Makalu Base Camp Trekking

22 Days

Makalu Base Camp Trekking in eastern Nepal takes place inside the Makalu Barun National Park. This area is full of lush green forest well habitat of different species of birds, including the Wren Babbler that is rarely found in other parts of the world and more than 75 species of mammals adapted. Makalu trek offers an encounter with Red Panda, Snow-Leopard and Musk Deer. The less crowded trekking route to Makalu Base Camp offers unique culture of locals with dramatic views of landscape and mountains.

Trip Highlights

  • Walking into the Makalu Barun National Park
  • Camping trekking to Makalu Base Camp
  • Trekking in Nepal’s most remote and unspoiled destination
  • Unique local culture of people
  • Verities of birds, animals and plants

Makalu Base Camp Trek in eastern Nepal is less crowed unspoiled trekking route. Our riveting trek will take us to the Makalu Base Camp, 5,000m above ground! While this trek is one of the most challenging trekking package that we offer.  Our three-week Makalu trekking itinerary is designed to ease altitude acclimatization and maximize the vivid scenery, rich cultural interactions, and singular experiences of Himalayan trekking.

Mount Makalu is one of the formidable “eight thousands,” those peaks over 8,000m. While it is “only” the fifth-tallest mountain on Earth, it was the last of the eight thousands to be summitted in the winter – it is widely considered to be one of the most challenging climbs in the world.

The foothills and trekking route of Makalu are nestled in a former restricted conservation area, and even today pristine, and wild in the best possible way. Trek to Makalu Base Camp is a camping trek that will bring you close to the untamed loveliness of Nepal’s most remote outposts and the cherished cultures of its most isolated inhabitants. We’ll pass through five different ecological zones, viewing a diversity of flora and fauna as we go.

There are very few teahouse and lodge available in the route, so it is suggested for fully organize a camping trek. Not for a single, a group of adventure seekers who love the wilderness trekking is worth to do. Makalu Base Camp trekking is best in autumn and spring season. A previous trekking experience is highly recommended for this adventure trek.

Outline Itinerary

DayProgramElevation
1Arrival to TIA airport. Pick up from there then check in to hotel in Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu.1440m
2Fly to Tumlingtar , Trek to Khadbari1025m
3Trek from Khadbari to Chichila1800m
4Trek from Chichile to Num1500m
5Trek Num to Seduwa1493m
6Trek Seduwa to Tashi Gaun2200m
7Trek Tashi Gaun to Kahuma Danda3500m
8Trek Kahuma Danda to Mumbuk3400m
9Trek Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka3750m
10Trek from Nehe Kharka to Sherson4600m
11Free day at Sherson for a day excursion4600m
12Trek Sherson to Yangri Kharka3645m
13Trek from Yangri Kharka to Mumbuk3400m
14Trek from Mumbuk to Kahuma Danda3500m
15Trek from Kahuma Danda to Navagaun2500m
16Trek from Navagaun to Num via Seduwa
17Trek from Num to Chichile1800m
18Trek from Chichile to Khadbari
19Trek from Khadbari to Tumlingtar400m
20Trek from Khadbari to Tumlingtar1440m
21Free Day in Kathmandu1345m
22Free Day in Kathmandu1345m

<p>Our team member will be waiting outside the airport terminal a few meters from the exit door. Please check your name at Showcard. He will bring you to hotel in Kathmandu. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. After refreshment, we will brief your plan more visibly.</p>

<p>This is the beginning day of your trek. In the morning you'll be transferred to domestic airport fly to Tumlingtar observing range of snow capped peaks from Ganesh Himal to Mt. Everest, Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga. We will arrive at Tumlingtar after 40 munities scenic flight. Then we start our adventurous journey with our crew heading upward through the Kumal village to the Khadbari in the midst of the sub-tropical forest of Sal tree (Sorea-Robusta) and more farm fields along the way, as we come to a town of Khadbari a major town of the Makalu region and from Khadbari with up and down walk lead to the camp at Mani Bhanjyang. Rest of the day we explore the town and overnight attended camp or Hotel.</p>

<p>After breakfast, we start our adventure with few flat then ascending to the ridge on a wide and well-used trail, reaching our lunch stop at Bhotebas. Then the trail goes to through fertile land and forested path brings you to the top of the small ridge at Chichila village for the overnight at tent. Where is settled few local houses with superb scenic mountains of Mt. Makalu and Kumbakarna range.</p>

<p>Totay our journey leads us through the cool and serene forest of rhododendron, oaks and hemlocks as we climb to the top of the ridge. Then it is almost downhill for two hours to the Num- is a small village with about fifteen houses and a primary school on the large flat ground, where we have good view of our route for the next couple of days from our camp site.</p>

<p>At first, we extremely steep head down and terraced slopes towards the Arun River, nearly 800 meters below. The lower slopes of this narrow valley are densely forested and the paths are quite slippery, after reaching the bottom we cross the suspension bridge across the torrential Arun River. Then we climb back out of the rain forest, reaching our lunch place and further steep climb takes us up to Seduwa a village with a small health post and a primary school. Our camp will set nearby.</p>

<p>After breakfast, we have pleasant easy short walk about 3-4 hours takes you to country side farm villages, again it is gradual trail and an uphill climb for an hour through the millet and rice fields takes you the to the Tashi Gaun. We'll overnight at camp and rest of the time walk around the village.</p>

<p>Today, we leave the human settlement for our destination. After Tashi Gaun we walk through the refreshing beautiful shade of the rhododendron and oaks forest, then leaving the dense forest coming to a summer pastures with traces of temporary made shepherd huts. From here onwards to Kahuma ridge is strenuous uphill climb, where tree lines also declines for the bushes of rhododendron and juniper. We'll stay overnight at tented camp with scenic mountain ranges during the moon light.</p>

<p>This is superb view of snow capped mountains and the surrounding landscapes. Our trek follows a gradual trail with few ups and down pass through the Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari (small pond). In the heavy snow fall, the path from here can be quite misleading and it will be difficult to find the trail sometime. We walk further cross the pass of Keke La pass (4230m) Tutu-la (4,200m) where there is a chorten. Then we walk all downhill back to vegetation, a small clearing place for camping in the middle of the woods of pines, hemlock, birch and rhododendrons to reach at Mumbuk for the overnight.</p>

<p>The day begins with a sharp descent down a wooden narrow valley and continues on to cross the Barun Khola just beyond Tamatan Kharka take about 6-7 hours. Then the trial goes unclear along much of the route. It can also be slippery with numerous and rock falls often, so you have to walk carefully. After this you follow the Barn Khola along its northern bank. Trial goes through the seasonal settlement of Yangri Kharka and a little ahead is the Nehe Kharka for overnight stay.</p>

<p>Today, our trek begins crossing the wooden bridge on the Barun River and walk on the boulders, where a large prayer wall is can be seen. After 2-3 hours walk the vegetation gets thin, although the rhododendron, barberries, cotoneaster and juniper bushes keep on for some time. With a pleasant walk we get nearer to Sherson, where we have sight of the lower Barun glacier and the towering majestic Mt. Makalu. This is also the lower base camp of Mt. Makalu. There are number of stone enclosures at this high grazing ground with outstanding view of host of peaks, including the upper part of Makalu south face, and Mt. Baruntse (7,220m) and at Sherson we make camp for the night.</p>

<p>This is rest day; you have full day rest at the camp or visit around some interesting hike and view points to explore. The most scenic walk would be taking a hike on the right side of the camp above for the closer view of Mt. Makalu, Barun Pokhari and the view of the rare face of Everest the Kanshung face with Lhotse. A one hour steep up brings you to the large meadow you can walk farther up to have a greater view of the mentioned peaks and more other peaks of this area and beyond. After exploring that stroll back to the camp.</p>

<p>After a wonderful exploration in the surrounding valley, we trek back to end of the Barun valley named Yak Kharka about 6 or 7 hours for the overnight camp.</p>

<p>After breakfast, we continuing journey trek back about 5-6 hours to Mumbuk, after leaving the Barun Valley it is all uphill to the overnight camp in the midst of the alpine forest at Mumbuk and enjoy the day stroll back from trek.</p>

<p>We retrace the journey about 5-6 hours back to Kahuma Danda (ridge) via Shipton-la and Thulo Pokhari for the overnight camp. Enjoy the scenic picturesque spot and evening rest at the camp.</p>

<p>Today, we trek back to Tashi Gaun and continue walk towards Navagaun on the upper trail for another 2/3 hours through the cool shade of the forest after leaving the forest area, coming towards the farm terraces and eventually to the village of Navagaun, another Sherpa village which is much larger than Tashi Gaun, situated right above the Seduwa village.</p>

<p>After breakfast, we fallow downhill track through the farm fields for an hour or two to Seduwa village. From Seduwa retrace the journey to Num, with 2-3 hours downhill and after the bridge another 2/3 hours brings you back to Num for the overnight camp. Enjoy the walk during the re-track to Num village.</p>

<p>Today, we trek back to Chichile, the first 2/3 hours is all uphill and reach at the top of ridge, from here onwards it is almost downhill all the way to the overnight camp at Chichile. Enjoy exploring the village.</p>

<p>This is pleasant walk through this route back to Khadbari about 5-6 hours, the forest, farm lands and small villages passing and further walk to gradual path, leading you to the large village town of Khadbari, where nearby we'll overnight stop at our camp.</p>

<p>This is our last day walk leads an easy 3/4 hours downhill walk brings you back to Tumlingtar for lunch and the last overnight camp of this great memorable adventure journey and this will be your last night with the trekking staffs and porters as well. We celebrate evening after completion of the long trek and overnight at camp.</p>

<p>We fly to Kathmandu via Biratnagar or direct flight depends on the flight schedule and season. We will come to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel and remaining time simply rest and relax at the hotel.</p>

<p>In this pleasant day you may have full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore around Thamel.</p>

<p>Our assist will be transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.</p>

Price Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop by private transport
  • All the trekking transfer by local bus (private transport will cost extra)
  • 1 nights hotel in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel ( centrally located, attach bathroom, hot and cold shower)
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period.
  • Best available accommodations during the trek in Teahouse/tent camp.
  • TIMS CARD (Trekking Information Management System) - ( we need two photos each for permit
  • Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu Flight Tickets/ ground transport for Clients and Trekking Crews.
  • All the camping equipment such as sleeping tent, Dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, sleeping mattress, Sleeping Bag and necessary Kitchen Equipment etc.)
  • An experience trekking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), trekking cook, kitchen helper, Sherpa
  • Necessary number of porter’s their meal /accommodation / transportation / salary / insurance / equipment’s are included in price.
  • Trekking Permits for Makalu-Makalu Restricted Area.
  • Trekking poles, sleeping bag/duffle bag (we provide these if necessary).
  • Trekking Maps
  • Rubbish Disposal
  • Our Service Charge and Government Taxes

Price Exclude

  • All meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra nights hotel stay in Kathmandu.
  • Tips to guides and support staff.
  • Additional costs in case of emergency (You must have adequate travel insurance to cover any kind of emergencies, such as ground transportation & Heli recue/medical/hospitalization. Medical etc).
  • Your International flight ticket airfare
  • Energetic chocolate/energy drinks/alcohol/mineral water/cigarettes/packing food snacks etc
  • Additional medication for altitude sickness (Acetazolamide etc).
  • Personal expenses and any other unforeseen expenses, such as Laundry/WIFI on trek/phone call
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Nepal entry visa fees which can get up on your arrival in Kathmandu airport
  • Sightseeing tour and All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned herein
1. How difficult are the treks?

It depends on the individuals’ adaptation of walking in any situation and at any circumstances. It depends on the location and choice of trekkers. Both difficult as well as easy treks are available. Difficulty of the treks depends on the region of the trek and duration of it. Shorter treks tend to be easier while longer ones require some physical fitness.

2. How safe Women traveling alone with your company?

Completely, we assure the safety and security of the women travelling with us. We will provide the privacy that the women need. We will also give you a personal room on lodge and personal tent for camping while trekking.

3. What is tea house trekking?

Tea House Trek – is a trek during which at the end of each trekking day you stay for overnight in Tea Houses. “Trekking Guide Team Adventure” also organizes Camping Treks during which you stay for overnight in tents which our guides will set up for you and food during such treks will be cooked by our experienced cook.

4. Can I get Nepal visa on arrival?

Yes, you can get it in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As you arrive to airport fill the form and proceed to the visa line. You have to pay 25US$ for 15 days of visa from the day of issue, 40US$ for 30days and 100US$ for 90 days of tourist visa. For this you have to bring two passport size photos.

5. What is the best air route to my destination?

There are enough airline companies operating daily flights from Middle East of Kathmandu. Kathmandu only has got only international airport in Nepal so, where ever you are coming from you must come through tribhuvan international airport.

6. What type of insurance should I have before come to Nepal? Can I get it there?

For coming to Nepal you should have both medical and Rescue evacuation insurance. Yes you can get it here too, but we recommend purchasing it in your own country to avoid any last minute hassle and basal.

7. When should I travel to Nepal?

In Nepal it rains a lot between Junes to August. You too can enjoy great treks during this period of year in rain shadow region. But if you planning for more popular trek autumn and spring is the best time. As during this period climate will be moderate and will favorable for the trekking.

8. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

Nepal has modern banking facilities having branches of some international bank. Almost all foreign currency along with credit card such as American Express, Visa and Master card are accepted. Nepal also has ATM facilities.

9. When should I book my trip?

We suggest you to book your trip in advance to avoid the disappointment and hassles. We too will make an effort to accommodate last minute bookings but some time due to the last minute planning we may unintentionally make few mistake which may offend you so it will be better to do advance booking.

10. Is someone going to meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?

Yes, our agency representative will pick you from airport. We will be displaying our placard of your name with our agency name.

11. How much spending money should I bring?

This depends on the destination you will be at and package, facilities you may choose . However our trip profile will give you information about how to budget form additional meals, optional excursions and extra expenses that might occur in any specific trip.

12. Does your company help to arrange domestic flight, international flight, hotel bookings and other services?

Since we are Nepal based company we refer to arrange your international flights from your home town. But domestic flight ticket will be included in our package. Other help like river rafting, city guided tour, mountain flight, jungle safari will be provided according to your necessities.

13. What is the physical conditioning level needed for trekking?

If you are in good physical condition then you do not require any hiking experience for short trekking. But if you are planning for the longer ones then you should do long day hikes at your home.

14. Is a Trekking permit needed?

Permit is not required for trekking in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and some other regions. However, conservation permits or National park permits are required. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal where trekking permits are required.

15. Are the food / water safe to eat / drink?

All the meals are prepared with high standards of hygiene, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most of lodges serve boiled and filter water which is safe. It is also possible to buy the bottle of mineral water in the trek.

16. What happens if there is an emergency?

All of our guides are trained with first aid and have basic idea about the physical problems that may arise during trekking. If an emergency occur then we will cover initial expenses of rescue operation as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. For minor cases there are health posts established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel.

17. What are your payment terms?

You need to pay 30% of total price as advance deposit to conform reservation before arriving to Nepal. Rest of the payment can be paid after arrival.

18. Can we bring some food from home?

19. You can bring power bars, cereal bars and similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.

20. Is there any communication when we are on the mountain?

In the way in many villages along the popular trekking routes you can find telephones from where you can make international calls. And now a days we have the internet facilities most of the trekking destination.

21. What’s the difference between trekking, hiking and mountain climbing?

You can do all day walk, where you stay overnight (or several nights) at three activities in Nepal, but they are quite different things. Trekking is a multi-the place you’ve walked to.
Hiking generally refers to a one-day walk. It might be two hours or eight, but if it takes place within a single day, it’ll probably be referred to as a hike.
Mountain climbing is another thing entirely. It takes special equipment, training and comes with more risk. Neither trekking nor hiking require any special skill, other than the ability to walk.

Permit & Entry Fees:

It is compulsory to pay Everest National Park entry fee and TIMS card to trek in this area.

Medical Support:

An emergency first aid kit is carried by the support staff at all times.

Accommodation and meals:

During tea house treks our guests pay for their food (breakfast/lunch/dinner) at the lodge while we provide guides/accommodation/necessary permit and transportation. It can be USD $25 per person each day for food (Lunch/dinner/breakfast)

Water:

Mineral waters are available at all stops during tea house treks. You can also use tap water if you choose to use water purification tablets.

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients who choose to trek or climb with us. The insurance should cover you in case of emergencies like accidents, altitude sickness and ambulance and helicopter rescue charges if required. Please carry a copy of your insurance papers while travelling in Nepal and do send us a copy as well. This will help us in making all the necessary arrangements in case of any sort of emergencies.

Best Season for Everest Panorama View Trek

  • Spring : March – May
  • Summer: June – August
  • Autumn: September – November
  • Winter: December – February

While there are no seasonal constraints on traveling to Nepal, different regions are best visited in different seasons. Once you inquire about any trekking itinerary we’ll email you regarding the best season for that particular trek.

Check-list of personal equipment:

  • Good standard trekking boots
  • Camping shoes/thongs
  • Socks-polypropylene
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece
  • T-shirts
  • Trekking trousers
  • Shorts (both casual and for treks)
  • Swim wear
  • Sun Hat
  • Woollen Hat
  • Nylon Windbreaker
  • Gloves
  • Gaters
  • Strong Rucksack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Water Bottle
  • Torch/headlamp (with spare batteries)
  • Toiletries/soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Sun block
  • Travel Towel
  • Wet-wipes
  • Medication (cough medicine, throat soothers, water purification tablets)
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & lenses
  • Memory cards
  • GPS Tracking Units may be helpful
  • Altimeter
  • Compass
  • Book/music player/pack of cards
  • Padlock
  • A plastic bag for waste
  • Energy/snack bars

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Makalu Base Camp Trekking