Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek - 0 reviews

Max. Elevation

5000 M

Accommodation

Hotel-lodge-Tea house

Best Season

Spring- Autumn

Duration

20 Days

Trip Grading

Moderate

Activity

Expedition

Meals

Breakfast

Transport

Private vehicle

Departure Location

Kathmandu

An incredible journey into Nepal's remote eastern Himalayas is the Makalu Base Camp Trek. It gives hikers the opportunity to see the unspoiled splendor of Makalu Barun National Park and the breathtaking vistas of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world. This strenuous hike passes through a variety of environments, including high-altitude glaciers, rocky mountain passes, verdant woods, and terraced farmland. It is a worthwhile route for experienced trekkers looking for a less busy path because you will come across traditional Sherpa communities, unusual flora and animals, and stunning landscapes along the way.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is located in the Makalu Barun National Park. Mount Makalu, the sixth tallest peak in the national park, is located there. Mount Makalu is 8,485 meters (27,838 ft) high. This journey offers a combination of rich cultural experiences, varied ecosystems, and scenic splendor.

A rare, original, and exclusive trek.
A non-technical belvedere at 5,800 m.
A loop route Makalu base camp natural and wild.
Villages preserved Tibetan culture.

Travel Style

Nature & Adventure

Trek to Makalu Base Camp Trek – Explore Nepal’s Hidden Gem in The Himalaya

Makalu Base Camp Trek – Remote Wilderness Adventure in Eastern Nepal

Experience raw Himalayan beauty on the Makalu Base Camp Trek, one of Nepal’s most remote and least-traveled routes. Trek through Makalu-Barun National Park, lush forests, high alpine landscapes, and traditional villages with stunning views of Mt. Makalu, the world’s fifth highest peak.

Description

Num Valley is where the trek will begin. You will hike up to Arun and then Seduwa gradually. One of the most breathtaking trekking areas is the Arun Valley, where you may traverse terraced farmlands, thick green forests, and much more. You will encounter terraced fields, rich subtropical forests, and breathtaking scenery throughout the walk. The Rai and Sherpas are the ethnic groups that make up the local population. They adhere to their customs and culture.

You will also get the opportunity to see several magnificent peaks along the walk, including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Lhotse, and the eastern gem, Kanchenjunga. The wildlife and flora of Makalu Barun National Park are abundant. We might come across endangered species like musk deer, snow leopards, and red pandas while trekking. The beauty of this is and the rhododendrons in bloom will refresh you. Trekkers looking for a distinctive and immersive trekking experience while taking in the allure of the Himalayas can consider the Makalu base camp trip.

Trip Itinerary

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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.

Transfer to hotel

Final altitude: approximately 1350 m

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: night in the hotel

We take advantage of this moment to take stock with the expedition manager about the equipment taken. If necessary, the numerous mountain equipment shops in Thamel can help you complete our equipment. Meanwhile, our local team is working to complete essential paperwork and climbing permits.Accompanying persons will be able to take tours of Kathmandu.

Meals: breakfasts – free lunches (not included) – free dinners (not included)

Accommodation: nights at the hotel

We leave Kathmandu in the morning for a superb one-hour flight to Tumlingtar along the Himalayan range of Nepal: Langtang, Rolwaling, Khumbu in the distance. When the flight arrives, our vehicle is waiting to transport us to Num, a village perched above the Arun River, the starting point of the trek.

Transport: by private vehicle and plane

Drive: about 3 hours

Flight: approximately 1 hour

Altitude: approximately 1,490 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

The trek continues for a few more kilometers and plunges towards the tumultuous Arun. We leave our vehicles to continue on foot with our porters. Crossing on a suspension bridge and long climb to the village of Seduwa with the characteristic habitat of the lower valleys.

walking: about 5 hours

Attitude different: + 950 m / - 235 m

Final Altitude: approximately 1,600 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

The path continues to rise above the valley but this time more or less following the contour lines, in a dense forest of bamboo then birch and rhododendron. Passage to the last village of the Arun valley, Tashi Gaon. Beyond, the path winds up to reach the Sadema mountain pasture.

Approximately 6 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 750 m / - 180 m

Final Altitude: approximately 2,135 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

Regular but long climb. The forest thins out and we begin to really enjoy the high mountain scenery around us. The rhododendron forest, depending on the year, may still be in flower.

Approximately 6 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 1,100 m

final altitude: approximately 3,470 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

One of the most beautiful days of the trek, with the crossing of Shipton La (4,217 m) among the rhododendrons. At the start of the stage, we climb a grassy ridge with a clear view of the Chamlang and the Makalu. The path follows the ridge and goes upstairs. First pass, the Ghungru La (4,050 m) before descending to a small lake (3,850 m). Finally, a rocky corridor leads to Shipton La (4,217 m). Descent toward two other lakes (4,020 m), a new climb to cross Keke La (4,180 m). On the opposite side of the pass, pleasant descent to the Mumbuk mountain pasture and further Dobato.

Approximately 6 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 950 m / - 630 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,800 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

The path, clinging to the steep sides of the Arun River basin, becomes more uncomfortable because it is less frequented. Only a few shepherds venture here. We continue through the primary forest before confronting the “Nepalese flat” (alternating climbs and descents, etc.) on a track constantly swept by landslides. One piece of advice: don’t hang around! We have lunch at the Phemathang kharka before crossing the river on a new wooden bridge, the last one having been swept away by a gigantic mudslide in spring 2017. A new path was hastily traced on the left bank of the Barun Khola but it still requires some adjustments. That said, it is still of much better quality than that of the morning… We reach Yangle Kharka, a “village” made up of a few wooden houses.

5 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 400m / - 600m

Final Altitude: approximately 3,650 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

Rest is essential for our body to acclimatize to the altitude.

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

The first part of the day takes place on the left bank of the river on a temporary path traced on the pebble bed. The traces of a mudslide are impressive, if we consider these rocks weighing several dozen tons which are in the middle of the river. We find the historic path after an hour of walking and we continue in a pine forest. Through the branches, we have splendid views of the glacial valleys of peaks VI and VII. The climb is gradual up to the Merek camp where we can see, perched on the grassy moraine which closes this part of the valley, the Langmale lodge, recognizable by its blue roof. But before getting there, we will have to cross the “new” river bed, created by the mudflow, an indescribable hodgepodge of piled rocks in the middle of which the Sherpas have traced a marked route. Beyond that, all that remains is to climb the grassy moraine to reach the Langmale sheepfolds and 20 minutes further to reach the lodge. Superb view of Chamlang (7,320m), Peak IV (6,720m), Peak III (6,477m) and Peak V (6,404m).

5 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 800 m / - 35 m

Final altitude: approximately 4,300 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

After crossing the Langmale mountain pastures, we reach the left bank moraine of the West Barun glacier valley. We continue without much effort until Shershong where we turn to the right towards a well-marked pass in the middle of the moraine. At 4,900 meters, we discover the imposing mass of the Himalayan giant, master of the place, Makalu and its immense south face. It's really huge! We continue along a contour path on the side of the moraine as we discover the base camp lodges in the mineral valley below. A short descent to cross the river and we are warm in the common room next to the lodge. Exceptional and unforgettable views, it goes without saying... In the afternoon, you can go in 15 minutes to the moraine lake right next to the lodge and even gain a little height at the top of a pebble mound on which a A labtse was erected in the middle of which colorful Buddhist flags, darchoks, are planted.

4 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 520 m / - 100 m

Final altitude: approximately 4,870 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

We take advantage of these two days to climb Makalu Pattar (5,795 m), in order to complete our acclimatization and obtain a better view of Makalu and its satellites. Beautiful panorama of the north face of Everest (Tibetan side). Return to camp and rest.

4 hours of hike

Altitude different: + 925 m / - 925 m

fina altitude: approximately 4,870 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

Descent towards Langmale kharka via a route of grassy ridges allowing you to admire from above the frontal glacial lake of the West Barun glacier. Then, in the space of an hour, we are again on the grassy mountain pastures of Langmale. We go back down along the Barun Khola to Yangri Kharka.

5 hours of walk

Altitude different: + 100 m / - 1,400 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,530 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

We take the Shipton trail which owes its name to Eric Shipton (one of the pioneers of Himalayanism). This trail is also known for its difficult terrain and the characteristic of being affected by the first snowfall in the region. The Barun Khola valley remains dry while the only route available to quickly reach "civilization" is often stuffed with fresh snow... Departing from the kharka we take a path that crosses several rocky and sandy scree. We find a primary forest and, after passing a natural cave, here is the path which turns right to go up a thalweg in which "path" and torrent sometimes blend intimately... How high the steps are! We then climb into a forest of rhododendrons and reach the small clearing of Dobato from which we can try to look in the mountain range opposite for traces of the path on the side of which we followed between Kalo Pokhari and Korlangue kharka. about 4 hours + 630 m / - 300 m approximately 3,860 m Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner Accommodation: night in lodge

About 4 hours of trek

Altitude different: + 630 m / - 300 m

final altitude: approximately 3,860 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

We climb steadily into the rhododendron forest which fades as we progress in altitude. We arrive at Keke La (4,185 m), the first pass of the day, marked by a chorten and prayer flags. We descend along the Kalo Pokhari (black lake) where the surrounding peaks are reflected before continuing towards the Shipton La (4,216 m) and its endless staircase climb before descending to cross the Ghungru La (4,020 m), the last pass of the day. Then, we follow the edge of the ridge to reach the lodges of Khongma danda.

6 hours of trek

Altitude different: + 630 m / - 950 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,580 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

A day of pure descent! We feel the difference both in terms of altitude and temperature. First part of the day on stairs in the forest before happily returning to the first places inhabited all year round and firstly the Tibetan village of Tashigaon. In the afternoon, a lightly marked up/down balcony path takes us through villages mainly of the Rai ethnic group until we reach the hamlet of Seduwa.

approximately 7 hours of trek

Altitude different :+ 150 m / - 2,060 m

Final altitude: approximately 1,670 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

One last effort! We descend in wide bends on a rocky path to the metal footbridge which allows you to cross the Arun Khola then, once on the other side, in previous years the endless climb to the Num ridge began! Today, the track has (fortunately or unfortunately) been traced at the height of the Arun Khola valley and the climb is lighter. The Jeeps wait for us at 1,060 meters and we arrive at Num for lunch. We have 3 hours of trail left before arriving in Khandbari. The commercial town is not very exciting and it is preferable to go down to Tumlingtar via the tarmac road to stay in one of the guesthouses facing the airport.

by private vehicle

about 4 hours drive

about 3 hours of trek

Altitude different: + 300 m / - 950 m

Final altitude: approximately 500 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in guesthouse

No more than 200 meters of flat walking to reach the boarding hall with a late morning flight to Kathmandu for a splendid “mountain flight” which allows us to review our Himalayan geography. To enjoy to your heart's content!

by private vehicle and domestic flight

approximately 2 hours

about 35 minutes

approximately 1,300 m

Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)

Accommodation: night at the hotel

It is a free day in Kathmandu.

Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)

Accommodation: night at the hotel

Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.

Trip Included & Excluded

Trip Included

AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP: Airport :
Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
PERMITS :
All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
SPECIAL PERMIT :
Makalu restricted permit.
STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP :
Manaslu Region Trekking map.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
(Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – to Tumlintar - and while returning from Tumlintar - to Kathmandu, and land transportation as per itinerary.
MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive Medical kit

Trip Excluded

AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE :
The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days.
LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (for any other reason) other than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE POLICY :
Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE :
Not included during the trek and the expedition.
TIPS :
Tips for the staff.
EXTRA: :
Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

Notes: Costs may be subject to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.

Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of unforeseeable, your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from participant to participant.

Organization

Your Guide and Team

Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.

Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:

Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Accommodation during the Upper Mustang

For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.

Here is a typical one-day menu:

breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee

Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee

Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee

During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.

Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.

Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.

Preparation for the Trek

Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.

Medical check-up

Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.

Acute Mountain Sickness

This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.

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