Makalu Base Camp Trek
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Trip Duration
22 Days |
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Region
Makalu Treks |
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Country
Nepal |
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Group Size
2 to 20 person |
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Arrival On
Kathmandu |
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Departure From
Kathmandu |
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Best Season
March To May And Sept To Nov |
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Max Altitude
4870M |
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Difficult Trekking is both moderate and difficult. Altitude you reach is around 4000-5500 meters. Hike about 6 hours per day and requires to be physically fit and acclimatization is required.
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Activities
Nepal Trekking
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Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview
Mt. Makalu (8463m) is the 5th highest peak in the world. It is a solitary trekker’s popular trekking destination. This trek takes you to the Makalu base camp (5250m). This trek starts with the one-hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. This trek is designed as Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area which comprises 2330 sq. km of a national park and 830 sq. km of the conservation area in Nepal. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is popular with national and international trekkers.
It is part of the huge international protected area under an agreement between Nepal and China. We can visit the remote and unfrequented area of Nepal with a true adventure with beautiful scenery. The Rhododendron forest, Hanging glacier and beautiful waterfall, snowcapped mountains, ethnic Himalayan lifestyle, and high altitude terrains make you never tire.
The real trek starts from Chichila and heads upon an Arun river valley with Seduwa and Num then crosses the Shipton La Pass (4210m) into the Barun River Valley with a look of Makalu and Chamlang Himal. This trek is an ideal choice for tranquility and a pristine Natural habitat that wishes to avoid crowds.
Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu -Tumlingtar (460m) & drive to Num (1490) by private jeep.
Day 4: Trek to Sedua (1460m) Duration: 5 hrs.
Day 5: Trek to Tashigaou (2070m) Duration: 6-7 hrs.
Day 6: Trek to Kauma (3470m) Duration: 6 hrs.
Day7: Trek to Mumbuk (3570m) Duration: 6 hrs.
Day 8: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m) Duration: 7 hrs.
Day 9: Trek to Sherson (4615m) Duration: 6 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base camp (5000m) Duration: 5 hrs.
Day 11: Explore Makalu Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m) Duration: 6-7 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Mumbuk (3570m) Duration: 5-6 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Kauma (3470m) Duration: 7 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Tashi Gaon (2070m) Duration: 6 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Balung (760m) Duration: 5 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Pukuwa (550m) Duration: 7 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Bumling (370m) Duration: 6 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Tumlingtar (460m) Duration: 06 hrs.
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 21: Leisure day.
Day 22: Farewell.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
Walking Hours: 30 Minutes Driving
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel
You are welcomed by a hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to the hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program upon arrival.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel
Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu -Tumlingtar (460m) & drive to Num by private jeep
Walking Hours: 1 Hour Flight And 4 Hours Jeep
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Max. Altitude: 1490M
We take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, we then take a jeep to Num passing through Hururu.
Day 4: Trek to Sedua
Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Max. Altitude: 1460M
We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the cornfields of Lumbang. Below the village, the trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m). From the bridge, we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua.
Day 5: Trek to Tashigaou
Walking Hours: 6 To 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 2070M
Leaving Sedua, we make a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m). Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village, and on to Rupisa. En route, we cross meadows and several streams and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon.
Day 6: Trek to Kauma
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3470M
We climb over the ridge and ascend through forests to a stream and onto a ridge where there is a small campsite. The trail levels out, and then climbs to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We climb past two small streams, then switchback up the ridge in forests to a kharka at 2900 meters and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx. 330 meters. Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages.
Day 7: Trek to Mumbuk
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3570M
We climb steeply through rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge, with a large mani wall adorned with prayer flags. From here, we get superb views of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Following the ridge for a while, we ascend a stone staircase. After a few false summits, the trail veers left off the crest to a small lake. We then climb gently up a shallow rocky gully to the Kike La (4127 m). From the pass, we descend to another lake and then ascend steeply through large boulders to the Tutu La. We continue descending about 150 meters into sparse rhododendron forests to a level area.
Day 8: Trek to Nhe Kharka
Walking Hours: 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3000M
We descend a steep gully with a stream for about 500 meters. We then move left through fir forests, along the flank of the Barun Valley. Moving along the ill-defined trail, we cross a 200-meter-long slide area, and then follow the river to a Kharka. Moving through forests of birch and scrub rhododendron, we reach Yangle Kharka. We Climb from Yangle Kharka, finally crossing to the north side of the Barun Khola to reach Nhe Kharka.
Day 9: Trek to Sherson
Walking Hours: 6 To 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 4615M
Beyond the Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun Khola for a while. We then cross a small wooden bridge before the river turns northward. The Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve and the walls rise almost vertically 1500 to 2000 meters above the river, but the trail climbs gently as we approach Ripok Kharka. Still, on the north side of the Barun, the trail turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3 and Peak 5, but Makalu is not yet visible. As we pass a ridge the glacier turns slightly north.
Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base camp
Walking Hours: 5 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 5000M
We stay to right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is gradual descent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We then descend to a stream, cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river. An ascent of this buttress yields views of Peak 6, 7 and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama.
Day 11: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Walking Hours: 2 Hours Hiking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Today is a rest day for acclimatization and exploration.
Day 12: Trek to Nhe Kharka
Walking Hours: 6 To 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3000M
We retrace our steps down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka.
Day 13: Trek to Mumbuk
Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3570M
From Nhe Kharka, we continue descending through the forests to Mumbuk. From here we get beautiful sunset views of Makalu and Chamlang.
Day 14: Trek to Kauma
Walking Hours: 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3470M
Leaving Mumbuk, we trek across the Shipton La and descend to Kauma.
Day 15: Trek to Tashi Gaon
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 2070M
Today we make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. At Tashi Gaun, we spend the rest of the day relaxing in order to recover from the high altitude.
Day 16: Trek to Balung
Walking Hours: 5 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 760M
Trek to Kasuwa Khola Valley back to Sedua, then turn south down the west bank of the Arun River. From Sedua, The route now enters the hot bottomlands of the Arun Valley. Most of the settlements in this area are temporary settlements used by Rai and Chettri farmers who live in villages high on the hillside above.
Day 17: Trek to Pukuwa
Walking Hours: 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 550M
We continue through temporary farming settlements to the spread-out Rai village of Walung (880m). The trail descends to the Apsawa Khola and crossing it on a suspension bridge we climb steeply to Chhayang, a pleasant Rai village with an extensive bamboo-pipe water supply at 800 m. We continue through forests and pass several small streams to reach Pukuwa.
Day 18: Trek to Bumling
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 370M
The trail now follows a route through forests and some spectacular high and exposed narrow tracks as it climbs over rocky ridges. The route eventually enters a region of intense valley bottom cultivation, crosses a huge landslide and some more scrub jungle before descending to Tome (520 m). Below Tome, the Arun Valley becomes wider and more U shaped. From the top of the ridge at 530m, the trail descends to a delightful camp on the banks of the Sankhuwa Khola (370m), across from the Chhetri village of Bumling.
Day 19: Trek to Tumlingtar
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 460M
The trail traverses the fields of lower Bumling, then climbs over a ridge and descends to the Inkhuwa Khola, crossing it on a rickety wooden cantilever bridge. The trail follows the river downstream to its confluence with the Arun. It then follows the Arun downstream, crossing it on a large suspension bridge. Now following the east bank of the Arun, the route passes through Chyawabesi before making a short climb back to the Tumlingtar plateau.
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu
Walking Hours: 35 Minutes Flight And 30 Minutes Drive
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel
Max. Altitude: 1350M
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, breakfast, and dinner provided by our company side with the special cultural program included.
Day 21: Leisure day
Walking Hours: Leisure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Star Category Hotel
Max. Altitude: 1350M
Spend the day in Kathmandu, to rest or to explore, as per your inclination. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Day 22: Farewell
Walking Hours: 30 Minutes Driving
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Max. Altitude: 1355M
Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Mission Himalaya Treks And Expeditions PVT Ltd will take you to the airport. Or you can head right away for another unforgettable trip.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Cost
Quotation Can be Different According to Number of Days in Trekking, Your Country of Residence, Number of days in City, Guide quality, Equipments, Flights Company, Hotels quality in City, Transportation Type, Number of Trekkers in your Groups, Teahouses quality of Trekking, Meals what include in Trekking, Other Numerous included Items. For exaxt Cost Please Message us in whatsapp. +977-9841965533
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Airport picks up and drops service during international arrival/ departure and domestic arrival/departure.
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Deluxe 3 star category accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive with breakfast according to the itinerary.
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Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu with guide and porter.
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Beautiful and clean accommodation at guest houses, lodges during the trek.
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Full board meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner with a cup of hot drinks).
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One trekking Guide highly experienced, friendly, English-speaking, Government licensed, Ministry of tourism Trained with his salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurances.
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One strong porter with his salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
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All required trekking permits and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Permits.
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Tumlingtar to chichira and chichira to Tumlingtar drive by local vehicle.
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Down Jacket, Four-seasonal sleeping bags, Duffel bag, and trekking map (Down Jacket, sleeping bag and Duffel bag have to be returned after trip completion).
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Complimentary welcome or Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with the cultural dance show.
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All necessary paper works Government tax and office service charges.
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First Aid Medicines and medication with your guide.
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Certificate of your trekking signed by the company Manager and your trekking Guide.
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Kathmandu city Lunch and dinner (also not include in case of early returns, flight delays, or other cause than the scheduled itinerary).
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International airfare from and to Nepal.
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Travel – medical insurances and emergency evacuation.
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your personal nature expenses (Hot shower, Alcoholic beverages, Telephone, Laundry, personal snacks, Internet, Battery Charging, hot water, Mineral water, beer, coke).
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Extra accommodation in Kathmandu rather than the itinerary.
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Nepal Visa fees (two passport photographs, US$ 25 for multiple entry 15 days, USD 40 multiple entries for 30 days, US$ 90 multiple entries for 90 days) can be issued upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu.
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Gratitude, tips for your guide and porter.
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Cost arising by mishaps, natural calamities.
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Services that are not mentioned in the service include section.
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Sightseeing cost in Kathmandu City.
Trip Gear
Makalu Base Camp Trek Related Information
Can you do the Makalu Base Camp trek solo?
You cannot do the Makalu Base Camp Trek solo because the Nepal government has implemented a ban on solo trekking in certain remote and restricted areas, including the Makalu region. Especially, this regulation is established for safety reasons, ensuring that trekkers have adequate support and are less vulnerable to potential risks associated with trekking in isolated areas.
Reasons for the Ban:
- Safety Concerns: The Makalu Base Camp Trek involves crossing high mountain passes, deep valleys, and remote regions with limited access to immediate medical assistance or rescue services. Therefore, Solo trekkers are more vulnerable to accidents, sudden weather changes, and altitude-related issues.
- Emergency Support: In case of emergencies, such as injuries, illnesses, or getting lost, having a guide or being part of a group ensures that there is someone to provide immediate assistance, seek help, and facilitate evacuation if necessary.
- Wayfinding Challenges: The trails in the Makalu region are less frequented and less marked compared to more popular trekking routes like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. A guide’s local knowledge is invaluable in navigating these paths safely.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The Makalu region is home to diverse ethnic communities with unique cultures and traditions. A guide can help you interact respectfully and meaningfully with local people, enhancing your cultural experience.
Requirements:
- Licensed Guide: You are required to hire a licensed trekking guide who is knowledgeable about the region, the terrain, and emergency protocols.
- Trekking Group: Alternatively, you can join an organized trekking group, which provides the added benefits of shared resources and companionship.
Makalu Base Camp Trek FAQ'S
The Makalu Base Camp trek can be done as a camping trip or as a teahouse stay. It also depends on the size of your group.
If you’re looking for a low-cost option for a group of 1-5 people, a basic teahouse can suffice. However, camping is the greatest option for large groups (more than 6 persons).
Makalu Base Camp is the highest point you may reach on the Makalu Trek (5000m).
Associations
