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Makalu Base camp Trek
- The Makalu base camp trek features a large variety of orchids and aromatic plants
- 19 species of bamboo, oak, and primrose can be found along the trek
- The forests provide shelter to abundant wildlife, including red pandas, musk deer, ghoral, Himalayan Tahr, and leopards
- Ornithologists have identified 400 bird species, with at least 16 being extremely rare
- The Makalu base camp trek offers encounters with ethnic groups such as Limbu, Newar, and Rai at lower elevations and Tibetan Buddhists at higher elevations
- The local people provide warm hospitality and rich customs
- The Makalu base camp trek takes you through unspoiled Himalayan landscapes, far from modern facilities and amenities
- The region offers a diverse range of natural beauty
Overview of Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu base camp trek is the world’s fifth-highest mountain. It lies in Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area. In 1992, the authorities declared the Makalu-Barun National Park Nepal’s eighth National Park. The area is deep inside the eastern Himalayas.
It is a place of outstanding herbal splendor and has different flora and fauna. The Barun Valley is also under an agreement between China and Nepal. The area has a wide variety of altitudes and climates. The Makalu-Barun region is wealthy. Nepal has many plants and animals, and human habitation is spreading.
Our destination, Makalu Base Camp (5000m), brings us to one of Nepal’s far-off and infrequent regions. The virgin site trial to Makalu Base Camp takes you deep into the excessive Himalayas. Mount Makalu, the outstanding Black looms above Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
The Makalu-Barun Valley trek provides lovely contrasts. Here, the high waterfall cascades into deep gorges. The harsh rocks rise from the luxurious forests. The colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks. All these intend to hypnotize you for a while.
The 10-day stroll from the airstrip at Tumlingtar in the Arun Valley is a strenuous trail. During Makalu Base Camp trekking, we traverse distinct vegetation zones. It is from the sub-alpine zone’s pristine fir, birch, and rhododendron forests. We will get the herbs, grasses, and juniper shrubs of the alpine pastures in the upper part.
Makalu base camp trek trip highlights
For those with a keen eye, the Makalu base camp trek has many orchids and aromatic plants. It has the oak, primrose, and, not least of all, 19 bamboo species. The forests shelter abundant wildlife. You can see the red panda, musk deer, the ghoral, Himalayan Tahr, and leopard.
Ornithologists have identified 400 bird species. At least 16 of the birds are extremely rare. En route, you will meet the ethnic groups of Limbu, Newar, and Rai at the lower elevations. While going higher, we will meet Tibetan Buddhists. These people live in isolated villages and rely mainly on subsistence farming.
The highlight of the Makalu base camp trek is a rich natural paradise. It includes beautiful mountains, fresh forests, and various plants and animals. The local people offer you the best hospitality with their rich customs.
The Makalu base camp trek provides the chance to walk via unspoiled Himalayan terrains, untouched by the modern age. It is a region where you need help finding modern facilities and amenities. But it has an incredible diversity of natural beauty.
Enjoy the most Stunning Makalu base camp trek.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and stunning destinations. It is in the Makalu Barun National Park, a protected area established in 1992. The trek potentially motivates any adventure enthusiast.
It is also known as the Jewel of Eastern Nepal. It is the only protected region in the world with an elevation rise above 8000 m. Makalu, at 8481 meters tall, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It lies in the Mahalangur Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
It is a four-sided pyramid and is a tremendous mountaineering challenge. It is a very technical summit requiring more technical skills than climbing Everest. In the Sankhuwasabha area of Nepal, the Barun Valley lies at the base of Mount Makalu.
It offers striking views with its tall waterfalls falling into rugged cliffs. It provides rocky rocks rising from beautiful green forests. We can see vibrant flowers blooming beneath white snow-capped summits. This unique environment protects some of the few unspoiled alpine ecosystems.
Itinerary of Makalu Base Camp Trek
01
Day 01: Meet at Kathmandu Airport tranfser to hotel.
We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel for your Makalu base camp trek. You will have time to settle in and freshen up. We will then meet to check your equipment and process special permits. If you arrive at night, we will have an early morning meeting tomorrow.
02
Day 02: Kathmandu city tour and trek preparation day.
After breakfast, you will leave on a tour of Kathmandu Valley. We will take you to Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath. They are ancient and mostly enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites—the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath.
It reflects the ancient Nepalese culture and is the highlight of our guided tour. On returning to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local Thamel Street. We will meet with your trekking guide to check the equipment.
03
Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar and drive Sedua
This early morning, we will fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. We take a flight from the Tribhuvan International Airport. It marks the start of your Makalu base camp trek.
The flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar takes around 50 minutes. It is a scenic flight with beautiful views of the city and landscape.
During your flight, you can also view the Himalayas. On arrival at Tumlingtar, we will catch a local Jeep to Seduwa. The Jeep drive will take about 7 hours. We will overnight at Seduwa.
04
Day 04: Sedua trekking to Tashigaon
Enjoy your mountain simple breakfast and be ready to walk today on your Makalu base camp trek. Our destination today is Tashigaon.
The Makalu base camp trek trail from Sedua to Tashigaon is picturesque. We passed lots of pasture land but only a few trees as the trails were steep. Tashigaon is a beautiful village with great views.
You will see many Buddhist prayer flags and small chortens along the Makalu base camp trek route. Overnight at Tashigaon.
05
Day 05: Tashigaon trekking to Kauma
We ascend steeply through the dense forest of remote scrub and Rhododendron. We pass many ridges and seasonal Yak herders. The trail rises to Chipola (2520m).
It even becomes steeper, struggling up past the stream. There is a large overhanging rock right below the Mani Danda. We have a packed lunch today for the Makalu base camp trek. There needs to be more water between Tashigoan and Khongma.
Khongma is the last opportunity. We have to stop before crossing the Shipton La. We drop down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. No buildings are here, and many tent sites are on the sloping hillside.
06
Day 06: Khongma – Mumbuk
From Khongma, climb the ridge on steep switchbacks to a stone chorten at 3840m. Feast your eyes on views of Chhamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Scrubby rhododendrons and mossy boulders line the trail as you climb a stone staircase.
Pass over several false ridges towards the small pass known as Ghungru La (4050m). The Makalu base camp trek has paths that twist and turn steeply. It passes through the forest before emerging onto a hill. It has Mani walls, many prayer flags, superb mountain views, including Kanchenjunga.
Descend to a small turquoise lake, after which we will ascend again through Shipton Pass. We then drop down the saddle for a rest by the lake Kalo Pokhari before passing over the Keke La (4152m). An easy descent walks through rhododendron and pine forests towards Mumbuk. It is a serene camping spot surrounded by green forests.
07
Day 07: Mumbuk – Nghekharka
From Mumbuk, the Makalu base camp trek trail drops down a scree-covered slope. It drops into the long, curving Barun Valley. The Barun River running through the path adds more dimensions to the trek. It offers spectacular views of Mt. Tutse (Peak 6-6739m) and Peak 7 (6185m).
It’s a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at YangriKharka (3610m). YangriKharka is a tiny village in a meadow at the valley’s base. From YangriKharka, climb gently to Nghekharka. It is another cluster of herd huts and prayer flags on the opposite side of Barun.
08
Day 08: Nghekharka to Merek
Beyond Nghekharka, the river makes a huge S-shaped curve. It lies between curtains of a wall of cliffs that tower on either side of the river. From the meadow at Riphuk (3930m), climb past a waterfall over swampy ground to a lonely stone hut.
Another gentle climb passes a Mani wall to YakKharka (4400m). The final hike of our Makalu base camp trek is the rather bleak campsite at Merek. The route passes through a dizzying landscape of Himalayan giants. Have marvelous views of Chhamlang, Peak 3, Peak 4, and Peak 5.
09
Day 09: Merek to Makalu Base Camp
As the path turns northwards of our Makalu base camp trek into a side valley, Makalu finally soars into view. Stick to the faint, flat trail following the river’s east bank to Shersong (4660m). From Shersong, it is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu base camp.
After that, we descend to a stream and cross boulders to the base camp on the west side of the river. There are terrific views of the south face of Mt. Makalu. There are no huts, shelters, or vegetation at the base camp, which is at an elevation of about 5000m.
10
Day 10: Explore around Makalu Base Camp
In truth, ‘base camp’ can be an anticlimax after all the effort to get here. We will spend a day exploring the base camp. We intend to climb up towards the Makalu base camp trek Advance Base Camp at the start of Makalu’s southeast Ridge.
It lies on the edge of the icy slopes, offering a fantastic view of the Barun Valley of Everest. A more rewarding endpoint to the Makalu base camp trek is climbing the 5250m ridge northeast of Shersong, which is on the lower slopes of Peak 3.
From this high vantage point, views are northwest of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and Everest. When you get tired of having your awe-inspired, return to Shersong for the night.
11
Day 11: Makalu Base Camp- Nehe Kharka – Shipton-La Camp- Dobete
From the Makalu base camp trek, we are descending to Nehe Kharka. We will now head to Shipton La Camp. Shipton La Camp is a camping area near the Shipton La Pass.
As we return from Nehe Kharka, we will head down towards Mumbuk. From Mumbuk, we will hike to Shipton-La camp and spend the night there. The sunset view from Shipton La Camp is awestruck.
12
Day 12: Shipton-La Camp / Dobato – Sedua
Today, we will return to Sedua from our Makalu base camp trek. The 6-7 hours trek will take us through the rocky mountains and descend, so be careful and watch your step. The trail will also provide you with the best panoramic sunrise view.
We will see the peaks, including the Kanchenjunga mountain. We will walk down straight towards the beautiful settlement of Sedua and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains.
13
Day 13: Sedua - Mure
After your breakfast at Sedua, we will do a Makalu base camp trek towards Mure. We will return the same way, going downhill. The descent will take you through the beautiful Num Valley. A short walk past the Num Valley today, trekking takes about 6-7 hours.
14
Day 14: Mure trekking to Tumlintar
The last day of our Makalu base camp trek by foot is our Makalu base camp trek. From Mure in the morning, we trek towards the Tumlingtar. From here, we get the Local Jeep.
15
Day 15: Tumlingtar – Kathmandu
Today, after the success of our Makalu base camp trek, we will board the flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, which will take about 50 minutes. On arrival, we will take you to your hotel and say goodbye.
Fixed Departure Dates
Note: We can run a trip for solo travelers, couple, friends and family with children. Our private trips are running everyday. If you are looking for a group joining trip please contact us.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
- Guided Tour of Kathmandu City with expert tour guide and private vehicle
- Government license holder experienced, trekking guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid& altitude sickness) and porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance, clothing, and medicine.
- Round Trip flight ticket for Kathmandu Tumlingtar Kathmandu.
- All meals during trekking are 3 meals daily (Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, etc.).
- Special Trekking Permit for Makalu Base Camp.
- Trekker’s information management system (TIMS) card.
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Above the Himalayan duffel bag. ( If you need to, please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in our pre-meeting at our office)
- Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
- Above the Himalaya Gifts (T-shirt for Gents & Pashmina shawl for Ladies, Trekking certificates)
- Welcome/Fare well Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
- All necessary papers, office Service charges, and all Government Taxes
What's Excluded?
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee: you can get a Nepal visa upon arrival at the Airport.
- International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers.
- Personal expenses include laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages, bar bills, and camera battery charging.
- Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
- Personal trekking gears
- Tips for tour/ trekking staff and driver
- Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Makalu base camp trek more info
Why Makalu Base Camp Trek?
The Makalu Base Camp trek is undoubtedly the ideal trek for the adventurer. You can see unspoiled Himalayan landscapes free from modern-day distractions. Though there aren’t many modern facilities in this area, the natural beauty is quite diverse.
However, the main reason for the Makalu Base camp trek in this area is to engage in different activities. Walk through lush fields and admire the Himalayan plants and animals. Take in spectacular views of the highest mountain in the world. Walk through scenery rich in native customs, spirituality, and culture. Taste the local cuisine. Experience the trail’s basic accommodation choices.
Moreover, you will experience abundant scenic pleasures on the Makalu base camp trek. There are a large number of orchids and fragrant plants. You will have the chance to discover several different habitats, flowers, and fauna. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot animals in the wild.
Wild animals include the Himalayan Tahr, red panda, snow leopard, Ghoral, and musk deer. There are four hundred different bird species. According to ornithologists, at least 16 of the birds are pretty rare. The ethnic groups of Rai, Limbu, and Newar live in the lower part of the trip route. Sherpa and Bhotia reside at higher altitudes.
As we climb, we will see Tibetan Buddhists. These folks work primarily in agricultural production and live in remote areas. The locals are amiable and honest. They will provide you with the most excellent hospitality. They show their comprehensive customs and religions.
When to Trek?
The climate in the Makalu base camp trek region is quite erratic. The weather is unpredictable when traveling. In the high Himalayas, it becomes challenging to trek from early December to February due to the harsh winter.
Apart from that, you may go on a safe trekking expedition at any time of the year. It’s best to enjoy authentic Makalu base camp trekking in the Himalayas between mid-September and late November in the autumn. It is also better to walk between March and May in the spring. If you can join one of the several regional festivals, you may gain a further sense of the customs and cultures of the locals.
What should we take to our Makalu base camp trek?
Proper planning is essential to a safe and effective Makalu base camp trek in Nepal. One must prepare all the gear and supplies needed. Still, one should consider any additional items helpful in traveling in the Himalayas. Tourists must bring some necessary clothing to the Makalu base camp trekking route.
It includes a waterproof and windproof jacket and thermal underwear. Bring a warm coat, wool-blend socks, gloves, and a scarf. It would help if you carried warm trousers (hiking base), trekking shoes, and an ear warmer hat. You may need an extra jacket for higher altitudes. It would be best if you also had trekking boots with different grips.
Besides this, some trekking equipment you need to consider is waterproof backpacks. It would help if you polarized for sun protection. It would help to have a detailed map and a torch light with extra batteries.
It would be best to carry water bottles, a handy first aid kit, and insect-repelled creams. It would help if you took a sleeping bag. It would help if you also had sunscreen, pills for general sickness, and basic toiletries.
Trek Preparation
If you’re determined to walk on the Makalu base camp trek, you must be aware of and prepared for a few things. When walking in the Himalayas, keeping an eye on the weather and keeping updated is essential. Although the weather might change quickly here, it is uncommon for significant events to disrupt a path or program.
If the climate is ideal for hiking, it offers stunning views of the mountains and surroundings. You could go here to be safe during the serene fall and spring months. Therefore, you must plan your journey during an appropriate Nepal season. You must be cautious of snowstorms. You must stay off the potentially slick track, especially if walking high altitude.
Most of the time, we only organize the Makalu base camp trek after the weather is certain to be favorable. Still, when things become out of control, stay and ask for urgent rescue. It is preferable to hire a local guide to lead the way. Follow your guide; they will inform you of any updates and ensure you have a safe experience at Makalu base camp trekking.
The first issue that may arise while traversing the high Himalayas is altitude sickness. At an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 meters, it is normal for our bodies to exhibit the primary symptoms. You should be ready for this circumstance and may contact trained guides. They will behave with your safety being their primary concern.
Most itineraries include acclimatization time (if necessary). We acclimatize before climbing to a greater height throughout the journey. We evaluate the challenge level and the time required to finish a Makalu base camp trek in trekking. While dividing the lower-level tours from the higher ones, we consider the altitude and possibly dangerous paths.
Anywhere in the world, complexity level defines the level of journey complexity. Thus, it would help to get ready for this physically and emotionally. Before going on a trek, you should engage in physical activity. You can do jogging, running, swimming, climbing, etc.
Food and accommodation During the Makalu base camp trek
The accommodation for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is relatively minimal. Along the walk, you’ll come across local teahouses. Comparatively speaking, Num, Sedua, and Tashi villages have teahouses that are superior to other locations. In the rooms of teahouses, there are beds with blankets and pillows.
The blanket might not be warm enough, so pack your sleeping bag. Rooms with an attached bathroom and a hot shower are not available. However, upon request, they will supply a bucket of hot water for an additional fee. The majority of teahouses provide twin-sharing and dorm-style accommodations.
Additionally, they can hold 10 to 12 people at once. If you have a large party, it is preferable to bring additional camping equipment so that no problem occurs when you don’t find lodging. In the Makalu base camp trek region, accommodations alter as one climbs in altitude. You might have to forego conveniences like internet access and electricity in some higher places.
You may bring a small solar-powered power bank to charge electronics around here. You may find a hotel with basic amenities in most locations at each trekking site. Squat toilets and low doors will be at one of these locales, so prepare yourself.
The teahouses in the Makalu base camp trek region are modest, and their meal menus are the same. They serve Daal Bhaat, a traditional Nepali dish made of rice, lentils, curry, noodles, and rotis. It’s a good idea to carry extra food that you can quickly cook. You can take dry fruits, soup, instant noodles, nuts, juice, coffee, herbal tea, etc.
Since there are few alternatives to eating, Daal Bhaat is preferable. It’s always made entirely fresh and is helpful for refilling energy.
How to get to Makalu Base Camp trek
The Makalu base camp trek region is in the Eastern part of Nepal. Thus, getting there will take more than a week. The usual starting point is Sankhuwasabha’s Chichila Rural Municipality. It is around 537 kilometers from Kathmandu.
The flight to Tumlingtar, Sankhuwasabha, takes around an hour if you want to go by air. It departs from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After that, you must drive the 3–4 hours from Tumlingtar to Chichila. Nevertheless, if you wish to go by road, you must travel 501.0 km (11-12 hours) via bus from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.
You must also travel 3-4 hours (11-12 hours) via bus to Chinchilla. You will find various itineraries depending on how long you plan to stay, such as one-week or 14-day treks. However, back-to-back walks will make you feel more lethargic and restless. Therefore, a 22-day hike plan is ideal and advised. It’s a challenging hike with a shaky drive to an isolated place.
Additionally, it has many stone stairs, rough roads, and several circular slide places. It has narrow paths and snow-covered passes over 4000 meters. It would help if you walked with greater caution and concentration. You must relax and get ready for another day of trekking. Therefore, the 22-day trek to Makalu base camp trek is the most recommended itinerary.
Enjoy your Makalu base camp trek.
If you are a true adventurer and want a challenge, the Makalu Base Camp trek journey is very classical and renowned. It would help if you attempted it at least once in your lifetime. Because of its isolation and steep terrain, the Makalu Base Camp trek is more challenging. It is more complex than the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.
Moreover, it is worthwhile because it offers a breathtakingly gorgeous environment. You get the vistas of snow-capped mountains and a variety of flora and habitats. It provides a warm welcome from the local ethnic and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The fit, energetic, and ambitious trekker would also enjoy this route. This trek is quite an adventure. To do it, you must have a sense of adventure. It would help to be comfortable with the more basic teahouses and the occasionally challenging terrain. At the end of the trek, you will enjoy an enriching and incredibly gorgeous day.
If the day of your Makalu base camp trek is under a gorgeous, clear blue sky, you will be immensely blessed. In that weather, you can enjoy the most breathtaking views you can imagine.
Passport and Visas
First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the return date. You can get visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country. Or you can get it upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese tickets cost USD 30 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days to date.
Get the required visa for Nepal.
You can get a Nepal visa before arrival from the Nepalese Embassy in your home country. Likewise, you can quickly get up-on-arrival access at Kathmandu airport. You can get it from other different borders from Nepal. It is for those who travel from India and Tibet. For more information and download, please visit Nepal Visa Information.
Bring Official Papers
Some required official documents are your valid passport and four extra passport-sized photographs (for trekking permits). Travel insurance, airline tickets, and luggage tags would help. You can obtain visas upon entry into Nepal. For detailed information, please visit our visa page.
Money & Credit card Info
Your card provider blocks most credit cards, including Master and Visa cards. This may be for security reasons. It may sometimes lead to a problematic situation where you can’t get money from ATMs, making paying for your treks and tours challenging. To free yourself from this problem, call your card provider before traveling to Nepal.
It would help if you informed them that you are traveling to Nepal. Ensure they authorize the payment. In Nepal, you must pay a 3.5 % credit card commission, per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost. So, please bring some cash in USD to pay us.
Likewise, be sure you have a small amount for your daily expenses, which are not included in our cost. We request that you do not change your money at the airport. The exchange rate is meager there. Our office provides you with the facility to change your money. You can also get help from Money Changers in Thamel.
Flight delay
Flight by plane and helicopter are prone to cancellations. Sometimes, flights may get delayed due to notorious weather in remote areas. Operational complications may occur at other times. It is more likely in the Makalu base camp trek region. The flights need some help with fixed schedules. So, carrying extra money for food and accommodations is also recommended.
Makalu base camp trek is in remote areas, especially during the odd season. You should reserve extra days to prepare for some delays. This way, you can avoid frustrating consequences. In case of a flight delay before or after the trek, you must meet your lodging and food costs yourself.
How to Book?
You choose to do your Makalu base camp trek. Contact us at our head office in Kharibot, Banasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal, by mail or phone. Email is a more effortless and apparent option; we will process your booking as soon as we get your email or call.
We need a 20% booking amount to confirm your booking. You can pay through Bank transfer or credit card payment (Master/Visa card ). You can also do online money transfers such as Money Gram Western Unions. After we get the 20% amount, we will confirm your booking.
You will get the official booking and payment receipt. You can pay the final balance for the tour upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Reviews on Makalu Base Camp Trek
Based on 300+ Reviews
Ali Hall
UK
Makalu Base Camp a less travel area
We wanted to trek in a less traveled area of Nepal and still wanted to do the house trek. Above the Himalayan trekking suggested Makalu base camp trek.
We had a fantastic time in this less traveled and beautiful region. We highly recommend this trek for trekkers looking for new and less traveled areas in Nepal. You can do a basic homestay and tea house trek.
Ali Hall
For departure dates and price, please consult with our travel expert.
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Enjoy Himalayan scenery with the help of Nepal’s best guides with Government license holders and got training in first-aid, our Trip Leaders, know where you’ll find the best photos, most fascinating wildlife, and the best stream crossings.
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