Makalu Base Camp Trek – 20 Days
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Makalu Base Camp Trek – 20 Days

  • Duration21 Days
  • Trip DifficultyStrenuous
  • Best SeasonSpring / Autumn
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum4812m (Makalu Base Camp)
  • TransportVehicle / Flight
  • AccomodationCamping
  • MealsFull Board

Overview

The Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world, And Makalu Base Camp trek is arguably your first-class choice if you are seeking a strenuous adventure followed by soothing views of majestic Himalayas.

This trek is a treasure trove of beauty, for it bears the world’s only protected area the Makalu Barun National Park with an elevation of more than 8000 m. Its staggering flora and fauna with a cornucopia of species, high waterfalls, and mountain peaks will keep you stunned.

In addition to this, you are bound to fall in love with the rivers here—the Arun, the Barun, and the Dudhkoshi among the others are pristine and praiseworthy.

What’s more, the Makalu Base Camp Trek will offer you a rarely savored Kangshung face of Everest which is unparalleled.
It also hosts some of the exclusive creatures, like snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.

The arresting array of things here will not stop amazing you over and over. Despite being magical, and pretty close to the Everest region, the craggy trekking route of the Makalu region is virtually virgin.

The incredibly ravishing area is rich not only naturally—abundantly filled with a myriad of precious plants, and animals, such as snow leopard, wolves, fox, lynx, and beautiful birds—but also culturally.

You will trek along a significantly long route that twists and turns across flat plains of Terai (200 m) having a hot climate to the Makalu Base Camp (4812 m), and covers substantial picturesque natural and cultural heritage of Nepal.

The least visited far-East of Nepal will surely give you a unique experience through its never-seen-before culture, tradition and pastoral life; you will be delighted. The royal views of the south face of the Makalu, as well as the Everest and the Lhotse, will be etched in your heart.

Last but not least, the Sherpas of this region will your heart with their hospitality and splendor.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour with the magnificent Buddhist stupa; Swoyambhunath which is 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley which is called Patan to witness its incredible architecture from medieval period.

Swoyambhunath is one of the oldest stupas of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the valley. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and most glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha.

Patan – the second largest town in the valley is situated to the south of Kathmandu. Patan’s great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous temples of widely diverse styles, as well as many Buddhist monasteries, are scattered around the fascinating town. Patan is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs.

Overnight: Hotel

A panoramic flight to Tumligtar followed by 5 hours dirt road drive to Num.
Overnight: Camping
Flight Time: 40 minutes
Driving Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 226m

We start our adventure from Num, initially descending steeply from the western end of the Num ridge through the cornfields of Lumbang. We continue our way down through jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun Koshi followed by a steep climb to Seduwa (1540m). People of this region are mainly engaged in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. There is a check post and local office of the Makalu Conservation Area where we register national park permits and trekking permit.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 20m

The trail slightly ascends but the major part of the hike is flat and easy through the bushes. Tashigaon, surrounded by verdant forest is a big Sherpa village. We can see prayer flags fluttering in the wind whispering odes of prayers for the dead and forgotten; in and around the village. This is the last settlement in the valley.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 530m

Today is a challenging day as we gain over 1400 meters in elevation on a steep trail. We ascend through forest to a stream and then onto a ridge where there are small shepherds’ huts called Chipla (2520m). After this, the trail becomes even steeper and passes a kharka (commonly owned grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs ascending to the top of the ridge followed by short descend to Khongma where we spend the night.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +1490m

The beginning of the trek climbs through steps switch backing adorned with prayer flags to a ridge (3840m),where there is a wonderful views of Chhamlang, Mt. Tutse-Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6105m). Following a rugged path we reach a beautiful lake named Kalo Pokhari (4004m). Leaving this small lake we ascend again through Shipton Pass (4170m) which was named after Eric Shipton, who used this pass with Edmund Hillary on their 1952 Everest reconnaissance. We then cross Tutu la (4080m) and enter a valley filled with rhododendron forest and continue on to Mumbuk.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 40m

Our trek descends to Barun Khola through fir and rhododendron forests and crosses a small cave (3250m) and then traverses up and down to a large open area from where we can have excellent views of Mt. Tutse-Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6185m). We continue our trek and finally reach Yangle Kharka.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 230m

It is relatively short day. We follow the Barun valley passing Piphuk Kharka (3930m) and climbing alongside a waterfall and on to a swampy meadow and stream. Then continuing our trek through the meadows we reach to Yak Kharka.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 4 hour
Difference in Elevation: + 300m

We spend another day here in order to acclimatize rapidly gain altitude and also to explore the surroundings.
Overnight: Camping

As we finally approach to Makalu Base Camp, we trek through Shersong and gradually climb to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. Then we descend to a stream and cross boulders to the base camp on the west side of the river where there is terrific view of the south face of Makalu. Also, the views of different mountain peaks like Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), are incredible from this camping site.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 762m

We retrace our steps down the Barun valley to the pleasant camp of Yangle Kharka. we walk through a rocky forest path with views of green hills.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1062m

We continue descending through the rock-fall area and then climb up the rocky gully to the forest of Mumbuk.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 230m

Retracing our steps back to Khogma; we trek through Shipton pass, Kalo Pokhari and Kauma la.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 40m

Continuing our descends, we trek down to Tashigaon. It is basically downhill trek for whole day.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1490m

The trail initially descends steeply to the Arun river passing through Seduwa village followed by a steep ascent to Num.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 510m

A scenic drive for about 5 hours on a dirt road to Tumlingtar.
Overnight: Camping
Driving Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 1050m

A scenic flight back to Kathmandu for about 40 minutes.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 40 Minutes
Difference in Elevation: + 824m

Overnight: Hotel

Transfer to the airport and departure.

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport/hotel/airport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu (Based on double occupancy. If you would like a single room, or plan to travel alone, this can be arranged for an additional fee.)
  • Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flights, fee, taxes: Kathmandu-Tumlingtar – Kathmandu
  • Private Jeeps for Tumlingtar – Num – Tumlingtar
  • Trekking permits: TIMS & National park entry fee
  • A professional English speaking Tour Guide for Kathmandu visits
  • Professional Trekking guide, Assistant guides, Cooks and porters for trekking part
  • Road transportation for the staff
  • Meals Full board during trek
  • Accommodation in tents / camping during the trek
  • All necessary documents and government tax
  • Insurance for all staff (including Guides, Cooks, porters as applicable)

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal Tourist Visa ($50 for 30 Days, obtained upon arrival)
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except for the welcome dinner)
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, WiFi/internet access, charging of personal devices, hot showers, laundry service, medications or medical care, etc.
  • Travel Insurance (This is required. We strongly advise that your coverage include accidents, repatriation, helicopter evacuation and medical care.)
  • Alternative/additional transportation (flights/vehicles), food and accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade, political unrest, flight cancellation etc.
  • Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
  • Tips for Tour, trekking staff and drivers

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

  • Day back-pack
  • Gore-Tex Jacket
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Micro Fleece
  • Trekking Trousers
  • Hiking shoes (Boots)
  • Runners (sport shoes)
  • Trekking Socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun-glasses
  • Water bottles
  • Thermal underwear(long)
  • T- shirts
  • Sunscreen/lotion
  • Flip flop (sandal)
  • Towel Hat(Baseball cap)
  • Pristine drops (Water purifier)
  • Head light / flash light
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Gloves
  • Wind Proof Trouser(s)
  • Personal medical kid
  • Toiletries

Makalu Base Camp Trek – 20 Days Gallery

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