Overview
Makalu base camp trekking package itinerary l trek permit fees cost l route map l grade and altitude l best time /seasons l reccomanded euipments l trek organizing company and guide information
Makalu Base Camp trek in Nepal
Trekking trip to Makalu Base Camp the world's fifth highest mountain located in the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation area is through outstanding natural beauty, unspoiled trails which is recommended for the experience trekkers.
Makalu lies between Mt. Everest and Mt Kanchenjunga in the eastern part of Nepal. Very few tourist trek to the Makalu Base Camp because of it’s inaccessibility and remoteness. This trek gives an opportunity to experience the flora and fauna, wide verities of vegetations, wild-life and native local people with their own diverse culture.
The trek begins from Tumlingtar at an altitude of 430m and reaches to 5500m at the Base Camp providing superb views of Everest (8,850m), Lhotse (8,516m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7,220m) and Makalu (8463m) itself. From Khandbari the trail goes through small picturesque villages and monsoon forest to Chichila. Wonderful views of Makalu are seen in the trial to Num after which we cross the Arun River and climb to Muni dhara.
Climbing through Bugim we reach Tashigaon the last permanent settlement. A long ascent through monsoon forest and rhododendron to Konma Danda follows. We climb a ridge with good views of Kanchanjunga and Janu then descent through forest full of sinbirds to Mumbuk. At Barun Khola, we camp in alpine meadows for a rest day. Then trek through pine rhododendron and juniper forest and then into the meadows of the valley to the edge of the Barun Glacier. After a wonderful exploration and glacier excursion we trek back through the same trail to Tumlingtar and fly back to kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 2:Kathmandu - Tumlingtar – Chichila 1790m.
Transfer to the domestic airport and fly to Tumlingtar then drive through a bumpy road for about 4hrs to get to our first camp at Chichila.
Day 3:Trek to Num 1540m.
Trek through the picturesque villages and lush forests of the foothills along a ridgeline with great views on either side and reach the Num village.
Day 4:Trek to Seduwa 1545m.
Trek down through the forest and terraced plots of land all the way to the Arun Khola then ascent up the other side reaching the boundary of the Makalu National Park and further to Seduwa village with a great view of the Arun Valley.
Day 5:Trek to Tashi Gaon 1990m.
Trek up along the Ipsuwa Khola then into the villages with small paddy fields. After an easy walk through the farmland and ascend to the Tashi Gaon.
Day 6:Trek to Khongma 3530m.
Trek up and down hills leaving the green forests behind and towards more remote scrub and rhododendrons and reach Khongma.
Day 7:Rest day at Khongma.
You have a well-earned acclimatization day here before crossing the Shipton La (4,200m) the following day.
Day 8:Trek to Mumbuk 3516m
Trek upwards the summit of the Shipton La (4,200m) then drop down the saddle for a rest by the lake, Kalo Pokhari, before passing over the Keke La (4,152m) and an easy descent towards Mumbuk.
Day 9:Trek to Yangri Kharka. 3640m
Trek down through the Rhododendron forest eventually leads to the Barun Nadi River and the upper reaches of the valley slowly gaining altitude to reach the Yangri Kharka.
Day 10:Trek to Shershong 4620m
Trek up the valley, emerging into yak pastures and impressive boulder fields, and reach the Shershong near a small stone hut.
Day 11:Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4800m
Trek further a gradual uphill with the mighty pyramid view of Makalu (8,463m) and eventually reach the Makalu South East Ridge base camp.
Day 12:Explore around Makalu South East Base Camp.
An exploration day around base camp where on the edge of the icy slopes you get a fantastic view up the Barun Valley of Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
Day 13:Trek to Shershong.
After a wonderful time here trek back down to back through the same trail to Shershong
Day 14:Trek to Yak Kharka.
Trek a long ridge down the valley leaving the Makalu range views behind and towards down the Yak Kharka.
Day 15:Trek to Mumbuk.
Continuing trek down through the colorful landscape and same trail until to reach the Mumbuk village.
Day 16:Trek to Tashi Gaon.
A long day walks crossing the Shipton La and further across the hillside to reach the Sherpa town of Tashi Gaon.
Day 17:Trek to Num.
Trek all the way back down to the river then upward to reach the Num village.
Day 18:Trek to Chichila.
An easy but long day walk brings you to Chichila village for an overnight stay.
Day 19:Chichila to Tumlingtar.
Finally, trek back to Tumlingtar with a great experience of the trek and get ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day.
Day 20:Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
We complete the journey with a flight to Kathmandu. In the evening, we have our farewell celebration dinner hosted by the agency.
Day 21:At leisure in Kathmandu
A day for your own activities like souvenir shopping or perhaps just to relax.
Day 22:Depart from Kathmandu and fly back to sweet home.
- We try to make free of tension our clients from arranging the necessary things and as much as possible while in Nepal and let them just to enjoy the holiday.
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Hotels, sightseeing tours, domestic flight/ground transportation as per the program, airport transfer
- Accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks
- Down jacket, sleeping bag
- Cost for a first Aid and Eco trained English speaking guide, cook, sherpa, assistances, Porters
- Emergency rescue arrangements, medical kit bag
- All necessary paper works and trekking /entry permits
- All government and local taxes where applicable.
- Welcome & farewell dinner
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Excess baggage charges with domestic flight
- Lunch / dinner in Kathmandu
- Emergency rescue and medical expenses
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills personal porters
- Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures if required
- Tips for the trekking crew
- Other optional trips/activities and sightseeing if required
Trip Essential Information
Grade: moderate
Max alt: 4800m
Min alt: 490m
Walking hrs: 6-8 hrs.
Seasons: Oct-Nov, Mar-May
Trek Style: Camping
Introduction and trip briefing: We give a short brief about the trip in Kathmandu on the same day of your arrival and introduce your trek guide and team members. In the meantime, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.
Trek staff: Believing that every successful trip has been possible because of teamwork, Holiday Mountain Treks employs experienced and trained Nepalese trek guides and other staff.
Guide: The guide is English-speaking, well-experienced, and knowledgeable holding license from government institutions. He is well trained about the high altitude problem, Ecotourism, and social responsibilities and sincerely dedicated to his duty.
Actually, our guide plays an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting him whenever you need any help.
Porters: Normally we use only regular porters working for the company. Our porters are fully equipped and insured having knowledge of walking on snow and high-altitude passes. They are very honest, reliable, strong and of curse get good pay.
They can speak English and will be referred to take the guide training after they are well-experienced and confident.
Cook: Cooks have got cook training from government and private training institutions and moreover they are well experience to prepare the most delicious and different cuisines in some local way too. They will prepare the best of all combination meals like Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, continental and other cuisines as per your test requirements.
Transportation: Deluxe private vehicles are provided while on tour and airport transfers and flight transfer to and from Tumlingtar
Accommodation: You will be staying at a comfortable 2-3 star standard category hotel/resort having all modern amenities with breakfast in Kathmandu and good quality two men dom tents during the trek.
A day on the trek: Day starts with a warm greeting and bed tea. Then you will be offered a basin of hot water to wash and take breakfast then you are off to trek for more then 3 hours through the forests, hills, mountains,s and local villages. You will stop at pleasant surroundings for hot lunch for an hour. You will then walk for 3 or more hours depending on the places and facilities for camping places, stop for the night camp, you will then offer tea or coffee some light snacks then explore the area or relax until dinner is served at the warm dining hall. For most of the evening, you will be encouraged to sing and dance in a traditional way. Sometimes you will spend time playing cards, reading books, and learning Nepali.
Finally, go to bed served with a hot water rubber bag to keep you extra warm in the cold temperature.
Important note: Our first concern is your safety while traveling with Holiday Mountain Treks. Please be informed that your trek guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Our every effort will be made for a safe completion of the planned itinerary, however as this is adventure travel into the remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Other factors like weather conditions and the health of members can be the reason to change the itinerary. In such a case, please be prepared to be flexible. Your leader will accompany you on all scheduled activities and you will have free time to pursue your own interests too. Your trek guide will assist you with information about your options but please be informed that any additional activities you undertake are not part of our itinerary.
Acclimatization: Makalu Base Camp as being a high-altitude trek, and the itinerary is planned with a high level of minimization of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The trek itinerary is gradually ascending getting up these heights where you expect less oxygen. It is essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatization as your body needs to adapt it. Sensible good planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS. We request you consult a doctor for heart, lung, or blood diseases. Some of the symptoms of AMS are fever, mild headaches, loss of appetite, or a stomach disorder. Travel Insurance
We suggest and t is a condition of traveling with us that you must be fully insured, including air rescue services and all medical expenses. You decide and choose what amount and type of insurance are suitable for your trip nature as some do buy cancellation and only for a certain period of time.
Washing and toilet facilities: We provide a hot or washing bowl of hot water to freshen up and to bathe. We bring a toilet tent and set it at walking distance from your sleeping tent. No worries! We will cover it with necessary natural preservation after the use of such a facility.
Foods and drinks: Fresh and hygienic foods at a high level of balance diet on a full board basis will be throughout the trek. An experienced and trained cook will prepare some of the best cousins like Nepali, Tibetan, Italian, Continental, and Indian.
For drinks, you will get boiled water, Tea, coffee, chocolate, soups, squash, and juice in different flavors etc.
Departure Dates
No fixed departures.
