Makalu Base Camp Trek

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Trip Overview


Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an exhilarating and challenging adventure that takes you to the pristine and remote region of Makalu-Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. This trek also offers a unique opportunity to explore the untamed beauty of the Himalayas and witness breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and traditional local cultures. The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a thrilling drive to the village of Num. From there, the trek also gradually ascends through lush forests, picturesque valleys, and terraced farmlands, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of the region. As you venture higher, the trail unfolds spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. The trekking route traverses through traditional Sherpa villages like Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, and Khongma, where you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Along the way, you'll also pass suspension bridges, glacial rivers, and cascading waterfalls, adding to the charm of the journey. The diverse wildlife of Makalu-Barun National Park will captivate you, with chances to spot endangered species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and elusive snow leopard. As you approach Makalu Base Camp, located at an elevation of approximately 4,870 meters (15,978 feet), you'll also be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of towering peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. The sight of the massive Barun Glacier and the surrounding Himalayan wilderness will leave you humbled and inspired. The descent follows a slightly different trail, offering new perspectives and allowing you to retrace your steps while cherishing the memories of the journey. The trek concludes with a drive back to Tumlingtar and a flight to Kathmandu.

Conclusion and Summary

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging endeavor, requiring good physical fitness and previous trekking experience. However, the rewards are immeasurable, as you embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most remote and captivating regions of Nepal. It's an opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in local cultures, and create lifelong memories in the lap of the Himalayas.

Trip Highlights


  • Scenic flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and end Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.
  • Wander in the majestic Arun valley – one of the most beautiful trekking regions in Nepal
  • Start from low warm areas of the Arun River to scenic cooler   Barun Valley and at Arctic zone.
  • At the world’s fifth highest Mt. Makalu base camp within remorseless fields of ice and glaciers.
  • On the hidden trail to beautiful Barun Valley crossing high and scenic passes Shipton and Kongma-la.
  • Cross the green terraced farmlands and sheer cliffs of unspoiled nature of the Himalayas
  • An alternative approach to the Everest Base Camp via Salpa Pass (3350m).
  • Spiritual and Religious Significance at Sano Pokhari Danda for Hindu Piligrimage
  • Adventure around remote hills, the valley of Nepal’s Far Eastern Himalayas within the pure wilderness.
  • The glorious sight of other majestic mountains such as Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Lhotse, and other easter mountains like Kanchenjunga
  • Experience rare views of the East (Khansung) Face of Mt. Everest from Makalu base camp.
  • Visit and Explore Japanese Camp and French Camp (Optional).
  • Get sight of some endangered wildlife like Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and more.
  • Explore the fascinating Makalu Barun National Park
  • Explore the colorful trails filled with blossomed rhododendrons
  • Nearby Tibet border; Ancient Buddhist monastery, Chorten, and Mane wall.
  • Meet and greet people from diversely rich cultures such as Rai, Gurung, Shingsawa, and Sherpa
  • Enjoy a less crowded and offbeat trekking route.

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

On arrival at Kathmandu international airport via respective airlines, where you will be received by our office staff and guide with warm welcome then transfer to your hotels in the hub of the city.

After checking into your rooms and getting refreshed join the other groups for briefing on Makalu Base Camp Trekking, our guide offers you with useful important information regarding trek and your stay in Nepal with us.

Evening includes welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant with Folk Culture program of Nepal while having your dinner.

Day 02: Full day in Kathmandu with half day sightseeing tour at places of interest and Trek Preparation

Morning, depart from the hotel for exciting tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest,  Kathmandu city and its valley steeped with historical and religious monuments temples and monasteries listed as World Heritage Sites.

After an interesting tour afternoon free to relax, Trekking preparation and permit organize day for Makalu Base Camp Trekking. Please, check your insurance details and have a copy of your travel medical insurance policy with you.

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar (400m, 35-40 minutes) and Drive to Num (1,500m) 3-4hrs via Khadbari

As per the flight time towards Nepal Far East to reach at Tumlingtar, where our marvelous Makalu base camp adventure begins, a scenic flight from Kathmandu takes you to land at warmer areas at Tumlingtar located on the shelf of Arun River.

Tumlingtar, an interesting town with time for stroll and explore the traditional life of local hill people of eastern Nepal, from here transfer to local vehicle where drive leads towards mid hills past farm villages and town of Khandbari, headquarter of Sankha Sabha district of Makalu region.

Drive continues over high hills on dirt road heading past Chinchela farm village and long downhill to reach at Num village for overnight in a nice local nice lodge with views of grand landscapes with Jalajala Himal and Makalu peaks.

Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1530m.|5019ft., 6-7 hours)

We will be traveling on a trail that ascends and descends. Walk down a large and steeply falling path to the Arun water, which contains large stone slopes to the river. On the trip, take in the magnificent rural landscape. Before continuing on an ascent trail to Seduwa, walk across the suspension bridge, over the Arun River, and along a meandering trail. We will pass enormous bamboo trees and downtown area villages with traditional homes and tea houses scattered across the hillside along the path. We will also be visiting Makalu Barun National Park, so there is a checkpoint where the permits would be registered.

Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon (2065m.|6774ft., 5 hours)

Compared to yesterday, the trek will be easier and more undulating. We will be going past several Mani walls and up stone stairs. Additionally, we will be traversing farmlands, rhododendron, and bamboo-filled woodlands as we walk. The sounds of chattering birds can be heard while walking through a deep forest. Birds such as cuckoos, singing thrushes, and barbets reside in the woodland. Downhill to a bridge, pass through the little settlement of Chyaksa Danda. To reach Tashigaon, we will need to climb several stone steps.

Day 06: Trek from Tashi Gaon to Khongma danda (3562m.|11686ft., 6-7 hours)

We will begin our walk by ascending a couple of stone steps and crossing a bridge before starting a journey through a rhododendron woodland on a leaning track. Rhododendron flowers in the spring, give the woodland a colorful appearance. We will arrive at Dhara after a delightful journey through a forest, where we will stop for lunch and drinks. Before reaching Unshisa, we will hike up a route passing by a huge rock. We ascend stone stairs through a rhododendron forest before continuing our journey to Khongma Danda.

Day 07: Trek from Khongma danda to Dobate (3550m.|11646ft., 6-7 hours) OR Day 07: Trek Khongma Danda to Mumbuk /Nambuk (3,400m) (5-6 hours)

One of the trek’s main highlights will be the journey to Dobate, where we will cross high passes while enjoying a breathtaking view. Before entering Khongma La,  located at an altitude of 3873m, we will be climbing a trail surrounded by rhododendron trees. We are rewarded after climbing Khongma La with a breathtaking vista of magnificent peaks like Makalu, and Chamlang. After briefly descending, we will hike up and go along a ridge until reaching Ghungru La (Tutu La) at 4055m. Shipton La, at an elevation of 4220m, is reached after a hike through a rocky, ascent-only path. On the way of the passes, we will find mani walls with mantras and fluttering prayer flags. We will continue to descend toward Kalo Pokhari Lake, located at 4022m. A sacred lake is visited by pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival. Continue your ascent to Keke La at 4152m, which offers the vista of the snow-covered mountain ranges. To get to Dobate, use a route that descends through a magnificent valley.

OR

We have a superb view of snow capped mountains and of the surrounding landscapes. Our trek follows a gradual trail with few ups and down pass through the Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari (small pond). In the heavy snow fall, the path from here can be quite misleading and it will be difficult to find the trail sometimes. We walk further cross the Keke La pass (4230m) Tutu-la (4,200m) where there is a Chorten. Then we walk downhill back to vegetation, a small clearing place for camping in the middle of the woods of pines, hemlock, birch and rhododendrons to reach at Mumbuk. After having dinner go to bed at Tea house.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,400m
  • Trekking
  • 14.3 Km

Day 08: Trek from Dobate/ Mumbak to Yangle Kharka (3610m.|11843ft., 5-6 hours)

Enjoy a relaxing walk through a pine, rhododendron, redstart, and minivet forest on descending track. In the forest, the route falls steeply toward the Barun River, so we should take additional care if it is snowing. Enjoy the vista of the snow-capped Chamlang and Tutse mountains. We get to Themathang Kharka by hiking a path that rises. We will pass by a stunning waterfall on the route. Furthermore, before arriving in Yangle Kharka, we will cross a wooden bridge and trek across an uneven path.

OR

The day begins with a sharp descent down a wooden narrow valley and continues on to cross the Barun Khola just beyond Tamatan Kharka. It can also be slippery with occasional rock falls so you will have to walk carefully. After this you follow the Barn Khola along its northern bank. This trail goes through the seasonal settlement of Yangle Kharka. Staying at tea house for the night.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,557m
  • Trekking
  • 15 Km

Day 09: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4510m.|14796ft., 7-8 hours)

We will be walking along the route while passing a river and a tiny monastery. Walk through the bush admiring the stunning vista of the rocky cliffs at the other end. Additionally, breathtaking vistas of the mountain peaks will be visible. The walk will be enjoyable and rather flat. Before reaching Lagmale Kharka, proceed via the grasslands of Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek. Watch prayer flags swing in the air as we go by the Mani walls.

Day 10: Rest and Acclimatization Day at Langmale Kharka

At Langmale Kharka, we will spend the day adjusting to the altitude. We have the option of relaxing or going on a trek to a distant hill. Our guide may recommend the ideal hikes to help you better acclimate to the rising altitude.

Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Sherson (4,630m) (3-4 hours)

Today, Our trek begins crossing the wooden bridge on the Barun River and walk on boulders, where a large prayer wall is can be seen. After a 2-3 hour walk the vegetation gets thin, although the rhododendron, barberries, cotoneaster and juniper bushes keep on for some time. After a pleasant walk we get nearer to Sherson, where we will have sight of the lower Barun glacier and the towering majestic Mt. Makalu. This is also the lower base camp of Mt. Makalu. There are a number of stone enclosures at this high grazing ground with outstanding view of host of peaks, including the upper part of Makalu south face, and Mt. Baruntse (7,220m) and at Sherson we staying overnight at tea shop/home stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 9 Km

Day 12: Trek from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) (3-4 hours)

This is your ninth day of your walk, so today it not long day. As you are in the heart of Himalaya, it is amazing walk, you fell piece of heaven. Some people who don’t have longer time, they make one camp Lamake kharka to Makalu Base Camp. About 3 to 4 hours walk, you will get in Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), it will be about noon, after having batter to walk around the Base Camp; Barun Pokharai, Panch Pokhari. You have astonishing view including Mt. Makalu (8,486m), SE Peak, Peak 3 (6,682m), Peak 5 (6,432m), Yaupa (6,422m). Return back to Tea House for overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 7 Km

Day 13: Free day for excursion around Makalu Base Camp Visit Japanese camp, French Camp.

Today is the second acclimatization day. We take a quick hike up and visit the nearby glaciers and lakes. Barun Glacier, a huge glacier, is located beyond the barren Makalu Base Camp. From here, we can view Mt. Lhotse and Mount Everest on their whole, as well as the beautiful south of Makalu. The trek’s more satisfying conclusion emerges with a hike to a 5,250-meter ridge northeast of the Shershong on Peak 3’s lower slope. We can see Everest, Lotshe Shar, and Lhotse in the northwest from this vantage point. You may see the breathtaking mountain vistas and long valleys here.

This is a rest day for acclimating so you will have a full day’s rest at the camp or, if you wish, wanders around or some take a small hike. The most scenic walk would be a hike on the right side of the camp for a closer view of Mt. Makalu, Barun Pokhari and the view of the rare face of Everest, the Kanshung face with Lhotse. A one hour steep climb brings you to the large meadow from where you can walk farther up to have a greater view of the mentioned peaks as well as other peaks. You may visit Japanese camp and French camp also. After exploring that area, stroll back to the camp.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Trekking
  • 9 Km

Day 14: Trek back from Sherson to Yangri/Yangla Kharka (3,645m) (4-5 hours)

After a wonderful romp in the surrounding valley, we trek back to end of the Barun valley named Yangri Kharkha (some time people called Yangla Kharka also) for the overnight camp.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Trekking
  • 10 Km

Day 15: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobate (3550m.|11646ft., 6 hours)

Relax and enjoy a walk to Themathang beside the meandering river. Before arriving at Themathang Kharka, we will walk down a route dotted with rhododendron bushes and pass a bridge decorated with prayer flags. We will encounter a location with a limited path if we proceed through the landslide region with additional caution. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain vista while hiking a challenging trek through a rhododendron forest. We will reach Dobate by hiking across a valley and through a lovely, green forest on rocky terrain.

Day 16: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda/ Danda Kharka (3562m.|11686ft., 6-7 hours)

On our hike to Khongma Danda, experience the stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga. We will be traveling through the same path we took earlier while crossing high passes. Ascend to Keke La Pass and eventually find our way back to Shipton La, often called Tutu La Pass. Continue our hike while enjoying the magnificent beauties on our journey to Sano Pokhari Danda, a Hindu shrine. In addition, we will go to Khongma La, identified through a mani wall. We will enter Khongma after stepping down several stone stairs. In Khongma, there’s a possibility we will observe blood pheasants walking over the snow amongst the rhododendron bushes.

Day 17: Trek from Kongma Danda to Navagaun (1,310m) via Tashi Gaun (2,100m) (5-6 hours)

Today, we trek back to Tashi Gaon and continue walking towards Navagaun on the upper trail for another 2/3 hours through the cool shade of the forest. After leaving the forest area we come to farm terraces and eventually to the village of Navagaun, another Sherpa village which is much larger than Tashigaun, situated right above the Seduwa village.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Trekking
  • 12 Km

Day 18: Trek from Navagaun to Num (1,560m) via Seduwa (1,500m) (5-6 hours)

Take a hike to start the day, through a bustling hamlet and enormous forests of bamboo. The Arun River is reached by continuing our journey on a winding path. Once we have crossed the suspension bridge, we will be treated to a breathtaking vista of rural Nepal. After breakfast, we follow a downhill track through the farm fields for an hour or two to Seduwa village. We will also be walking down a river descending on large stone steps. The route leads to the settlement of Num via ascents and descents through a lovely forest. Stay at Tea house.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Trekking
  • 13 Km

Day 19: Drive from Num to Tumlingtar (518m.|1699ft., 7-8 hours) via Chichila (1,800m) & Khandbari

Today, after breakfast we will drive back to Tumlingtar recalling scenery via Chichila and Khadbari. Take a picturesque trip towards Tumlingtar on the curving mountain roads of Nepal. Along with the spectacular picture of snow-capped mountains and lush landscapes, we will also witness hillside communities and terrace farms.

Day 20: Fly Back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (35-40 minute Flight) and Transfer to Hotel

From Tumlingtar, take a local flight to Kathmandu. From the comfort of the aircraft, take in the beautiful scenery of the Himalayan terrain, which includes snow-capped mountain ranges and lush hills. You will be dropped to your accommodation after we arrive in Kathmandu. After a strenuous walk, you may unwind or explore the vibrant metropolis of Kathmandu and walk around Thamel.

Day 21: Final Departure from Kathmandu

In this pleasant day you may have full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Today is day of ending your journey, so we would like offer you farewell meeting hand over you Trip Certificate, Trekking Permit and TIMS Card for memory of Nepal trip. Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until departure flight. Our assist will be transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Price Includes


  • Airport Pickup and drop service during both international and domestic flight
  • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with and private vehicle (Entrance fees extra).
  • Makalu Barun Conservation  Area permits and Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Cards
  • All ground transportation by private vehicles, local buses, or Comfort Tourist buses.
  • 1 Sherpa (assistance guide) if the group size is more than 10 people. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Accommodations during the trek
  • Meals (B/LD) during the trek, and Tea/Coffee
  • Government Licensed and first aid-trained trekking guide and 1 porter between two trekkers
  • Salary, food, equipment, and insurance of the trekking guide and porter
  • Flight ticket for Kathmandu – Tumlingtar, and Tumlingtar – Kathmandu
  • Private transport during the trek
  • First aid kit with basic medication
  • Sleeping bag if needed (it is refundable)
  • Safe drinking water using Water Purification Tablet and Seasonal Fruits everyday.
  • Souvenir as Company T-shirt and Cap
  • Friendship World Trek T-shirt, Duffle bag, Trekking Map, and Water Purifications Tablet
  • Farewell dinner in a fine Restaurant
  • Official expense, all local and government tax and VAT.

Price Excludes


  • Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos).
  • All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight).
  • In case of extra more nights accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary.
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control.
  • All kinds of cold and hot drinks including drinking water, Tea, coffee, Chocolate, Cookies, dessert, Phone calls, laundry, and hot showers during the trek.
  • Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
  • During trekking time, personal expenses, snacks, all beverages, bottled water, thermos hot water, WI-FI, etc.
  • Tips for treks guide and porter (it is expected)
  • Things which don’t mention above, in our services (Trip Cost Includes).
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