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 Lukla to Kathmandu.
  • Bask in the natural beauty with a wilderness trek in seclusion.
  • Trek to fifth Highest Mountain in the world – Makalu.
  • Situated eastern part of Nepal, between Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Parks.
  • An alternative approach to the Everest Base Camp via Salpa Pass (3350m).
  • Wander in the majestic Arun valley – one of the most beautiful trekking regions in Nepal
  • Sacred Barun Village
  • Trek past river gorges, glaciers, stunning waterfalls, steep granite cliffs while trekking in the Barun River Valley.
  • Explore the colorful trails filled with blossomed rhododendrons
  • Nearby Tibet border; Ancient Buddhist monastery, Chorten, and Mane wall.
  • Cross high pass of Shipton La or Tutu La pass located at 4,229m/13,874ft.
  • Cross the green terraced farmlands, glaciers, waterfalls and sheer cliffs of unspoiled nature of the Himalayas
  • Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the Makalu Barun Glaciers
  • See Highest Mountain in the world: Mt Everest from a unique angle, it’s eastern Kangshung face
  • Explore the icy wonderland of Makalu Base Camp and capture unforgettable memories.
  • Trek to the base camp of the 5th highest mountain on earth, Makalu. Savor the view of the mountains like Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Baruntse and others.
  • The glorious sights of other majestic mountains such as Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Lhotse, and other easter mountains like Kanchenjunga
  • Enjoy a less crowded and offbeat trekking route.
  • Explore the fascinating Makalu Barun National Park
  • Exotic ecosystems and wildlife
  • Locate Plants like Swertia Barunensis (4200m) and Potentilla Makaluensis (4000 m) nomenclature which are found only in Nepal
  • Vegetations like Tropical – below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) with stands of Sal; Subtropical – from 1,000 to 2,000 m (3,300 to 6,600 ft) with stands of Schima and Castanopsis; Lower and upper temperate – from 2,000 to 3,000 m (6,600 to 9,800 ft) with predominantly broadleaf evergreen species of oak and laurel families and broadleaf deciduous stands of maple and magnolia; Subalpine – from 3,000 to 4,000 m (9,800 to 13,100 ft) with stands of Himalayan birch and East Himalayan fir; along a transect from outer, southern slopes to the inner valleys these stands are dominated by conifers such as juniper and fir. On alpine pastures at altitudes above 4,000 m (13,000 ft) the religiously important dwarf rhododendron and juniper, aromatic herbs and delicate wildflowers prosper. The region above 5,000 m (16,000 ft) comprises mainly rock and ice with little vegetation
  • Makalu Barun National Park is a home to wildlife like snow leopardIndian leopardclouded leopardjungle catleopard catgolden jackalHimalayan wolfred foxred pandablack bearHanuman langurAssam macaqueHimalayan tahrHimalayan goralmuntjacmusk deerbarking deerHimalayan serowwild boarflying squirrelottersspotted linsangweasel and Himalayan marmot and Birds Like  rose-ringed parakeetBlyth’s kingfisherdeep-blue kingfisherblue-naped pittapale blue flycatchersultan titsilver-eared mesiaspiny babbler and the white-naped yuhina.
  • Get a closer look into people’s lifestyles in rural Nepal and see the variation in the landscape
  • Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Rai, Gurung, Shingsawa, Limbu and Sherpa culture
  • Reflect on your epic adventure amidst the comforts of Kathmandu upon your return.
  • Depart with a heart full of memories and a newfound appreciation for the majesty of the Himalayas.

Itinerary


DAY 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation

The gorgeous view of mountains will greet you before landing in Kathmandu. A representative from Friendship World Trek will welcome you to the airport and drive you to your hotel. Later in the day, you will meet your guide and get a briefing on the trek. If you have any questions regarding the trek, you can ask your guide as well. Moreover, you can go through your gear list for the last time before going on the trek. If you want to add or forget anything, you can either buy or hire from the trekking gear shops in Thamel. Also, you can ask for help or recommendations from the guide.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley and Trek Preparation

Go on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Climb 365 steps on your way to the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath, a holy site for Buddhists. It is also famous as Monkey Temple due to the presence of an abundance of monkeys. Visit one of the holiest places for the Hindus, Pashupatinath Temple, located on the bank of the holy river Bagmati. The two-story temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also, stroll around the Kathmandu Durbar Square, filled with temples, palaces, and edifices dating back to the medieval era.

Your Makalu Base Camp Trek Guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for an introduction. Briefings on the walk and other important information will be provided at this pre-trip meeting. For the Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit, you must bring your passport, three pictures the size of a passport, and proof of travel insurance. During your leisure time, you may relax or go exploring in the Kathmandu Valley for any last-minute shopping.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Tumlingtar (410m) then Drive to Num (1560m)

You will be picked up from your hotel and transported to the airport in Kathmandu where you will board a domestic aircraft to Tumlingtar to begin your Makalu Base Camp Trek. The trip normally lasts for 35 minutes, and the windows offer fantastic views of the Alps. To reach Kandbari, a significant town in the area and home to the government authorities, you will need to travel for around 30 minutes up a winding, hilly route.

You continue on a twisting dirt road until it reaches its highest point at 1,960 meters before descending to Chichila at 1,900 meters, a little settlement with a police checkpoint where you must show your Makalu Base Camp Trekking permit. There are lovely views of the slopes covered in trees in the area. From here, it’s a rocky ride for the majority of the way to Num since the road begins to degrade from Chichila.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 3 to 4 Hours Drive
  • 40 Kilometers

Day 4: Trek from Num (1560m) to Seduwa (1500m)

Today, you will travel a lengthy, steep descent to the Arun River and a lengthy ascent to Seduwa. The Makalu Base Camp Trek trail is on large stone stairs all the way to the river at 770 meters and descends through cardamom fields. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Arun River, you will start the arduous ascent to Seduwa, through forests of enormous bamboo and humming village activity. In order to check your permit, your guide will go to the Makalu-Barun National Park checkpoint. Seduwa has a school, several homes, a few businesses, and a few tea houses strewn around the mountain.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 8 Kilometers

Day 5: Trek from Seduwa (1500m) to Tashigaon (2100m)

Without the strenuous ascents and descents like yesterday, today’s trek is wonderful. As you approach the Sherpa settlement, you will start up a trail with numerous stone steps and pass by a number of mani walls. Your Makalu Base Camp Trek Route will go through rhododendron, and bamboo woods, as well as several tiny farms are strewn across the slope and cardamom plantations. Today’s trek is definitely interesting and uneven. You will arrive at the little community of Chyaksa Danda at 1,900m in around two hours.

You may occasionally have to cross certain streams on sturdy wood bridges while walking through areas of a deep forest. Although getting there takes longer than you may expect, as you contour on an uneven trail, you will eventually see your goal, Tashigaon, on the slope ahead. You eventually make your way down to a log bridge just before making the last ascent of stone stairs to Tashigaon.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 8 Kilometers

Day 6: Trek from Tashigaon (2100m) to Khongma Danda (3500m)

You will leave Tashigaon and climb up some stone stairs to start your Makalu Base Camp Trek. You eventually cross a log bridge and keep climbing through a breathtaking rhododendron woodland. You arrive in Dhara, which has a tea house and is located at 2,867m, after traveling for about three hours. Since this is your only opportunity to stop for refreshments until reaching Khongma, you probably have your lunch there.

After leaving Dhara, it takes about an hour of difficult climbing to reach Unshisa at 3,200m, where you cross a huge rock. More arduous hiking on stone stairs through a rhododendron woodland is required from Unshisa. After several hours of laboriously climbing from Unshisha, you finally arrive at a stone rest area with prayer flags, and another 45 minutes of walking will take you to Khongma Danda at 3500m. There are three lodges in Khongma, and this location could also have a lot of snow.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 7.2 Kilometers

Day 7: Rest and Acclimatization Day in Khongma Danda (3500m)

We strongly advise you to go up to the Khongma La today since appropriate acclimatization is crucial. Today is the day for acclimatization, according to your Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary. You leave your tea house and start walking through rhododendron bushes up stone stairs till you reach the pass at 3,890m. You should be able to get to the pass in about an hour. If you are eager, your guide will urge you to go a bit farther. You then return to Khongma, fit and well-acclimatized, ready to take on the four passes tomorrow, the first of which is, of course, the Khongma La.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Khongma Danda (3500m) to Dobate (3068m)

Today is a particularly wonderful day since you will be traversing four high passes with airy traverses and dramatic ridge portions that provide nearly nonstop breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks. Your first pass of the day, the 3,890m Khongma La, is reached after about an hour of climbing through rhododendron bushes. Makalu and Chamlang may be seen from Khongma La Pass. Before beginning its ascent into the second pass, your Makalu Base Camp Trek Route will drop for a bit. After climbing some challenging stone stairs, Sano Pokhari Danda, at 4,105 meters, is reached, with Sano Pokhari Lake below.

The Shipton La, which is 4,200 meters above sea level, is reached after several undulations. A mani wall and cairn next to the shelter serve as markers for the pass. To reach Kalo Pokhari Lake at 4,080m, you will descend across less severe terrain. Hindu pilgrims who are traveling there for the Janai Purnima Festival will find it decorated with prayer flags. Your final pass of the day, the Keke La at 4,170m, is a simpler ascent from the lake. After around another 45 minutes of descent, you will arrive at your lodge in Dobate, which is a much-needed sight after the arduous four-pass climb!

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours
  • 7.6 Kilometers

Day 9: Trek from Dobate (3068m) to Yangri Kharka (3557m)

This morning’s descent will take you through rhododendron and pine woods, which will be really enjoyable. Through the woodland, there is an abrupt slope that might be treacherous if there is still snow on the ground. You will eventually arrive at the river, where you will start your Makalu Base Camp Trek on a trail that runs beneath a big landslide region. You arrive at the tea house at Themathang Kharka, 3,500m, after a short climb.

From Dobate, it takes around four hours to get here. Just before you get to Themathang, there is a magnificent waterfall. From here, you must continue walking for a while until reaching a wooden bridge that spans the Baron Khola. The river is now on your left as the path undulates. You may get to your overnight lodging in the meadows of Yangri Kharka in around 1.5 hours from the tea store in Themathang.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 9.7 Kilometers

Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka (3557m) to Langmale Kharka (4410m)

The stroll will be nice and level, with the river on your left and the alluring aroma of juniper accompanying you. The Makalu Base Camp Trekking Trail is lined with a variety of vibrant prayer flags. Peak 4, Peak 6, Peak 7, and Yaupa dominate the vista ahead as the towering cliffs climb on either side of you. A visual feast of craggy snow-covered mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and sacred caves awaits you today.

After around 2.5 hours of trekking, the route widens as you pass the fields of Jhak Kharka, Yak Kharka, and finally Merek, where a welcoming tea house gradually appears. From Merek, it will take around two hours to go to your tea house in Langmale. Peak 7 serves as an amazing background to the lodge rooms, adding to the area’s exquisite vistas. A prayer flag-covered mani wall is located just in front of the line of rooms.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 10.5 Kilometers

Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka (4410m) to Makalu Base Camp (4870m)

You will start your ascent on a sound course for your Makalu Base Camp Trek route. As you zigzag your way across the valley, maintain the river on your left. There will be a new stunning feature to awe at as you round each corner. While there are some sections where you must step from boulder to boulder, the majority of the time you are on a normal, sandy track. As you go forward, you can see Peak 4. You will arrive at Shershong, at 4,630m, after a few hours of trekking. Shershong makes a nice camping location, and it is a broad, level area with a lockable tiny stone house. The tantalizing sight of Makalu eventually appears.

You will be curious to see the base camp as you navigate a few curves. The lodges will eventually come into view. Your long-awaited goal is reached five minutes after you descend and cross the river. Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world, absolutely dominates the scene, as one might anticipate. Around the base camp, it’s common to observe Tibetan snow cocks, hill pigeons, black redstarts, and mountain finches.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours
  • 8.7 Kilometers

Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp (4870m)

Today, reaching the ridge, which is located around 5,300 meters above the base camp, will provide you with the most beautiful panoramic vistas. You use the log bridge to cross the river, then spend around three hours climbing a hazy, rather ill-defined trail. This vantage point offers spectacular views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6, and Peak 4 as well as Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. When you have got your fill of mountain drama, return to base camp by following your previous steps.

It should take 4-5 hours to get back and forth. It’s a challenging endeavor because it’s steep and the altitude will definitely hit above 5,000m. There are other gentler choices, including taking a route to see the lakes past base camp. You may also climb a much shorter ridge immediately above base camp, and there is a little hill marked with prayer flags at the head of base camp that is about an hour’s walk out and back.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp (4870m) to Yangri Kharka (3557m)

You will leave Mount Makalu’s stunning grandeur behind with a sorrowful heart and start walking back to Yangri Kharka. Getting to the Shershong meadow, which is indicated by a cabin covered in a bright orange tarp, will take around 1.5 hours. You will return to Langmale after another hour or two, where you can have tea and possibly lunch. You can reach the Merek tea house next after 1.15 hours of trekking. Before continuing your Makalu Base Camp Trek Route through pine trees back to Yangri Kharka, it is a good idea to relax here with a cup of tea. From the tea house in Merek, it will take 2 to 3 hours to go to Yangri Kharka.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 7 to 8 Hours
  • 16 Kilometers

Day 14: Trek from Yangri Kharka (3557m) to Dobate (3068m)

It will be a beautiful, leisurely meander today as you follow the river down to the tea house at Themathang, passing a lot of rhododendron shrubs on the way. Just before Themathang, there is a wooden bridge that must be crossed. The journey to Themathang will take around 1.5 hours. The landslide region will eventually need to be traversed, which will take around 1.5 hours. Following a section of undulation, you will begin a hard ascent through the rhododendron woodland. As you get closer to the tea house at Dobate, the elevation gradually eases and becomes gentler along the Makalu Base Camp Trek Route.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours
  • 9.3 Kilometers

Day 15: Trek from Dobate (3068m) to Danda Kharka (2900m)

As per your Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary, this is your final chance to experience the mesmerizing vistas of the lofty mountains, including Kangchenjunga. You will start your ascent to the Keke La, which will take about 1.5 hours. Reaching the Shipton La, which is 4,200 meters above sea level, will take a further 1.5 hours. You will reach the huge cairn that marks Sano Pokhari Danda at 4,105m after another hour of contouring around the slope.

You will return to the last pass, the Khongma La at 3,890m, which is identified by a mani wall, after another hour of undulations. You will arrive at Khongma after descending about 250 meters, mostly on stone stairs. In the snow between the rhododendron bushes, keep your eyes out for blood pheasants, which are infrequently spotted. From Khongma, you will descend to Danda Kharka, which will take a further two hours.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours
  • 10.3 Kilometers

Day 16: Trek from Danda Kharka (2900m) to Seduwa (1500m)

As you leave the mountains and make the long, steep descent down to civilization, you will have time to consider the breathtaking adventure you have just completed. The three-hour journey from Danda Kharka to Tashi Gaun on your Makalu Base Camp Trekking Route will take you through rhododendron trees, steep terrain, and meadows. You will go across terraced farms from Tashi Gaun with lovely mountain vistas. You will traverse a mountainside after leaving the Makalu-Barun National Park, descend the Barun River, travel through bamboo and rhododendron woods, and then arrive at Seduwa, where you will spend the night at a local lodge.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 7 to 8 Hours
  • 12 Kilometers

Day 17: Trek from Seduwa (1500m) to Num (1560m) then Drive to Tumlingtar (410m)

All the way down to the Arun River, there will be a long, somewhat difficult trek, mostly on stone stairs. As you descend farther into the forest, the temperature will be quite warm. After crossing the river, you will have to climb all the way back to Num. The path ascends and descends through beautiful woodland before arriving at the town of Num. Drive to Tumlingtar’s scenic surroundings on Nepal’s winding mountain roads. In addition to the breathtaking scene of snow-capped mountains and verdant surroundings, you will also see hillside settlements and terrace farms. Now that you have finished the difficult but worthwhile Makalu Base Camp Trek, you may congratulate yourself.

  • Tea House or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 4 to 5 Hours
  • 8.9 Kilometers

Day 18: Flight from Tumlingtar (410m) to Kathmandu (1400m)

Today, you will take a brief, scenic morning flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. You will be taken to the hotel after you arrive in the city. Green Valley Nepal Treks will schedule a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the accomplishment of the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary. Spend your leisure time exploring the city or purchasing gifts for your loved ones back home.

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Breakfast, and Dinner
  • 35 to 40 Minutes
  • 190 Kilometers

Day 19: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Three hours before to the flight’s planned departure time, a drop-off in a private tourist car is provided from the hotel to the airport. You can extend your stay by selecting a different package from Friendship World Treks.

Price Includes


  • Arrival and Departure all transportation (airport to Hotel to airport).
  • Star level 3 night’s Hotel or Homestay accommodation in Kathmandu twin bed sharing basic.
  • All ground transportation by private vehicles, local buses, or Comfort Tourist buses.
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar or drive to Hile and Lukla to Kathmandu Air ticket (Weight limit: 10 kg main baggage and 5 kg hand per passenger/flight) and private tourist bus/ car/ van to the Hotel.
  • Accommodation during the trekking Tea House/Homestay
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek
  • Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bags, and duffel bag (refundable)
  • Government license holders have experienced Local guides with English Speaking and friendly with their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Porter (between every 2 person basis) Max.20-25 kg. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Makalu Barun Conservation  Area permits and Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Cards
  • Water Purification Tablet for Drinking Water
  • Souvenir as Company’s T-shirt and Cap
  • Tourist service charge, vat, Governments Tax, and official expanse if necessary.
  • First Aid medical kit during the trip, including Oximeter to measure Oxygen and pulse at high altitude.
  • All government and local taxes if necessary
  • Welcome and farewell program.

Price Excludes


  • 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 Rescue Insurance (compulsory).
  • Tipping to the crew, and your meal at Kathmandu.
  • Porter if necessary which you can add at the time of booking
  • Personal expenses like Shopping, souvenirs, or gift.
  • Personal mountaineering gears.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing if extend.
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu.
  • Things which don’t mention above, in our services (Trip Cost Includes).
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