Makalu Base Camp Trek falls under the restricted area Trek in Nepal. This trek is the Base Camp Trek of World’s fifth highest mountain designated in Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area. The Makalu-Barun National Park was established in 1992 as Nepal’s eighth National Park. The area is deep inside the eastern Himalayas, a place of outstanding herbal splendor and also varied flora and fauna. The Barun valley is an internationally protected area under an agreement between China and Nepal. With the wide variety of altitudes and climates, the Makalu-Barun region is wealthy with many plants and animals in Nepal and spreading human habitation. Our destination spot, Makalu Base Camp (5000m) brings us to one of the most far off and infrequent regions in Nepal. The very initial location trial to Makalu Base Camp takes you deep into the excessive Himalaya and the large Makalu, the magnificent Black looms above: Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse. The Makalu-Barun valley trek provides lovely contrasts from in which the high waterfall cascade into deep gorges is seen. The tough rocks rise from the rich inexperienced forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks to hypnotize you for a while.
The 10-day stroll from the airstrip at Tumlingtar in the Arun Valley is as strenuous as any, and the 3500m climb to Shipton pass from the suspension bridge over the Arun River among Num and Seduwa can have the fittest trekker’s heart pounding. During Makalu Base Camp trekking we traverse distinct vegetation zones; from pristine forests of fir, birch, and rhododendron in the sub-alpine zone, to the herbs, grasses and juniper shrubs of the alpine pastures. For those with a keen eye, there is a large variety of orchid, aromatic plants, oak, primrose and not least of all, 19 species of bamboo. The forests shelter with abundant wildlife, including the endangered red panda and musk deer as well as the ghoral, Himalayan Tahr and leopard. Ornithologists have identified 400 bird species, at least 16 of which are extremely rare. En route, you will meet the ethnic groups of Limbu, Newar, and Rai at the lower elevations and Tibetan Buddhists at the higher elevations. These people live in isolated villages and rely mainly on subsistence farming for their livelihoods, which are culturally rich.
The highlights of this precious natural paradise include beautiful mountains, fresh forest, and a wide variety of plants and animal and the warm-hearted and straightforward local people with rich and varied customs. The reward for the hardship Makalu adventure trek is the chance to trek through unspoiled Himalayan landscapes, far from trapping of the modern age. This region is a region where you hardly find any modern facilities and amenities but blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty.
Day 01: - Greetings at Kathmandu Airport.
We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long fight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program. You will have meeting with your trekking guide and discuss about the equipment needed for the trekking and we will process for the trekking permits. During this visit we will help you check your equipment and facilitate the processing of other necessary items such as National Park Permits, special permits etc. If you arrive at night we will have same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast.
Day 02: - Kathmandu – Chichila.
It’s about a 50 minute flight before we touch down at Tumlingtar (400m). We Catch the local transfer Bus, Jeep trail ascends all the way through forest of Sal trees and Rhododrendon passing few villages. The countryside will become more rural and along the drive Arun Than (1280m), after which we continue through bamboo groves and big rocks to Sheka (1350m). Trek further to a small village of Chichila, mainly inhabited by Gurungs and other communities as well.about 3 to 4 hours, we reached the day End at Chichila Camp.
Day 03: Chichila to Num Via Seduwa (1540m).
The morning starts with wonderful views of Makalu and the surrounding snow capped peaks. Eventually we meet a ridge line with great views on either side and descend through forest by a small perennial river where you Cross by drive on a to Num, which is on a ridge above Arun Koshi River. Almost every evening Num experiences a dramatic display of thunder and lightning, which makes life here that little bit more interesting.We will descend steeply from the western end of the Num ridge through the cornfields of Lumbang. The trail passes over the suspension bridge and ascends through forest and a few traditional villages. People of this area are mainly engaged in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. Ascend continue through dense forest, eventually brings to beautiful camp site Seduwa. Here is large flat camping lawn ridge above the Makalu Barun National park check point, where needed to be registered.We can enjoy a beautiful view looking back towards Num and the ridgelines bounding the Arun Valley.
Day 04: - Seduwa to Tashigoan (2070m).
From Seduwa, we ascend the ridge, which is bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east, with flat and easy hiking through the bushes. The path cuts across the hillside, contouring through quiet villages along the way. You will see the locals using buffalo to plough the small paddy fields, as every piece of land possible is being utilized for farming. Finally, we climb to the last settlement of trek to Tashigoan.The camping spot in this village is really a praiseworthy site below the national park office.
Day 05: - Tashigoan to Khongma (3560m).
We ascend steeply through dense forest of remote scrub and Rhododendron passing many ridges and seasonal Yak herders. Trail rises to Chipla (2520m) and even becomes steeper, struggling up past stream and a huge overhanging rock right below the Mani danda. We have a packed lunch because of the lack of the water in between Tashigoan and Khongma. Khongma is the last opportunity we have to stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley.There are no buildings here and many of the tent sites are on the sloping hillside.
Day 06: Khongma to Mumbuk (3550m).
From Khongma, climb the ridge on steep switchbacks to a stone chorten at 3840m and feast your eyes on views of Chhamlang, Peak 6 and Peak 7. Scrubby rhododendrons and mossy boulders line the trail as you climb a stone staircase over several false ridges towards the small pass known as Ghungru La (4050m). The path twists and turns steeply, passing through forest before emerging on to a ridge with Mani walls, numerous prayer flags and superb mountainviews, including Kanchenjunga. Descend to a small turquoise lake after which we will ascend again through Shipton Pass. We then drop down the saddle for a rest by the lake Kalo Pokhari, before passing over the Keke La (4152m) and an easy descent walk through rhododendron and pine forest towards Mumbuk. It is a serene camping spot surrounded by green forests.
Day 07: Mumbuk to Nghekharka (3750m).
From Mumbuk, the trail drops down a scree-covered slope into the long, curving Barun Valley. The Barun River running through the trail adds more dimensions to the trek with its spectacular views of Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) 6739m and Peak 7 (6185m). It’s a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude, until we arrive at YangriKharka (3610m). YangriKharka is a very small village situated in a meadow at the base of the valley.From YangriKharka climb gently to Nghekharka, another cluster of herd’s hut and prayer flags on the opposite side of Barun.
Day 08: Nghekharka to Merek (4570m).
Beyond Nghekharka, the river makes a huge S-shaped curve between curtains wall of cliffs that tower on either side of river. From the meadow at Riphuk (3930m), climb past a waterfall and up over swampy ground to a lonely stone hut. Another gentle climb passes a Mani wall to Yak Kharka (4400m). The final climb to the rather bleak camp site at Merek Passes through a dizzying landscape of Himalayan giants. Have marvelous views of Chhamlang, Peak 3, Peak 4 and Peak 5.
Day 09: Merek to Makalu Base Camp.
As the path turns northwards into a side valley, Makalu finally soars into view. Stick to the faint, flat trail following the east bank of river to Shersong (4660m). From Shersong, it is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 100 meter above Makalu base camp after which we descend to a stream and cross boulders to the base camp on the west side of the river. There are terrific views of the south face of Mt. Makalu. There are no huts, shelters or vegetation at base camp which is at an elevation of about 5000m.
Day 10: Explore around Makalu Base Camp.
In truth, ‘base camp’ can an anticlimax after all the effort taken to get here. We spend a day exploring around base camp, with the aim of climbing up towards the Advance Base Camp at the start of the Makalu’s South East Ridge, where on the edge of the icy slopes you get a fantastic view up the Barun Valley of Everest. A more rewarding end point to the trek is to climb the 5250m ridge northeast of Shersong on the lower slopes of Peak 3. From this lofty vantage point, there are also views northwest to Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and Everest. When you are tire of having your awe inspired, return to Shersong for the night.
Day 11: Return to Khongma.
Continue descending through the rock fall and then climb the rocky gully to the Shelter of Mumbuk. Trek across Shipton La and descend to Khongma.
Day 12: Khongma to Seduwa.
Make a long sleep descend back to the civilization at Tashigoan and after Lunch easy walk to Seduwa. Camp at Seduwa.
Day 13: Seduwa to Chichila.
Start early morning for a relatively easy trekking along the ridge to Chichila for around 5 hours, Camping at Chichila.
Day 14: Chichila to Tumlingtar.
The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day.
Day 15: Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.
We complete the journey with a flight to Kathmandu. At the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show, taking some beautiful snaps and making up your mind for the returning journey. (Or you may stay longer for short tours such as drives at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain flight etc).
Day 16: - Free day in Kathmandu.
Today you will have a free day in Kathmandu valley. Have some rest in your hotel. You can also take a leisurely stroll over the streets and buy some souvenirs and remembering from Nepal. At evening we will have a typical Nepali dinner accompanied with cultural shows in Hotel.
Day 17: Farewell Departure.
Today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your relatives. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. We will drop you to the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and wish for your Safe journey.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee, you can get Nepal visa up on arrival in the Airport.
International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, camera battery charging.
Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
Personal trekking gears
Tips for tour/ trekking staffs and driver Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Altitude mountain sickness can affect everyone while trekking including young and healthy people and is a genuine concern in the Khumbu region. If you feel dizzy, suffer palpitations or severe headaches, return immediately to a lower altitude. Do not take altitude sickness lightly. It can be fatal! When trekking, its vital to realize that you must always hike at a pace that is convenient to your body…& not to anyone else’s, make sure you feel comfortable when trekking and listen to your body…always. These are the questions we are often asked and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
You can get hot shower services throughout the trip. However, the higher you climb the less pleasant it will be. It’s better to be on the safe side of things.
You will only have to carry a daypack, which should be a reasonable size to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, camera,Stick etc. Your other packs are carried by porters. Again we stress on the wisdom of always �travel light�.
Most of the tea houses have electricity facilities during the trekking period. You can charge your electronic devices on the trail.
You can keep your luggage and valuable items in a locker at the hotel in Kathmandu for free of charge.
The weight limit for the trek is 15 kg per guest, as it is the maximum weight that the porters can carry. It is also important to note that "hard" luggage poses a problem: soft "duffel-bags" are recommended which we provide. The lighter you are the better for the trails.
You can get your money exchanged at your hotel or we will recommend you the better place where you can get good exchanging rates. So once you are here in Kathmandu, visit us for further information.
Obtaining a Nepalese visa on arrival is easier except that you may have to spend some precious time queuing. If you get your visa in advance, you can avoid the queue. Also, don’t forget to bring cash as ATMs are not available at the airport. Note: If you are staying for more than 15 days, don’t forget to arrange a visa for 30 days.
Our airport representative and a vehicle will be waiting you at the arrival gate of the airport; in his hand will be a plaque board holding your name clearly written on the board or paper. You can’t lose us.
We accommodate trekking groups in local lodges available on the trail. As it is not possible to book the rooms days in advance, we send a porter few hours ahead of the group each day to book the rooms.
Yes, you can definitely change the lodge if you feel it is not in order by talking it over with your guide, provided there are other lodges with good rooms in the vicinity.
Yes, we do. If you prefer to travel independently, or with your friends, families and colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe suiting your convenience. The number could range from a group of people that could be minimum 1 and maximum 100 at a time. Costs for private trips can be fixed on the basis of group size, trek area; duration and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange Trek for single women if required. However, if none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you; you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you wish to do a solo trip. We can assign a local professional guide, porters etc whom you could trust with your life.
Depending on any given situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of your trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions on earth, where any unforeseen events may compel you to go for a change in your itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.
In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we surely believe will not happen; you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the event of your having to be evacuated; please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or u must be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform our office about the requirements of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send a name of the sick person and always give the exact location from where the helicopter can airlift you. Our guides will help you on this; do not leave your stationed point even if you are getting better once you have called in the helicopter.
Security of our clients is of foremost & vital importance for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Government of Nepal. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on 'camping treks' please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a 'Tea house or GAP trek' arrangement, you will be sleeping in a local tea house. You have to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Prevention is always the best kind of cure.
The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff and partners. We aim to do this by:
Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your group.
Seeking medical assurance from you that medical advisor prior to trekking departure to ensure all travelers are suitable for the challenge ahead.
Ensuring that our guides are all first aid trained, carries a comprehensive first-aid kit and are fully competent in handling emergency evacuation procedures.
Ensuring that our guides carry mobile or satellite phones: Mobile or satellite phone communication is available on most trekking routes which provide direct access to our company.
Providing a doctor to escort all school trekking groups and on request for charity challenges. Insisting that a complete risk assessment be provided prior travel and trek.
Requiring each client to complete and sign our risk assessment form prior to departure for a trek. Insisting that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers and trekkers. Insurance documentation to be provided prior to any trek.
Weather in the Himalayas is difficult to predict: expect the unexpected. Nights are generally much cooler than the day. In winter (December to February) nights can be cold when the sun is out while days are beautiful and warm. Snow can fall at any time of the year. Temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C above 5000m. It is important to stay warm and dry in any conditions – so carry sufficient gear in your pack each day.
You can enter into Nepal both by land and flight. Several Airlines have direct flights to Kathmandu from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Osaka, Shanghai, Moscow, Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong, Karachi, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Paro, Dhaka, Lhasa and Varanasi.
In City like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot we do provide star hotel as per your request and during the trekking, we will provide tea house accommodation. A Tea House is the combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. Private rooms are available in most Tea Houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either squat type or the western version. Most of the Tea Houses have running water facility. Many of them have hot water available for bathing at additional cost. Solar heaters depend on day’s weather. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood, as lack of firewood in most villages is a big environmental concern in Nepal. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative
There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually has solar lighting. Most tea houses now also have electricity for charging small appliances - mobile phones and cameras - and there may be a small charge for this.
During a Tea House trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner in the Tea House; lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants. And of course Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.
All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem.
Trek Name: Makalu Base Camp Trek 15 Days
Trek Days: 15 Days
Total Price: $1500 USD P/P
Trek Season: March to May, August to October
Trek Package: Budget/Standard/Deluxe
Mode of Transfer: Bus/Car/Flight
Start/End of Trek: Kathmandu to Makalu
Group Size: 2 - 15 Persons
Trek Altitude: 5000 M
Trek Difficulty: Strenous
Accomodation Tea House/Camping (Different Budget)
Culture Bhote/Sherpa/Rai/Gurung