Makalu Base Camp trek
Makalu region blends well with biological diversity, supreme beauty, and amusing cultural heritage and is a perfect destination for trekking. You will reach the Makalu Base Camp (5000m) by passing through the fascinating Arun Valley, Makalu Barun National Park, and Shipton Pass (4127m) and witnessing the surrounding beauties.
Makalu Base Camp (MBC) is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, located at the foot of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world (8,485 meters / 27,838 feet). The best time to trek to Makalu Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather and clear views of the mountains.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a remote and off-the-beaten-path experience in the Himalayas, with the reward of breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num( 1,560m – 3½ hours drive approx).
Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,560m – 800m descent / 800m ascent, 8km, 5-6 hours).
Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun (2,100m – 700m ascent, 8km, 5-6 hours).
Day 06: Acclimatization at Tashi Gaun (rest day)
Day 07: Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma (3,637m – 1,400m ascent, 7.2km, 7 hours).
Day 08: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3,520m)
Day 09: Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka (4,320m)
Day 10: Trek from Nehe Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
Day 11: Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
Day 13: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Khongma
Day 14: Trek from Khongma to Sheduwa
Day 15: Trek from Seduwa to Num and drive to Khadbari
Day 16: Drive from Khadbari to Tumlingtar and Fly to Kathmandu
Day 17: Transfer to International Airport.
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, our HSA representative will warmly welcome you and take you to your hotel where you can rest and relax for the day.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (4-6hr)
You will embark on a tour of the city, including visits to the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa, a stunningly beautiful 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa situated on a hillock that offers breathtaking views of Kathmandu city. Later in the day, explore the artistically rich and culturally vibrant old city of Patan. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num (1,56om)
You will take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, and then drive to Num for an overnight stay.
Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,560m)
The trek begins with a descent towards the Arun River which usually takes about 2 hours. The path is surrounded by cardamom crops and the way down is via large stone steps to the river. After crossing the suspension bridge, you’ll pass through a charming bamboo forest, picturesque villages, and the checkpoint of the Makalu-Barun National Park before arriving at Seduwa. Enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun (2,100m)
The trek takes you through a dense forest of bamboo and rhododendron, as well as past cardamom plantations while ascending the hillside towards Chyaksa Danda. While walking through this beautiful environment, you may hear the sweet chirping of cuckoo birds. Later, you will descend through a log bridge to reach Tashi Gaun. Stay overnight.
Day 06: Acclimatization at Tashi Gaun (rest day)
There will be an acclimatization/rest day at Tashi Gaun. This is an important day to help the trekkers adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. The trekkers can spend the day exploring the village and interacting with the locals, or they can rest and relax at their campsite. The trekkers should also drink plenty of water and eat well to stay hydrated and nourished.
Day 07: Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma (3,637m)
You’ll traverse through the enchanting rhododendron and magnolia forests, with the sound of chirping birds accompanying you along the way. Then, cross a log bridge and marvel at the snow-capped mountains to the east as you make your way to Dhara for lunch. Continuing on your trek, you’ll cross a massive rock formation to reach Unshisa. Then, you’ll begin the uphill climb, passing by prayer flags, until you reach Khongma Danda. Stay overnight.
Day 08: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3,520m)
You will trek from Khongma to Mumbuk, enjoying the surrounding views along the way. You will stay overnight in a lodge.
Day 09: Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka (4,320m) Lodge
You will trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka. The trail passes through a rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents. You will trek through the Barun Valley, which offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and juniper, and you may spot wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, and even the elusive snow leopard if you are lucky. You will stay overnight at Nehe Kharka.
Day 10: Trek from Nehe Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
You will trek from Nehe Kharka to reach your final destination, the Makalu Base Camp. As you make your way, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Finally, you will camp at Makalu Base Camp for the night.
Day 11 – Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp.
As the sun rises, the breathtaking views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks fill the horizon. After breakfast, start a 3-hour trek above the base camp, crossing the river on a log bridge and ascending to reach a viewpoint. From there, enjoy an up-close view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6, and Peak 4. Return to the base camp, or take another path to see the beautiful lake beyond. Spend the night camping under the stars.
Day 12: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
Descending from the base camp, we will follow the same route back and pass through Shershong and Langmale Kharka. We will continue our trek and reach Yangle Kharka, where we will rest for the night.
Day 13: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Khongma
The trek from Yangle Kharka follows the meandering path of the Barun River, with scenic views of alpine forests, rocky ridges, and small streams along the way. After a few hours of trekking, you will arrive at Dobato, where the Barun River flows freely. From there, continue to Khongma, where you will spend the night after a long day of hiking.
Day 14: Trek from Khongma to Seduwa
You will leave Khongma, and Tashi Gaun to reach Seduwa where you will stay overnight.
Day 15: Trek from Seduwa to Num and drive to Khadbari
Begin the descent towards the Arun River, crossing the gushing waters via a sturdy bridge before making your way uphill once more to reach Num. Take a break and have lunch at a local teahouse before hopping onto a vehicle and driving back to Khadbari. Stay overnight.
Day 16: Drive from Khadbari to Tumlingtar and Fly Back to Kathmandu
Following breakfast, begin the return journey to Tumlingtar to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, take some time to rest and relax for the day. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Final Departure
A representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure will accompany you to the International airport in time for your scheduled flight.
What Is Included
- Pickups and drops from Airport.
- 3-star category Accommodation in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
- Normal Teahouses/Lodge Accommodation including Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner during the Trek.
- Farewell dinner at the end of Trek.
- Duffel Bags
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
- All necessary paperwork and permits.
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes.
- Air Transportation : (Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu,
- Drive Tumlingtar to Num and While Returning: Num to Tumlingtar
What Is Not Included
- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Entrance Fee for Sightseeing
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters
Our main paramount is to offer a safe and enjoyable trek for your clients. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you need to bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep in mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat (We provide you a complimentary sunhat)
- Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Other essential important items
- Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
- Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of yours)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)
Medicines and First Aid Kit
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snacks (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player.
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)
- Pee bottle for man and pee funnel for woman
How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a long trek that often lasts more than 20 days. Similarly, you will gain about 5,000 meters in height during the walk, and the path is likewise difficult. Altitude sickness can occur if the procedure is not followed correctly.
When is the best season for the Makalu Base camp trek?
The optimum seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather has remained pleasant and the temperature has remained mild (particularly at low and mid-elevations). The Makalu circuit walk can be done in the winter, but the severe temperatures may be too much for the lodges in this region, which aren’t particularly well equipped.
Is a permit required for the Makalu Base camp trek?
Yes. You’ll need two types of permits in general. The Nepal Government has granted Makalu Barun National Park Permits and TIMS Permits for trekking in the Makalu region.
• A Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit
• A Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card
How do you get to Makalu from Barun National Park?
Take a daily flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Bhojpur, or Tumlingtar to access Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal. The park is easily accessible by road from all of the aforementioned destinations once you’ve landed.
Where is Mt. Makalu located?
Mt. Makalu (8485m) is situated on the Nepal-Tibet border to the southeast of Mt. Everest. It’s the sixth-highest peak on the planet.
Can we trek the Makalu Base Camp Trek solo?
Yes, you can take the Makalu trip on your own or with a guide. However, you must consider your food and lodging. You may find it challenging to follow the trail due to the lack of a hiking route marker or signboard. In addition, there will be fewer tourists trekking to Makalu.
When the weather does not cooperate with our plans, it can be difficult to cope. As a result, it is preferable to hike with a friend, coworker, or an experienced trekking guide. It will aid in the success of a vacation.
What is the maximum altitude that we can reach in Makalu Base Camp Trek?
Makalu Base Camp is the highest point you may reach on the Makalu Trek (5000m).
How is transportation from Kathmandu to the Tumlingtar start point?
Two forms of transportation are available to get you to Tumlingtar, the beginning location of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. One option is to fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which takes 45 minutes.
The second alternative is to take a local bus or a private vehicle to Kathmandu, which is 500 kilometers away. Driving time totals 10 – 12 hours.
Is Makalu Base Camp Trek camping or teahouse?
The Makalu Base Camp trek can be done as a camping trip or as a teahouse stay. It also depends on the size of your group.
If you’re looking for a low-cost option for a group of 1-5 people, a basic teahouse can suffice. However, camping is the greatest option for large groups (more than 5 people).
What kind of food can be found in Makalu Base Camp Trek?
Fresh basic local food such as Nepali Dhal Bhat, Noodles, Fry Rice, and Potatoes may be found. You can pack your refreshments because purchasing them along the trekking paths will be prohibitively pricey.
Important Notes: To save money on drinking water, remember to bring tablets or a filter. Every teahouse in the Makalu region also has safe drinking water that you can replenish (at your own expense).
Can we customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary?
Yes, absolutely! You may customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary to your preferences in terms of duration, cost, and party size.
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