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Trip Facts
- Duration 19 Days
- Start FromKathmandu
- Group Size1-10 Pax
- End FromKathmandu
- Trip GradeModerate to Strenuous
- Max Height 5150 m
- AccommodationTea House
- TransportationFlight/Jeep
Best Season
Sept – Nov, March to May
Trip Highlights
- Panorama of the Everest and Makalu ranges
- Explore the amazing riches of the Makalu Barun National Park
- Experience the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa communities
Trip Overview
One of the lesser-visited trails, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is a trip that explores the Makalu Barun National Park. The trek is a beautiful journey that takes you to the foot of the Mt. Makalu (8485m). Along with the display of the Makalu and Everest ranges, the trip also enjoys a glorious company of passes like Keke La (4127m) and Shipton La (4170m). Likewise, the Makalu Trek also allows you to enjoy the Sherpa culture in the shadows of the tallest mountains in the world.
The long 19-day trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu where you prepare for the trek. Meanwhile, you can also visit some of the popular UNESCO world heritage sites in the valley. Then, a flight from the capital will take you to Tumlingtar. After the scenic flight, you start the trek and head to Khandbari. Further, you will continue along the Barun River and head to Num. As you pass a few Kirant settlements, you will reach Seduwa. Passing Tashigaon, you head north towards Tashigaon. Then, you will cross the Kauma Danda and trek towards Mumbuk. On the way, you also cross the passes of Keke La (4127m), Shipton La (4170m), and Tutu La (4080m). Finally, the trek crosses Yangmale Kharka and Sherson to reach the Makalu Base Camp.
At the base camp, you can enjoy the scenery of the Makalu, Everest, and Chamlang ranges. The views of the surrounding pasture lands, mountains, and glaciers from the base camp offer a grand company. After exploring the base camp, you begin the return trek. On the way, you retrace your steps and follow the Barun River to reach Tumlingtar. Another scenic flight back to Kathmandu will bring the trip to an end.
Spring and autumn seasons are the best times for the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The trek is a rather difficult affair in the northern part of Nepal. Thus, trekkers should be in great physical shape to do the trek.
Note:
Vista Treks is proud to present the Makalu Base Camp Trek to all the travelers around the world. Also, we offer many other trips and offers throughout the year.
Trip Itinerary
- Arrival at Kathmandu, followed by a short drive to your hotel. A representative from Vista Treks will receive you and bring you to your hotel. Check into your hotel and enjoy the refreshment.
- You will visit our office to discuss your Makalu Base Camp Trek. It will be a group meeting program led by your trek guide who will brief you all about the details of the trek. After settling the dues and completing the remaining paperwork, you can go out to exploreThamel.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Today is a trek preparation day. You will have a whole day to prepare for the upcoming trek. Pack your bags and buy any remaining trek gear and equipment.
- You can choose to indulge in a rock climbing session at a local rock climbing station at Thamel or you can head out to explore the beautiful Kathmandu City and witness some of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- You will be accompanied by an experienced tour guide and a private car throughout the tour.
- After early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive to the airport and embark on a short flight to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal.
- Tumlingtar is a small town located amidst Arun River and Sabha River. It lies almost 140km northeast of Kathmandu.
- Meet our porter at Tumlingtar and take a Jeep to Num. It will be both scenic and adventurous 4-5 hours drive to Num.
- On the way we will enjoy beautiful town Khandbari, as well as many other beautiful villages to arrive Num for Overnight stay.
- The trail from Num undertakes a steep descend through the terraced farmlands and heads towards Lumbang Village.
- Walk past the dense oak forest alongside the pristine ArunKoshi River. If you’re lucky, you can catch the rare sight of Himalayan Pheasants.
- The trail begins to ascend and head towards Seduwa Village that marks the entrance to the Makalu Barun National Park
- You’ll begin crossing small and large streams through suspension bridges to climb towards KasuwaKhola. It takes you to a place decorated with Mani walls (Walls painted with Buddhist prayers).
- Continue walking alongside the fields into a forested area to arrive at Hindrungma village. A short walk from here will bring you to Ropsesa.
- Cross meadows and few streams to arrive at Tashigaon. You can visit the Tashigaon School en route to the village. A short climb through the ridge will bring you to Tashigaon village. You will encounter round stone or wood barriers surrounding the village that helps to keep out the rodents.
- Overnight at Tashigaun.
- The trail continues through Sal forests towards a stream and then climbs onto a ridge to arrive at a shepherd’s quarter called Chipla.
- You’ll make an ascent of 1400 meters in a single day which may prove to be difficult. Leaving Chipla, the trail becomes steeper as it passes through Kharka onto the top of a ridge leading towards Khongma.
- Overnight at guest house in Khongma.
- You’ll encounter a quaint section of the trail that is adorned by wilderness and the magnificent sights of the surrounding mountains such as Chamlang Peak, Peak 6, and Peak 7.
- Continue climbing up and walk past the area with prayer flags towards the rhododendron forest. Walking through the forest, you’ll climb towards the first high pass of the day, Ghungru La (4050m).
- Cross the pass and descend towards a small turquoise lake. The trail climbs towards Shipton Pass (4216m), named after the famed climber Eric Shipton.
- Cross the final pass of the day, Keke La (4150m) and walk through the beautiful rhododendron valley to arrive at Mumbuk for overnight stay.
- The trail will be fairly easier as you walk towards Barun River and continue trekking through fir and rhododendron forests towards a small cave.
- It opens a large valley that offers a nice view of Peak 7. The valley widens and heads through several streams towards Barun River. Cross the wooden bridge to arrive at YangleKharka.
- Overnight stay at Yangle Kharka.
- Leaving YangleKharka, you’ll begin climbing towards NgheKharka. The trail continues through Barun Valley and goes past RiphukKharka towards the JhakKharka, a meadow. A short trek from here will bring you to Yak Kharka.
- Continue walking alongside a moraine towards Merek. Catch the majestic sights of Peak 3 and Peak 5 en route.
- A short climb from Merek will bring you to Shershong village with a small stone hut that acts as a local landmark.
- Spend the evening inside a tented camp.
- Today, you’ll trek towards Makalu Base Camp. Located on the lap of Mt. Makalu, Makalu Base Camp lies at an altitude of 5100 meters.
- Leaving Sherson, you’ll begin climbing a minor pass towards Makalu Base Camp. You’ll continue towards a stream and cross few boulders to arrive at the campsite.
- Enjoy the magnificent sight of the south face of Mt. Makalu. The place has no huts or settlements.You will head back to Shersong.
- The entire trek may last around 7hr and takes you up to Everest View Point Ridge.
- A rest day at Shershong, you can choose to explore the beautiful Makalu Barun Valley and make a short hike towards Makalu Base Camp.
- Hike towards the viewpoint to catch the beautiful sights of Makalu, Baruntse, Kali Himal, Chamlang, and Makalu II.
- Overnight at guest house.
- Leaving Shershong, you’ll begin descending through the usual route back to YangleKharka.
- Walk past Yak Kharka, Merek village, and JhakKharka to arrive at NgheKharka. The trail drops further towards YangleKharka.
- Overnight at guest house.
- The trail further drops through the beautiful rhododendron forests and goes towards Barun River.
- Cross numerous wooden bridges and walk past a small cave to arrive at Mumbuk village.
- Catch the beautiful sight of Peak 7 en route to Mumbuk.
- It will be a difficult part of the trek as you have to cross the three high passes again. Ascend the big wall of Keke la and cross over through the beautiful rhododendron valley overlooking Chamlang Peak, Peak 6, and peak 7.
- Cross the Shipton Pass and continue towards Ghunru La to arrive at Khongma village.
- Overnight inside a tented camp.
- The next stop will be at Tashigaon. Walk past Kharka and climb down to Chipla. The trail further descends 1400 meters through Sal forests to arrive at Tashigaon.
- Overnight at Guest house.
- Leaving Tashigaon, you’ll continue trekking downhill through Tashigaon School towards Ropsesa. Cross a few streams to arrive at Hindrungma village.
- The trail goes past Mani walls towards KasuwaKhola and later to Seduwa.
- You’ll exit Makalu Barun National Park and head towards ArunKoshi River. The trail goes past oak and pine forests toward Lumbang. A short trek from Lumbang will bring you to Num village.
- Overnight at guest house.
- This is our last day in the region. Leaving all our adventurous memory behind, we again take Jeep and drive back to Tumlingtar.
- Overnight at guest house in Tumlingtar.
- Catch the earliest flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic aerial tour of eastern Nepal and the snow-capped mountains in the north.
- Once you arrive in Kathmandu, refresh yourself and head out to Thamel to buy souvenirs for your dearer and nearer.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. If time permits, you can consider visiting a few other popular places around the city.
- Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll drop you off at the airport.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- 3 nights standard hotel accommodation.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea during the trek.
- tented camp accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed guide,plus experience porter ( including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
- Both way flight from Kathmandu-Tumlingtar- Kathmandu
- All necessary permits and entry fees including Makalu Conservation Area permit.
- Medical kit box.
- Rescue assistance.
- All government taxes.
- Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets etc. if needed).
- Our service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($40).
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
- Any personal expenses.
- Bar bills.
- Staff & driver tipping.
Trip Gallery
Useful Info
About Accommodation.
In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at Hotel Sapana Garden, and at local lodges accommodation provided during the trek on twin sharing basis. Hotel in Kathmandu comes with private bathroom , however in mountain, toilet and shower will be on sharing basis. In the busy months, (October/November & April/ May) you may have to share the room with other traveler as some villages have limited number of local lodges . The tea houses of Makalu region are very basic. Therefore please kindly bring all necessary warm gears.
About Meal
You can enjoy basic Nepali food at local lodge and resturants. Dinner and breakfast serve at the tea house where we stay and lunch will be served on the way to next destination. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is provided. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no worries, Nepal is such a easy place to get several vegetarian options. You may feel tired having similar taste everyday during the trek. Therefore we advice you to bring some packing food of your favorite taste.
About Staff:
A Guide and a porter assist you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guide will be provided. A porter provided for 2 trekkers, and carries between 15 to 20 K.G.
About Equipments
Following Equipment list is recommended to bring for the trek.
Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleecy jacket, T – shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp, thick and warm woolen socks, Light cotton socks , A day bag to carry your valuable, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, rain coat, Sun block, lip balm , Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit, Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries etc.Please kindly check our Equipment list for details.
About Temperature.
Temperatures vary as per the elevation and season in Everest. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) is quite warm below 3000m that you can walk with t-shirts and shorts during day. Above 3000m, day time temperature is around 5-10 °C and night time temperature is below 0 °C. Makalu Base Camp is cold through out a year and night time temperature can reach up to–25 °C in winter. There are no heating system inside the room in guest houses, therefore it is important to prepare warm clothes and sleeping bag for the trek.
Physical Fitness and experience
Makalu Base Camp Trek is a Challenging and high altituide trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag. Some days are even longer with 7- 8 hours of walking, which demands more physical fitness.Therefore it is better to do some training prior to trek.We suggest you to start hiking or long walk at least once a week 10-12 weeks prior to trek. Carrying your day bag, you should walk for 5-6 hours ups and down to improve your strength. If you don’t have mountain or hills for hiking, running or doing some Cardio training at Gym also work. Past experience is helpful but no technical skill is needed. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or for blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to Vista Trek P. Ltd.
About Insurance,
You have to obtain the travel insurance which should cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Some Insurance policy’s cover only up to 4000 meter, so please kindly confirm with the insurance company before you purchase it.
About Seasons
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Makalu Trek.
About Jeep Drive
Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide , strike or by political issues. In such case trip itinerary will be affected. Thus, we would like to request you to add few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
About Tumlingtar Flight
It is very difficult to predict the weather in mountain. Because of bad weather, the flight between Kathmandu to Tumlingtar may be delayed or canceled for a day or more. Due to the weather changes in Himalaya, we can face such problem even in good season. So we would like to request you to add few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
If your flight is cancelled in Kathmandu then we will re-book the flight for the next day. When flight is cancelled , we will arrange you a hotel however food and accommodation is not cover in the package. Same process will be applied if the flight cancelled or delayed in Tumlingtar.
Please cheque our FAQs for various issues of the trek
