The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is a spectacular and less-traveled Himalayan trekking adventure in the Dolakha and Ramechhap districts of eastern Nepal, within the beautiful Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This remote trekking route is ideal for passionate trekkers looking to experience pristine mountain landscapes, traditional Himalayan communities, rich biodiversity, high-altitude lakes, glaciers, and authentic rural life away from Nepal's more crowded trekking destinations.
The trek takes its name from Numburchuli (6,959 m), one of the prominent peaks of the region, as well as the area's historic yak cheese-making tradition. A yak cheese factory was established in the region in 1957, adding an interesting cultural and historical dimension to the journey. The route provides an opportunity to learn about the traditional pastoral lifestyle of mountain communities and the importance of yak herding and cheese production in the Himalayan economy.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit connects the beautiful valleys of the Likhu Khola and Khimti Khola, linking landscapes between the Everest and Rolwaling regions. The trail travels through peaceful villages, terraced farmland, dense forests, river valleys, alpine meadows, and remote high-altitude terrain. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy magnificent views of Numburchuli, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Jugal, Ramdung, and other snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the trek is its rich cultural diversity. The route passes through villages inhabited by Sherpa, Tamang, Thami, Hyolmo, and Newar communities, allowing trekkers to experience their traditional lifestyles, customs, religious practices, architecture, and hospitality. Because the region remains relatively undeveloped for mass tourism, many local traditions and ways of life have been preserved.
The landscape changes considerably throughout the circuit. Lower sections feature subtropical forests, terraced fields, traditional settlements, and dramatic river gorges, while higher sections lead into alpine grasslands, rocky mountain terrain, glacial landscapes, and high Himalayan pastures. During April and May, rhododendron forests add vibrant seasonal beauty to the trail, making the journey particularly attractive for nature lovers and photographers.
The region is also known for its rich biodiversity. Trekkers may encounter wildlife and birds associated with the Himalayan environment, including musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and various species of mountain birds. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the protected landscapes of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area provide important habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit also features a series of beautiful and culturally significant high-altitude lakes. Depending on the selected itinerary, trekkers may visit Panch Pokhari, Dudh Pokhari, Bhale Pokhari, and Baula Pokhari. These peaceful mountain lakes are important natural and religious sites and provide spectacular settings surrounded by alpine landscapes and Himalayan peaks.
Another highlight is the region's impressive glacial environment, including areas around the Likhu Glacier and Surmoche Glacier. The trail also passes through high mountain pasturelands such as Manedanda, Kholakharka, and Tare, where traditional yak and livestock herding remains an important part of local mountain life.
Unlike many of Nepal's established trekking routes, the Numbur Cheese Circuit has limited lodge infrastructure in many sections. The trek therefore operates primarily through organized camping, making it possible to explore remote areas while maintaining a relatively low-impact approach to tourism. Camping in the wilderness, surrounded by forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and snow-covered peaks, is an important part of the experience.
The trek requires good physical fitness and preparation because it involves long walking days, remote terrain, significant elevation gain, and high-altitude sections. Proper acclimatization, suitable trekking equipment, experienced guides, and careful planning are essential for a safe and enjoyable journey.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is particularly suitable for trekkers seeking a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience. It combines spectacular Himalayan scenery with traditional communities, sacred lakes, yak cheese heritage, biodiversity, glaciers, forests, and peaceful mountain landscapes.
Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure Pvt. Ltd. operates the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek with experienced local guides, trained trekking staff, porters, camping equipment, meals, permits, transportation, and comprehensive logistical support. Our team focuses on responsible tourism, environmental protection, respect for local communities, and safe trekking practices.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit is more than a Himalayan trekking route—it is a journey into the natural, cultural, and traditional heart of eastern Nepal, offering unforgettable encounters with mountain communities and some of the country's most beautiful and less-explored landscapes.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek is a remote and scenic Himalayan adventure in the Dolakha and Ramechhap districts of eastern Nepal, within the spectacular Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This relatively less-traveled route offers trekkers an authentic combination of Himalayan mountain scenery, traditional villages, high-altitude landscapes, sacred lakes, glaciers, forests, and rich cultural heritage.
Named after Numburchuli (6,959 m) and the region's historic yak cheese-making tradition, the trek provides a unique opportunity to explore the traditional lifestyle of mountain communities. The route passes through settlements inhabited by Sherpa, Tamang, Thami, Hyolmo, and Newar communities, allowing trekkers to experience local culture, hospitality, customs, and traditional mountain life.
The circuit connects the Likhu Khola and Khimti Khola valleys and offers impressive views of Numburchuli, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Jugal, Ramdung, and other Himalayan peaks. The trail passes through diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical forests and terraced farmland to alpine meadows, high mountain pastures, glaciers, and rugged Himalayan terrain.
Natural highlights include Panch Pokhari, Dudh Pokhari, Bhale Pokhari, Baula Pokhari, Likhu Glacier, and Surmoche Glacier, while the high pastures of Manedanda, Kholakharka, and Tare showcase the traditional pastoral character of the region. During spring, rhododendron forests add further beauty to the trekking landscape.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit is primarily a camping-based trek, making it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a peaceful and environmentally responsible journey away from busy tourist trails. The remote nature of the route requires good physical fitness, proper preparation, suitable equipment, and experienced trekking support.
Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.
Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure Pvt. Ltd. operates the Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek as a carefully organized camping-based Himalayan adventure through the remote landscapes of Dolakha and Ramechhap and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Our experienced team manages transportation, trekking staff, camping logistics, meals, permits, safety, and other essential arrangements throughout the journey.
The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Shivalaya. After completing the trekking circuit, we arrange transportation from Those to Kathmandu via Jiri, Tamakoshi, Charikot, and Mude Bazaar. Private transportation can be arranged according to the group's requirements.
Our trekking team includes experienced and licensed guides, trained trekking staff, cooks, and porters. They are familiar with the remote trails, local communities, camping logistics, altitude management, and challenging mountain environments of the Numbur Cheese Circuit.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit is primarily a camping trek, as lodge and teahouse facilities are limited or unavailable in many sections. NNGT provides the necessary camping infrastructure, including tents, dining arrangements, kitchen equipment, and other essential group equipment.
Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided in a comfortable hotel according to the agreed itinerary. During the trek, accommodation is provided in organized campsites using quality trekking tents. Our camping crew prepares and manages the camps throughout the journey.
During the trekking period, our kitchen team provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Meals are prepared by experienced trekking cooks using locally available ingredients while maintaining hygiene and providing nutritious food suitable for demanding trekking days.
The itinerary includes gradual altitude gain as the trail moves from Shivalaya toward higher areas such as Maanedanda, Panchpokhari, and Tare. Our guides monitor each trekker's condition and maintain a suitable pace to help reduce the risk of altitude-related problems.
NNGT arranges the required trekking permits, conservation area permits, local permissions, and applicable government fees for the planned route. Our team takes care of the necessary documentation before and during the trek.
Safety is one of our main priorities. Our guides carry a basic first-aid kit and monitor weather, trail conditions, altitude, and the health of trekkers. In the event of a serious emergency, evacuation and rescue arrangements can be coordinated, subject to weather, location, availability, and insurance coverage.
We provide the essential group camping and trekking equipment required for the itinerary. This may include tents, dining equipment, kitchen equipment, sleeping arrangements, cooking equipment, and other camping logistics. Personal trekking equipment should be brought by each participant according to the season and altitude.
The trek passes through communities with diverse cultural traditions, including Sherpa, Tamang, Thami, Hyolmo, and Newar communities. NNGT encourages respectful interaction with local people and supports responsible tourism practices that help protect the environment and contribute to local communities.
Because much of the Numbur Cheese Circuit is remote and camping-based, our team follows environmentally responsible trekking practices. We encourage proper waste management, minimizing plastic use, respecting wildlife, protecting natural resources, and leaving campsites clean.
The Numbur Cheese Circuit can be organized as a private trek for individuals, couples, families, friends, or small groups. The itinerary and services can be adjusted according to the group's walking pace, experience, preferred travel dates, accommodation requirements, and other specific interests.
With experienced guides, professional camping staff, reliable logistics, and local Himalayan knowledge, Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure Pvt. Ltd. provides comprehensive support for a safe, comfortable, and memorable Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek.
Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
All ground transportation as per the itinerary
Trekking permits and required conservation/region fees
Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (as per group size) with porter insurance
Accommodation during the trek (tea houses / lodges)
Three meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Guide and porter meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance
First-aid medical kit carried by the guide
All applicable government taxes and service charges
Pre-trek briefing and assistance throughout the trek
International airfare to/from Kathmandu
Nepal entry visa fees
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Extra meals and drinks in Kathmandu
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and bottled drinks during the trek
Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, tips, etc.)
Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather, health, or unforeseen circumstances
Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory)
The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.