Makalu Base Camp Trek

Go Nepal, Kathmandu Nepal

  • 22 days
  • Treking & Hiking
  • Any

Package Details

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world (8,481 m), but the trek to its base camp is a less travelled route due to its relative inaccessibility. The Makalu Base Camp trekking route is situated in the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area, which is located in the heart of eastern Nepal. The main focus of this trek is the Makalu Barun National Park, located in the districts of Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha. The national park was founded in 1992. Previously, the Makalu trek was a restricted trekking area. It spans five major ecological zones, including the lush, tropical Arun valley, dense forests, rhododendrons, firs, and alpine meadows that lead to the massive Barun glacier. The main highlights of this trekking region are Chamlang Himal and the Barun Valley. The trekking areas of Makalu and Everest are not far apart. Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is a unique challenge. The Makalu Base Camp trek is one of Nepal's most remote and unexplored trekking areas.

Natural wonders abound in the Makalu region. It stretches across many regions, where the cold of the mountain is chilling and the beauty of the mountain has an invincible air. Beautiful mountains, pristine forests, a diverse plant and animal life, and simple and warm-hearted people with rich and varied customs are among the highlights of this rich natural paradise. The Makalu Barun National Park is home to 3,000 plant species, 440 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including the snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, wild yak, and Himalayan Thar. With the possibility of seeing wildlife at lower altitudes, green pastures and fields, villages and forests, as well as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and rocky trails, this is also an ideal photography location. As a result, the Makalu trek is yet another popular trekking destination in Nepal.

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek:

1. The top 5 highest base camp in the world.

2. View of Everest from a unique angle, as far away as Kangchenjunga.

3. Kulung Valley with culture.

4. Makalu and mount Chamlyaing view.

5. Pass from green terraced farmland to glaciers and waterfalls.

6. Trekking in the remote valley.

7. Discover the rural life of the distinct culture of Rai and Sherpa in Nepal.

8. Discover some of Nepal's rarest wild animals, including the red panda.

9. Driving to the East Road in Nepal.

10. Homestay trek.

Detail Itineries

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative of the Go Nepal will pick you up at the airport and take you the hotel where you can rest, refresh and even enjoy the local chai (tea). In the evening, a welcome dinner will be organized by the Taleju Adventure. For dinner, an excellent Nepali cuisine will be served to familiarize you with the culinary culture of the country. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today, after breakfast, we begin our tour to some of the most historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu, also classified as UNESCO World Heritage. We visit historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist Sanctuary (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At the evening we got to meet each other in the hotel and discusses our trip for next day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours’ drive

We fly to Tumlingtar after early morning breakfast and meet the rest of the crew who will also join us for the next day trek. Then we will drive to Chichira, a small village of Gurung. We will rest in Chichira because we must be ready for the next day trek. Night in Chichira.

Day 4 : Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours

We start our trek early in the morning after breakfast and head to Num. A moderate walk through picturesque villages and leafy mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridge line with a magnificent view on both sides and at the end, this is Num for us. Night in Num.

Day 5 : Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours

A steep descent through forests and terraced farms leads to the Barun River. We cross the river and follow a steep climb. Often quite hot here - the valley of the forest offers some shade as well. This is where the Makalu Barun National Park begins and we register our permits. We camp on top of the town. Night in Seduwa.

Day 6 : Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 4-5 hours

Ascend the ridge delimited to the west by Ipsuwa Khola and to the east by Kasuwa Khola. Crossing the hill through quiet villages and small rice fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once we reach there, we are surrounded by an impressive panorama of the Himalayas. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Day 7 : Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours

It will be a difficult day because we have to walk on a steep path in higher elevation. We will cross forests to reach a stream and a ridge. From there, the path becomes steeper and passes through a Jarka (grass) before following a series of stone stairs and small lakes that lead to the top of the ridge. From there, the trip to Khongma Danda is short. We will spend the night in Khongma Danda.

Day 8 : Acclimatization/Rest

The rest day will allow a physical rest before crossing the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the surroundings, you can walk around the area. We will spend the night in Khongma Danda.

Day 9 : Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours

We climb to the top of Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to arrive at Keke La. After Lake Kalo Pokhari (3930 m), pass the Keke La at 4 170 m. We can see the wonderful views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the pass of Keke La, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate. During the night in Dobate.

Day 10 : Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours

From Dobate, we cross the rhododendron forest that leads to the Barun River and reaches the upper valley. We must be very careful during the first two hours of trek, since the road is steep and arduous. Then we take a pleasant walk taking altitude up to Yangri Kharka at the foot of the valley. We will spend the night in Yangri Kharka.

Day 11 : Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft): 5-6 hours

After a moderate walk through the valley, we cross yak pastures, leafy forests and block fields. The walls of the valley are imposed on us at the beginning of the walk. We pass Merek as we make our way further up and we notice a significant increase in the panoramic views of the Himalayas. We will spend the night in Langmale Kharka.

Day 12 : Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours

Today is the day we arrive at the base camp. From Langmale Kharka, we climb to Shershong and finally to Makalu Base Camp. The path is flat with icy glaciers and snowy mountains that accompany us. Mount Makalu appears when we approaches Shershong. As we head towards the camp, we immerse into the majestic panorama of the Himalayas that surrounds us. We will spend the night in Makalu base camp.

Day 13 : Explore Makalu Base Camp

The base camp is an arid and rocky place with the great Barun glacier beyond. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes and glaciers and take a short walk to celebrate our achievements in the camp. We will spend the night in Makalu base camp.

Day 14 : Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours

We descend from the base camp and observe Makalu for the last time before turning the corner and returning back. As we descend, we cross Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek, descend into the valley and finally stop at Yangri Kharka. We will spend the night in Yangri Kharka.

Day 15 : Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours

From Yangri Kharka, we descend through waterfalls, green forests and a valley to go to Dobate. We follow the banks of the Barun River along the road. During the night in Dobate.

Day 16 : Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours

We start the hike through a steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of fir and rhododendrons. We cross the Keke La, the Tutu La (Shipton Pass) and the Kauma La en route. Then we descend down to Khongma Danda. We will spend the night in Khongma Danda.

Day 17 : Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours

The walk continues with frequent and long and pronounced descents through the hills. The trail takes us through thick forests to the village of Sherpahs, in the Sherpa region. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Day 18 : Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours

We retrace our steps as we leave the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. We cross the hill and cross villages and settlements as we descend and then finally stopping at Seduwa. Night in seduwa.

Day 19 : Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours

We leave Seduwa and cross leafy forests towards Num. The path climbs and descends through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we climb down before arriving at Num. Overnight in Num.

Day 20 : Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours

Once again, we return to Chichira, where we can enjoy the splendid view of Mount Makalu for the last time. The last stage of the trek will allow us to spend the night in Tumlingtar, ready for early departure to Kathmandu the next day. Overnight in Tumlingtar.

Day 21 : Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight

Today, we return to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax all day in our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones. In the evening, we celebrate our success at Makalu Base Camp with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 22 : Final departure

Our trip to Nepal ends today. A representative of the Go Nepal will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On the way back, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Includes/Excludes

Includes:

  • All arrival and departure transfer in private vehicle
  • Hotels will be of tourist standard and during trekking will be local tea house/ guests house
  • All meals (lunch and dinner) as described in itinerary
  • A private vehicle as per group size
  • An English-speaking guide throughout the tour Trekking
  • TIMS and permit.
  • 2 guests = 01 Porter
  • Tea House Trekking package (Room + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Excludes:

  • Any kind of medical and personal insurance
  • Any kind of personal nature items like bar and Laundry bills.
  • Evacuation in case of emergency
  • Domestic flights
  • Tips to the guide and driver
  • Entrance Fees
  • ANY ITEMS NOT MENTIONED ABOVE

Useful Information

The Makalu base camp  trek is slightly more difficult than Everest base camp and Annapurna Circuit due to the incline, remoteness and rugged nature of the trails but extremely rewarding.

March - May and September - November is the optimum months to visit Makalu Base Camp. The weather during this time allows the trekker to fully appreciated each beautiful aspect of the trip.

In Autumn the temperature stands and pleasant and sunny in day time   and  won't be harshly colder in night. In Spring there is warm and sunny weather and witness of occasional snowfall at high altitude. When you pass through forest you there will be blooming of amazing red, purple, pink and white rhododendron and cloud forests through some of the last areas of pristine forest and meadows in Nepal.

There is heavy rainfalls in the lower altitudes in Monsoon which cause floods and landslide. Due to rise in temperature

The trek starts in warm, terraced farmland inhabited by the rai people, an ethnic group found pre-dominantly in the hills of eastern Nepal. 

Equipment's:

  • One pair of sunglasses with good eye protection if you intend to climb glaciers.
  • Head torch with extra batteries
  • Multi-purpose Knife
  • Camera Equipment
  • Walking Stick
  • One warm hat / sun hat
  • Pair of waterproof broken in trekking shoes.

Other Information:

 A full day of exploration awaits you at Makalu Base Camp.

As you ascend from 700m to over 5,000m, you will encounter a variety of scenery in various temperate zones.

 As you approach the base camp, the scenery is awe-inspiring in its grandeur and scale.

 On your day hike to the base camp, Makalu gradually reveals itself as you weave your way around the hillside, and the view from your lodge at MBC is breathtaking.

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