Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek – Toughest Long Distance Trek in Nepal.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is all about discovering the highest base camp in Nepal , a challenging and exhilarating Trek which almost anyone can do it as long as you are fit and healthy. Located inside the Barun National Park, Makalu Base Camp Trek is a multi-day trek to the foot of the 5^th.highest mountain in the world. A trek that is grueling on the body and mind but with the right training and preparation, there’s nothing stopping you from  finishing this Trek.

Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal is considered by many to be one of the greatest treks ever, with breathtaking scenery that is incomparable with any other part of  Nepal Himalayas. The route follows a path decorated with Rhododendron Forests and rugged mountain scenery all the way till the Makalu Base Camp. While this is a high altitude trek that requires a good level of fitness, Makalu Base Camp Trek is a little technical but can be achieved with some amount of training.

Makalu Base Camp Trek  –  Good For ?

• Someone looking to do off the circuit remote and crowd free trek.
• Some one who is physically fit with some amount of mountaineering knowledge and looking to do challenging trek in Nepal
• Rugged Himalayan scenery that is incomparable.

Best Time

October to late November is recommended for the Makalu Base Camp Trek when the weather is crisp and the skies clear for beautiful mountain views.

April to May is also a good time to trek to Makalu Base Camp when the forests are alight with Rhododendron Flowers and wild flower blooms. But a word of caution, the high passes will be filled with snow during this time.

Accommodation and Kind of Trek 

Makalu Base Camp Trek is basically a camping trek but of late Tea houses have sprung up and lodges have come up even after Tashi Gaon up to Makalu Base Camp. But they are very basic and however, the lodges may not have enough blankets for visitors, so it is advisable to take a sleeping bag along.

Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Day 01:   Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num (1040m/4hrs). Camping/Lodge

Fly into Tumlingtar from Kathmandu a 45minutes flight. Get a glimpse of the Himalayas from Ganesh Himal (7422m) to Mt. Everest (8848m) to Makalu (8463m) and even in the distance the Kanchenjunga Range. After arriving at Tumlingtar, drive to Num. Overnight Guest House/Camping.

Day 02:  Num to Sedua (1460m/5/6hrs). Camping

The days trek starts with a steep downhill (descend about 800m) on a narrow path along the slopes of Arun River through dense forest, which is nearly 800 meters below. On reaching the bottom of the River valley, cross a suspension bridge over the Arun River and slowly climb out of the rainforest as we reach our lunch spot. After lunch its a steep uphill trek till Seduwa a picturesque small village which has a Small Primary School and a Primary Health Post. Overnight Camping.

Day 03:   Sedua to Tashi Gaon (2070m/5hrs). Camping

A short 3Hours to 4Hours Trek to Tashi Gaon through Paddy and Millet fields. The last one hour is a steep climb upto Tashi Gaon which incidentally is last Village in the Makalu Base Camp Trek Route. Afternoon explore the Village. Overnight Camping.

Day 04:   Tashi Gaon to Kauma (3470m/6hrs). Camping

The Trek from Tashi Gaon to Kauma passes through beautiful Rhododendron and oak forest for about three hours. Then the forest gives way to meadows with some traces of  shepherd’s huts here and there. The Trek Route to Kauma from here is a strenuous uphill climb. From here the tree line disappears and gives way to stunted Rhododendron and Juniper Bushes. The Mountain range starts appearing from this point onwards. Overnight Camping.

Day 05:   Rest / Exploration day at Kauma. Camping

Day 06:   Kauma to Mumbuk (3570m/5hrs). Camping

The Days Trek to Mumbuk is a steady climb with a couple of small down hill until we pass the two lakes, Thulo Pokhari and Sano Pokhari. After this we will have three Passes to cross so take it slowly. Climb further to cross Keke La Pass (4127m) , Shipton La Pass (4170m) and Tutu La Pass (4080m). From these pass enjoy the views of the Makalu range. Then Trek down  to Mumbuk, a small place for camping in the middle of  Pine , Birch , Hemlock and Rhododendron Forest. Overnight  Camping

Day 07:   Mumbuk to Nhe Kharka (3000m/6hrs). Camping

The day starts with a steep downhill trek through a narrow gorge to cross Barun Khola just beyond Tamatan Kharka. The trail runs along Barun Khola for quite sometime and then the trail climbs through meadows to reach the Riphok Kharka. Which is a transit campsite for the migrating Sheep herders and Yak herders. Overnight Camping.

Day 8:   Nhe Kharka to Sherson (4615m/7hrs). Camping

We start the  trek by crossing a wooden bridge over Barun River. The trail goes through high altitude meadows and a little while later through moraines till we reach reach Shershon. Shershon is the lower Base Camp when attempting to climb Makalu. From here enjoy the mesmerizing 360Degree view of lower Barun Glacier and the towering Makalu (8463m) and other Himalayan peaks.  Overnight in Shershon.

Day 9:   Sherson to Makalu Base Camp (5000m/4/5hrs). Camping

The Trek to Makalu Base Camp is steady and a difficult uphill climb on a moraine along narrow and slippery path. To ensure safety we will be using ropes till we reach Makalu Base Camp at the foot of the fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu (8463m). Overnight Camping at Makalu Base Camp .

Day 10:   Explore Makalu Base Camp. Camping

Exploration day of Makalu Base Camp. Take a short trek to the right of the base Camp for a closer view of Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Baruntse and many other peaks of the Everest Range. If your legs are fit enough to take a climb than a one hour of vertical climb will take you to a fairly large place from where you can get a better view of the surrounding peaks. Overnight Camping.

Day 11:   Retrace back your steps to Tumlingtar after  this day. Return trek to Riphok Kharka (3000m/7hrs). Camping

Day 12:   Riphok kharka to Mumbuk (3570m/6hrs). Camping

Day 13:   Mumbuk to Kauma (3470m/5hrs). Camping

Day 14:   Kauma to Tashi Gaon (2070m/5hrs). Camping

Day 15:   Tashi Gaun to Num (1520m/6hrs). Camping

Day 16:   Num to Tumlingtar (860m/4hrs). Camping / LODGE. End of  Makalu Basae Camp Trek Nepal.

Day 17:   Fly Tumlingtar – Kathmandu. Hotel Overnight.

COSTS : US$3100/Person

• Kathmandu – Tumlingtar-Kathmandu Airfare: US$280/person ( Fare Included in the Cost )
• Restricted Area Fees : US$ 10/person/week (Included in the Cost)
• After one week it is US$20 per person per week payable in convertible foreign currency (Included in the Cost)
• Indian Participants kindly enquire within for quotes in Indian Rupees

TREK COST INCLUDE:

• Porter/s to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 persons);
• Accommodation in Twin Share Water Proof Tents with sleeping Mats, Dinning Tent, Kitchen Tent & Toilet Tent.
• Contribution to guide transport;
• Guide/porter insurance costs;
• Restricted Area Fees
• National Park Fees.
• Services of an English Speaking registered Guide.
• All three meals while on the Trek (Breakfasts, lunches and Dinners).

COST EXCLUDES:

• Airfare Kathmandu – Tumlintar – Kathmandu.
• Any services in Kathmandu, hotel/meals, etc.
• Nepal visa fees;
• Sleeping bags (can be hired @ $1 per night in Kathmandu);
• Personal clothing/equipment;
• Tips;
• Client insurance of any kind;
• Cost of evacuation (if any);
• Bottled/alcoholic drinks;
• Snacks/desserts;
• Tea/coffee – other than at breakfast;
• Expenses of personal nature

Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.

Recommendations:  The trek is a relatively difficult requiring good physical fitness. Few weeks  training is advised and a physical fitness check-up is a must

(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).