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 Trekking is a journey to the core of the Himalayas, a rewarding challenge meant for experienced trekkers. Awe inspiring scenery awaits, views of Everest through Kanchenjunga and north into Tibet, the river valleys Arun and Barun, glaciers and enchanting waterfalls all add up to a trip beyond imagination. This rugged territory is less explored with the trail talking days of uninhabited territory that adds toughness and simultaneously blesses with exploration of the preserved beauty. Makalu is the fifth highest peak in the world and stands 8,468m tall.

After a flight to Tumlingtar(400m), we walk through the Brahman and Chettri habitants and move upwards to Rai, Limbu and Gurung habitation. The trail crosses Arun valley at Num and moves up the KasuwaKhola to Makalu Base Camp which is at a height of 4,870m. The gradual climb is strenuous yet scenic backdrops makes the trail interesting. Views of Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang and other peaks forms a spectacular massif. After the last Sherpa village at Tashigaon, we carry on with adequate supplies and camp for shelter. Crossing three high passes, the trail takes a maximum altitude of 5,150m. Mountain views at the passes and other viewpoints are beyond imagination and parts of the river valleys Arun and Barun fall under conserved water shed areas. 

Trip Highlights

Arun valley, once set for the construction of hydroelectric project is still a well preserved area as construction did not proceeded. Waterfalls, Granite cliffs and glaciers at upper regions of the trek are enchanting. The valleys of Arunand Barun is a perfect exposure to a variety of highland flora and fauna.The Makalu Barun National park preserves a wide range of endangered species including Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Himalayan Thar et cetera. Local culture from communities of Sherpa, Limbu and Rai is traditional and gives a rare insight into the rural lifestyle. 

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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