Makalu Base Camp Trek

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OVERVIEW

Introduction

The Makalu Base Camp trek is an ideal trek for nature-loving trekkers who want to experience a variety of landscapes and cultures, as well as panoramic views of some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest. Mt. Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world (8,481m), yet the trek to its base camp is a less-frequented route due to its relative inaccessibility. However, it’s not too tough to reach, as there are daily flights to Tumlingtar (which is a few hours’ drive from the trailhead) and basic lodges along the way.

The trek commences in warm, terraced farmland dwelled by the Rai people, an ethnic group found predominantly in the hills of eastern Nepal. As the route scales up in altitude, you will pass through verdant rhododendron forests (most noble in the spring, when the flowers bloom in marvelous red, purple, pink, and white) and cloud forests, through some of the last areas of pristine woods and alpine pastures in Nepal.

More extensive into the mountains, move the alluring Barun River Valley, you will pass steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls. At the higher altitudes live the Sherpa people, an ethnically Tibetan group who predominantly reside near Everest.

With the wide and vibrant assortment of flora and fauna, Makalu Base Camp is famous for its Makalu Barun National park situated at an altitude of 8000m and Mt. Makalu itself which is the fifth highest mountain of the world. Stretched in the scenic region of Province. 1 in the Khumbhu region, it is one of the glorious and places to explore for travel connoisseur. It’s a very quaint place if you’re looking for both greenery in a protected area and a silvery mountain range at the same time. It must be your go-to place because of its perfection in uncluttered nature which is not disturbed by modernization.

From Makalu Base Camp there are sensational views of the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the Far East. The Makalu Barun National Park is the eighth biggest in Nepal, incorporating areas of 2,330 sq. km, and is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in Nepal, including the Red Panda.

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ITINERARY

Day 01: Landing in Kathmandu

After arriving in the lovely capital if Nepal via Tribhuwan International Airport, our agents will be there to receive you and transfer you to one of the standard hotels of Kathmandu.
Day 02: Exploring and sightseeing Kathmandu

You’ll have a very wonderful time by exploring some of the greatest cultural and historical heritages of Kathmandu. Have a very gracious time and prepare for your trekking by buying some of the crucial recommended gears.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to alluring Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m)

We travel to Tumlingtar after breakfast and engage with the rest of the crew members who will also be accompanying us for the trek. Then, we push to Chichira, a small pristine Gurung settlement. We catch a break at Chichira as we require to be ready for the next day’s trek. Overnight in Chichira.
Day 04: Trek from Chichira into Num (1,560m)

We rise freshly in the morning and travel towards Num right after a warm energizing breakfast. A mildly paced hike through the unusual villages and lush alpine forests will take us to Num. A ridgeline with fabulous views on both sides and rested on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in Num.
Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,500m)

A sheer declination through forests and terraced fields takes us to Barun River. We cross the river and follow a uniformly steep ascent up the other side again. Usually very hot due to trek- the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is the place where Makalu Barun National Park starts and where we record our permits. We lodge right at the roof of the village. Overnight in Seduwa.
Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to culturally rich Tashigaon (2,100m)

Scale-up from the crest bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Passing the hillside through quiet quailing villages and passing by small paddy fields, we arrive at the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are inundated by the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon.
Day 07: Trek from Tashigaon to alluring Khongma Danda (3,500m)

It is going be a bit of a laborious day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher altitude. We will ascend through woods to a stream and then over a ridge. From here the trail gets even sheerer and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and eventually follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes sprouting to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a small distance down to Khongma Danda. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day

The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. Those who crave to explore the nearby vicinity can walk around the area. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Day 09:Trek from Khongma Danda to scenic Dobate

Escalate towards the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to enter. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can observe the astonishing views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m), and Peak 7 (6,758m). After traversing the Keke La pass, we stumble through the beautiful valley to Dobate. Overnight in Dobate.
Day 10:Trek from Dobate to wondrous Yangri Kharka (3,557m)

From Dobate, we pass through the lush of rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper extensions of the valley. We need to be very cautious during the first two hours of the trek as the trail is steep and strenuous. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly increasing altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.
Day 11: Trek from lofty Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m)

Following a steady walk to the valley, we pass through yak meadows, lush forests, and crag fields. The valley walls mount imposingly over us during the start of the trek. We relinquish Merek as we make our way moreover up and notice a significant acceleration in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.
Day 12:Trek from Langmale Kharka to impressive Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m)

Today is the day we strive to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we move our way up to Shershong and ultimately to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is even with frosty glaciers and snow-clad mountains stalking us. Mount Makalu appears into view as we progress towards Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to immerse ourselves in the exalted Himalayan panorama surrounding us. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.Day 13: Explore lovely Makalu Base Camp
Day 13: Explore lovely Makalu Base Camp

The Base Camp is a rocky desolate place with the mighty Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can witness the sumptuous south face of Makalu and the entire panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can travel the surrounding lakes, glaciers, and go for a short trek up to where we may feast our triumphant at the camp itself. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 14:Trek from Makalu Base Camp to majestic Yangri Kharka

We drop our way down from the base camp and take our utmost impression of Makalu before spinning the corner and traveling back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek, and descend down the valley ultimately stopping at Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.
Day 15: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate

From Yangri Kharka we stumble through rock falls, green woods, and valley, making our route towards Dobate. We accompany the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail. Overnight at Dobate.
Day 16: Reinsert Dobate to Khongma Danda

We start the trek with a sheer climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then ford towards the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass), and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Day 17: Trek from Khongma Danda to culturally rich Tashigaon

The trek proceeds with regular long and steep decline cutting through the hillsides. The track takes us through dense forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.
Day 18: Trek from Tashigaon to enchanting Seduwa

We reconsider our trails as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and launch down to the Barun River. We then traverse the hillside and come across villages and hamlets as we move further down finally resting at Seduwa again. Overnight at Seduwa.
Day 19: Trek from Seduwa to Num

We exit Seduwa and trek through verdant forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we proceed downwards. Overnight at Num.
Day 20: Drive from Num to Tumlingtar

Again we backtrack our footfalls to Chichira from where we can relish the grand prospect of Mount Makalu for the last time. The terminal restoration leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early flight to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight at Tumlingtar.
Day 21: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

We travel back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax completely the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones. In the evening we celebrate our victorious campaign to the Makalu base camp and back with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 22: Departure to an International Airport

You’ll be heading back to your home by bidding farewell to Nepal and its amazing hospitable people. Make sure you open the suitcase of beautiful memories you cratered in Nepal.

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COST

TRIP INFO

Trek Overview

Trek Duration: 22 days
Trek Grade: Easy – Moderate to difficult
Highest Altitude: 5250 m
Accommodation: lodge/ hotel/ homestay
Transportation: Flight/Land Vehicles
Best season: September to mid-December
Per Day walk: 2 hrs To 7-8hrs.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Makalu Barun National Park and its abundance of unique flora and fauna.
The intriguing and untouched culture of the various ethnic groups like Rai and Sherpas that populate the region.
Feeling down on the fortifications of the world’s fifth highest mountain and its base camp.
Unmatched panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and countless different peaks in the area
Cross the Shipton La pass, and three other high passes, on a single day of sublime trekking
Enjoy a full day of exploration at vivid Makalu Base Camp
Encounter diversified scenery in different temperate zones as you progress from 700m to over 5,000m
Stay in tea houses on the trek to experience remote village life and contribute directly to the local economy.
Recognize some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda.
Obtain the picturesque views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kanchanjunga.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

1. Complimentary airport pick up and drop off
2. Complimentary welcome dinner
3. Two-night stay in a standard hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast included (twin share basis)
4. All necessary special trekking permits for Makalu Base Camp Trek permit, TIMS card, etc.
5. All accommodation during the trek
6. Three meals a day during the trek
7. Fresh fruit each day if and when available
8. Complementary duffel bag/agency T-shirt
9. Government licensed and first-aid trained professional local guide who speaks English
10. First-aid kit
11. Return flight between Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
12. Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
13. Rescue arrangements if necessary
14. Agency service charge and government tax/VAT
15. Certificate of achievement

WHAT IS EXCLUDED

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MAP

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EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

RECOMMENDED GEARS

Here are some necessary trekking apparatus that can be required for accomplishing your trek effortlessly. They are shortlisted below.

PERSONAL AND CLOTHING ITEMS

Accessories and Technical items

Binoculars
Camera
Diaries and Journal to write experiences in words
Books/GPS navigators
Credit cards/ATM cards
Umbrella (if it’s too hot or if it rains)

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