Makalu Base Camp Walking is one of the most popular trekking destinations among lonely trekkers; Makalu Base Camp offers an outstanding opportunity to discover high-altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes, and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. The trek starts with a flight to Tumlingtar and heads up the Arun River valley to Sedua and Num, then crossing Shipton La Pass (4210 m) into the upper Barun river valley for a close look at rugged Himalayan peaks including Makalu, Baruntse and Chamlang Himal. This trek, especially organized by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition makes us visit one of the most remote and unfrequented areas of Nepal. The Barun valley is a part of a huge international protected area under the agreement between the governments of Nepal and China, which comprises 2330 sq. km of Makalu-Barun National Park and 830 sq. km of a conservation area in Nepal alone is a virtually uninhabited area hence very close to the virgin wilderness. The remote terrain stretches east from Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, between the high plateau of Tibet and the deep subtropical gorge carved by the Arun River. Within 40kms, these high peaks descend to the Arun River at 670m. The Makalu-Barun Valley provides stunning contrasts, where high waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, craggy rocks rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu ( 1337)
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (410m) then drive to Chichila (1,980m): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours drive
Day 04: Chichila to Num (1,560m): 6-7 hours
Day 05: Num to Seduwa (1,500m): 6-7 hours
Day 06: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100 m) 4-5 hours
Day 07: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m): 6-7 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization/Rest
Day 09: Khongma Danda to Mumbuk (Numbak) (3540m): 6-7 hours
Day 10: Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka (3,557m) 6-7 hours
Day 11: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m): 5-6 hours
Day 12: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m) 6-7 hours
Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 14: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka 6-7 hours
Day 15: Yangri Kharka to Mumbuk: 6-7 hours
Day 16: Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours
Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours
Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours
Day 19: Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours
Day 20: Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours
Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 40 mins flight
Day 22 Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur (1401m) Sightseeing
Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu ( 1337m)
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Such as dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events like landslides, can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
The Airport is at high-altitude and flights in or out are prone to delays due to weather conditions. In the wetter, cloudy months, flights are sometimes delayed or canceled until next day or when the weather permits. Guests should please make sure their timetable for the trip allows for these possible delays.
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour. In the evening, guests are invited to a Welcome Dinner at a Nepali restaurant.
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Today we fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast and meet the rest of the crew members at the airfield who will also be joining us for the trek. Then, we drive to Chichila, a small Gurung settlement. We take a rest at Chichila. The Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition leader will give us necessary guideline for the preparation of the next day’s trek.
Right after a warm and energetic breakfast, we start to head towards Num a small and beautiful village. A leisurely walk through the charming villages and flourishing mountain forests will take us to Num. There is a post office in this village. A ridgeline with great views stretch on both sides and perched on the end, this is Num where we will spend the night.
In the beginning, a sheer descent through the beautiful lush forests and terraced fields takes us to Barun River. We cross the river and climb up the equally sheer ascent at the other side again. Often quite hot – the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins and where we register our permits at the check post. We camp right at the top of the village of Seduwa.
We ascend the rim surrounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Then we cross the hillside through calm villages and pass by a small paddy fields, then we reach the interesting aboriginal village of Tashi Gaon. Once we are there, we feel like we are surrounded by awesome Himalayan panorama.
Today will be a bit difficult day as we have to walk on a steep path in higher altitude. We will ascend through the forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the path gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (pasture) and finally, we walk through a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma Danda where we spend the night.
Today is the day off especially for the acclimatization which will allow some physical rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the nearby surrounding can walk around the area. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition leader will make some arrangement for the sightseeing around Khongma Danda.
Today we are going to climb two passes. First, we climb the summit of the Shipton La (pass) (4125m) which takes a few hours to reach. Then we cross the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), then slowly we climb pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m) from the passes. After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley heading to Mumbak, the campsite for the night.
From Dobate, we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of a trek as the trail is steep and difficult. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the bottom of the valley.
We start with a moderate walk to the valley and see a very beautiful waterfall on the way. Then we pass through a yak pasture, beautiful flourishing forests and rocky fields. The valley walls rise grandly above us during the start of the trek. We pass Merek La (4100m) as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Finally, we reach Langmale Kharka, a big pasture for the yaks.
Today is the day of our goal; we walk to the Makalu Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we climb up to Shershong and ultimately to Makalu Base Camp. The path is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompany us. Mount Makalu comes into the grand view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us. We spend the night at Makalu Base Camp.
We explore the Makalu Base Camp today in the leadership of Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition leader. The Base Camp is a rocky desolate place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the brilliant south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can walk around the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself. One more night stay at the MBC.
We now slowly descend down from the base camp and take our last glance of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.
We head to Dobate today from Yangri Kharka descending through the path that passes rock falling area, green forests, and valley. We walk along the river banks of Barun as we descend down the path and reach Mumbuk, the campsite for the night.
Since we are walking back the same route we will cross the same passes that we did previously. We begin the trek with a steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La on the route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again and spend the night there.
Today the trek continues with regular long and steep descent crossing through the hillsides. The path takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the aboriginal Sherpa village of Tashigaon where we spend the night again.
We are retracing our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across the small villages and human settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again for the night.
Today we leave Seduwa behind and trek through the flourishing forests towards Num. The path goes up and down and passes through the dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards for the night at Num.
Again we retrace our footsteps to Chichila, the Gurung village, from where we can enjoy the splendid vista of Mount Makalu for the last time. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day.
Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones. In the evening we celebrate our successful journey to the Makalu base camp and back with dinner on own.
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 12
Max Altitude: 4870 meters
Best Season: September-November and mid-March-May
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges a tour for these places.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring. Except for rhododendrons, many kinds of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
