Makalu Base Camp Trek
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Trip Duration
17 Days |
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Region
Makalu Treks |
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Country
Nepal |
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Group Size
2 to 15 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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Very Difficult Trekking covers 4000 meters to 6000 meters. Physical fitness, and acclimatization are the must. Hiking per day of 7 hrs per day and altitude becomes an obstacle. You have to cross the Himalayan passes using basic climbing equipment. Even the trail is steep and may be slippery.
| Trip Grade Very Difficult |
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Activities
Nepal Trekking
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Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview
Makalu Base Camp Trek is an off-the-beaten-trail and challenging trek in eastern Nepal to the foot of Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak (8,485m). Known for its pristine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural riches, the trek offers unrivaled views of Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
Trekkers trek across verdant rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and authentic Sherpa villages, amidst solitude and nature at a distance from overtraveled trails. The trek is challenging with rugged altitudes and tough terrain, ideal for experienced trekkers who seek an off-the-tourist-track Himalayan experience. Makalu Base Camp is at 4,870 meters, and there are spectacular views of the mountains.
According to Hindu and Buddhist mythology, the word Makalu in Sanskrit means Mahakala. That English translation means Great time or Great big black. Under Hinduism, Mahakala refers to Lord Shiva. One of Trinity’s gods. God of destruction ( also god of protector and god of gods ) at the same time, under Buddhism, Mahakala refers to the god of protector.
The fifth-highest mountain in the world, with an altitude of 8,485m ( 27,838 ft ) above sea level. This is also a protected area called Makalu Barun National Park. Declared in 192 Ad it covered 2,330 square km. The home for different wild animals, flora, fauna, and vegetation. Lies in the eastern part of Nepal. Under federal practice, it’s in Province no 1, Koshi Pradesh. Sankhuwasabha District, Nepal.
Its not just for adventure tourism also religious an spritual as well . Because there are lots of religious sites , caves , holy mountains and momunents in and around there . Like Shivadhara , Parvati Cave , Guru Rimpochhe Cave and lots of holy mountains as a localdeities for protection. One can observed various experiences in the sam time depànds n their belief ànd energy .
Also blend of Nature, Culture, and Ethnicity. More people around there are Sherpas. The most popular ethnic group to climb mountains is. Along the trails as well, one can easily meet people who frequently summited some of those 8 thousands meters peaks. Like one home 2 climber. Also, there are Rai , Limbu , Brahman, and Chhetri . Belief mostly Buddhism and Hinduism. Lives with perfect religious harmony. Depànds on the season, anyone can see various types of flowers, herbs, plants, and trees. Popular for Yarshagumba ( caterpillar fungus , half plant, half worm ) .
Normally, trekkers prefer to fly to Tumlingtar airport near the Makalu region. It takes nearly 35 minutes from Tribhuban International Airport to Tumlingtar Airport. Normally, the flight is around 9 am to 10 am early in the morning. After reaching Tumlingtar need to reserve a four-wheel jeep or sharing basis, depànd on group size and agreement, then drive to Seduwa. Around 4 hours for nearly 50 km. Then, overnight in Seduwa. There’s a national park checkpoint to issue a permit. Interested people can see lots of pictures of birds ànd animals, some of them are endangered species, and lots of other pamphlets for awareness to better preserve nature.
Very beginning of the trekking trekkers are desperately fell tired due to stone place stairs . Even some of the places its ike vertical . Once e reàch little further like Khongma Gaun then we can discover such a majestic view of Chamlang and Kànchanjunga in distance . Also perfect place to observed a sunrise and sunset . Slowly they forget their tiredness and getting devine energy to ascends and descends of those several stone place stairs .
With those several ups and down then can reach to Femangthang. After this trekkers can have a easy breathing , get relax and good vibration because there is not any more such difficulty due to stairs . When reaching more closer to base camp countless mesmerizing mountain views gives a energy to get there easily . Still due to thin air struggling for long breathing an short of tiredness .
Way of living for l9cals . Mostly they are involving in tourism as a Climbing guide for expedition , trekking guide up to base camp , supporting teàm or helper , entrepreneur an some in animal husbandry like yak , cow , sheep and goat . They are selling mulk an milk product , wool , meat and so on . For farming in higher elevation they harvest less then their investment due to cold and it tàkes long time to harvest .
Makalu Base Camp Trek Short itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Day in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Tumglingtar by flight. Then drive to Seduwa by jeep and Overnight in Seduwa.
Day 3: Seduwa to Tashigaun 2175 m ( 10 km 5-6 hours)
Day 4: Tashigaun to Khongmagaun 3500m ( 10 km 7-8 hours)
Day 5: Khongmagaun to Dobate 3862m, 12 km, 6-7 hours
Day 6: Rest day, Hike to Sarange Danda or the peak from where one can see Kanchanjunga, Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse.
Day 7: Dobate to Yangle Kharka 3600m ( 13 km, 6-7 hours)
Day 8: Yanglekharka to Langmale 4450 m 10km 5-6 hours.
Day 9: Langmale 4450 m to Makalu Base camp 4870 m. 9.5km 6 hours.
Tea break at Sersong 4716 m. 2 basic hotels
Day 10: Makalu base camp to Yangmale
Day 11: Yangmale to Dobate
Day 12: Dobate to Khongmagaun
Day 13: Khongmagaun to Tashigaun
Day 14: Tashigaun to Seduwa, and then drive to Khandbari.
Day 15: Drive to Tumlingtar, then fly out to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Contingencies day.
Day 17: Departure to the Airport.
Since Tumling airport is bigger and big plane can land there. But due to weather the flight can cancel in high season too. Bring at least 1 or 2 contingy days.
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
Max. Altitude: 1350 meter
Distance: 6 km
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 to Tumglingtar by flight. Then drive to Seduwa by jeep and overnight in seduwa.
Walking Hours: 1 Hour Flight And 4 Hours Jeep
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouses
Max. Altitude: 1490M
We take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, we then take a jeep to Num passing through Hururu.
Day 3: Seduwa to Tashigaun
Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouses
Max. Altitude: 2175 m
Distance: 10km
Difficulty Level: 5 to 6 hours
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 4: Tashigaun to Khongma
Walking Hours: 7 to 8 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3500M
Distance: 10km
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 5: Khongmagaun to Dobate
Walking Hours: 6 to 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3862m
Distance: 12km
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 7: Dobate to Yangle Kharka
Walking Hours: 6 to 7 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 3600M
Distance: 13KM
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 8: Yanglekharka to Langmale
Walking Hours: 5 To 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 4450M
Distance: 10km
Tadosa mean horse stable and there is a hole where guru rinpochhe did his meditation . Anyone can see the figure of different gods depand on different people . Like Buddha , Shiva , Ganesh , Elephant and horse.
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 09: Langmale 4450 m to Makalu Base camp
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Trekking
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge
Max. Altitude: 4870M
Distance: 9.5km
Langmale 4450 m to Makalu Base camp 4870 m . 9.5km 6 hour .
Tea break at Sersong 4716 m . 2 basic hotels
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: Trek to Dobate
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 12: Dobate to Khongmagaun
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 13: 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 14: Tashigaun to Seduwa and drive to Khandbari .
Walking Hours: 6 Hour Driving
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 15: Drive to Tumlingtar and 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 16: 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 17: 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
