Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
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
Trip Highlights
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.
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
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.
Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended. Heavy rain makes trails muddy and slippery, leeches are common and clouds hide the mountains.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
The most popular and reliable season. Stable, dry weather, crisp air and superb panoramas of Numbur and the Everest range.
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.
Permits Required
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
NPR 2,000 (≈ USD 15)Required because the entire circuit lies inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. We arrange this for you.
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
USD 20Standard 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the Trail
See it in motion
Your Himalaya Awaits
Ready to walk Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek?
Private departures on any date, a hand-picked NMA guide, and an itinerary built around you. Tell us your dates — we usually reply within a few hours.
$1,350
/ person · all-inclusive