Makalu base camp trek

Trip Facts
  • Duration 21 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous +
  • Max Altitude 5400m.
  • Trip Start and End Tumlingtar-Tumlingtar
  • Best Season oct-Nov, Apr-Mai

Makalu base camp trek

Makalu base camp is situated at the heart of the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal. The Mt. Makalu (8483m) is the fifth highest peak in the world.
Rice field on the way to Makalu base camp trek
Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation area was established in 1992 in order to protect the natural heritage. Itinerary brings you to the Arun valley for the first couple of days through the beautiful village of Sheduwa, Num, Tashi gaun. We can find the settlement of Rai, Sherpa and Shingsawa (Bhotia) in these villages. The trek goes through unspoiled terrain till 5,100m. This is most remote, isolated and secluded area therefore we can only do the trek on tent with autonomous way.
This trek will provide you the opportunity of visiting pristine state forests, wild flowers and exotic plants like high Alpine terrain orchids. Also the animals like rare Red panda, Musk deer, Ghoral, Leopard and over 400 species of birds are found.
Camping place in Makalu base camp trek

On the way back either go through remote  Sherpa villages back to Tumlingtar for your picturesque return flight, below the Nepalese Himalaya.

Or we can continue our trek via Sherpani cols; the three high passes over 6100m. This section falls under the very difficult trek, that requires strong physical fitness, mountaineering experience, warm clothes, Crampons, Ice Axe, Ropes etc. we need to follow the footprints of Yeti through this section to reach popular region of Khumbu valley.

 

Itinerary

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The trip/trekking itinerary detailed day by day keep always with you. During the trekking, we always bring safety measures and first aid kit. In the high altitude, we strongly recommend proper acclimatization. We designed the itineraries with special attention and being careful, but due to the local weather condition, natural disaster and other factor that are beyond our reach, if this is the case the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimize your inconvenience.

Reception at airport and transfer to hotel, overnight hotel.

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsFree
  • Max Altitude1340m.

Free day for the preparation of the trek

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsB
  • Max Altitude1340m.

After breakfast, transfer to domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for morning flight to Tumlingtar) a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After magnificent 45 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tumlingtar airport. Upon arrival at Tumlingtar, we meet our other crew members and after some arrangements, we drive towards Num (52km) through graveled road which takes 3-4 hours. Overnight at camp or lodge depend on arrival time.

 

  • Accommodation Lodge
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude1850m.

We start our trek by following steep down from Num which goes about 1 ½h till Arun river, we cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again through the neatly terraced hillsides. We walk upon Makalu Barun National Park check point where we register our permits.  Seduwa village is situated in parallel to Num.

  • Accommodation Tea house
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude1650m

We leave Shedua with a small ascent and follow the straight trail by passing some streams and paddy fields. We reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan panorama.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2200m.

Today is the day will be a tough day with an elevation over 1400 meters on a steep trail through the forests and pastureland. At end of the final top follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma.

 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3500m.

We rest for the day and acclimatize ourselves with the atmospheric level in the high terrains before we go further up and explore the nearby surrounding can walk around the area. Overnight at Tea house

 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3500m.

Today we start our trek ascending through the rhododendron forests, to reach the top of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m.  In the clear weather we can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend down through the beautiful valley to Dobate.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3600m.

We start our trek through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should walk with carefully/silently during the first two hours of trek as it has steep path and the possibility of facing wild animals on the way. Rock falls are also to be kept in mind. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangle Khark, situated at the base of the valley.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3557m.

Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through the pastureland, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek.  We make our way further up and notice a significance rise in the scenic Himalayan views.

 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude4410m.

Today is the final day to reach our final destination to Makalu Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. Majestic Himalayan panorama surrounds us as we make our way to the camp.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude4870m.

Today is the rest day and excursion over the base camp, where we get the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas summit including south face view of Makalu and see the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude4870m.

We retrace down through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangle Kharka.

 

 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2800m.

From Yangle Kharka we descend through rock falls, verdant forests and the valley, making our way towards Dobate.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsBLD

We begin the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk  and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. We then descend to Khongma Danda again. The trek continues along the steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon.

  • Accommodation Lodge
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2200m.

We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again.

 

  • Accommodation Lodge
  • MealsBLD

We further trek through the forest and for about 5 to 6 hours from Seduwa to Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and terraced hillsides. Sherpa villages as we move downwards.

  • Accommodation Lodge
  • MealsBLD

Final journey by travelling Jeep/trucks/bus whatever availability for means of transportation to Tunglingtar

 

  • Accommodation Lodge
  • MealsBLD

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. Afternoon leisure in Katmandou

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBL
  • Max Altitude1340m
  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsB

(Departure time from hotel will be fixed as per your flight schedules for the return)

 

  • MealsB

Not satisfied with this regular itinerary?

Are you thinking to plan your custom trip now.

Included
  • Transfer:  Airport / Hotel pick up & drop by private vehicle and Tumlingtar/Num/Tumlingtar travelling by local jeep
  • Flight tickets Kathmandu/Tumlingtar/Kathmandu
  • Full board meals during the trekking, accommodation in twin sharing Lodges/tea house (tent can be used if the lodges/tea houses are absent) (Meals can be choose from lodge Menu) (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with tea/coffee.) (Cold drinks are not included nor hot drinks between three major meals)
  • An Experienced & Professional Government license holder English speaking trained Trekking guide.
  • Makalu Barun National park fee and the New Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) permit to the trekking region.
  • 4 nights in hotel International Guest House in Kathmandu or Similar category on a twin sharing bed and BB basis.
  • First aid kit will be available during the trek.
  • All personal gears and group equipments will be carried by porter
  • Staffs Insurance.
  • Domestic airport taxes.
Excluded
  • Meals in Katmandu (Near about $ US 10 – 15 per day/person)
  • Nepal entry Visa Fee (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal ’s Airport in Katmandu). You are required 2 passport size photos.
  • International Airfare and Airport Taxes.
  • Entrance fees in the Historical site /Monument at Kathmandu
  • Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks or bar menu.
  • Personal trekking Equipment, travel and medical insurance & helicopter in case for emergency Rescue evacuation, personal expenses,
  • Any expenses caused by reason beyond our control such as roadblock due to natural climates and accidents and unforeseen events etc…
  • Tips and Gratitude.

 

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