Makalu Base Camp Trek - 22 Days

Makalu Base Camp Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration22 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 4900 M
  • Group Size Up to 10 Pax
  • Starts Kathmandu Airport
  • Ends Kathmandu Airport

Makalu Base Camp Trek is The fifth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu lies on the borders of Nepal and Tibet. With its four-sided pyramidal structure rising up from the grounds, Mount Makalu towers over the Arun River Valley like an ancient colossal guardian. The Makalu Base Camp Trek takes trekkers into Eastern Nepal where the trail coruscates into the largest and the deepest valley of the country. Trekkers can also experience the ethnic indigenous Majhi, Brahmin and Chhetri tribes that reside in the region. It is one of the best off-beaten journeys where trekkers can truly take in the untouched natural environments and the towering peaks shadowing the untouched villages and settlements of the Koshi region.

Located in the eastern region of the country, Makalu Base Camp Trek unfolds its grand nature that begins with a walk from Chichila. The trekking trail goes through many cultural villages like Seduwa, Tashigaon, and Khongma Danda among many more to finally reach the base camp of Mount Makalu. All along the journey, the towering views of mountain peaks like Everest (8848m), Makalu (8463m) and the notable peaks of the Sagarmatha massif adorn the trail in spectacular manners. The path also winds through the Makalu Barun National Park- home to many endangered species of animals and rich biodiversity. The trekking journey begins from Tumlingtar and goes through the prominent ethnic settlements of the Arun River Valley like Chichila and the Limbu village of Num. It is a moderate trekking journey that is best done during the months of March to May and September to December.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek by Himalayan Recreation is an excellent trip that incorporates all of the best features and aspects of the gorgeous Arun valley of the Koshi region. We provide the best services to all of our customers throughout the journey and our team of professional staff and guides always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued clients at all times. With us, you are guaranteed an unforgettable trekking experience.

Itinerary

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    You may arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by one of Himalayan Recreation’s team members. He will help you get transferred to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the 3-star Hotel in Kathmandu.

      On this day, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of the four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu City. The tour includes visiting the holy temple of Pashupatinath, the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Boudhanath Stupa and the Swayambhunath Temple. Each of the sites is built in unique architectural styles and is revered in historical and religious places. They have been the bearers of the heritage that has been passed down since ancient times. After the tour of the sites, you will be returning back to the Hotel. Overnight stay at a 3-star Hotel in Kathmandu.

        Early in the morning, you will have your short flight to Tumlingtar which is situated between the Arun and the Sabha Rivers in the Koshi region. From there, you will then drive through winding hills and amazing rivers to the village of Chichila- a dainty Gurung settlement where terrace farms and the lush woods of Limber and Foxtail Pine adorn the terrain. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Chichila.

          From Chichila, you will trek further into the river valley to make your way towards the settlement of Num. The terrain is quite verdant and the cascading waterfalls along the journey make the trekking journey quite aesthetically pleasing. The winding hillside track also lets you enjoy the view of the gushing Arun River and as you reach higher elevations, one side of the track is completely open to the gaping valley. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

            From Num, you will trek steeply along the forest and pass terrace farms all the way to the Barun River from where you will begin ascending upwards again. Along the way to Seduwa, you will also enter the Makalu Barun National Park- the world’s only protected area that has an elevation gain of more than 8,000 meters. Trekking through the national park’s tropical forest, you can catch the sights of Mount Makalu (8463), Chamlang (7321m) and Baruntse (7129m) along the journey. Eventually, you will reach Seduwa. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

              From Seduwa, you will make your way toward the village ridge bounded by the gushing Isuwa and Kasuwa Rivers. Crossing the hillside, you will trek through some small settlements and pass by amazing yellow paddy fields to reach Tashigaon. All along the journey, you will get amazing views of the Makalu Himal (8463m) and the Mera Peak (6461m) as well. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                You will be trekking further up the elevation from Tashigaon, through the vertically-rising alpine trees towards Khongma Danda. Along the way, you will be crossing small streams and coming out of the woods into a vast pasture. You can see occasional Kharka along the way. Continuing along the trail, you will climb further up via stone stairs to ascend the ridge of the Khongma Danda. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                  You will have a day of acclimatization today at Khongma Danda. The ridge is essentially covered in magical pine and cedar trees, and due to the elevation, low clouds often obscure the ridge during late afternoons. The white mist and the clouds in the woods give off a very isolated feel to the area. From here, the views of the Makalu Himal (8463m) and of the neighbouring peaks are also quite haunting. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                    Trekking down towards the Barun River once again, you will be ascending from the Khogma Ridge to Dobate. Along the way, you will also be crossing the Keke La Pass (4127m) from where the views of the peaks are quite fabulous. Along the way, you will also be passing by the lake of Kalo Pokhari and then cross another pass- the Shipton La Mountain Pass at 4,170 meters. Following the path further on out, you will then reach Dobate. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                      From Dobate, you will be making your way to the upper reaches of the Barun Valley, towards Yangri Kharka. The trail is rather steep and arduous, as you will be gaining elevation. The trees become relatively sparse as you continue on the journey and the field is replaced with grasslands and eventually opens into meadows and pastures. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                        Passing through yak pastures from Yangri Kharka, you will be trekking on a beautiful meadow rail towards Langmale Kharka, passing by Merek. The Himalayan pastures are often adorned with blooming honeysuckles and the contrasting Mountain peaks of Makalu (8463m), Everest (8848m) and the Mera Peaks against the emerald foliage are a heavenly sight. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                          From Langmale Kharka, you will make your way up to Shershon and from here- the path eventually leads to the Makalu Base Camp. The path is relatively flat, occasionally dotted with icy glaciers. Mount Makalu (8463m) comes into view dramatically as you approach Shershon. The path to Makalu Base Camp is filled with multiple ascents and descents. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

                            The Base Camp of Mount Makalu is a rocky barren place with the Barun Glacier situated beyond it. From here, you can see the majestic south face of Makalu ornamented with the panoramic view of Mount Everest (8848m) and the Lhotse Peak (8414m). You can explore the surrounding lakes here, as well as the glaciers. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

                              Descending back down from the base camp, you will trek by Shershon, Langmale Kharka, and Merek and trek down the valley towards Yangri Kharka. It is a steep ascent at times through the meadows and the forests cover the landscape once again as you lose elevation. Along the descent, you will pass Merek and a few pasturelands to finally reach Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

                                Descending back down the valley, you will be following the Barun River again until finally reaching Dobate. Your trek will run along the Barun River until reaching Mumbuk. Along the way, you can take in the unadulterated atmosphere created by the subalpine coniferous woods and the virtuous landscape ornamented with craggy rock boulders, gorgeous waterfalls, and amazing avifauna habitat. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                                  From Dobate, you will trace your steps back to Khongma Danda, passing by small settlements and villages where you can observe the solitary Himalayan lifestyle of the ethnic people going about their day, collecting firewood or working on the farms. Crossing the Kauma La pass, which offers a great view of the surrounding landscapes, you reach Khongma Danda.  Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                                    Making your way back to Tashigaon, you will be walking on the familiar path through the woodlands once again, accompanied by the distant view of the towering Mount Makalu (8163m) over the valley. You will first pass Unshisa followed by Dhara Kharka and Sadema on the trek that leads you to Tashigaon. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.

                                      From Tashigaon, you will trek back to Seduwa, exiting the Makalu Barun National Park area. It is an easy way back and you can enjoy the landscape beautifully adorned with natural hallmarks. Following the winding trail, you will go through numerous settlements like Narbugaon and Murmidanda to arrive at Seduwa. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                                        From Seduwa, you will be following the same path back to the village of Num, trekking through the pine woods. It is a pleasant journey and an easy one. You can also see yaks and horses grazing on the village fields. With verdant hills keeping you company, you will continue through Mulagaon and Lumbang before arriving at Num. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                                          From Num, you will make your way back to Tumlingtar, winding down the hill and crossing the Arun River once again via a suspension bridge.  During the journey back to Tumlingtar, you will retrace the route you previously took and make your way towards thick settlements in the towns contrasting to the views you have grown to be accustomed to. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

                                            From Tumlingtar, you will bid the Makalu Himal goodbye once last time and catch your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight back guarantees beautiful views of the diverse landscapes of Nepal. Upon landing in Kathmandu, you can spend the rest of the day as per your preference, shopping or sightseeing. Overnight say at a Hotel.

                                              Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your final departure.

                                              Cost Details

                                              Cost Includes
                                              • All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport transfers
                                              • Three nights' accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
                                              • Kathmandu city tours, including tour guide, and private transportation
                                              • 3 standard meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) during the trek
                                              • Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek
                                              • Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek.
                                              • Domestic flights (Kathmandu to Tumlingtar to Kathmandu) Round Way
                                              • Tumlingtar to Chichila by Drive
                                              • Himalayan Recreation’s experienced, government licensed, English speaking trekking guide during the Makalu trip.
                                              • Porter services(1 porter = 2 trekkers).
                                              • All costs of staff which include food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicines.
                                              • Duffel bag use while trekking, Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
                                              • Required National Park Permit fee & TIMS Fee
                                              • First aid medicine kit
                                              • Farewell dinner with Cultural show in a fine restaurant on second last day.
                                              • Government taxes & office service charge
                                              Cost Excludes
                                              • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the above itinerary
                                              • Personal Travel insurance, which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
                                              • Personal trekking equipment or expenses
                                              • Alcoholic drinks, Drinks and beverages.
                                              • Tips for trekking guides, porters (tipping is expected)
                                              • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.
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                                              Price Per PersonUS$3199
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