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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Key Points

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Duration: 21 Days
  • Max Altitude: 4870 m
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Fitness Level: Strenuous
  • Group -Size: 2-15 pax
Trip Overview

Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world (8,481 m/27824 ft) and lies in Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. Makalu Base Camp trekking is less visited by trekkers so far and a beautiful remote trek in the Nepal Himalayas.

During this trekking, you come across tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, alpine, and tundra vegetation.  Since the climatic variation is immense, variation in flora and fauna is evident. It is extremely impressive in spring, when the flowers bloom in various colors. During your trek to the Makalu Base Camp, you can experience the rural and alpine lifestyle of the ethnic people, Sherpa and Rai.

The trekking is in camping style in most cases, where our crew members carry tents and all meals and serve you. Our crews are experts at cooking meals of international standard, which will make your trip memorable.

We can arrange Makalu Base Camp trekking in tea-house accommodation style as well these days since basic guest houses and tea houses are built throughout the trekking route. If you want to arrange your trek in this style, accommodation will be basic with a minimum of facilities, and meals will be of basic standard and varieties as well.

Itenerary

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, meet with our friendly representative at the arrival terminal. And, then you will be transferred to your hotel. You check in at your Hotel and then after short rest you can go to explore market area of Thamel – where you can eat your supper, change money, buy some stuffs from supermarket, or buy trekking gears – if you need to do. Later we take you to our office for the trip briefing. Overnight at your hotel. Delay of any kind will postpone the events for next day according to feasibility.

You start the day with delicious breakfast served at your Hotel. The sightseeing involves tour of two religious and cultural sites of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. Pashupatinath Temple: It is one of the most celebrated Hindu temples in South-Asia. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This place is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. The Bagmati river flowing besides the temple is religiously and spiritually significant for Hindus where cremation of dead body takes place. Pashupatinath temple holds the most of prominence during Shivaratri – Shiva’s birthday and thousands of pilgrims gather in the night to celebrate the day. Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the biggest Stupas in terms of size and height in Nepal and located in east of Kathmandu in the ancient trade route between India-Nepal and Tibet. The site is peaceful and culturally filled with intermixed influence of Tibetan and Sherpa roots. Stupa built in the trading route between Kathmandu and Tibet has four pairs of eyes directed towards all four directions. It is believed to be influenced by Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. After short tour of city we return to hotel and prepare for the trek. Overnight will be spent at hotel.

You fly to Tumlingtar – a small town located in the bank of Arun River and largest Tar or Mesa of Nepal – after breakfast. You will meet the crew members who have driven already here with all the camping and cooking equipments, utensils and meals. Once we gather then drive to Num via Chichila – a small Gurung settlement. A moderately paced drive through the picturesque villages and lush Mountain forests will take you to Num. Located in a ridgeline with great views on both sides is Num where you end your first day of the trek. Overnight in Num at Local Lodge.

Today is first day of walking and second day of the trip in the mountain and it starts with descend steeply through forest and a farm terraces to the Barun River. We cross the river and walk steep uphill in the next side of the mountain of equal height. As you are walking in the lower altitude its often hot. You enter into Makalu Barun National Park from here where we register in the checkpoints. The country is particularly rocky; tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, then we have a tough steep climb to Sedua. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight at Local Lodge.

After breakfast in the camp start the day with ascent on the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside equipped with quiet villages and many scattered paddy fields, beautiful meadows and several streams, and finally climbing the ridge you arrive at the beautiful village of Tashi Gaon inhabited by the Sherpa ethnic people. This is the last permanent settlement in the valley. Here you are surrounded by breathtaking view of the Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon at Local Lodge.

Today is one of the hardest days of the trek. You are hiking steep uphill in higher elevation now. 3000m or 9800ft approximately is the line from where generally altitude sickness can happen to anyone with poorly acclimatized. You gain significant height in a day as well – 1500 m. You ascend through forests to a stream and then on enchanting ridge. You walk/climb past a Kharka (grazing land or pastureland) and have to walk on a rough stone stairs to the top of the ridge passing many mini lakes. You walk through the sparse forests along the ridge over a hillock and descend a bit to Kauma where you spend the night. Overnight in local lodge in Kauma.

You start another day of climbing steep for the first part. After this part it is less steep in the rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge. After the lake Kalo Pokhari(3,930m/12893ft) which means Black Lake you pass over the Keke La at (4,170 m/13681ft). You can enjoy the marvelous views of Chamlang (7,321 m/24019ft), Peak 6 (6,524 m/21404ft) and Peak 7 (6,758 m/22171ft) from the top of the pass. After crossing the Keke La pass, you descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate. Overnight in Dobate in local lodge.

You descend down through steep gully along a stream for about 500m after breakfast. The trail is ill-maintained, rocky and rough, and sloppy with mud in places as it leads up the glacial valley. After this you have a pleasant walk gradually gaining height until Nehe Kharka – Kharka is a term for the pastureland. From here you can have splendid view of Peak 6. The Kharka is located on a large open grassy plain at an elevation of 3000 m/9842ft. Walk pleasantly with gradual height gain until you arrive at Yangri Kharka – another pastureland situated at the base of the valley. Overnight at Yangri Kharka in local lodge.

Today you do not walk generally. It is for the resting and relaxing in the Kharka area. To stretch your body you can take a walk in surrounding area. Enjoy the rest and Overnight in Yangle Kharka in local lodge.

You turn westward today and leave the rhododendron forests behind to enter into the alpine tundra geography. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7,168m/23517ft), Peak 4 (6,720 m/22047ft) and others. You walk past yak pastures and lush forests with magnificent views along with. Today’s walk to Langmale Kharka at 4,400 m/14435ft poses bit threat as you gain good height and walking above 4000m/13123ft. But there is no alternative due to unsuitable place to camp between Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka. Overnight atlocal lodge.

Today is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 400 m. The trail is gradual in icy glaciers and snow clad mountains to accompany our beautiful walk. Mount Makalu comes into view as you approach Shershong. As you head to the camp the view of majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding becomes vivid and splendid. From here you will have magnificent south face views of Mt. Makalu along with the panorama of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in local lodge.

The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. You can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where you may celebrate the accomplishment at the camp itself. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp in local lodge.

After enjoying the majestic time in the Makalu Base Camp, now you descend down enjoying last glimpse of Mt. Makalu. On your way down, you walk past the places you explored during your way up: Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and others. Descend down to the valley finally stopping at Yangle Kharka. Overnight at Yangle Kharka in tented camp.

After breakfast at Yangri/Yangle Kharka, you descend through the trail with rock falls, green forests, and valleys making your way towards Dobate. From here the path follows the river bank of Barun. You climb steep from Dobate in a forest of firs and rhododendron to reach Mumbuk (Nambuk). Overnight at Mumbuk in local lodge.

From Mumbuk as well like last part of yesterday you walk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. You then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, you descend to Kauma again. Overnight in Kauma in the local lodge.

You lose significant height today with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes you at first through thick forests and later you arrive indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. From here onwards you exit Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. Continuous to walk downhill and crossing various hillside, villages, settlements, you arrive Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa in local lodge.

You leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests, Sherpa villages, and terraced farming fields as you walk downwards in the midhill mountain. Overnight at Num in local lodge.

Your last day in the mountain today and you take a bus or jeep ride to Tumlingtar. Once you arrive Tumlingtar you can enjoy the town and the stroll around. Be ready for an early departure flight to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight in hotel.

Today, you fly back to Kathmandu after long trek in the Himalayas of Nepal – Makalu region. The flight is thrilling as usual in a small plane through the mid-hill region of Nepal. You can rest and relax all the day at your hotel or can walk around to revisit city life after long gap. In the evening we celebrate successful trek to the Makalu Base camp with a farewell dinner and cultural program. Overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast at your Hotel, we take you to the mysterious Kathmandu city tour. This historical, cultural and spiritual city unveils the social and historical mysteries to visitors. You will walk through the narrow lanes of the ancient Kathmandu – the center of power – that includes markets of Ason, Glass beads market at Indrachowk, oldest supermarket at New Road, Kilagal, and Hidden Stupas inside the family courtyard. Visit of Kathmandu Durbar Square – the administrative quarter of Malla Kings (fourteenth to eighteenth century), and Shah Kings who ruled Nepal from 1768 until 2008. The most unique experience in the square is the visit to the temple of the living goddess “Kumari”. After the tour return back to your Hotel. If you are staying in Thamel, you can hang around this bustling tourist market and enjoy shopping. Overnight in Hotel.
As per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport of Kathmandu three hours prior to the flight time and your wonderful trip in the majestic Himalayan region ends here.

What is Included?

    • Airport Pick up and Drop with representative
    • 3 star standard hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (Nepal’s 3star standard can be slight different that of the international)
    • Tea House Accommodation during the trekking.
    • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trekking
    • Tea Coffee (3 times a day).
    • Guide and Helpers (porters) assistance, according to the group size (Assistant guide for more than 5 persons in a group)
    • All food, drinks, lodge, salary, Insurance, medical equipment’s, all transport for a guide, and porters
    • All land transportation in luxury four wheel/comfortable private vehicle as required
    • Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu)
    • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card.
    • Makalu region entry permits.
    • Sightseeing with the guide, transport, and monument entry fees in Kathmandu
    • Down jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag.
    • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
    • All government and local taxes

What is Excluded?

    • Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and cold drinks), cigarettes, client’s personal insurance, and any kind of unforeseen expenses.
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
    • Tips for Guide and Porter (Tips are not compulsory but expected).
    • International airfare
    • Travel insurance
    • Any other personal expenses

Equipment Checklist

This list outlines the required things to bring during the trekking tours. There are various selections and brands that you can choose as per your interest. All required trekking equipments can be bought or even hired easily at a reasonable price in Kathmandu.

General

  1. Down sleeping bag (you can borrow with us if required).
  2. Duffel or Rucksack bag (you can borrow with us if required).
  3. Daypack
  4. Down Jacket (you can borrow with us if required).
  5. Fleece liner (you can borrow with us if required).
  6. Walking poles (Walking poles are optional but recommended, and you can borrow with us if required).
  7. Water bottle with purification tablets.
  8. Hand wash liquids.
  9. Lip guard.
  10. Sun-block cream.
  11. Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

  1. Cap and ears covering hat. 
  2. Glacier glasses
  3. Head torch.
  4. Ear-muffs and neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth (optional)

Hand

  1. Hand gloves (One light pair and One warmer pair)

Body

  1. T-shirts – few.
  2. Light and weight thermal tops and warm thermal top.
  3. Light jacket and vest.
  4. Wind and rain jacket.
  5. Shirts and warm shirts.

Lower Body – Legs

  1. Long and short hiking pants.
  2. Lightweight and warm long underwear.
  3. Rain and windproof trousers and warm trekking trousers.

Feet

  1. Thin and thick socks.
  2. Trekking boots, light shoes, and sandal.
  3. Trekking Gaiters.             

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Our guide will carry first aid kit bag during the trek.  We still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as you feel it necessary).

  1. Headache and fever medicine.
  2. Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
  3. Burnt cream.
  4. Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach and diarrhea.
  5. Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide). Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
  6. Antibiotics.
  7. Blister treatments such as moleskin, hand plants and-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.

Miscellaneous

  1. Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies).
  2. Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money and passport.
  3. Pocket knife.
  4. Bandanas.
  5. Favorite snack foods and energy bars
  6. Paperback books, cards, mp3 player. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items lightweights
  7. Binoculars.
  8. Camera.

All garments should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.

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