Make a trek to the base camp of world’s fifth highest mountain Makalu. Makalu is a close neighbor of Mt Everest, lying in the north-east region of Nepal. The Makalu Barun National Park, established in 1992, covers the Barun Valley which is part of a huge international protected area under an agreement between Nepal and China. The Park spreads just east to the Everest region, covering areas of the Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts of Nepal. One of the most popular trekking peaks of Nepal, the Mera Peak (6654m), also lies in the Makalu Barun region. A large variety of common as well as endangered flora and fauna are protected in the region including rhododendrons, orchids, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak, Himalayan Thar, and more than 420 varieties of bird species. Some believe the area also to be home to the elusive Himalayan giant, the Yeti.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins from Tumlingtar of mid-eastern Nepal, an hour’s flight from Kathmandu. The real walking starts from Chichila, a 3-hour’s drive from Tumlingtar. Following the beautiful Barun river valley in the Makalu Barun National Park, we cross various high passes such as Shipton La, Keke La and lakes such as Kalopokhari etc. While trekking, we rise from lowland of Tumlingtar on the Arun River to one of the highest Base Camps on earth, the Makalu Base Camp at 5000m. While on the way to the Makalu Base Camp, you will enjoy the views of the highest mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse and other Himalayan mountains along with Makalu (8481m) itself.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Ktm & Transfer to hotel – 1300m/4264ft
Upon arrival in the Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will welcome you and will assist to transfer you in your hotel in Kathmandu. You may relax at your hotel or go around for shopping, visit nearby places or make friends perhaps.
At evening Wanderlust Adventure will organize welcome dinner for you in one of the tipical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu meanwhile briefing about your adventurous trip will take place. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila (1,840m/6035 ft): 9/10 hrs
A 50 minutes flight from Kathmandu landing on a bumpy grass airstrip at Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, about 3 hours jeep drive on a bumpy road takes to the first camp at Chichila.
Day 03: Trek to Num (1,500m/4920 ft): 6/7 hrs
A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end is Num. Thunder and lightning make interesting displays in Num evenings.
Day 04: Trek to Seduwa (1,540m/5051 ft): 6/7 hrs
A steep descent down through the forests and terraced plots of land takes to Arun Khola. Then winding ascends up the other side again. Often quite hot – the forest on the valley sides offer a bit of shade. Makalu National Park starts and we register our permits. Camping right at the top of the village.
Day 05: Trek to Tashigaon (2,070m/6790 ft): 4/5 hrs
Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the village of Tashi Gaon.
Day 06: Trek to Khongma (3,560m/11,676 ft): 6/7 hrs
Trek upwards towards Khongma. Khongma is the last stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. The green forests are replaced by scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains.
Day 07: Rest & acclimatization day
Rest and acclimatization day allows our bodies to catch up with us before gaining more height. The following day we take on crossing of the Shipton La.
Day 08: Cross Shipton La and trek to Debotay (3,650m/11,972 ft): 7/8 hrs
Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari, pass over the Keke La at 4,152m. Marvelous views of Chamlang 7,319m, Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend down through the beautiful valley to Debotay. Climbing high and sleeping low gives the opportunity for acclimatization.
Day 09: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600m/11,808 ft): 5/6 hrs
From Debotay, pass through the Rhododendron forest leads to the Baruni River and the upper reaches of the valley. A pleasant walk, gaining altitude slowly, until we arrive at Yangle Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
Day 10: Trek to Merek (4,500m/14,760 ft):5/6 hrs
Today, we trek to Merek. Since we are gaining height beyond 4, 000 meters, be sure to allow your body the necessary time for acclimatization.
Day 11: Trek to Shersong: 6/7 hrs
Now we climb up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view. Campsite at Shersong.
Day 12: Day tour to Makalu Base Camp (5,000m/16,400 ft): 5/6 hrs
Make sure that you acclimatize well before walking up to Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy the superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day. Return back to Shersong.
Day 13: Trek to Yangle Kharka: 8/9 hrs
Descend back down the valley and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and eventually reaching Yangle Kharka.
Day 14: Trek to Mumbuk: 6/7 hrs
Continuing with our descent through the rockfall. Then climb up the rock gully to Mumbuk. We will be again greeted by the greeneries below.
Day 15: Trek to Khongma: 6/7 hrs
Initial steep climb from Mumbuk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. Cross the Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Descend to Khogma again.
Day 16: Trek to Tashigaon: 5/6 hrs
Today, we continually descend down to Tashigaon. The descent will be a long and steep one. Cutting across the hillside to eventually reach the Sherpa town of Tashi Gaon.
Day 17: Trek to Num: 4/5 hrs
We are retracing the same path that we came by. We exit the Makalu Barun Camp. Descend down to Arun Khola and Seduwa again. Then another hike through the forest to Num. We follow our footsteps all the way back down to the river. Climb back up the opposite side of the valley to Num.
Day 18: Trek to Chichila, Transfer to Tumlingtar: 9/10 hrs
Again we retrace our steps to Chichila. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Transfer to Tumlingtar.
Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu
We complete the journey with a flight to Kathmandu. We will return to the welcome haven of the Hotel. Once back in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will host an evening barbecue to celebrate the expedition and as a farewell party to thank the Sherpas for their support and friendship.
Day 20: Farwell/ Departure at airport
Today the journey comes to an end. There’s nothing to do but trade emails with your new friends, organize all your photos and finally depart from Nepal. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. Or get ready for the next adventure.
What Is Included
- All domestic flight, hotel/airport transfer
- Deluxe Shanker Hotel or similar category hotel at Kathmandu
- All ground transportation by private vehicles
- All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks no extra charge for single travelers
- Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- Welcome & farewell dinner
- All porterages costs
- All cost for a Himalayan Glacier leader(First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking) and sherpa, a sherpa assistance leader(s) and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Travel & Rescue arrangements
- Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
- Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures.
- All government and local taxes if necessary.
- Himalayan Glacier Kit Bag
What Is Not Included
- Nepal Visa fee (International airfare to & from home city)
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
- Gratuity for staffs.
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extend
However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trial or your suitability for it, please contact us by email so that we can process further. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: 00977 1 4390339 / 9841844963 (Ang Gyalzey Sherpa)