Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Trip Facts

  • Cost Start FromContact Us
  • Duration 23 Days
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • TransportationNA
  • DestinationNepal
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About Trip

Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey in the heart of eastern Nepal. The trek will particularly lead you to Makalu Barun National Park and Makalu Conservation Area where you will get to see numerous flora & fauna including rare ones. Trekking in the Makalu region comes under the restricted area, which needs a special permit from the government of Nepal. During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will trek through five major ecological zones where the lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests of rhododendron & fir, and alpine meadows also appears. As most part of the trail involves remote and isolated parts, the entire journey will be super adventurous, wild, and off-the-beaten trail experience.

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will experience a wide range of climatic variations along with altitude difference. You will trek through the lush forest where you can come across many wildlife like Red Panda, Snow-Leopard, and Musk Deer. Similarly, while passing through numerous small villages, you will get to observe the rich culture and unique lifestyle of the locals. People from Sherpa, Rai, and Shingsawa resides in this part of Nepal. Even though the region is economically weak, you will get to see a very strong cultural heritage. Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an ideal journey for any travel enthusiasts who are looking for the less crowded journey in the Himalayas.

Trekking in Makalu region will bless you with the spectacular beauty of the Himalayan landscape and panoramic views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319), Mt. Baruntse (7,220m), Peak 7 (6,185m), Peak 6 (6,739m), and many other mountains. Along with that, you will also get to witness stunning views of glacial lakes, huge glaciers, and picturesque valleys. We, Mountain Rock Treks & Expedition is professionally designed our Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary to present you a perfect journey. For any further information feel free to contact us anytime.

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Makalu region, Nepal

  • Group Size: 1-12 people

  • Max-Altitude: 5,250 m/17,224 ft

  • Difficulty Level: Difficult

  • Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Departure From: Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Accommodation: Hotel, teahouses, and camps (tents)

  • Best Time: Spring & Autumn


The major attraction of Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • Off-the-beaten trekking experience

  • Trek through Makalu Barun National Park where you will get to see diverse flora & fauna

  • Get to experience the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of ethnic settlements

  • Explore Makalu Base Camp

  • Witness panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and numerous other mountains

Makalu Base Camp Trek route

Makalu Base Camp trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, you will begin trekking towards Khadbari and then to Chichila. Leaving Chichila behind you will head to Tashi Gaon via Num and Sedua. The trail passes by several small villages and leads you to Kauma where you will take a day off for acclimatization. From here onwards, you will gradually ascend on the rugged and forested trail to reach Makalu Base Camp. Before reaching the base camp, you will also pass by Mumbuk, Neha Khadka, and Sherson. You will spend a day exploring the base camp and descend back to Tashi Gaon following the same trail as before. Further, the trail will lead you to the beautiful village, Pakuwa from where you will drop down to Bumling and then to Tumlingtar, and fly back to Kathmandu. 

Permits needed to do Makalu Base Camp Trek

To go on Makalu Base Camp Trek, you need to get the following permits:

Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit: USD 30 per person

Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person

Makalu Base Camp Trek difficulty

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a long trek that lasts for more than 20 days usually. Likewise, during the trek, you will gain more than 5,000 meters in elevation and trail is also challenging. If not done properly there is also chances of altitude sickness. Therefore, by looking at all these factors, you can say Makalu Base Camp Trekking is a difficult journey in the Himalayas. However, with our carefully designed Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary and proper guidance, you will be able to complete the trek without having any problems. 

Makalu Base Camp Trek cost

Makalu Base Camp Trek cost depends on the company you are traveling with. The cost includes your lodging and fooding during the trek, accommodation in Kathmandu, all necessary permits, and expenses of guides & porters. You can check our cost include and exclude part for further information. With us, you will get the best price and service. 
 

Food & Accommodation during Makalu Base Camp Trek

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you won’t be dining on anything fancy as this is one of the most remote parts of Nepal, plus the ones available will cost you a fortune. As there is no roadway in the trekking region, they are carried by men and mules. You can expect it to be a lot of hard work. During your stay in teahouses, you will eat dal bhat and dhido. Non-vegetarian items are rare and expensive. It is better that you eat vegetarian. If you have cravings, then you can carry food along with you.

As you trek on the lower parts of the Makalu region, you will be staying in the teahouses and lodges as they are abundant in those areas. As you move further, the elevation also increases. On the higher parts of the Himalayas, you won’t find any houses and lodges as people do not stay in those parts. Those parts are very cold. While at the base camp, and before crossing major passes, you will be spending the night in a camp. The camp will be built by the porters, and they’ll cook food for you.

Makalu Base Camp Trek equipment

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will need basic trekking equipment. Below is the list of things that you should carry during Makalu Base Camp Trekking:

  1. T-shirts

  2. Underwear

  3. Thermal underwear

  4. Shorts

  5. Trousers

  6. down Jacket

  7. Fleece Jacket

  8. Waterproof jacket with a hood 

  9. Waterproof pants

  10. Trekking pants

  11. Pair of gloves/mittens & Lightweight gloves

  12. Sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket

  13. Lightweight walking boots

  14. Spare laces

  15. Thick woolen socks & Thin socks

  16. One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp

  17. Sunglasses

  18. Warm hat/Bandana

  19. Toiletries (sunscreen with a very high SPF, lip balm with a high SPF, quick-drying towel, toothbrush & paste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face & body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror, tissue paper, toilet papers, etc)

  20. First Aid Kit (bandage for sprains, band-aids, antiseptic ointment for cuts, aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller, diarrhea stopper, Diamox, etc)

  21. Iodine or water filters

  22. An emergency light

  23. Reusable water bottle

  24. Trekking Pole

  25. Sleeping bag

  26. Miscellaneous (binoculars, book, map, journal & pens, cards, camera, extra batteries, snacks, etc)

Trip Highlights

  1. Arun valley and Barun valley 
  2.  hydroelectric project is well preserved.
  3. Waterfalls, Granite cliffs and glaciers at upper regions of the trek are enchanting.
  4. variety of highland flora and fauna.
  5. Makalu Barun National park
  6. Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Himalayan Thar
  7. Local culture from communities of Sherpa, Limbu and Rai

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 02:Trek preparation day
  • Day 03:Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Khadbari (1,040 m – 4-hrs Hiking.)
  • Day 04:Khadbari (1,040 m) – Chichila (1830 m - 5/6 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 05:Chichila (1830 m) - Num (1490 m - 5 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 06:Num (1490 m) – Sedua - (1460 m 5/6 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 07:Sedua (1460 m) – TashiGaon (2070 M - 5 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 08:TashiGaon (2070 m) – Kauma (3470 m - 6 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 09:Acclimatization day in Kauma (3470 m)
  • Day 10:Kauma (3470 m) – Mumbuk (3570 m - 5 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 11:Mumbuk (3570 m) – NehaKharka - (3000 m - 6 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 12:NehaKharka - (3000 m) – Sherson (4615 m - 7 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 13:Sherson (4615 m) – Makalu Base Camp (5000 m - 4/5 hrs Hiking)
  • Day 14:Explore Makalu Base Camp
  • Day 15:Makalu Base Camp to NehaKharkha - (3000 m)
  • Day 16:NehaKharka - (3000 m) – Mumbuk (3570 m)
  • Day 17:Mumbuk (3570 m) – Kauma (3470 m)
  • Day 18:Kauma (3470 m) – TashiGaon (2070 m)
  • Day 19:Trek to Pakuwa (1520 m)
  • Day 20:Pukuwa (1520 m) - Bumling - 1160 m
  • Day 21:Bumling – Tumlingtar - 860 m
  • Day 22:Fly to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar
  • Day 23:Final Departure or onward for next program

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01Arrival in KathmanduArrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detail arrangement of the Trek.
  • Day 02Trek preparation day After breakfast, you will be introduced with the trek leader/guide at the hotel. This pre-trip meeting is for briefings on the trek and other necessary details. Please bring along your passport and three passport sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance policy. You can use your free time to rest or explore around for some last minute shopping. A visit to the world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Swayambhu, Boudha, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square et cetera is also arranged as per request.
  • Day 03Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Khadbari (1,040 m – 4-hrs Hiking.)An early morning flight to Tumlingtar takes around an hour. After briefing with the crew, we start walking towards Khadbari. The four hour walk ascends from the river basin and passes through scanty forests to reach a plateau. Further on, it takes a gradual ascent as it reachesKhandbari. Overnight stay in a tent.
  • Day 04Khadbari (1,040 m) – Chichila (1830 m - 5/6 hrs Hiking)The trail ascends through small villages and passes rhododendron and bamboo forests. Passing ArunThan after crossing a ridge, we move on to Sheka and ascend to Bhotebas. We stop at Chichila, a tiny Gurung community to lay our tents for the overnight stay.
  • Day 05Chichila (1830 m) - Num (1490 m - 5 hrs Hiking)The moderately paced walk to Baisake and Kuwapani, inhabited by a small number of Sherpas is through a ridge. The trail then takes a short ascend and drops along a forest to a stream before ascending again. Mure is a beautiful village with Rai and Sherpa settlement. The final descent is through eroded and rough trail after which we climb a ridge to reach the well facilitated village of Num where we stay overnight.
  • Day 06Num (1490 m) – Sedua - (1460 m 5/6 hrs Hiking)The trail takes a steep descent along terraced fields to Lumbang and further passes through forest area to Arun River. After passing the suspension bridge, we take a zigzag climb all the way to Seduwa. We register at the National Park office and camp on the ground below it.
  • Day 07Sedua (1460 m) – TashiGaon (2070 M - 5 hrs Hiking)With Ipsuwa and Kasuwa River bounding our trail, we ascend through a ridge and cross the hill along silent Buddhist villages. The trail that passes through rice and paddy fields and forested areas and passes Hindrungma village. Terraced fields signifies yet another settlement, asn soon we pass TashiGaon school from where a short walk along the hilly trail takes us to TashiGaon. This Sherpa settlement is the last habitation in the valley and our stay for the night.
  • Day 08TashiGaon (2070 m) – Kauma (3470 m - 6 hrs Hiking)Today, we gain a lot of altitude as we move towards Kauma. The trail first ascends through forests to a ridge. We pass Chipla, a small hut belonging to the shepherds and higher on, get to a grazing ground. Stone stairs ascend the ridge and just on the other side lies Kauma, with tent sites on hill slopes. Overnight stay on a tent.
  • Day 09Acclimatization day in Kauma (3470 m)After a long climb, this day deserves a rest. It’s also necessary that we acclimatize well to the increasing altitude. Staying idle is not a suggestion, so you can explore around Kauma and prepare for the next day.
  • Day 10Kauma (3470 m) – Mumbuk (3570 m - 5 hrs Hiking)The trail takes an early climb to a ridge at 3840m, an ideal viewpoint embellished with prayer flags and mani walls. Along the ridge, rhododendron forest scatter around the trail till Ghungru La (4050m). Further ahead, we descend to a beautiful lake. Leaving the turquoise beauty behind, the trail then ascends to Shipton Pass and further on, cross the third pass Keke La. We pass along rhododendron forests to reach Mumbak, and lay tent for the night.
  • Day 11Mumbuk (3570 m) – NehaKharka - (3000 m - 6 hrs Hiking)Through rhododendron and fir forests, the trail descends to BarunKhola. We pass a cave while moving along the ups and downs to reach a wide clearing where views of Peak 7 are magnificent. To the Barun River, the valley widens and frolicking streams are aplenty. Across the bridge, we pass YangleKharka to reach NehaKharka, a large grazing land.
  • Day 12NehaKharka - (3000 m) – Sherson (4615 m - 7 hrs Hiking)Today, we move along the Barun valley passing PiphukKharka (3930m) and ascend along a waterfall to a stream. At JhakKharka (4210m) the trail passes a lone house and crosses meadows of Yak Kharka. Further on, moving besides a moraine, the trial leads to Sherson (4615m), with wonderful views of Peak 4, Peak 5, Peak 3 and the Makalu itself. One can easily notice the vegetation change to alpine with the altitude. Overnight stay in a tent.
  • Day 13Sherson (4615 m) – Makalu Base Camp (5000 m - 4/5 hrs Hiking)The gradual ascent from Sherson continues to a minor pass just above the base camp. The trail then takes a descent to a stream and leads to the Makalu Base Camp (5000m). With no vegetation or shelter, the only company here is outstanding views of southern Makalu. Overnight stay in a tented camp.
  • Day 14Explore Makalu Base Camp The day set aside for exploration of the periphery of Makalu Base Camp and enjoy scenic views of the giant. Overnight stay in a camp.
  • Day 15Makalu Base Camp to NehaKharkha - (3000 m)It’s a big descent, as we move back to NehaKharka through the same route. Quite consoling after spending days in the chilling heights. Overnight stay in a camp.
  • Day 16NehaKharka - (3000 m) – Mumbuk (3570 m)The trail further moves down along rhododendron and fir forests to Mumbuk with the backdrop of the snow peaks.
  • Day 17Mumbuk (3570 m) – Kauma (3470 m)Today’s walk crosses the three passes, Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Views of Mount Makalu above and Barun River below form an outstanding combination. It’s a formidable walk, with steep ascents and descents. Overnight stay at Kauma.
  • Day 18Kauma (3470 m) – TashiGaon (2070 m)The descent to TashiGaon is steep at some points, moving down along the hilly terrain. It’s a long walk that ends at the Sherpa habitation of TashiGaon. Overnight stay in a camp.
  • Day 19Trek to Pakuwa (1520 m)At these lower altitudes, farming villages can be seen in plenty. Today’s walk passes through Rai settlements and along forests and streams to reach Pakuwa where we stay overnight.
  • Day 20Pukuwa (1520 m) - Bumling - 1160 mThe trail continues through forests and climbs a spectacular ridge line. We further drop down to the Chettri Village at Bumling where we camp for the night.
  • Day 21Bumling – Tumlingtar - 860 mFollowing the banks of Arun River, the trail passes along Chyawabesi and further ascends to reach Tumlingtar. Overnight stay in a camp.
  • Day 22Fly to Kathmandu from TumlingtarThe short morning flight to Kathmandu is a scenic one. Upon reaching the capital, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the evening, Mountain Rock Treks has schedules a farewell dinner which is also a celebration for the successful completion of the journey. You can use your free time strolling around the city or getting souvenirs for your family and friends back home.
  • Day 23Final Departure or onward for next program Departure from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle. You can also opt for another package with Mountain Rock Treks

Trip Note

Above itinerary can be re-designed as per your interest & preferences. Let us know whether you would like some changes

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