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.
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
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.
Include on trip cost
Exclude on trip cost
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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