Makalu Base Camp Trek

Paddy Field on the way Makalu Base camp
Key Information
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Duration:16 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude:5100m.
  • Group Size:2 to 16

One of the most popular trekking destinations among solitary trekkers, Makalu Base Camp Trek offers an exceptional opportunity to explore high-altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes, and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. Our journey begins with an hour-long flight to Tumlingtar and from Tumlingtar we will drive to Num(1500m). The lower reaches of the trail are renowned for their lushness with verdant rhododendron forests whereas the upper reaches of the trail comprise of polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers, overflowing with waterfalls. 

Settlements of Rai, Sherpa, and Shingsawa (Bhote) are farmers. Though economically poor and isolated, they retain a rich cultural heritage. They hold the key to the preservation of the unique biological and cultural treasures of the Makalu Barun area. The sub-tropical valley floor of the mighty Arun River is in places densely forested, contrasting with the terraced slopes higher up, which are framed by villagers of diverse tribal groups. High pastures typify the upper slopes, which border on the Makalu-Barun National Park, an important conservation area for many threatened species.

Makalu base camp trek requires utmost 5-8 hours of walk daily. Walking to the high mountains through the thrilling passes is the part of your adventure journey. Anyone with prior trekking experience and in good shape can make through this trek. 

Itinerary

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You are welcomed by Halesi Treks and then you will be transferred to hotel. and we will explain briefly the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel

  • Max. Altitude: 1350m
  • Accommodation: Hotel

This day after having breakfast, we take a 50 minutes flight to Tumlingtar in the eastern region, the starting point of our trek through Arun valley and landing on a steep mountain runway brings the village of Tumlingtar. When we are in aircraft we can enjoy the panoramic sights of great Himalayas views of Nepal and terraced land field, hills, forests, beautiful traditional villages. Lowering down from the plane, we will take 4 hours of drive through gravel road and cross Chichila to reach Num. overnight at teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,500m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 4 hrs.

We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the cornfields of Lumbang. Below the village, the trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m). From the bridge, we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua. Overnight at the teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude: 1460m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hrs

Leaving Sedua, we make a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m). Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village, and on to Rupisa. En route, we cross meadows and several streams and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon. Overnight at the teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude: 2070m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 / 7 hrs.

This will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep escalating trail in higher elevation. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma Danda. From Khongma, the route stretches through the desolate Barun Valley. Khongma is located near to Ship ton La Pass. overnight at the teahouse. 

  • Max. Altitude: 3560m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hrs.

We will climb the difficult trail to reach the top of Ship ton La. Ship ton La offers the striking views of mountains and valleys. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), we pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Debotay. Overnight at a teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude: 3650 m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8 hrs

Early in the morning, we will traverse the colorful woods of blooming rhododendron during the spring season. which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of the trek as the trail is steep and arduous. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka. It is situated at the base of the valley. overnight at the teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,600m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hrs.

Following a steep walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek. We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. The route continues through plain land before escalating uphill to Lang male. En route, we will enjoy the spectacular view of Makalu Base Camp. overnight at the teahouse. 

  • Max. Altitude: 4410m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5/6 hrs.

From Sherson, we stay to the right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is gradual descent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We then descend to a stream, cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river. From here we get terrific views of the south face of Makalu. The large buttress of the south face rises across from base camp. An ascent of this buttress yields views of Peak 6, 7 and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama. Overnight at the teahouse. 

  • Max. Altitude: 5000m
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hrs.

The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up. Be cautious while walking through the glacier as the path will be made slippery by melting snow. This viewpoint of Barun Valley of Everest, Lhotse, and Barun Tse is approximately 5,500m and is a far superior spot for taking in the awesome vista of peaks, compared to lower down the valley. We will return back to base camp to stay where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself. overnight at the teahouse. 

  • Accommodation: Teahouse

We will leave Makalu Base Camp early in the morning. We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershon, Lang male Kharka, and Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka. overnight at the teahouse.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8 hrs.

It takes six hours of easy trek descending trek to reach Mumbuk. The trail drops down through the rocky terrain. There will be a change in topography from Mumbuk onwards as the sight shifts from barren moonscapes to lush green vegetation.overnight at the teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude: 6 hrs.
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

We begin the trek with a steep climb from Mumbuk. The route escalates a bit and traverses the woods of blooming rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Ship ton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again.overnight at the teahouse.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hrs.

Today we make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. The trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon. Six hours of the easy trek will take us to the culturally rich village of Tashi Gaon. overnight at the teahouse.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hrs.

We will not have forgotten this path from the way in, as we re-trace our footsteps all the way back down to the river, only to be rewarded with a climb back up the opposite side to Num. Our trail crosses the hillside and comes across villages and settlements as we move further down finally reaching Seduwa. Further, we leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards. Overnight at the teahouse.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hrs.

We will take a local jeep that will drive us from Num to Tumlingtar. overnight at the hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 4/5 hrs.

After having breakfast we transfer to the airport to fly back to Kathmandu. 50minutes of scenic flight will take us back to Kathmandu. overnight at hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

This is your final day in Kathmandu before catching your flight to home, ensure you have all the stuff packed and arrive at the airport, Fly home.

    Trip Cost Details

    What's Included
    • Airport pick up and drops
    • 2-night Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
    • Accommodation during the trek
    • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during  the Makalu BC trek
    • Experienced government license holder trek guide and porters to carry your luggage
    • Accommodation, food, drinks, salary, insurance, transportation of trek guide and porter
    • All necessary paper works and national park entry permits
    • TIMS Card (Makalu Barun National park fee) 
    • all additional government tax
    • Domestic flight both ways from Kathmandu/ Tumlingtar/ Kathmandu
    What's not Included
    • Nepal entry visa fee 
    • International airfare 
    • Personal Travelers insurance
    • All kind of drinks (Alcohol, hot and cold drinks)
    • Hot shower / WiFi/battery charging
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Bar bills, telephone bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
    • Tips for guide and porters
    • All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strike etc
    Dates & Availability

    The Above-given cost is per person and the Above-given Makalu Base Camp Trek fixed departure dates are available for you. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

    Price Per PersonUS$2350
    2 adults x US$2350Total US$4700
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