Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking
Overview

Makalu Base camp trekking is one of the best treks for adventure seeking travelers to explore the remote and untouched wilderness of Nepal. The trek is blessed with pristine mountain landscape, natural beauty and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle with the ultimate destination, Makalu Base camp at an altitude of 5250 m. Makalu (8,463 m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world with its beauty and diversity, attracts many adventure-loving tourists. Among the eight –thousands’, Makalu is one of the tougher ones to climb and is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world.

The trek starts from Kathmandu with the visits of UNESCO world cultural heritage to the natural and cultural wonders in Makalu region passing through ethnic villages of Rai and Sherpas, lush green forest of Rhododendron, high waterfalls falling into deep gorges, alpine meadows, granite terrains as well as glaciers.

The highlights of the trek are the breathtaking views of the mountains like Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Mt. Baruntse (7,129m) and nature excursion in Makalu Barun National Park.

Makalu Barun National Park is a beautiful national park established in 1992 with an area of 2,330 sq. km, which is famous for unique landscape and rich biodiversity. Because of its diverse terrain and altitude variation with climatic variations, supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. So, people of different fields visit to explore and study the biodiversity of the area every year. Now a days, the national park area has been developed as a natural research Centre.

The trek is a naturally pleasing and culturally entertaining trip to experience the remote life of Nepal. Makalu Base Camp Trek is an ideal choice for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts who seek solace and tranquility in pristine natural habitat and those who wish to avoid crowds.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking Itinerary
Itinerary

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet at Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Check in to hotel. Short briefing of trip and rest for refreshment and overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.

After breakfast, pick up from hotel and head towards the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu especially UNESCO world cultural heritage sites which includes Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square for the experience of beautiful fusion of religion, culture and history. These heritage monuments reflect centuries old culture, arts and architecture of Nepal which are medieval charms of Malla Dynasty. After tour, drop off to hotel and make a preparation for Makalu Base Camp trek, including all trekking permits and equipments. Overnight at hotel, Kathmandu.

After breakfast, transfer to domestic Airport terminal for the flight to Tumlingtar which is about 50 minutes long. After landing in Tumlingtar, meet the rest of the crew members who will also be joining for the trek then drive to Khadbari for about 03-04 hours. Overnight at Lodge, Khadbari

After breakfast, drive to Chichila and then start the trek to Num. It is an easy Trek, goes through villages and lush forests. And finally, reaches a ridge with breathtaking views on either side with Num lying at the end. Overnight at Num.

After breakfast, start the trek to Seduwa.The trek starts on a steep descent trail which passes through forests and farms to reach Barun River. From there, cross the river and then take an equally steep ascent on the other side to enter the Makalu Barun National Park. After registering the permits, set up the camp at a village. Overnight at camp, Seduwa.

After breakfast, start the trek to Tashi Gaun. On this day, the trek ascends a ridge bounded by rivers to the east and west. Then cross the hillside through villages and paddy fields to finally reach the village of Tashi Gaun. It offers the first breathtaking, panoramic views of the Himalayas. Overnight Tashi Gaun.

After breakfast, start the trek to Khongma.It is one of the toughest trek days, it takes steep ascent at higher elevations. After it passes through forests, a stream, and a ridge, the trail gets steeper. Then it passes through a grazing land, stone steps, and few lakes to reach the top of a ridge. A short way from the ridge is Khongma Danda. A spellbinding view of Chamlang Mountain and other peaks can be enjoyed from the hilltop. Overnight at Tea House, Khongma.

After breakfast, start the trek to Mumbuk.From Khongma, the trek follows an equally picturesque trail to the foothill of Shipton Pass. Walk along the ridge through a Rhododendron forest to Ghungru La. A short descend from here leads to a lake and reaches Keke la pass. After crossing the pass, move downwards towards the valley of Mumbuk.Overnight at Tea House, Mumbuk.

After breakfast, start the trek to Yangle Kharka.This day’s trek is quite difficult due to 2 hours of steep, strenuous climb. After that, a pleasant walk will suffice to gain altitude and finally reach Yangle Kharka. It is situated at the base of a valley. Overnight at Tea House, Angle Kharka.

After breakfast, start the trek to Yak Kharka.Now, the trail ascends through grasslands and forests as it offers witness tantalizing views of various mountain peaks. Yak Kharka is a meadow where the yaks and other cattle graze during the day. Overnight at Tea House, Yak Kharka.

After breakfast, start the trek to Makalu Base Camp. The trail from Yak Kharka is flat at first and then descends to a river. The base camp is on the western side of the river. The trail comprises view of various glaciers and snowy mountains. The stunning view of the southern part of Makalu Mountain is seen from the base. Other mountains like Baruntse, Kali Himal, Chamlang and Makalu II are also seen from the camp. Overnight at Tea House, MBC.

On this day, explore the trekking destination, Makalu Base Camp. It is a barren land with Barun glacier beyond it. Enjoy the panoramic views of Everest and Lhotse or explore the lakes and glaciers in the region. A short hike can also be taken to Baruntse Base Camp.Later in the day, The trek heads towards Yangle Kharka. After ascending for a few hours, the trail moves along a flat path and then descends to Yangle Kharka.Overnight at Tea House,Yangle Kharka.

After breakfast, start the trek toMumbuk. The trek passes through rock falls, forests, and valleys to reach Dobate. From there, the trek goes along the Barun River and takes a steep climb to reach a rough terrain that leads to Mumbuk.Overnight at Tea House,Mumbuk.

After an early breakfast, start the trek to Khongma. The trek passes through lush rhododendron and fir forests to reach the base of Keke la pass. Then climbs Keke la pass, passing through Shipton La and Ghungru la pass to finally reach Khongma.Overnight at Tea House,Khongma.

After breakfast, start the trek to Seduwa.The trek descends from Khongma ridge and passes through Rhododendron forests, rocky areas, and grasslands to reach Tashi Gaun. From Tashi Gaun, the trek passes through terraced fields with scenic views of mountains. The trek goes lower to Arun River and heads towards Seduwa.Overnight at Tea House,Seduwa.

After breakfast, start the trek to Num.The trek passes through lush forests on a trail that goes up and down to finally reaches Num.Overnight at Tea House, Num.

After breakfast, start the trek to Chichila retracing the same trail. It is the last vantage point to enjoy the view of the Himalayas. Overnight at Tea House,Chichila.

After breakfast, drive back to Tumlingtar retracing the same trail that went at the beginning of the trek. Overnight at Hotel,Tumlingtar.

After breakfast, take a flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. After arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Check in to hotel and rest for refreshment. In the evening, Farewell dinner in Typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance performance.

This is a Leisure day. So, enjoy the free time by shopping at souvenir shops or hanging around the Thamel (Tourist hub city) to buy some souvenirs.

Leisure until departure.Transfer to the International airport to board the flight.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking Cost
Cost

Cost Includes

  • Pick up and drop from airport and hotel by private vehicle.
  • Welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a cultural dance show.
  • All accommodation in 3-star category hotels on bed and breakfast basis in Kathmandu whilst Tea House Lodge accommodation on full board basis (all meals) during the trek.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu with private vehicle and Tour guide.
  • All Heritage monuments entrance fees.
  • Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu air transportation by domestic flight.
  • All the necessary permit charges for trekking (Makalu Barun National Park+ TIMS), official service charges, government and local taxes.
  • Highly experienced, friendly, government license holder guide and porter with salary, accommodation, food, transportation and insurance.
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and trekking poles (To be returned after the completion of trekking).
  • Medical supplies (First aid kit carried by trekking leader).
  • Arrangement of helicopter service (for the rescue of emergency situation), which will be paid by insurance company.

Cost Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee.
  • International airfare.
  • Trekking, medical and travel insurance (Compulsory).
  • Lunches and Dinners not mentioned above.
  • All personal expenses(phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Tea House, in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) other than the scheduled itineray.
  • Tips for the guide, porter and driver (tips is expected).

Makalu Base Camp Trekking Trip Map
Trip Map

Makalu Base Camp Trekking
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