang Kung-La at 5,564 m – 06 hrs.
Day 12:          Trek to the base of Arinko at 4, 760 m-06 hrs.
Day 13:          At base camp rest day for acclimatization and survey the route.
Day 14:          Climb to the summit of Arinko Peak at 6, 034 m – 07 hrs.
Day 15:          Trek on route Ghami village and camp-06 hrs.
Day 16:          Trek to Ghami 3, 440 m via Chakra-Ghami Bhanjyang 5,740 m -07 hrs. Day 17: Trek to Samar 3,150 m -05 hrs.
Day 18:          Trek to Kagbeni 2, 860 m -05 hours.
Day 19:          Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m and transfer to lodge – 05 hrs.
Day 20:          Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel by the Phewa Lakeside.
Day 21:          Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 22:          Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
Day 23:          International Departure homeward bound.

Best seasons for Arniko Trek & Climb:

The best time for this long and wonderful adventure is in the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May, and autumn/fall begins from September to November months.

Springtime from March to May will be much lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the magnolia and rhododendrons the national flower of Nepal.

March to May fine clear day most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes on high altitude areas as well on passes. Autumn / Falls another best time for this trek with a fine clear day for views and walks. But days are shorter with sun-light hours, morning, late afternoon, and nighttime temperatures drop to freezing cold around the higher region with the bright starry night sky. Chances of snow on trails as well on passes.

Religion and Culture:

Far North West Nepal around Dolpo and Mustang districts populated by Bhotia the mountain tribes of Western Nepal interwoven to Buddhism and ancient religion called Bon. Bonpa a pre-Buddhism sect with an age-old culture similar to their predecessors Tibetan, on this trek, you will notice traditionally built houses, where every home is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and religious monuments all the way from Jomsom towards Arniko Peak.

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, received by ousr guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

Checking your lovely room, and after a refreshing rest join with other members of
Arniko Peak Trek & Climb. Our guide or group leader brief you about the treks, do’s and don’ts, local culture, as well camping, foods and of lodges, camping on route trek and climb. An information which helps you to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.

Morning after breakfast at given time, our city guide will meet for interesting sightseeing of best world heritage sites around Kathmandu.

Tour includes old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, with Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess). Visit famous Nepal landmark Swayambhunath Stupa a 2,500 years old, a Buddhist Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Afternoon tour of holy Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and visit Bouddhanath, Asia’s largest Stupa with four cardinals eyes of Buddha surrounded with prayer wheels and small market, this place is also known as Little Tibet due to strong Tibetan influence.

After an exciting day tour back to hotel for next day trek and climb preparation and with last minute briefing from your leader and guide.

Depart from the hotel for scenic short flight to beautiful Pokhara, taking 30 minutes facing amazing panorama of Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks. On reaching at Pokhara airport transfer to your hotel with short drive, hotel is located near the serene Lake Phewa with excellent views of Annapurna Himalaya range with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail peak.

Early morning depart from the hotel for another short flight to Jomsom, grand views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range as the plane land at Jomsom small airport. Jomsom a large town and headquarter of Mustang district located on a shelf of Kaligandaki River. At Jomsom for refreshing stop and then start the first day walk on windy Kaligandaki River valley to a small settlement at Eklay Bhatti.
Eklay Bhatti, situated on route to Upper Mustang, Dolpo and towards famous holy spot of Muktinath. A place with several good lodges for overnight stop as well serving excellent meals.

From Eklay Bhatti walk leads to cross a long suspension bridge, as walk leads to climb on leaving the Kaligandaki valley and Mustang area for more than week.
An uphill reaching windswept country on reaching the far eastern end of Dolpo area, and then a gradual up leads to Phalyak after crossing a pass over Bhima Lojun-La. Phalyak a large interesting village where once a year a great festival and archery competition is held. Enjoy the afternoon exploring this lovely wind-blown village.

On leaving this lovely village head towards another Sangda the last settlement towards wild terrain. Route leads higher into deserted like country on a great trail that joins Dolpo with Mustang region. As walk proceeds under a clear blue sky to Sangda for overnight stop, from here on tented camping, as this area get few trekkers with few simple and basic lodge.
After setting up the camp, explore this windblown village populated mostly by Yak herders and farmers yielding barley and buckwheat, the only survival crops at this high altitude.

Today’s walk into complete wilderness away from main trail and villages, onward to Arniko with few temporary settlement of cattle and Yak herder.
From Sangda, our direction leads towards north into wild country as climb starts to cross over Geba-La Pass at 5,130 m high, offers grand views of surrounding dramatic landscapes with distant peaks. After a brief stop on top downhill to a stream of Sano Kiraphuk Khola, where our overnight camp.

Adventure starts heading beyond human civilization within complete wilderness following yak herder trail with few vegetation of small bushes than reaching a grassy meadow for overnight camp beneath Chanagor-La Pass.

Morning starts with long climb to the top of Chanagor-La at 5, 665 m /18, 586 feet the highest pass of the adventure. From the top enjoy sweeping panorama of high plateau of Dolpo and Mustang with views of snow peaks.
Enjoying grand views then long descend to a wide summer pasture to set our overnight camp, in complete tranquil surroundings.

After a pleasant overnight walk leads to a high ridge following a faint path with short down and ups to reach the base of Daknak Bhanjyang also called as Sena-La Pass. Start the climb with steep haul on grassy slope then reaching on top of Sena-La pass facing amazing scenery of surrounding beautiful terrain with views of distant snow peaks. From the pass descend to another large meadow for overnight stop within a nice scenic area.

Adventure from here leads closer to our destination as walk continues to cross another high pass over Kang Kung-La at 5,564 m high. From the top enjoy grand panorama of all snow mountain range as far towards Mustang Himal with views of Tibet across the border. After an enjoyable scenery downhill towards a small icy pond where our overnight camp is set.

From here onwards towards our major highlight and destination, as walk leads to a wide open valley on a grassy meadow crossing few small streams.
Adventure heads to the end of the valley at the bottom of Arinko peak to establish our overnight camp.

After walking for many days, enjoy the rest day preparation for the climb and checking the right equipment with some practice exercise. Rest of the day relax and save the energy for next day long push to the summit of Arniko Peak.

Start the climb early morning and following our lead guide, as route leads to vertical climb and then on gradual snowy slope, facing few technical section over a ridge of rock, snow and ice and then on top of Arniko Peak.
Taking a refreshing break enjoy the spectacular panorama of surrounding dramatic scenery as far towards Tibetan landscapes. Enjoying the views downhill on the same safe route to base camp, after a long vigorous day and achieving our final goal and victory.

After a successful ascent and reaching our target and highlight, return journey taking another alternative route. As walk leads towards Upper Mustang on leaving the Dolpo area, walk as far beyond the valley rim of Arniko Chuli area.
Following a stream on a grassy meadow then set up the camp by the river side for overnight stop.

After an enjoyable walk far and away from main trail, today’s walk takes you back to human civilization as trek follows on a wide windswept flat plateau.

As walk proceeds encountering yak man temporary shelter and then reaching a small village of Chakra. On leaving the village climb start to cross over Ghami Bhanjyang and then downhill to a lovely Ghami village for overnight stop in the comfort of a nice homely lodge, one of major village around Upper Mustang.

Morning walk from Ghami village leads to Nya-La Pass, a climb of few hours and then descend across Geling Valley. Adventure continues with slow downhill to a small settlement of Tama Gung. From here a steep switchbacks path leads to a stream; as climb starts to a large painted Chorten, a religious monument and then the trail gets better heading straightforward route to overnight stop at Samar village.

Slowly our journey comes to an end, as walk lead downhill trail for few hour past Chele village to Mustang Khola, from here on gradual path in between great canyons and eroded high cliffs towards Kagbeni for overnight halt, on leaving the Upper Mustang area.

From Kagbeni on the same route to Jomsom, as morning walk starts above the Kaligandaki River bed, to a nice small settlement at Eklay Bhatti where route of Jomsom, Upper Mustang and Muktinath area meets.
After Eklay Bhatti walk takes you on the valley floor of Kaligandaki River, facing glorious views of Nilgiris and Tilicho peaks. Finally our trek completes on reaching Jomsom for lunch and last overnight around Mustang region.
Jomsom an interesting town, afternoon explore around the streets of Jomsom lined with many fancy shops, bakeries, restaurants and fine good hotels and lodge. The area around Kaligandaki and Lower Mustang famous for delicious apples and local products fresh from the apple orchard.

Morning short walk to Jomsom airport for short scenic flight to beautiful Pokhara, during air-borne grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as plane lands at Pokhara. From the airport transfer to your hotel by the Phewa Lake side. Pokhara a major tourist destinations in all Himalaya, a picturesque city overlooking views of massive Annapurna Himalaya with magnificent Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’. After checking into your nice rooms after lunch with time to explore around the lakeside of beautiful Pokhara.

Morning catching last views of Annapurna Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal or Fish Tail, and then transfer to Pokhara airport for smooth short flight to Kathmandu. Back in the hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu after a great adventure and wonderful experience on Arniko Chuli around Dolpo and Upper Mustang.
Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs or join in for short tour around places of great interest.

A free day in Kathmandu after near two weeks long marvelous trekking into
pure wilderness around Upper Mustang and climb of Arniko Peak.
Enjoy the day at leisure or join in for another exciting tour of Patan and Bhaktapur
cities, worth a visit while you are in Kathmandu.

Last day in Nepal as per your international flight time, our staff and guide will transfer you to the airport for homeward flight. After a great time and adventure around Dolpo and Upper Mustang with Arniko Trek & Climb.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Customize Trip
Cost Includes
  • All Arrival and Departure Transfer from the airport to the hotel and vice-versa.
  • Twin sharing rooms at Tourist Standard Hotel or 2-3 stars Hotel in Kathmandu on a Bed / Breakfast basis. (Includes welcome and farewell dinner).
  • Domestic flight Ramechap / Lukla / Ramechap or Kathmandu with chartered vehicles to Ramechap and back.
  • Hotel and dinner at Ramechap on the way to Lukla.
  • Full board trekking on lodge basis till Lobuche includes B-L-D with twin sharing room basis.
  • Applicable Climbing and National Park permits and Garbage deposit fees.
  • Wages, transportation allowance, and insurance of trekking and camping staff, as well porters, including Yak man.
  • High altitude guide, staff, and potters, special wages and equipment and special allowance.
  • Climbing guide insurance climbing allowance with peak bonus including climbing equipment.
  • Medical Kits and ropes and oxygen for staff and guides only.
Cost Excludes
  • Personal Medical / Travel Insurance.
  • Single room supplement in Kathmandu Hotel and on trekking in local lodges at extra cost.
  • In Kathmandu Hotel on a bed and breakfast only basis no lunch or dinner except on welcome and farewell.
  • Personal expenses include laundry, tipping, soft/hard drinks, and extra meals on treks.
  • Emergency evacuation can be done by any means of transportation or by helicopter service.
  • Camping Services including tents and food above Camp-I on own arrangement.
  • Early return from expedition due to personal reasons or problems as well as being sick etc. The money will be refunded by the company for all expenses to borne by oneself.
  • Personal oxygen and medical kit on climb and royalty fees of Mt. Everest climb.
  • Personal trekking and climbing gear including sleeping bags, down jackets.
  • Tipping of trekking/camping staff, cook, kitchen staff, and porters and of climbing guides.
Departure Dates

We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.

Useful Info

1. CLIMBING GEAR

✅ Ice Axe
✅ Crampons (compatible with boots)
✅ Climbing Harness
✅ Carabiners (locking & non-locking)
✅ Ascender (Jumar) & Descender (Figure 8 or ATC)
✅ Prusik Loops
✅ Alpine Climbing Helmet
✅ Snow Pickets
✅ Ice Screws
✅ Rope (as required for team members)

2. FOOTWEAR

✅ Mountaineering Boots (Double boots like La Sportiva Olympus Mons or Scarpa Phantom 8000)
✅ Trekking Boots (for approach)
✅ Gaiters (for deep snow)
✅ Camp Shoes or Lightweight Down Booties
✅ Warm Trekking Socks (4–5 pairs)
✅ Expedition Socks (2–3 pairs)

3. CLOTHING

Base Layers

✅ Moisture-Wicking Thermal Tops & Bottoms (2–3 pairs)

Insulation Layers

✅ Fleece Jacket & Pants
✅ Lightweight Down Jacket
✅ Expedition Down Jacket (800-fill or higher)

Outer Shell Layers

✅ Waterproof/Windproof Jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
✅ Waterproof/Windproof Pants

Gloves & Mittens

✅ Lightweight Liner Gloves
✅ Insulated Climbing Gloves
✅ Expedition Down Mittens

Headgear

✅ Warm Hat (fleece or wool)
✅ Balaclava or Buff
✅ Sun Hat (for lower elevations)
✅ Glacier Glasses (Category 4 lenses)
✅ Goggles (for high winds and snowstorms)

4. CAMPING & SLEEPING GEAR

✅ Sleeping Bag (-30°C to -40°C rated)
✅ Inflatable Sleeping Pad
✅ Foam Pad (for extra insulation)
✅ Tent (provided by expedition company)

5. BACKPACK & BAGS

✅ Expedition Backpack (70L–90L)
✅ Daypack (30L–40L)
✅ Duffel Bag (for base camp gear, waterproof)
✅ Dry Bags (for organizing & keeping gear dry)

6. TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES

✅ Trekking Poles (adjustable)
✅ Headlamp (with extra batteries)
✅ Altimeter Watch
✅ GPS Device / Satellite Phone (optional)
✅ Compass & Maps
✅ First Aid Kit (personal medications, blister care, etc.)
✅ Repair Kit (duct tape, multi-tool, sewing kit)

7. FOOD & HYDRATION

✅ Insulated Water Bottles (2–3 liters)
✅ Thermos Flask (for hot drinks at high altitude)
✅ Energy Snacks & High-Calorie Foods
✅ Water Purification Tablets or SteriPEN

8. PERSONAL HYGIENE & SUN PROTECTION

✅ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
✅ Lip Balm (SPF 30+)
✅ Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer
✅ Toothbrush & Toothpaste
✅ Toilet Paper & Small Trowel (for waste disposal)

9. HIGH-ALTITUDE & BASE CAMP ESSENTIALS

✅ Oxygen System (if required)
✅ Altitude Medication (Diamox or as prescribed)
✅ Personal Journal & Pen
✅ Small Books or Entertainment (optional)

Write a Review
Expedition THIRD POLE Have Questions?
Talk to Expert

Shekhar Rayamajhi

WhatsApp/Viber (+977) 9851157825
FAQs

  • Arniko Chuli at 6,034 m or 19 797 feet located in remote corners of Far Western
    Nepal. Which is on the border of Nepal and Tibet / China. Due to its remote
    location, ferry trekking and climbing/camping equipment require much time.
    Although an easy and moderate peak to climb, the region is far and isolated
    within the areas of Western Dolpo and North of Upper Mustang. This is why very
    few explorers and trekkers and climbers rarely visit the Arniko Chuli area and for
    the climb also.

  • The Arniko Chuli is well hidden from the rest of the Himalayas, situated Far West of
    Dolpo and North of Upper Mustang.
    Brown Bear Trails follows the route to Arniko Chuli trekking around Dolpo areas
    and then heading due west from Chakra village. The walk leads to far and remote
    countries completely isolated from the rest of the world and modern civilization.

  • As this is trek and climb leads to complete wild country, only few trekkers hardly
    venture this isolated and off-the-beaten trail. Throughout the trek and climb of
    Arniko Chuli on tented camping, after leaving Dunai, Ringmo villages. Brown Bear
    The trail will carry all camping equipment and food for the trek and climb, including
    a separate kitchen unit for the cook, and kitchen staff along with the guide, camping/trekking
    staff, and porters to carry all the camping gear. The only lodges on the route available
    are very simple and basic, using tented camping is the best till the trek reaches
    Upper Mustang at Ghami onwards to Jomsom town.

  • Depending upon the seriousness of the patient, for minor wounds and sickness,
    having self-treatment with the medicines carried by the clients and from Brown
    Bear Trail. For critical conditions, the victim should be brought and evacuated to
    a safe lower place to the nearest medical post or hospital by the fastest means of
    transportation. Some situation requires Helicopter service as the fastest means to

    bring the sick to the nearest hospital at Nepalgunj city or in Kathmandu for further
    treatment.

  • On leaving major big villages and towns, most of the area of trekking route
    will be around remote areas. Far from human settlements or villages.
    Walking beyond the main villages of Ringmo, Saldang, and Chakra with no facilities of
    hydroelectricity or solar power. Where trekkers need to carry a portable Solar
    Panel for charging their electronic gadgets till Ghami or at Kagbeni and Jomsom is
    reached around Mustang region at the end of trek and climb of Arniko Chuli.

  • The best time and seasons are spring and autumn/fall. Spring starts from March
    to May. The spring will be lively and bright with clear fine days most of the time
    with longer sunlight hours. Where hills will be alive with wildflowers in full bloom
    especially the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Could get snow-fall
    sometimes and light rain around lower areas.
    The next time is autumn/fall from September to November, most days are
    crystal clear for views and walks. But days are short due to the sunlight hours of
    autumn and pre-winter times. Can expect snowfall around a high altitudes above
    2,000 m high, extra cold with wind-chill factor.

You May Also LikeSimilar Itineraries
DANPHE SAIL PEAK TREK & CLIMB
DANPHE SAIL PEAK TREK & CLIMB
Difficulty: Easy To Moderate 40 Days
Max. Height: 6,103 meters
SHEY SHIKHAR TREK AND CLIMBING ADVENTURE
SHEY SHIKHAR TREK AND CLIMBING ADVENTURE
Difficulty: Easy To Moderate 34 Days
Max. Height: 6139 M
LARKE PEAK CLIMB
LARKE PEAK CLIMB
Difficulty: Easy To Moderate 22 Days
Max. Height: 6,249 Meters
PISANG PEAK CLIMB Featured
PISANG PEAK CLIMB
Difficulty: Easy To Moderate 18 Days
Max. Height: 6,091 meters
RARA LAKE TO JOMSOM VIA UPPER DOLPO TREKKING
RARA LAKE TO JOMSOM VIA UPPER DOLPO TREKKING
Difficulty:
Max. Height: 5,500 meters
PALDOR PEAK CLIMB
PALDOR PEAK CLIMB
Difficulty: Easy To Moderate 20 Days
Max. Height: 5903m