This trek takes up deep into the eastern Himalayas, providing some of Nepal's most unseen and amazing scenery. Makalu Trekking is a culturally and environmentally diverse rgion and well worth a visit. This trek passes through the Makalu Barun National Park and ends at the Base Camp from which there are fantastic views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. Due to the altitude of this trek mountain sickness is a hazard and adverse weather conditions may limit or prevent further progress.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins at Tumlingtar which has regular flight connections with Kathmandu.
Highlights of the Trek
Trekking over high passes to the remote eastern valleys, Scenic Flight to Tumlingtar, Close-up views of the world’s highest mountain, Visit Arun Valley, Makalu Base Camp, Upper Barun valley, Makalu-Barun National Park, Continue beyond the Makalu Base Camp crossing 3 high passes.
Facts of the Trip
Trek Region : Makalu Region
Best Trekking Season : March – Aprin, October - November
Transportation : By flight
Accommodation : Hotel, Resort & tea house /camping
Trek Grade : Difficult
Trekking style : camping only
Altitude : Much of the route is above 3,000m
Culture : Limbu, Rai, Sherpa
Himalayan sights : Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Kumbhakarna
Attraction of the Trek: Close-up mountain views, beautiful villages, barun valley, makalu base camp, barun river, waterfalls, Rai and Limbu culture
Travel Insurance
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Trekking. Insurance for the guide and supporters which we will arrange,
Note: - B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= dinner
Note : The departure schedule can be changed on any unavoidable circumstances such as weather hazards, trail slides, and avalanches.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu.
Arrive Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The group will transfer to a hotel for the night. Trekking Leader briefs about Makalu Base Camp trekking route and other requirements.
Day 02 : Kathmandu valley sightseeing.
After having breakfast, your day will start with our guided tour of Kathmandu valley which includes world heritage sites 1) Swoyambhunath or the Monkey Temple, 2) Pashupatinath temple(the famous Hindu Temple), 3) Patan Durbar Square and finally the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 03 : Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (937 m)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Tumlingtar. During the short but spectacular flight we will leave the Kathmandu Valley and head into the Himalaya, the world’s highest mountains rising before us. Tumlingtar is situated on the east bank of Arun River.
Day 04 : Trek from Tumlingtar to Khadbari
The trails continues along with Arun River to Khadbari which is a local market around 4 hours walk from Tumlingtar and has accommodation shops. Overnight in camp.
Day 05 : Trek from Khadbari to Sakurate
The trail heads due north while the river turns slightly to the northwest. Beautiful Rai/Limbu village of Mane Bhanjyang, you climb up through terraced fields through Pangma to Bhotebas. Overnight at Camp in Sakurate.
Day 06 : Trek from Sakurate to Num
The trail continues climbing along the ridge, with rhododendron forest. You then begin a gentle descent through Mude. Overnight at Camp in Num.
Day 07 : Trek from Num to Sedua
It is fairly steep descent with many bends from Num to cross the Arun River by suspension bridge at Runbaun. It is then stiff, rocky climb up to the other side of the river to Sedua.
Day 08 : Trek from Sedua to Tashigaon
Today the trek begins with a steep climb through forest, which can be magical in the trail. The climb continues through Unshisa to Kauma.
Day 09 : Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk(3,500)
The trail twists steeply with mountain views, including Kanchenjungha. Traverse the Shipton La pass via Keke La pass and then Tutu La pass. From here it is fairly gentle descent through rhododendron and pine forest to level off at Mumbuk.
Day 10 : Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka (3,660 m)
The day begins with a sharp descent down a wooded ravine and continues on to cross the Barun River just beyond Tematan Kharka. Pass the seasonal settlement of Yangri Kharka and on the campsite a little way beyond Nehe Kharka.
Day 11 : Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shershon (4,720 m)
You cross the Barun River and climb through forest, The river valley becomes increasingly steep, with waterfalls gushing picturesquely down sheer rock faces. The trail continues its climb past the tiny settlements of Jhark Kharka, Ramara and Mera before reaching Shershon.
Day 12 : Trek from Shershon to Makalu Base Camp (4,853)
It is a walk of about one hour to Makalu Base Camp. It’s a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond, but there is superb views of Makalu itself.
Day 13 – 18 : Return from Makalu Base Camp.
Team Membership
For the Makalu Base Camp Trekking we will take minimum 2 trekkers and maximum of 20 trekkers.
Fitness and what to expect
We are travelling in high and remote terrain at moderately high altitudes. Members will best have a moderate level of fitness to enjoy the experience to its fullest. The trails are sometimes steep and a couple of the trek days quite long (about 6 hours). Weather can deteriorate and rain, strong winds and even some snow are possible. However we are travelling at a mild time of the year to best appreciate the surroundings.
Hotel
There are every category of accommodation facilities that range from the international standard star hotels to budget hotels and lodges; therefore the hotel reservation is not a difficult task. You can make reservation as per you budget. 'Himalayan Idol ' is ready to make any arrangement for you as per your wish, desire and budget.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
In the Makalu Base Camp Trekking we will be dining in the Lodge.
Equipment List
Please read the list enclosed detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided by trek members. If you have any queries about items on the list please do ask.
Clothing and Equipment Check List
Body Wear
- Thermal underwear (long)
- Polarfleece jacket and pants
- Mid layer polar fleece top
- Down jacket (to –10°C)
- Gortex rain parka and overpants
- T shirt and shorts
- Underwear
- Casual wear for evenings
- Comfortable riding pants and jacket
Head Wear
- Fleece/wool warm hat
- Baseball hat or sun hat
- Snow glasses
- Riding helmet optional
Hand Wear
- Fleece gloves
- Riding gloves
Foot Wear
- Socks x 3 sets
- Trekking/riding boots
- Lightweight running shoes
Trek Gear
- Small rucksack/daypack
- Waterbottle
- Medium sized kit bag/duffel with full length zip and lockable
- Extendable ski poles (optional)
Camping Gear
- Down sleeping bag (to -10°C)
- Headlamp and batteries
Accessories
- Personal toiletries
- Personal first aid kit
- Small kit bag/duffel (to store gear in KTM) Pocket knife / leatherman
- Personal medication & personal first aid kit
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Moist towels for personal hygiene
- Camera and plenty of film
- Camping towel
How to join the trek
If you would like to join the Makalu Base Camp Trekking, please fill out an Trekking Application Form and forward to us along with the deposit. If you require more information please contact us: