Makalu Base Camp Treking

Makalu Base Camp Trek offers a classic, trekking experience towards the world’s fifth highest summit (8483m/27818ft). It begins with a 35 minute scenic flight past the Everest range and Makalu to the village of Tumlingtar above the Arun River. 

From here the Makalu trekking trail passes through the remote and undeveloped Makalu Barun Buffer Zone where terraced fields surround many delightful villages before entering the National Park. From here on, despite passing through some tiny villages, only official camping sites may be used and their spacing leads to some strenuous days with large gains in altitude. 

From high ridges, distant views of Mount Kanchenjunga in the east, Makalu and the Everest group in the west come variously into view. Rhododendron and pine forests line the Barun River and are home to deer, languor monkeys and many birds. Blue sheep keep to higher open slopes – as do snow leopards. Scenic Yangle Kharka has an impressive waterfall and these high trails will be frequented by herds of grazing yaks below the impressive peaks of 3, 5, Yaupa and the Chamlang Himal along the Tibetan border. 

A rest and acclimatisation day at Shershong offers two possibilities: A long and tiring trip northwest leads to the Makalu Base Camp and further on the Swiss Base Camp both on the banks of the bleak Barun Pokhari. The alternative is to walk up the slopes northeast of the campsite of Peak 3 for an overview of the Base Camp sites and stupendous views of Makalu; to the east Everest, Lhotse and Lhotse Shar – all over 8300m as well as the South Col and further out the west face of Kangshung amongst other notable peaks along this range and to the south.  

The quicker return journey offers the opportunity to complete your photographic portfolio and savour the unspoiled landscapes; which are fast becoming a rarity in Nepal.

Sturdy boots, warm/waterproof clothing, a good sleeping bag, day pack camera sunscreen and hat are essential items. Only full camping Makalu trek is possible in this region with all supplies carried by local porters from the start. Our Makaulu Base Camp trekking package includes transport, porters, meals, sturdy tent accommodation and safe drinking water. 

Online Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Tumlingtar (640m/1500ft)  - Chichila (1840m/6100ft) 35 min flight & 4-5 hrs drive.

Day 04: Chichila – Num (1500m/4921ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 05: Num – Seduwa (1493m/4898ft) 4-5 hrs trek.

Day 06: Seduwa – Tashi Gaun (2057m/6749ft) -4-5 hrs trek

Day 07: Rest and acclimatizing day in Tashigaun.

Day  08: Tashi Gaun – Khongma ( 3560m/11800ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 09: Khongma – Dobate (3620m/11871ft) 5-6 hrs trek

Day  10: Dobate – Yangle Kharka (3620m/11877) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 11: Yangle Kharka  - Yak Kharka (4400 m/14550ft) 4-5 hrs trek

Day 12: Merek – Shersong (4660 m/155ft) 2-3 hrs trek.

Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Cam / Everest view point ridge – Shersong: 7- 8 hrs.

Day 14:Shersong – Yangle Kharka : 4-5 hrs trek

Day 15: Yangle Kharka – Dobate: 4-5 hrs.

Day 16: Dobate – Khongma : 5-6 hrs trek

Day 17: Khongma – Seduwa : 6-7 hrs trek

Day 18: Seduwa – Num : 4 hrs trek.

Day 19: Num – chichila: 5 hrs trek – Tumlingtar : 3-4 hrs Jeep drive.

Day 20: Fly Tumlingtar – Kathmandu : 35 min

Day 21: Final departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.

            "OR"

For more fantastic ideal trip to extend your valued holiday in Nepal, from riding elephant in Chitwan to tours in Tibet and Bhutan, please follow the link.

Cost Inclusive:

• All airport/Hotel transfers
• 2 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB Plan
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
• Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
• All mountain accommodation
• flight Kathmandu/Tumlingtar/Kathmandu
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (Govt. registered trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• All necessary paper work and permits ( Makalu National Park Permit  )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes
• Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive:

• Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks
• Mineral water
• Personal expenses
• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance & evacuation

Makalu base camp trekking itinerary

Day 01:  Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Our MMT Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our Treks & Expeditions logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon free.  Evening: a welcome dinner, hosted by our management team, to introduce you to your guide, brief you on the trek and check on necessities. 

Day 02:  Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
After breakfast, day will start our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley such as, pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Stupa Bouddhanath, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas visit historical Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temple, unique ancient art, architectures, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs.
         

             “OR”
Leisure and easy day for different interest.

Day 03:  Fly Kathmandu – Tumlingtar (640m/1500ft)  - Chichila (1840m/6100ft) 35 min flight & 5-6 hrs drive.
We take a morning tranquility trans-Himalayan flight to Tumlingtar, where we meet our trek crew. Drive north of Shoba Khola along the ridge above flat warm valley Tumlintar toward Khadbari. Road continues through beautiful terraced field with the superb view of green valley then slope downhill road brings us our campsite Chichila. Enjoy the sun set and Mt. Maklau range Overnight stay in camp.      

Day 04:  Chichila – Num (1500m/4921ft) 5-6 hrs trek
We enjoy a lovely view of Mt. chamlang (7319m) Makalu (8463m) and sawtooth ridges of   forest walk with many birds. Trail continues bumpy road, often following short cut passing Sherpa settlement fururu at 1900m. Gentle ascent along the ridgeline through the woodland that has been heavily denuded firewood gathers of local villages. Soon following descended off road pass Mure and leads to the spectacularly positioned village of Num. Overnight in the camp.

Day 05:Num – Seduwa (1493m/4898ft) 4-5 hrs trek.
Trail turns off  to the north of ridge and descend steeply to Aurn River at 620 m. trek continues crossing dubious-looking suspension bridge which ascends same range of ascends along the exposed rocky farming field of Pachowk. Ascend continue about 1000 m through dense forest, eventually brings to beautiful camp site Seduwa. Here is large flat camping lawn righ above the check point of Makalu Barun National park check point. Num village can be clearly seen in front of Camp site laying on long green agricultural hill. Overnight stay in camp

Day 06:Seduwa – Tashi Gaun (2057m/6749ft) -4-5 hrs trek
We climb a ridge passing mani wall and climb gently northward through rice terrace to the village Manigaun. A short day\'s trek, climbing and then contouring beautiful village and wilderness forest around to the last settlement on the walk-in, at Tashigaon. Overnight stay in camp.

Day 07: Rest and acclimatizing day in Tashigaun.
Take a wonderful walk along Sherpa village, do some washing and take easy day.

Day  08: Tashi Gaun – Khongma ( 3560m/11800ft) 5-6 hrs trek
We ascend steeply through dense forest of Rhododendron passing many ridges and seasonal Yak herders to a open hill with a tea shop. Trail rises again to Chipla at 2520 m, here trail even comes steeper., struggling up past stream and a huge overhanging rock right below the mani danda. Our destination Khongma welcomes us with terraced camping ground. Overnight stay in Camp.

Day 09:Khongma – Dobate (3620m/11871ft) 5-6 hrs trek
From Khongma climb the ridge steep switchback to stone chorten at 3840m and feast your eyes to chamlang, Peak 6 (6739 m) and Peak 7(6105 m) We climb stone staircases passing several false ridges to Ghungu La also known as TuTu La at 4050 m.  Descend down to Kalo Pokhar and steeply ascend to Shipton La at 4216 m named by Mr. Eric Shipton who followed the route with Edmond Hillary in1952. Drop to Thulo Pokhari and climb final pass of the day Ka Ka La at 4150 m  provides superb views, before descending to our camp in a clearing amongst rhododendrons at Dobato. Overnight in camp.

Day  10: Dobate – Yangle Kharka (3620m/11877) 5-6 hrs trek
Trail drops down a screed –covered slope into the long curving Barun valley, which forms a natural highway toward your destination. Trek through long landslide following the upstream of river through a gorge to a more open valley and our high pasture campsite at Yangri Kharka next to the Barun River with colorful prayer flags and view of Makalu after several days. Overnight stay in camp.

Day 11:Yangle Kharka  - Yak Kharka (4400 m/14550ft) 4-5 hrs trek
Trail follows upstream of river with waterfall and gentle climb to Ngle Kharka at 3750 m which has great mountain views and alpine meadow. Beyond Ngle Kharka the river makes a huge S-shaped curved between a certain wall of cliffs that tower either side of the river. Trek passes many Yak herders and meadow of Rupak Kharka (3930 m), Jhak Kharka at 4210m.  Passing beautiful waterfall  and swampy pasture brings us to overnight halt at the summer grazing area of Yak Kharka. Overnight stay in camp.

Day 12:Merek – Shersong (4660 m/155ft) 2-3 hrs trek.
To acclimatize for the final climb, this is a short day. The landscape here is an arid mass of sand and gravel follow a trail west beside the stream on the north side of the moraine with the pyramid peak of Hongku Chuli (6835 m)  A lovely day\'s walk, through a high alpine environment. Rounding a corner, in sight of the Lower Barun Glacier, arrive Shersong. Overnight stay in Camp.

Day 13:Explore Makalu Base Cam / Everest view point ridge – Shersong: 7- 8 hrs.
Visit Makalu Base Camp (5100 m) with the breathtaking views on the way  however, base camp has no view except still it’s nice to interact with Makalu Expedition group on season. Back to the camp site Lunch and climb to approximately 5000 metres on a ridge to the north for views of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Everest and many more. We spend a second night at Sherson.

Day 14: Shersong – Yangle Kharka : 4-5 hrs trek
Retrace alpine meadow descending beside the Barun River to the warmer flat plateau. Overnight in camp.

Day 15: Yangle Kharka – Dobate: 4-5 hrs.
Continue descending through the rockfall and the climb the rocky gully to Dobate. Overnight in camp.

Day 16:  Dobate – Khongma : 4-5 hrs trek
Today, we recross Kaka La, Shipton La and tutu La then make a short descent to the Camp site Khongma.

Day 17:  Khongma – Seduwa : 6-7 hrs trek
Make a long sleep descend back to the civilization at tashigaun and after Lunch easy walk to Seduwa. Overnight in camp.

Day 18: Seduwa – Num : 4 hrs trek.
We start the day with a descent to the hot and steamy Arun River Valley. Crossing the khola we then begin the tough climb up the ridge on the other side to Num. Overnight in Camp.

Day 19:Num – chichila: 5 hrs trek – Tumlingtar : 3-4 hrs Jeep drive.
An early start and a relatively easy morning of trekking along the ridge to Chichila, which takes around 5 hours. Here we board our Jeep for the return drive to Tumlingtar, Overnight in camp.

Day 20:Fly Tumlingtar – Kathmandu : 35 min
We take the morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel, free afternoon.

Day 21: Final departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.

                 "OR"

For more fantastic ideal trip to extend your valued holiday in Nepal, from riding elephant in Chitwan to tours in Tibet and Bhutan, please follow the link.

Departure Dates for Makalu Base Camp Treking

Body wear:

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear:

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear:

Gloves

Foot wear:

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories:

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, tawel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek:

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room.

What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities!

Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room, rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health:

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tips for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical kit

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails:

The trekking trail of Nepal vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be specially  careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather:

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to processed and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude.

If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude:

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchage on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people:

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could usetons of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment:

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance:

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.