18 daysExtreme6,189 mIsland Peak Climbing — 18 Days
From / person
$3,600
TrekChallenging
Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
11 days4,880 mFrom Shivalaya (drive from Kathmandu)Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Photo by Nikeet123 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Duration
11 days
From
$1,350/person
Max Altitude
4,880 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts
Shivalaya (drive from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Cross the dramatic Gyajo La pass at 4,880 m, the trek's high point
Visit the sacred Panch Pokhari five lakes at 4,515 m
Taste fresh yak-milk cheese at the historic Thodung cheese factory
Trek a genuinely off-the-beaten-path circuit with almost no other tourists
Experience authentic Sherpa and Jirel village culture and homestays
Walk beneath the sacred Numbur Himal (Shorong Yul Lha, 6,958 m)
Explore the wild, protected Gaurishankar Conservation Area
Start on the historic old Jiri trail walked by the first Everest expeditions
An off-the-beaten-path circuit beneath Numbur Himal through Sherpa and Jirel villages, high cheese pastures and the Panch Pokhari lakes, crossing the 4,880 m Gyajo La.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(11 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 4,880 m · Day 7Scenic drive east from Kathmandu along the Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi valleys to Shivalaya, the historic trailhead on the old Jiri route to Everest. Overnight in a simple teahouse.
1,790 m7–8 hrs drive~190 kmDinnerTea House
The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's quietest and most rewarding alpine circuits, looping through the Solu and Ramechhap districts in the lower Everest region beneath the sacred Numbur Himal (Shorong Yul Lha, 6,958 m). Far from the busy Khumbu trails, this route threads together Sherpa and Jirel villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron forest and wide yak pastures dotted with traditional Himalayan cheese factories. It is a trek for travellers who want raw, authentic mountain culture without the crowds.
The circuit climbs steadily to the glittering Panch Pokhari (five lakes) at 4,515 m, a revered pilgrimage site, before crossing the demanding Gyajo La pass at 4,880 m, the trek's high point, with sweeping views toward Numbur, Karyolung and the distant Everest range. The descent passes the famous Thodung cheese factory, one of the oldest in Nepal, where you can taste fresh yak-milk cheese made the way it has been for generations.
A genuine off-the-beaten-path circuit
Because it lies inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, the trail remains wild and lightly travelled. Accommodation is a mix of simple teahouses, homestays in settled villages and tented camps in the remote high sections, so you experience real village hospitality alongside true wilderness camping. The route begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya, the classic gateway on the old Jiri trail once walked by the first Everest expeditions.
Who is this trek for
This is a challenging trek best suited to fit, adventurous trekkers comfortable with long days, basic facilities and a high pass. In return you get solitude, living Sherpa and Jirel culture, alpine lakes and cheese-pasture landscapes that almost no other trekkers see.
What's Included
Included
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
- Experienced government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porters to carry your main baggage (one shared per two trekkers)
- All ground transport: Kathmandu–Shivalaya and Those–Kathmandu by private vehicle/jeep
- All accommodation on trek: teahouses, homestays and tented camps
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Camping equipment, kitchen crew and cook for remote high sections
- Guide and porter wages, insurance, food and accommodation
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Drinks, bottled water, hot showers and battery charging on trek
- Tips for guide, porters and crew
- Personal expenses and anything not listed under Included
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Kathmandu. If you are already in Pokhara, we can bring you across (Pokhara and Kathmandu are about 200 km apart: 25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus).
Pickup in Kathmandu
Trip starts hereLanding in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupIncluded
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Pokhara
Staying in Pokhara? We can bring you to Kathmandu for the start.
- Pokhara hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. We confirm the price with you.We quote
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- No hotel, I will book my own$0
- Kathmandu: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
- Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent trekking with blooming rhododendron forests, warm days and clear mountain views. One of the two best windows for the high pass.
Low: -8°C High: 16°C Possible old snow on the Gyajo La early in the season
Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended. Heavy rain makes trails muddy and slippery, leeches are common and clouds hide the mountains.
Low: 4°C High: 18°C None, but persistent rain and poor visibility
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
The most popular and reliable season. Stable, dry weather, crisp air and superb panoramas of Numbur and the Everest range.
Low: -10°C High: 15°C Light snow possible on the pass late in the season
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Very cold and challenging. The Gyajo La is often blocked by heavy snow and high camps are bitterly cold; only for well-equipped, experienced trekkers.
Low: -18°C High: 8°C Heavy snow on the high pass; crossing may be impossible
Permits Required
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)Required because the entire circuit lies inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. We arrange this for you.
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Standard trekker registration card. We arrange it as part of your package.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Waterproof shell jacket
Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)
Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline
Warm hat and gloves for early starts and evenings
Down jacket for the evenings — rent one in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a couple of dollars a day rather than buying
Thermal bottoms for sleeping
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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