Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations, lies in the area of Makalu Barun National Park and conservation area, in the heart of eastern Nepal. Makalu Base Camp trek allows you to explore Makalu Barun National Park, situated in Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha district in Nepal. It is one of the exceptional trails to the unexplored area which offers you an excellent opportunity to explore high altitude, beautiful terrains with Makalu Barun National Park.
Makalu Base Camp is the world fifth highest peak in Nepal. This adventurous trek is quite challenging as well as regarded as an outstanding trek to the most remote and unfrequented trekking areas of Nepal. This trek displays impressive immaculate woods, snow-capped meadows, and imperiled untamed life in Nepal during your trail which make your trek one of the best treks in your life. Not only this, it also lets you encounter with the native people of the mountains and observe their unique culture and lifestyle. Makalu Barun National Park is the major attraction of this trek which offers you to visit natural paradise on the earth that is filled with beautiful mountains, a wide variety of flora and fauna, pristine forest and warm-hearted native people with rich and varied customs.
The way to the Makalu Base Camp trek, let you encounter a wide assorted quality of biological communities, distinctive ethnic community and impressive view of stunning mountains such as; Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Chhamlang and many more. Beside this, you will also get chances to visit The Makalu Barun National Park and encounter with remote wilderness and habitat wildlife. Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is an extraordinary experience for the nature lovers. Makalu Base Camp was restricted area in the past but now it is officially open for trekking which also extent five major ecological zones, they are; the Lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests of rhododendron and fir and alpine meadows.
Short Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila
Day 04: Trek from Chichila to Num
Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa
Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon
Day 07: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Khongma
Day 09: Trek from Khongma to Dobato
Day 10: Trek from Dobato to Yangri Kharka
Day 11: Trek to Langmale Kharka
Day 12: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 14: Trek back from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
Day 15: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobato
Day 16: Trek from Dobato to Khongma Danda
Day 17: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon
Day 18: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa
Day 19: Trek from Seduwa to Num
Day 20: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar
Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel in Thamel
Day 22: Kathmandu rest Day
Day 23: Farewell, International departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Our representative will pick up you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel where you can rest and be fresh. In the evening, our representative will explain the further trek and you can enjoy welcome dinner. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek Preparation
After early breakfast, we will manage you to visit major world heritage sites in Kathmandu such as; Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, Monkey Temple (Swyambhunath) and Bouddhanath Stupa. In the evening, you will prepare all the essential factors needed for the further trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila
After breakfast, in the morning you can take a domestic flight to Tumlingtar which offers you aerial views of breathtaking snow-capped Mountains such as; Ganesh Himal to Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. After 40 minutes scenic flight from Kathmandu, we will arrive at Tumlingtar and we will drive to Chichira, a small Gurung village. Overnight at Chichila.
Day 04: Trek from Chichila to Num
Today, after the early breakfast we start our day with an early morning hike towards Num Valley. A quiet and slow-paced walk through the beautiful and picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to the beautiful Num village. We can explore this beautiful village and stay overnight over there.
Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa
Today, we climb down the descent through forests and terraced farms which takes us to Barun River, nearly 800 meters below. We cross the river and follow a similarly steep ascent up the opposite side once again. Now, we enter into the Makalu Barun National Park and get the permits registered at the checkpoint. We stay at the camp overnight on the top of Seduwa village.
Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun
After breakfast, we take a short and pleasant walk about 3-4 hours to Tashi Gaun which takes you to small villages. After we cross the hillside through quiet villages, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaun.
Day 07: Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma Danda
After breakfast, we leave the human settlement for our destination. This will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher elevations. We walk through the refreshing, beautiful shade of the rhododendron oak forest, then leaving the dense forest. The trail of Kharka is steeper. This finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short distance towards Khongma Danda.
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Khongma
The free day will allow some substantially rest before we take crossing of the Shipton La the following day. For the individuals who wish to investigate the close-by encompassing can stroll around the region. Overnight in home-stay/hold up.
Day 09: Trek from Khongma to Dobato
After breakfast, we climb towards the peak of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), disregard the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the beautiful views of many mountains. After crossing the Keke La Pass, we head to the beautiful valley to Dobato.
Day 10: Trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka
Today, after breakfast, we head toward Yangle Kharka from Dobato through rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. The first two hours of this trekking trail are steep and arduous, so we have to be very careful. Then after some pleasant and slow walk, we finally arrive at Yangri Kharka located at the base of the valley.
Day 11: Day 11: Trek to Langmale Kharka
Today, we pass through yak pastures, boulder fields and lush forests following a moderate walk in the valley. We limit our rate of ascent to ensure that our body has the necessary time to acclimatize because of the high altitude.
Day 12: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Today is a relatively short trekking day, we make it to the Base Camp. Today trek will offer stunning views of its south face, including Baruntse, Everest, and Lhotse. The trial surrounds flat with icy glaciers and snow-clad mountains us.
Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp
The Makalu Base Camp is a rocky, barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the glorious south face of Makalu and the complete scene of Everest and Lhotse.
Day 14: Trek back from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
From Makalu Base camp we climb down and take our view of Makalu before a turn on our way back to Yangri Kharka. We walk across Langmale Kharka, Shersong, Merek and finally reach Yangri Kharka.
Day 15: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobato
Today we descend from Yangri Kharka to Dobato through rock falls, green forests and the valley to reach the village of Dobate. We walk alongside the Barun River for the most part of the trail.
Day 16: Trek from Dobato to Khongma Danda
Today, we begin our trek with a steep climb from Dobato to Mumbuk and then continue through the lush forest of rhododendron and firs. We then cross Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and karma La to reach Khongma Danda.
Day 17: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon
Today, we walk along the hillside with frequent long and steep descent, cutting through the hillsides. Then enters deep into the thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon.
Day 18: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa
Today, we retrace our steps as we leave the Makalu Barun National Park behind and climb down to the Barun River. We then cross the hillside, river and walking through the hillside, we come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again.
Day 19: Trek from Seduwa to Num
Today, after breakfast, we leave Seduwa behind and trek through lush forests towards Num village. The trail goes up and down and through lush forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards.
Day 20: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar
After breakfast, we retrace our step through the Chihira from where we can view the glorious glimpse of Mt. Makalu for the last time. The final stop of this glorious trek is Tumlingtar.
Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel in Thamel
Today, early in the morning after breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We take a rest day off in the hotel. In the evening, we celebrate our successful journey to the Makalu Base Camp.
Day 22: Kathmandu rest Day
Today we’ll explore half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. We’ll visit different religious and historical places in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Temple, Soyambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and many more. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 23: International departure
The tour comes to an end. A representative will help you with your final departure.
Included in the Cost
- All the Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle, car/van or bus (depends on the group size)
- Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast at a 3-star level (4 nights)
- One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (cultural Heritages, UNESCO World Heritage sites by Private Vehicle.
- Tumlingtar to Chichila drive by Jeep
- Entrance fee for Kathmandu Durbar Square, Temple, and Monuments during the city tour in Kathmandu Valley.
- Professional English-speaking Tour guide during a city tour.
- An experienced, Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and English speaking, government-licensed trekking guide.
- Porter / sherpa service to curry your duffel bag (2 clients 1 porter )
- All necessary paperwork such as Makalu Burun National Park entry fee, trekking permit, TIMS Card (Trekkers information Management system).
- Accommodation on the Tea House/ Mountain Lodge/Guest House/camp, Twin sharing bases with 3 times meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with tea and coffee during the trekking
- Mountain King Treks and Expedition printed T-Shirt, Duffel bag and Makalu Barun route map souvenir for you.
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Group medical Supplies (First Aid Kit) carry by the guide
- All the meals, accommodation, equipment’s, salary, transportation, Insurance and local tax for all trekking staff.
- Domestic flight tickets from Kathmandu/ Tumlingtar/ Kathmandu.
- Trip achievement appreciation certificate
- All the tax, vat, local tax, and services charge.
Not Included in the Cost
- International Airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gears
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages, hot water, mineral water during the trek.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet, sweet snacks beverages barbill and battery charge
- Tips for tour/trekking staff and driver
- Extra night Kathmandu Hotel early arrival from Trekking and late Departure.
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include a section
Trekking equipments
The main essentials to bring are:
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, flip-flops
- Sleeping bag (depending on your accommodation) and -20 degree Celsius for colder regions
- Daypack, trekking bag pack, dry sack and camera bag
- Few changes of clothes for the varying temperatures
- For cold weather, hiking pants, thermals, gloves, neck warmer/scarf, beanie, a warm inner jacket and a windproof / waterproof outer jacket and down jacket are essential.
- Water purification supplies, a reusable water bottle and a camelback water bladder
- Sunscreen, Hat, sunglasses, moisturizing skin cream and lip balm
- Few snacks, granola bars
- Hiking stick or two
- Waterproof case, fabric bandages such as moleskin, a headlamp, altitude sickness and other medication
- Camera and binoculars.
- Hand sanitizers, toilet paper, band-aids, wet wipes
- Extra batteries (solar chargers recommended)
On the popular trekking routes, everyday supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, chocolate bars, and even basic hiking supplies can be purchased along the way, though prices rise dramatically as you go higher in elevation. Try to stock up lower down and buy locally-produced products such as fruit, biscuits etc. Maps are easy to find in Nepal. For the more difficult treks involving mountaineering, crampons and ice axes may be required. Simpler types of crampons, which attach to the shoe using a rubber ring, are easily obtainable in the Thamel neighborhood. These are variously known as spikes, micro spikes and chains.
