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At a Glance
Duration
22 Days
Activity
Trekking, Sightseeing, Himalayan views, culture
Best Season
Oct -Dec & March-May
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Group Size
1-18 Pax
Transportation
Private vehicle, Tourist bus or flight
Meals
Accomodation
Description
The Highlight of the Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Close view of the 5th highest mountain in the world explores the wonderful landscape.
- Spectacular view of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Lhotse.
- Great view of Makalu Barun National Park and Arun Valley.
- View of Rhododendron forest, beautiful glaciers, and majestic Himalayas.
Trip Summary
Makalu Base Camp (5250m/17224ft) situated in the eastern part of Nepal provides you with unexpected moments of your life. Makalu Base Camp Trek provides you with a great chance to explore the unique Tibetan culture of people with their own different languages, traditions, customs, rituals, norms, and their daily living style. Along with this, the region offers you amazing wildlife in beautiful pine and bamboo forests. Here you can closely explore the many endangered species like wild dogs, musk deer, and blue sheep. Makalu Barun National Park (containing more than 3000 flowering plants, 67 species of medicinal plants, home of more than 50 species of animals, and 400 species of birds). Dense forest, valleys of the Barun River, great waterfalls, and deep gorges are the main attractions of this trek.
The 5th highest peak, covering 2330 sq.km at 8485m (27838 ft.), close to Mt. Everest, Makalu Barun lies in the northeast region of Nepal. The stunning shape of Makalu and the region is blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty. The ethical Tibetan group of people (Sherpas) live at higher elevations. Though the region is economically poor & isolated, they retain a rich cultural heritage. Makalu and Barun play an important role in trekking and mountaineering itself.
Talking about Makalu Barun National Park, it was established in 1992. The northern part of the park is covered with dense forest, valleys of the Barun River, great waterfalls, and deep gorges. The park contains more than 3000 flowering plants, 67 species of medicinal plants, home of more than 50 species of animals, and 400 species of birds. We can experience the varieties of cultures and landscapes with their spectacular views here. Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the famous treks in Nepal offering you splendid views of high-altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes, and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. Makalu lies in the Eastern region of Nepal. In fact, it is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and China. Makalu (8,463 meters (27,766 ft)) is the fifth highest mountain in the world. Makalu is an isolated peak whose shape is a four-sided pyramid. Though this beautifully shaped mountain climb attempt was made by an American team led by William Siri in the spring of 1954 for the first time, it was first climbed on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition.
Likewise, the Makalu Trek is a chance to mesmerize through an unspoiled Himalayan landscape far from the trapping of the modern age. This trek starts with the sightseeing tour of world heritage sites in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you take a flight to Tumlingtar. Then the jeep drives to Num where we commence our trek to Makalu Base Camp. Your trail further passes to high-altitude regions following and accommodating at local teahouses/tented camps. The trek passes through villages such as Seduwa, Tashigaou, Khongma, Dobato, Yangle, Langmale and finally destined to Makalu Base Camp. People living in this part of the country belong to four main communities: the Sherpas, Rai, Newars, and Limbus. These ethnic groups, although practicing different rituals, believe in the same philosophy of simple living.
Itinerary
You are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel
Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. You can get a chance to observe the ancient structures reflecting the legendary histories of ancient Kings. All of them offer you the ancient artistic style of Nepalese people. Along with this visiting near the Kathmandu valley provides a chance to observe the locals lifestyle and religious values.
Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
After breakfast we take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. During the flight we get to see the beautiful views of snowy peaks. We then take a jeep to Chichira, Chichira is a small settlements of Gurung people. So, we can closely observe the daily practicing cultures and traditions of Gurung people. Here we take rest and be prepared for our next trek.
Overnight at tented camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Early in the morning we start our trek to Num from Chichira. This trek leads us through the amazing lush green forests trail. Passing the forests we get to observe the amazing settlements of local people following their own unique styles of living life with traditional values. This place is also best for picturesque views, walking for some hours we reach Num and perched here for overnight.
Overnight at tented camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the corn fields 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.
Overnight at tented camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We take our breakfast first and leave Sedua. We make a gradual climb high above the ridge surrounded by Kasuwa Khola and Ipsuwa Khola on the eastern and western side to Gyang (1770m). During the climb, we past the school at Gyang. Now the trek 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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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 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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Today is a rest day for acclimatization and exploration. After breakfast we explore the base camp with the large Barun glacier beyond it. Along with this we get to see the panoramic views of Mt. Everest, southern ranges of Makalu, Mt. Lhotse and many others. Surrounding lakes, glaciers are other main attractions; you get to observe on short trek near the Base Camp.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We retrace our steps down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka. Climbing back to Nhe Kharka, we follow the previous trail filled with rhododendron flowers, streams and suspension bridges. Trail offers the spectacular views of mountains with lush green forests.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From Nhe Kharka, we continue our trek by descending down through the forest of rhododendron flowers and birch. Walking through the trail along with the magnificent views of mountainous peaks takes us to Yangle Kharka at first. Then, we pass the rocky trail and cross the stream. Climbing over the slopy ridge leads us to Mumbuk. From Mumbuk we get beautiful sunset views of Makalu and Chamlang..
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Leaving Mumbuk, we trek across the Shipton La. We climb up to the Tulu La and Kike La Pass where we get to observe the stunning mountains views of Chamlang, Peak 6 (6739m\ 22109ft.), Peak 7 (6105m\ 20029ft.) and Makalu (8463m\ 27765ft.). After this we descend down to Kauma through the forest trail with beautiful rhododendron flowers and birch trees.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Today we have our breakfast and trek to make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. Ascending a little up to the hill at first we descend down then through the ridge, during which we pass by the streams, forests and green meadows and reach at Tashi Gaon. Reachinga at Tashi Gaon we spend the rest of the day relaxing in order to recover from the high altitude.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, we trek down to Kasuwa Khola valley and walking continuously for some hours we reach to Seduwa at (1460m\ 4790ft.) then turn south down the west bank of the Arun River. From Sedua, The route now enters the hot bottom lands 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. Trekking through this trail we pass by the local villages and terraced fields of Balung at (760m\ 2493ft.)
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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, pleasant Rai villages with an extensive bamboo-pipe water supply at 800 m. We pass by many ups and downs and reach at Parangbu first. Again, we continue through forests and pass several small streams, reaching Pukuwa at last.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
Overnight at tented camp or trekking lodge, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. You can spend rest of your time taking rest or doing some shopping. Join the evening dinner and cultural program offer by the company.
Overnight at hotel, breakfast and dinner provided by our company side with special cultural program included.
Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Sunrise Adventure will take you to the airport. Or you can head right away for another unforgettable trip with Sunrise Adventure Treks. We are ready to operate your any time.
Have a safe flight!
Inclusions
- All ground transportations by private vehicle including airport transfers
- Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu including tour guide, entry fees and vehicle
- Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) prepared by our expert cook
- Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek
- An experience guide, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment
- Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek)
- Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu including departure taxes
- Safe drinking water, boiled/iodine tablets.
- First aid medical kit bag
- All necessary permits for trek
- All government and local taxes
- Office service charge
Exclusions
- Your International airfare and travel insurance
- Some Lunch and dinner in City
- Nepal entry visa
- Personal shopping hot shower during trekking all cold drinks and alcoholic drinks items
- Tips for trekking trekking crew (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory
Frequently Asked Question
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Trip Benefits
Makalu Base Camp trekking is beneficial in term of Health gain. You are likely to lose some fats and get better breathing capacity and get greater heart endurance. Makalu Base Camp Trek is worthy for awesome adventure also. You can thrive with culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geographyand ungorgetable history crafted with the place. Enchanting Lakes, Sno-Capped Mountains & Rivers which are some of the highlights and you can be benefited with the presence of Bouddhist that are followed by mix Tibetan tribes. -
Trekking Group Size
We organize trekking in Makalu region for any number of people. If the group consists of more than 16 pax, we will split the group and arrange accordingly. We will assign one trek leader, one assistant leader for the group of four pax and porters (one porter between two members ) to carry members luggage. This arrangement ensures that the group can still go ahead as scheduled itinerary despite any member gets sick on the way in the trekking. -
Experience and Health Requirements
Makalu Base Camp trekking is considered a strenuous trek suitable for those who can hike for 5 – 7 hours a day. Obviously hiking in the high altitude will not be so easy rather physically more demanding, however our itinerary is scheduled for the proper acclimatization while gradually gaining the altitude in the trekking. It will be advisable to have some walking and hiking or other outdoor activities for more than two weeks which will contribute to comfortable accomplishment in reaching Makalu Base Camp. No technical skills or use of crampons are required for this trekking. It is highly recommended for the trekkers to consult with the doctors before coming for this trekking. Trekkers who have asthma, allergy or any other diseases related to hurt, lungs should take more precaution for this trekking. -
Travel Insurance
Trekkers need to have traveling insurance which covers the comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and medical treatment costs). Insurance companies in Nepal do not provide travelling insurance for the foreigners and the trekkers need to get the travelling insurance from one of the international insurance companies. Sunrise Adventure Trek will have accident insurance for the trekking staff. -
Accommodations
Accommodation in Kathmandu will be arranged on twin sharing basis on BB plan except the extra cost for the single supplement (depending on the room availability ) according to the choice of the standard of the hotels before and after the trekking. Accommodation during the trekking will be arranged at standard teahouses/ lodges with unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses on twin sharing basis. The trekkers will have to share washing and toilet facilities. If the trekker is a solo traveler, he/she will have to share a room with the trekker of same sex. -
Meals
Trekkers are provided three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during Makalu Base Camp trekking. They can enjoy wide variety of food from typical Nepali food,Tibetan food to all types of international cuisine (Continental, Italian, and Indian.). Unlike other trekking companies, Sunrise AdventureTrek allows trekkers to choose the food from the menu at the hotel / lodges in the trek. When the group is too big for the hotels/ lodges to provide individual dishes, set menu will be arranged in most places. We use the lodges / hotels which serve hygienic, nutritious and good food for the trekkers for them to get enough energy for the hiking. -
Acclimatization
Any trekker can get altitude sickness while trekking in the high altitude despite strong physically fitness. What is important is giving enough time for the proper acclimatization for the trekking. Sunrise Adventure Trek has planned the itinerary with gradual altitude gain giving enough time for acclimatization for the trekkers. Hiking slowly specially in the high altitude help prevent AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness ). If anyone feels dizzy, suffer palpitation or severe headaches and loss of appetite, he / she will be moved to the lower altitude immediately or arrange the helicopter rescue in the severe case of AMS and the client has to pay for it. -
Equipment and Packing List
A variety of clothing is necessary for the Makalu Base Camp trek. While choosing the equipment trekkers need give emphasis on two simple aspects: Lightweight and Functional. The items should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme weather conditions. The quality of the trekking equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain. For this reason you have to be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. -
Clothing
- T – shirts - Hiking shorts - Undergarments - Full sleeves shirts - Long light weight cotton pants - Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants. - Insulated pants / nylon windbreaker - Light and expedition weight thermal tops. - Fleece jacket or pullover - Waterproof shell jacket - Down jacket - Light warm fleece hat / woolen hat - Sun hat - Lightweight gloves. - Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal). Foot Wear - Hiking boots - Light and comfortable camp shoes - Thin, lightweight inner socks. - Thick, warm wool hiking socks Accessories - Down Sleeping bag - Trekking bag / Duffle bag ( to carry for the porter ) - Day pack ( to carry with the trekkers to put the things required during the day time ) - Large plastic bags ( to keep items dry inside the trekking bag ) - Water bottle - Head lamp with spare bulb and batteries - Trekking poles - Personal medicine box - Sunglasses with UV protection. - Books, dairy, pen, walkman and any other game instruments Toiletries and Personal Hygiene - Quick drying small towel - Toothbrush / paste - Soap - Face and body moisturizer - Sun block for lips - Tissues / toilet rolls - Wet wipes - Feminine hygiene products - Anti bacterial hands wash -
Trek Leader(s) and Staff
All our trek leaders are well experienced who have led trekking in Makalu region. Their in-depth knowledge about culture, custom, the geological surroundings as well as their professionalism, sincerity, and their hospitality make your dream of successful trek a enjoyable, memorable event in your life. Although our trek leaders are not highly educated, they are well experienced, professionally trained and posses good leadership skills to operate the trip smoothly. Their smiling faces, loving and caring attitude will make your even a hard walking day a pleasant one. All trekking staff of Sunrise Adventure Trek are locally employed and have the adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, history and the safety measures in running the trips. Their attitude and the efforts will be always concentrated on the less impact of the trekkers to the local culture, custom, nature and the eco system. -
Porter Care
We are strongly committed to the porters rights. We make sure that they are well paid and have the proper clothing, foot ware and shelter. We are aware that no porter should be asked to carry a load that is too heavy for their physical abilities and the weight limit should be adjusted for altitude, weather and trail condition. We request our members not to have more than 15 kg weight of luggage to give to the porters. Porters who become sick while in the trekking are treated with high priority just like the other trekking staff or the members. If needed helicopter is sent and rescued in case of sever condition of sickness or accident. All porters are insured for sickness and accident. -
Season
Nepal, as a tourist destination is good for all seasons, however, the best seasons for trekking to Makalu region are Spring (March – May) and Autumn (mid Sept. – mid Dec. ). Trekking in autumn season is noted for clear weather and excellent views of silvery mountains against blue sky. It gets colder towards the end of December. This trek can be done in any month except January and February.
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