Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel. This day is essential for you to get settled and prepare for the trekking adventure ahead. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
In the morning, take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which lasts about 50 minutes. Upon arrival in Tumlingtar, embark on a 4-hour drive to Chichila, a small village at an altitude of 1980 meters. This journey takes you through lush green hills and picturesque landscapes. Overnight stay in Chichila.
Begin your trek from Chichila to Num, which takes about 6 hours. The trail today involves both ascents and descents through dense forests and small settlements. You will experience the rich flora and fauna of the region and get a glimpse of the local lifestyle. Num is situated at an elevation of 1040 meters. Overnight stay in Num.
Today's trek from Num to Seduwa is approximately 6 hours. The trail descends steeply to the Arun River and then ascends through terraced fields and forests to Seduwa. This village, located at 1500 meters, is the entry point to the Makalu Barun National Park. Overnight stay in Seduwa.
Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon, which takes about 5 hours. The trail passes through rhododendron and bamboo forests, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Tashi Gaon, at 2100 meters, is the last permanent settlement on the trek. Overnight stay in Tashi Gaon.
Today’s trek is a challenging 7-hour journey from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda. The trail ascends steeply through forests and meadows, eventually reaching the ridge at Khongma Danda, situated at 3500 meters. This spot offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Overnight stay in Khongma Danda.
Spend the day at Khongma Danda acclimatizing to the high altitude. You can take short hikes around the area to help your body adjust or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views. This day is crucial for preventing altitude sickness as you prepare for higher elevations. Overnight stay in Khongma Danda.
Resume your trek with a 6-hour hike from Khongma Danda to Dobato. The trail involves crossing several passes, including Shipton La and Keke La, and offers breathtaking views of Mount Makalu and other peaks. Dobato, at 3500 meters, is a serene spot for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Dobato.
Trek from Dobato to Yangla Kharka, a 7-hour journey through lush forests and alpine meadows. The trail gradually ascends, offering beautiful views of the Barun Valley and surrounding mountains. Yangla Kharka, at 3557 meters, is a picturesque campsite. Overnight stay in Yangla Kharka.
Today's trek from Yangla Kharka to Langmale Kharka takes about 6 hours. The trail ascends through the Barun Valley, passing by stunning waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery. Langmale Kharka, at 4410 meters, provides an excellent vantage point for mountain views. Overnight stay in Langmale Kharka.
Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp, a 6-hour journey that takes you to an elevation of 4870 meters. The trail offers spectacular views of the Makalu range, glaciers, and high-altitude landscapes. Arrive at Makalu Base Camp and settle in for the night. Overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.
Spend the day exploring Makalu Base Camp and its surroundings. You can take short hikes to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Makalu, and the expansive glaciers. This day allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Himalayas. Overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.
Begin your return journey with a 7-hour trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangla Kharka. Retrace your steps through the stunning Barun Valley, enjoying the diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery. Arrive at Yangla Kharka by late afternoon. Overnight stay in Yangla Kharka.
Continue your descent with a 7-hour trek from Yangla Kharka to Dobato. The trail takes you through forests and meadows, offering different perspectives of the mountain views you experienced earlier. Dobato is a peaceful stopover for the night. Overnight stay in Dobato.
Trek from Dobato to Khongma Danda, a 6-hour journey through high passes and ridges. The trail provides stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes. Arrive at Khongma Danda by late afternoon and rest for the night. Overnight stay in Khongma Danda.
Descend from Khongma Danda to Tashi Gaon, a 5-hour trek that takes you through forests and terraced fields. Enjoy the changing scenery as you move to lower elevations. Tashi Gaon is a welcoming village where you can rest and interact with locals. Overnight stay in Tashi Gaon.
Today's trek from Tashi Gaon to Seduwa takes about 5 hours. The trail descends further, passing through lush forests and agricultural lands. Arrive in Seduwa by early afternoon and enjoy the village atmosphere. Overnight stay in Seduwa.
Continue descending from Seduwa to Num, a 5-hour trek through forests and terraced fields. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Arrive in Num by late afternoon. Overnight stay in Num.
Trek from Num to Chichila, a journey of about 4 hours. Upon reaching Chichila, take a local jeep for a 3-hour drive back to Tumlingtar. Enjoy the scenic journey through hills and villages. Arrive in Tumlingtar by late afternoon. Overnight stay in Tumlingtar.
Catch a morning flight from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu, a 50-minute journey offering aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Depart from Kathmandu with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment from your trek to Makalu Base Camp.
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The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote and adventurous trekking route in the eastern part of Nepal, leading to the base camp of Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. At an altitude of 5,400 meters (17,700 feet), Makalu Base Camp offers stunning views of the majestic Makalu peak and the surrounding Himalayan range. This trek provides an opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, ranging from lush forests and terraced fields to high-altitude alpine meadows and rugged terrain, all while experiencing the unique culture of local Sherpa and Rai communities.
Makalu Base Camp is located in the Makalu-Barun National Park, in the eastern part of Nepal. The trek is situated in the region close to the Tibet border, northeast of the Everest region. The base camp is positioned at the foot of Makalu (8,485 meters), offering spectacular views of this towering peak as well as neighboring peaks like Lhotse and Kanchenjunga.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek typically takes about 18 to 22 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and pace of the trek. This duration includes time for acclimatization, travel to and from the starting point, and exploration of the base camp. The trek is relatively long due to the remote location and the need for gradual acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
The best times to undertake the Makalu Base Camp Trek are during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally clear, with moderate temperatures and good visibility of the mountains. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and potential landslides, while winter (December to February) can be very cold, with snow potentially making higher altitudes challenging.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered challenging and is best suited for trekkers with a good level of fitness and prior trekking experience. The trek involves navigating through rugged terrain, dealing with high altitudes, and enduring long days of walking. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness, and trekkers should be prepared for varying weather conditions and physically demanding stretches. Proper preparation, including physical training and acclimatization, is essential for a successful trek.
To trek to Makalu Base Camp, you will need the following permits:
Makalu-Barun National Park Permit: This permit is required for entry into the national park and is usually arranged through a trekking agency.
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: This is required for all trekkers in Nepal and helps ensure safety and provide information to authorities in case of emergencies.
When preparing for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, consider packing the following essentials:
Clothing:Layered clothing including thermal wear, moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, trekking pants, and a waterproof rain jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
Gear: Trekking poles, a high-altitude sleeping bag, and a daypack.
Accessories:Sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, gloves, and a headlamp with extra batteries.
Personal Items:Water bottles, personal hygiene items, a first aid kit, and a camera for capturing the stunning scenery.
Accommodation along the Makalu Base Camp Trek primarily consists of teahouses and lodges, particularly in the more populated areas and main villages. These provide basic amenities, including a bed, communal dining areas, and simple meals. However, accommodations may become more basic and less frequent as you ascend higher into the mountains. It is advisable to confirm accommodation details with your trekking operator and be prepared for more basic lodging in the higher altitudes.
Major highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek include:
Spectacular Views:Panoramic views of Makalu, one of the world's highest peaks, as well as other Himalayan giants like Lhotse and Kanchenjunga.
Makalu-Barun National Park: Exploration of this pristine national park, known for its rich biodiversity, including rare flora and fauna.
Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Sherpa and Rai communities, offering insights into their traditional lifestyles and cultures.
Diverse Landscapes: Trekking through a variety of landscapes, from subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and high-altitude desert terrain.
Remote Adventure:A less-trafficked route compared to more popular treks, providing a more tranquil and immersive experience.
