Makalu Base Camp Trek

You fly to Tumlingtar – a small town located in the bank of Arun River and largest Tar or Mesa of Nepal – after breakfast. You will meet the crew members who have driven already here with all the camping and cooking equipments, utensils and meals. Once we gather then drive to Num via Chichila – a small Gurung settlement. A moderately paced drive through the picturesque villages and lush Mountain forests will take you to Num. Located in a ridgeline with great views on both sides is Num where you end your first day of the trek. Overnight in Num at Local Lodge.

Today is first day of walking and second day of the trip in the mountain and it starts with descend steeply through forest and a farm terraces to the Barun River. We cross the river and walk steep uphill in the next side of the mountain of equal height. As you are walking in the lower altitude its often hot. You enter into Makalu Barun National Park from here where we register in the checkpoints. The country is particularly rocky; tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, then we have a tough steep climb to Sedua. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight at Local Lodge.

After breakfast in the camp start the day with ascent on the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside equipped with quiet villages and many scattered paddy fields, beautiful meadows and several streams, and finally climbing the ridge you arrive at the beautiful village of Tashi Gaon inhabited by the Sherpa ethnic people. This is the last permanent settlement in the valley. Here you are surrounded by breathtaking view of the Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon at Local Lodge.

Today is one of the hardest days of the trek. You are hiking steep uphill in higher elevation now. 3000m or 9800ft approximately is the line from where generally altitude sickness can happen to anyone with poorly acclimatized. You gain significant height in a day as well – 1500 m. You ascend through forests to a stream and then on enchanting ridge. You walk/climb past a Kharka (grazing land or pastureland) and have to walk on a rough stone stairs to the top of the ridge passing many mini lakes. You walk through the sparse forests along the ridge over a hillock and descend a bit to Kauma where you spend the night. Overnight in local lodge in Kauma.

You start another day of climbing steep for the first part. After this part it is less steep in the rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge. After the lake Kalo Pokhari(3,930m/12893ft) which means Black Lake you pass over the Keke La at (4,170 m/13681ft). You can enjoy the marvelous views of Chamlang (7,321 m/24019ft), Peak 6 (6,524 m/21404ft) and Peak 7 (6,758 m/22171ft) from the top of the pass. After crossing the Keke La pass, you descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate. Overnight in Dobate in local lodge.

You descend down through steep gully along a stream for about 500m after breakfast. The trail is ill-maintained, rocky and rough, and sloppy with mud in places as it leads up the glacial valley. After this you have a pleasant walk gradually gaining height until Nehe Kharka – Kharka is a term for the pastureland. From here you can have splendid view of Peak 6. The Kharka is located on a large open grassy plain at an elevation of 3000 m/9842ft. Walk pleasantly with gradual height gain until you arrive at Yangri Kharka – another pastureland situated at the base of the valley. Overnight at Yangri Kharka in local lodge.

Today you do not walk generally. It is for the resting and relaxing in the Kharka area. To stretch your body you can take a walk in surrounding area. Enjoy the rest and Overnight in Yangle Kharka in local lodge.

You turn westward today and leave the rhododendron forests behind to enter into the alpine tundra geography. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7,168m/23517ft), Peak 4 (6,720 m/22047ft) and others. You walk past yak pastures and lush forests with magnificent views along with. Today’s walk to Langmale Kharka at 4,400 m/14435ft poses bit threat as you gain good height and walking above 4000m/13123ft. But there is no alternative due to unsuitable place to camp between Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka. Overnight atlocal lodge.

Today is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 400 m. The trail is gradual in icy glaciers and snow clad mountains to accompany our beautiful walk. Mount Makalu comes into view as you approach Shershong. As you head to the camp the view of majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding becomes vivid and splendid. From here you will have magnificent south face views of Mt. Makalu along with the panorama of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Overnight in local lodge.

The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. You can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where you may celebrate the accomplishment at the camp itself. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp in local lodge.

After enjoying the majestic time in the Makalu Base Camp, now you descend down enjoying last glimpse of Mt. Makalu. On your way down, you walk past the places you explored during your way up: Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and others. Descend down to the valley finally stopping at Yangle Kharka. Overnight at Yangle Kharka in tented camp.

After breakfast at Yangri/Yangle Kharka, you descend through the trail with rock falls, green forests, and valleys making your way towards Dobate. From here the path follows the river bank of Barun. You climb steep from Dobate in a forest of firs and rhododendron to reach Mumbuk (Nambuk). Overnight at Mumbuk in local lodge.

From Mumbuk as well like last part of yesterday you walk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. You then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, you descend to Kauma again. Overnight in Kauma in the local lodge.

You lose significant height today with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes you at first through thick forests and later you arrive indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. From here onwards you exit Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. Continuous to walk downhill and crossing various hillside, villages, settlements, you arrive Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa in local lodge.

You leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests, Sherpa villages, and terraced farming fields as you walk downwards in the midhill mountain. Overnight at Num in local lodge.

Your last day in the mountain today and you take a bus or jeep ride to Tumlingtar. Once you arrive Tumlingtar you can enjoy the town and the stroll around. Be ready for an early departure flight to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight in hotel.

Today, you fly back to Kathmandu after long trek in the Himalayas of Nepal – Makalu region. The flight is thrilling as usual in a small plane through the mid-hill region of Nepal. You can rest and relax all the day at your hotel or can walk around to revisit city life after long gap. In the evening we celebrate successful trek to the Makalu Base camp with a farewell dinner and cultural program. Overnight in Hotel.