Mt.Makalu Base Camp Trekking

About the Trip

‘Adventure around scenic Arun and Barun valleys to high Makalu base camp’

Highlights:

  • Adventure around remote Far Eastern Himalaya to scenic Makalu base camp
  • Enjoy beautiful views of the world highest peaks within Arun and Barun valleys
  • Explore remote traditional hill villages adorned with age-old heritage farm life 
  • From low sub-tropical to cooler hills and towards arctic zone of ice and glaciers
  • Rare views of Mt. Everest North East ‘Khangsung Face’ from Makalu base camp”

Trek Previews:

Accommodation Mode: Hotels in Kathmandu / local lodge where available on 

                                            treks with tented camping

Trekking Grade: Moderate and Adventurous.

Area of Trekking: Nepal Far East Himalaya around Makalu region.

Highest altitude: At Makalu Base Camp 4, 870 m / 15, 978 feet high.

 Trek duration: 14 nights and 15 days (With flights both ways)

Total Trip: 18 nights and 19 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)

 Best Seasons for Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking:

The best time from March to May months with September to November, during springtime when wildflowers are in full blooming season with various species rhododendron from tall trees to bushes, makes the hills alive with spectacular wild-flower. Morning and night much cold but enough sunlight hours.

Trek will be more enjoyable in spring with fine good weather for views and pleasant walks, chances of snowfall sometimes around the higher region of Dolpo.

Next good time in autumn/fall from September to November, although much cold but days are bright and clear for views and pleasant walks. Days are fine but short sunlight hours can expect snow sometimes due to the autumn and fall season.

Introduction:

Mt. Makalu base camp trekking, an adventure to Nepal far eastern Himalaya region, one of the most remote and isolated regions and least ventured by a group of trekkers and adventurers.

Mt. Makalu Base Camp is a less popular trekking region, due to its remoteness from main villages and towns, situated within complete wilderness far from human settlement and farm villages.

Due to its secluded location, proper tea-house and lodges are very few, even though if it exists, where trekkers have to get suffice in whatever it’s available. 

As most of the lodge will be very simple, basic, and Spartan accommodation and food served.

Where most trekkers and trekking company provides excellent camping facilities with separate kitchen unit of cook and porters to carry all camping gear and foods.

Mt. Makalu located Nepal Far East within the Great Khumbukarna Himalaya range in-between world highest Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse in the west with Mt. Kanchenjunga towards further east.

Mt. Makalu, listed world 5th highest peak at the height of 8,463 m and 27,766 feet, first conquest by joint French and Swiss Expedition on May 15th 1955, a tough, technical, and challenging mountain to climb.

Mt. Makalu a rocky and black pyramid peaks, hence the name ‘Makalu’ means black as you notice on treks from Arun to Barun valleys and at base camp with other adjoining mountain range.

Mt. Makalu base camp trekking, scenic and exciting adventure that takes you from low warm semi-tropical temperatures to cooler green hills and continues towards the arctic zone of remorseless fields of ice and glaciers at Makalu base camp. 

The adventure begins with scenic short flight from Kathmandu to land at a warm low farm town in Tumlingtar, perched on a plateau above Arun River where the journey continues pas interesting Khandbari, a headquarter town of Sankhuwa Sava district of Makalu region.

A drive takes you to farm hill village at Num, where our walk starts to Makalu base camp and scenic Barun Valley, adventure leads through the farm village of Seduwa and at Tashi-Gaon.

The last permanent village on route to Barun valley and Makalu base camp, Tashi-Gaon populated by mostly Sherpa people, the indigenous mountain tribes of Eastern Himalaya from Rolwaling valley, Everest to the Kanchenjunga region.

After visiting the rural villages route takes you higher up through a mist-filled forest of oaks, rhododendron, pine, and fir trees with lush green vegetation then reach at Khoma Hilltop and a small pass offers grand views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang 7,319 m / 24, 012 feet with Baruntse Himal 7,319 m / 23,389 feet and world 3rd high Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Adventure takes you further north through Shipton and Tutu-La pass and icy ponds to reach at scenic Barun Valley, enclosed and well hidden from the rest of the world.

Slowly, the trek leads towards the end of Barun valley to reach our major goal and highlight at Makalu Base Camp, and the highest point of the adventure at above 4, 870 m / 15, 978 feet high. 

Where our camp is set beneath the towering South Face of Mt. Makalu and close to Baruntse peak glaciers, with time at base camp to explore around arctic zone landscapes covered in moraine, glaciers, and ice.

From the base camp enjoy grand views of Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse with Khangsung or East Face of Mt. Everest and Lhotse the only spot in the whole Himalaya where one can witness rare eastern side of Mt. Everest.

Enjoying marvelous adventure exploring around hidden corners and climb to the high hill for excellent panorama of whole snow mountain views, return journey on the same scenic route to reach at Num to end the walk.

Last overnight stop on the high hills of Makalu at Num, where the next day an exciting drive reach you within a semi-tropical area in Tumlingtar for scenic flight back to Kathmandu, after a marvelous experience and adventure on Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trek.  

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport 1,320 m and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02: In Kathmandu for sightseeing tour and trek preparation. 

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar 860 m and drive to Num 1, 540 m -04 hours.

Day 04: Trek to Seduwa 1,470 m- 05 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Tashi-Gaon 2,065 m - 04 hrs. 

Day 06: Trek to Khoma Danda / Ridge 3,480 m - 05 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Mumbuk 3,560 m - 06 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Nehe Kharka 3,140 m - 05 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to Makalu base camp 4, 870 m via Shersong 4, 610 m - 06 hrs.

Day 10: At Makalu base camp for local excursion.

Day 11: Trek to Yangri Kharka 3, 645 m - 06 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Mumbuk - 06 hrs.

Day 13: Trek to Khoma Danda / Ridge - 05 hrs.

Day 14: Trek to Nawa Gaon 2, 500 m via Tashi-Gaon - 05 hrs.

Day 15: Trek to Num via Seduwa - 05 hrs.

Day 16: Drive to Tumlingtar-04 hrs. 

Day 17: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. 

Day 18: In Kathmandu spare and reserve as a contingency day.

Day 19: Depart Nepal for international departure homeward bound.


Overview

Photos & Videos

Day to Day Itinerary

01

Arrival in Kathmandu airport 1,320 m and transfer to the hotel.
On arrival at Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, received by our staff for a short transfer to your hotels. Where most nice hotels are located within the hub of Kathmandu around the Thamel area, an exciting and interesting location, on reaching your respective hotel check into your rooms and get refreshed. Meet a hotel lobby where our guide/leader will brief you with full information on the treks, local cultures, and other necessary details to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable. The evening group dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant along with local folk programs to entertain you while enjoying delicious meals.

02

In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour and trek preparation.
At Kathmandu free day with cultural and historical tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest accompanied by an expert guide. Kathmandu and adjoining cities steeped with world heritage sites an interesting places to visit, after an exciting day, return to the hotel with afternoon free preparation for the Mt. Makalu Base Camp trek.

03

Fly to Tumlingtar 860 m and drive to Num 1, 540 m -04 hours.
From the hotel in Kathmandu, transfer to domestic airport to board in a plane to reach Nepal Far East at Tumlingtar, a scenic 45 minutes flight facing grand views of Central and Eastern Himalaya from Ganesh, Langtang Himal, Jugal Himal with Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu extends further east with views of Mt. Kanchenjunga towards further east. Landing at Tumlingtar airport, short walk towards the main center at Tumlingtar a small farm town, perched on a wide plateau above Arun River, with sub-tropical temperatures. At Tumlingtar, the journey continues taking a drive on local four-wheel vehicle, or a jeep to reach at Num village, an exciting ride and the best way to witness Nepalese rural villages and farm activities. On reaching Num for overnight in a simple local lodge, or camping near the village with grand views of Makalu and Jaljala rocky high peaks.

04

Trek to Seduwa 1,470 m- 05 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight stop in Num village, the first-day walk begins with a short descend to reach Arun River, crossing a bridge, then a steep climb to Seduwa a small farm village, where for overnight camp is set near the village or around its schoolyard.

05

Trek to Tashi-Gaon 2,065 m - 04 hrs.
Short morning walk today of few hours to Tashi-Gaon, populated by Sherpa people the tribe of Eastern Himalaya, walk leads on a gradual winding path past many farm areas to reach Tashi-Gaon for lunch and overnight stop. Tashi-Gaon last village and permanent settlement from here onwards into complete mountain wilderness for a week with few temporary Yak herders shelter with few small simple lodge for travelers.

06

Trek to Khoma Danda 3,500 m - 05 hours.
From Tashi Gaon, morning walk leads through a lovely dense forest of rhododendron, pines, oaks and birch tree lines, and cattle herders’ camps with few makeup shelters around grazing fields. After a short pleasant walk, the climb starts to reach our overnight halt on top Kohma danda, a high scenic open ridge, also a small pass facing views Kanchenjunga with Mt. Makalu in the north.

07

Trek to Mumbuk 3,400 m - 06 hours.
From here on nice scenic path to cross over Tutu-La and Shipton-La pass and walk past the glacial pond of Thulo and Sano Pokhari ( big and smaller ponds), and then downhill into tall trees to reach at Mumbuk for overnight camp, amidst forest surroundings.

08

Trek to Nehe Kharka 3,750 m - 06 hours.
After a quiet overnight halt, morning downhill on leaving trees and dense vegetation head towards beautiful Barun Valley, this valley is famous for exotic flora and fauna. Rare herbs and plants are found here almost extinct on this planet, walk into Barun valley with a gradual up to Nehe Kharka for an overnight stop in a wide field within the Yak grazing area.

09

Trek to Makalu base camp 4, 870 m via Shersong 4, 610 m- 06 hrs.
Today, towards our final destination at Makalu base camp as well the highest spot of the adventure, as walk heads towards the end of Barun valley, where a few high altitude Himalaya dwarf rhododendron, juniper, and prickly Burberry bushes disappear from a place called Shersong. Adventure continues ahead for arctic landscapes of moraine, ice, and glaciers on reaching at Makalu base camp close to Baruntse glaciers and icy frozen ponds where tented camp is set for two overnights.

10

At Makalu base camp for local excursion.
After a day of moderate and tough walks and climb on a steep uphill, enjoy a free day at Makalu base camp, and explore its dramatic surroundings of rocky moraine with huge ice boulders and glaciers. Walk on top of a hill to get close views of Mt. Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse with an array of peaks, includes stunning views of Mt. Everest East Face famously known as the ‘Khangsung Face’ with Lhotse the 4th world highest peaks.

11

Trek to Yangri Kharka 3,645 m - 06 hrs.
Enjoying an adventure of a lifetime experience return journey towards Barun valley on the same scenic route to Yangri Kharka, the last overnight camp around Barun valley.

12

Trek to Mumbuk - 05 hrs.
Morning starts with a climb to enter back into the forested area on leaving Barun valley, a pleasant walk to complete the day trek at Mumbuk within dense tree lines with views of Khumbukarna Himal.

13

Trek to Khoma Ridge - 05 hrs.
From Mumbuk climb past tree lines to cross over Shipton -la 4,040 meters and Tutu-la pass, as walk heads past Thulo and Sano Pokhari, to reach at Khoma Danda / Ridge for overnight stop.

14

Trek to Nawa Gaon 2,500 m via Tashi Gaon - 06 hrs.
Enjoy morning views of the snow mountain range, and then head downhill into dense forest to Tashi-Gaon, after a long descend enjoy a short refreshing stop for lunch at Tashi-Gaon. Afternoon our route diverts towards another large Sherpa farm village of Nawa-Gaon for overnight camp, Nawa-Gaon nice Sherpa village located above Seduwa village.

15

Trek to Num via Seduwa - 06 hrs.
Our last day walk of the journey, as morning starts with downhill to reach Seduwa village and then continue descend to Arun River, cross a bridge where last final climb takes you on top at Num village for an overnight stop.

16

Drive to Tumlingtar and transfer to local lodge- 04 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight in Num village, morning board on local vehicle for a few hours exciting drive that takes you to a low warm sub-tropical farm area, heading past the large town of Khandbari, and then reach Tumlingtar. At Tumlingtar transfer into the best available local lodge for a final overnight halt around Makalu and Far Eastern areas of Nepal.

17

Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Early morning short walk to Tumlingtar airport, and then board in a small aircraft for a scenic flight to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu domestic air-terminal transfer back to your hotel, with time in the afternoon for individual activities and shopping.

18

In Kathmandu spare and reserve as a contingency day.
A spare and contingency day in Kathmandu in case of flight delay at Tumlingtar or in the beginning from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, where weather can be unfavorable sometimes even in the best time of a year. If all goes well as our standard itinerary, enjoy this free day of joining in for another exciting tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest.

19

Depart Nepal for international departure homeward bound.
Last and final day in Nepal in the country of amazing Himalaya blended with colorful culture, as per your time for international flight our staff, guide transfer you to the airport for final departures home-ward after a memorable experience and adventure on Makalu Base Camp trekking.

Included

  • Air port pick up and drop by car.
  • Meals (breakfast + lunch+ dinner) during trekking
  • Accommodation (Tea house / Hotel / Lodge) while on the trek.
  • Well trained trekking guide.
  • All Ground transportation
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets if necessary.
  • All necessary paper works and conservation entry permits.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
  • Insurance of guide and porter
  • All government taxes.

What is Excluded?

  • Meals while in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Porter (USD 13 per day) if necessary.
  • Your Travel insurance.
  • All kinds of drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks).
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).

Route Map

Equipment Checklist

Trip Information

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