Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trek although not so far from Everest, Makalu Base Camp is far less frequently visited by trekkers. This trek offers quiet trails, unobstructed views, varied landscapes and the opportunity to get into the wilderness.
Trip Facts
Makalu Base Camp Trek – Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, at 8481 meters. This trek to Makalu Base Camp (5100 meters) passes through a region rarely visited by trekkers due to the misguided impression that it is inaccessible. It isn’t! Unusual views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga wait, as well as diverse terrain that rises from green farmland to snowy mountains.
Makalu Base Camp Trek highlights
- View Everest from a rare vantage point, the east
- Pass river gorges, sheer cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, high-altitude lakes and Sherpa and Rai villages
- Spot rare wildlife, such as the red panda, in the Makalu Barun National Park
Although not so far from Everest, Makalu Base Camp is far less frequently visited by trekkers. This trek offers quiet trails, unobstructed views, varied landscapes and the opportunity to get into the wilderness.
Makalu is in eastern Nepal, so there are wonderful views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, on Nepal’s eastern border with India.
This area is Sherpa and Rai country, so you’ll get a chance to witness the rural life of these ethnic groups. While the Sherpas are well known through their connection to Everest, you will see a side to their lifestyle that is less touched by mass tourism.
This trek falls within the Makalu Barun National Park, an eastern extension of the Sagarmatha National Park (where Everest sits). This is an extremely varied park that houses tropical forest at its lower reaches as well as snow-capped mountains higher up. It has been designated Nepal’s first Strict Nature Reserve, to protect the natural ecosystems and wildlife, which includes red pandas, snow leopards, and black bears.
Makalu Base Camp The Route Followed
Begin by flying from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, in eastern Nepal. Then, drive to the trailhead at Num to begin the 16-day trek.
Start trekking at a relatively low altitude, where the landscape is green and lush and the farmland is inhabited by the Rai people.
As the trail rises, terraced hills give way to Rhododendron forests (at their best in spring, when the flowers bloom). Trek through some of the last areas of pristine forest in Nepal.
Follow the Arun River and then its glacier-fed tributary, the Barun. At higher altitudes, you will pass through Sherpa settlements. There are a number of beautiful waterfalls within the Barun River Valley, as well as glaciers and sheer cliffs.
Spend a couple of days at, and around, the Makalu Base Camp to fully appreciate the mountain vistas, high-altitude lakes, and the Barun glacier.
The trek from Base Camp retraces the in-route back to Tumlingtar, although the descent will be faster than the ascent. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary.
Accommodation availability on Makalu Base Camp Trek
There are basic lodges along the Makalu Base Camp trek. They may not be as luxurious and plentiful as those in the Everest region, but that is a plus for many travelers as it adds to the wild nature of the adventure.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary;
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Drive to Num. (1572 meters).
Day 04: Num to Seduwa (1,500m).
Day 05: Seduwa to Tashi Gaon. (2100 meters)
Day 06: Tashi Gaon to Khongma (3500 meters)
Day 07: Acclimatization day at Khongma danda (3500 meters)
Day 08: Khongma Danda to Mumbuk (3540 meters)
Day 09: Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka. (3557 meters)
Day 10: Yangri Kharka to Shershong (4630 meters)
Day 11: Shershong to Base Camp (4870 meters)
Day 12: Explore around Makalu Base Camp.
Day 13: Trek back to Langmale Kharka (4410 meters)
Day 14: Trek back to Mumbuk. (3540 meters)
Day 15: Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon (2100 meters)
Day 16: Tashi Gaon to Num.
Day 17: Drive to Tumlingtar.
Day 18: Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.
Day 19: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 20: Departure.
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Detail Itinenary
Day 01
Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 02
Sightseeing and trek Preparation stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 03
Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num. (1572 meters) stay overnight at Camp.
Day 04
Num to Seduwa (1,500m).
Day 05
Seduwa to Tashi Gaon. (2100 meters)
Day 06
Tashi Gaon to Khongma (3500 meters)
Day 07
Acclimatization day at Khongma danda (3500 meters)
Day 08
Khongma Danda to Mumbuk (3540 meters)
Day 09
Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka. (3557 meters)
Day 10
Yangri Kharka to Shershong (4630 meters)
Day 11
Shershong to Base Camp (4870 meters)
Day 12
Explore around Makalu Base Camp.
Day 13
Trek back to Langmale Kharka (4410 meters)
Day 14
Trek back to Mumbuk. (3540 meters)
Day 15
Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon (2100 meters)
Day 16
Tashi Gaon to Num.
Day 17
Drive to Tumlingtar.
Day 18
Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.
Day 19
Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 20
Departure.
Include on trip cost
- Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
- Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Pasupatinath) with city guide and necessary transport.
- 4 nights’ accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu in a 3* standard Hotel with breakfast.
- Kathmandu – Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar – Kathmandu flight ticket.
- All land transportations (by private car/bus).
- Full Camping trek with all meals and hot drinks during the trek serve by Cook and staffs.
- Tented accommodation with dining, table, chairs, toilet tent, and shower tent.
- Salary, insurance, food, accommodation for guides and porters, Supporters’ staffs, cook, porters.
- Makalu Barun National park entry permits and TIMs Card.
- Group First Aid Kit.
Exclude on trip cost
- Nepal entry visa Fee.
- Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Entry fee at the sightseeing sites.
- Personal expenses like beverages (mineral water, alcohol, and soft drinks), telephone bills, laundry, bar bills, personal tips etc.
- All not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Gear List
| Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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