Makalu Base Camp Trek – 21 Days
14 days
Age 12+
Sep, Oct, Nov
Availability 50
Trip Code:
HSNMAKALU
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
21 Days
Trip Level:
Strenuous Treks at this level are considered challenging, the altitude reached is between 3500m to 5600m. There will be several nights rest at above 4000m of altitude. You must have a decent level of fitness in order to embark on this trek.
Max Altitude:
5,045 m / 16551 ft
Activity:
Sightseeing and High Altitude Trekking
Starts at:
Kathmandu
Ends at:
Kathmandu
Trip Route:
Kathmandu - Tumlingtar- Khadbari - Chichila - Num - Seduwa - Tashi Gaun - Kongma - Mumbuk - Yangle Kharka - Yak Kharka - Makalu Base Camp - Yangle Kharka -
Mumbuk - Kongma - Num - Chichila - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu
Best Season:
March, April, May, June, September, October & November
Trip Highlights
- Guided tour of Kathmandu and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments: Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa.
- Admire Everest from a singular perspective, from the eastern side and see the stunning Kangshung.
- Enjoy magnificent panoramas of the eastern part of Nepal, to Kangchenjunga.
- Admire local landscape from verdant terraced farmland to waterfalls and glaciers.
- Trek through Makalu Barun National Park to Makalu Base Camp.
- Observe the Nepalese rural life in Rai district and the enigmatic Sherpa culture.
- Notice some rare wildlife in their full liberty, like the Red Panda.
Trip Information
Makalu Base Camp trek is another itinerary that promises unforgettable adventures in remote, wild and relatively untouched areas of Nepal. This trail displays unique pristine panoramas and stunning flora and fauna as you advance towards Makalu Base camp, sheltered at 5,250 metres of altitude.
The remote route of Makalu Base Camp is a quintessence of all that Nepal has to offer the world, less crowded trails, vibrant vistas of 8,000 metre plus summits, rhododendron forests, rare fauna and rural cultural mixture.
Makalu reaches 8,463 m height, it is ranked fifth in the hierarchy of the highest mountains on earth. Around it was created the protection and conservation area called Makalu Barun National Park in order to promote and protect its wealthy biodiversity. The top of this trek is the gorgeous pinnacles of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Baruntse 7.129 metres altitude, Mt. Chamlang 7.319 metres altitude, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga, followed by descending to Arun river.
Stunning contrasting views will catch your eye everywhere, colored flourishing flora on a magnific background made of snow-capped peaks, sharp rocky summits arising from verdant luxuriant forests. Barun Valley is a realm of charming discrepancies, opulent Rhododendrons (read a mix of amazing purple, red, white and pink flowers) filling large hill surfaces, sparkling giant waterfalls collapsing inside deep gorges, cloud forests, enormous glaciers and alpine landscape.
The flora is simply breathtaking with around 3000 different types of plants, the fauna is not less pretentious with 88 mammal species, 43 reptiles, 440 birds species, 315 butterflies species plus the rare red panda, Himalayan wolf, snow leopard, assamese macaque, etc.
Makalu Base Camp trek is a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, you will also encounter various ethnicities with their own language, customs and traditions. Sherpas and Rai ethnicities are the majority in this area of Nepal.
Even if this is a less accessible trek, for mountain lovers and experienced trekkers who aim for adventure Makalu Base Camp trek is a terrific experience with great rewards and memories.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival to Kathmandu
- Day 2 – Sightseeing around Kathmandu.
- Day 3 – Kathmandu- Tumlingtar- Khadbari
- Day 4 – Drive to Chichila and trek to Num
- Day 5 – Trek to Seduwa
- Day 6 – Trek to Tashi Gaun
- Day 7 – Trek to Khongma
- Day 8 – Trek to Mumbuk
- Day 9 – Trek to Yangle Kharka
- Day 10 – Trek to Yak Kharka
- Day 11 – Makalu Base Camp
- Day 12 – Explore Makalu Base camp and trek to Yangle Kharka
- Day 13 – Trek to Mumbuk
- Day 14 – Trek to Khongma
- Day 15 – Trek to Seduwa
- Day 16 – Trek to Num
- Day 17 – Trek to Chichila
- Day 18 – Trek to Tumlingtar
- Day 19 – Flight to Kathmandu
- Day 20– Leisure day in Kathmandu
- Day 21 – Departure from Kathmandu
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by a Himalayan Steps representative at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu, outside the airport terminal and transferred to the hotel.
Note: Depending on your arrival hour, you will attend a pre-trip meeting, where you will be introduced to your trek tour guide/leader. Please ensure you bring your passport, your travel insurance policy and three passport size photos. Also, you will be invited to sign a non-liability disclaimer, the legally binding trip form and ask all the questions you judge necessary.
Accommodation in hotel. No meals included.
Day 2 – Guided tour of Kathmandu
After breakfast, your tour starts with a guided visit of Kathmandu and its surroundings. The most prominent monuments of the area, listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites are on the list: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. And the temple of Nyatapola, Bhairavnath temple, Batsala temple, Dattatreya temple, Pujari Muth, the Royal Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, the Palace of 55 windows.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 3 – Flight to Tumlingtar, followed by 4 hours drive to Khandbari
In the morning you will have a short flight to reach Tumlingtar. Then you will be driven to Khandbari, which is the destination of the day.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 – Drive to Chichila followed by short hike to Num
Chichila will be reached by vehicle from Khandbari. Once here your trekking adventure starts with an easy short hike to Num, via traditional villages and verdant forests.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5 – Trek towards Seduwa
The trekking route of the day first descends sharply among farmlands and forests to reach the banks of Barun River. Once the river crossed, there is an equally demanding ascension till you arrive inside the Makalu Barun National Park. You will spend the night in Seduwa.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 – Hike to get to Tashi Gaun
Today you will climb a ridge surrounded by rivers, then you walk among villages and rice fields to reach Tashi Gaun. The first panoramas of the Himalayas will be portrayed in front of you in this area.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7 – Trek to arrive in Khongma
One demanding trekking day at horizon, as you will have to cover steep ascends. You will walk among forests, via ridges, grazing lands and among glacial lakes. When you reach Khongma Danda some magnificent panoramas of Chamlang Mountain and other summits can be admired.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8 – Hike to get to Mumbuk
Your itinerary today walks you towards the base of Shipton Pass, after that among rhododendron forests you reach Ghungru La. Next important point is Keke La pass and after crossing it you arrive inside the valley of Mumbuk.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9 – Trek to arrive in Yangle Kharka
Quite demanding trekking day as in the first part you have to cover a strenuous ascension. Then the route will calm down and transform in a pleasant hike till you reach your destination of the day, Yangle Kharka.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10 – Hike towards Yak Kharka
A joyful walk today among verdant fields and forests, garnished with mesmerizing vistas of rocky mountain peaks. Yak Kharka is a meadow area, where cattle herds graze.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 – Trek to arrive to the Makalu Base Camp
Your trail is rather easy today and will display interesting panoramas of snow capped mountains and white glaciers. Once on the base you will notice various peaks as Makalu, Makalu II, Kali Himal, Baruntse and Chamlang.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12 – Enjoy Makalu Base Camp and hike back towards Yangle Kharka
Exploration day dedicated to the Makalu Base Camp, a rugged area surveilled by the Barun glacier. You can explore the surroundings with the glaciers and alpine lakes, enjoy the majestic views of Everest and Lhotse, and visit Baruntse Base Camp. In the afternoon you will return to Yangle Kharka.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13 – Returning hike to Mumbuk
Your hike pass via some valleys and forests towards Dobate, then walks you along the banks of Barun River to reach your destination Mumbuk.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14 – Hike towards Khongma
A rather pleasant walking day among fir and rhododendron forests till you arrive at Keke la pass, you cross it, next you cross the Ghungru La and Shipton La pass, before reaching your destination Khongma.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 15 – Trek back to Seduwa
Descending trail for today, passing through Khongma ridge, Tashi Gaun, along Arun River to arrive to Seduwa.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 16 – Returning path to Num
A series of ups and downs on your way today. Among verdant forests to arrive in Num.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 – Trek towards Chichila
Step by step you are retiring yourself from the realm of the Himalayas, once in Chichila you can get one last panorama of the tallest mountains on earth.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 18 – Hike to arrive in Tumlingtar
You follow the same path as you used when heading towards Makalu Base Camp, so the next destination will be Tumlingtar.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 19 – Flight back to Kathmandu
In the morning you take the returning flight to Kathmandu. In the evening you can wander around Kathmandu attractions.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 20– Relaxing day in Kathmandu
You can spend the day visiting the highlights of Kathmandu. You might be tempted by Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square or Dakshinkali temple.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 21 – Departure day
Your journey to the Makalu Base Camp reached its end. Today you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Price Includes:
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Four night standards twin sharing accommodation 3 stars Hotel in Kathmandu on B/B.
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
- Full board meal during camping, prepared by our cook with tea & coffee
- Twin sharing tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (we will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
- Makalu National Park permits & Trekkers Information Management System(TIMS) permit.
- Boiled and purified drinking water for the trek.
- Round trip flight fare Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu with airport pickup and drop by car, domestic airport tax.
- A Government Licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, cook, Kitchen helper, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
- Sleeping Bags, Down Jackets and Walking Pole (if you don’t have your own).
- All Government Taxes and office expenses.
Price Does not Include:
- Food while you are in Kathmandu (Lunch and Dinner).
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 2 passport size photos and $40 dollar.
- Your Travel Rescue Insurance (compulsory).
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
- Laundry service.
- Personal trekking equipments.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
The information below has been created so that you can use this as a guide in understanding the necessary equipment, clothing, gear, medicines and miscellaneous items required for this trekking tour. This list is of a general nature and you may decide to add or remove some of these items, please make sure that you have enough clothing to maximize your comfortability whilst on the trek.
We will provide you with a porter and a duffel bag to support and carry your heavier belongings however we do recommend that you also bring your own daypack to carry your money, personal items and any important documents.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Important: Our guide will already have a first aid kit which they bring with them however we also recommend that you bring some of these medicines with you in your daypack too.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important !
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of yours)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
Helpful Tip: For the majority of these items, clothing and equipment we recommend that you buy most of these when you arrive in Kathmandu. That way it will be a lot cheaper for you, take a look at our Kathmandu trekking gear guide here: http://himalayansteps.com/buying-trekking-gear-in-kathmandu/
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
What type of fitness or shape do I need to be in? +
The Makalu Base Camp trek is strenuous and therefore we generally recommend however that you train for 3-4 months in advance of your departure date and some of the activities you can do is walking or hiking, running or even better running on a treadmill at incline. Alternatively swimming is a great choice too.
Typically you should be doing at least one or a combination of these activities for an hour each time and roughly 4 times a week in the lead up to your trek in Nepal.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival? +
Yes, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport with a signboard ready to collect you once you arrive and from there we will transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel.
Can I organize a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport? +
Yes, you can purchase a visa when you arrive at the Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu. There are two choices for tourist visa which are listed below:
– Multiple entry tourist visa for up to 30 days costing $40 USD.
– Multiple entry tourist visa for up to 90 days costing $100 USD.
Do I need to bring with me any extra documents? +
You will need to bring with you a copy of your passport, travel insurance papers and 3 passport size photos which will be used for any trekking permits required to access the mountain areas.
What are the types of accommodation that I can expect in Kathmandu and along the trail? +
In Kathmandu, you can expect to stay in a standard room at a 3 star hotel which will include breakfast.
Whilst you are trekking you will be staying in traditional teahouse accommodation which will have a bed and clean mattress as well as a cover for you to sleep in. We do however recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag which you can take with you from home or alternatively rent/buy one in Kathmandu before you go trekking. The teahouse will provide you with a selection of food and sometimes this will be eaten around a warm fire in a group setting.
Where do we go to the toilet along the hiking trail? +
Ideally and in most cases we will use the toilets provided at the various teahouse or lodge accommodation along the trail however in the event of an emergency, hikers are recommended to find a private and convenient place along the trail to go to the toilet.
What types of food will be available whilst trekking? +
The majority of teahouses or lodges along the trail will offer a selection of different food choices which primarily consist of vegetarian dishes. Some of these dishes on the menu include pasta, noodles, potatoes, tuna bakes, bread, soups, fresh vegetables and traditional dishes such as Daal Bhat (rice and lentils) or momos (dumplings).
If you have a sweet tooth, there are also a choice of different desserts such as apple pies or pancakes. Garlic is a popular ingredient used in the cooking which can actually have acclimatization benefits. Soft drinks and hot drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate are readily available as well as snacks like chocolate and crisps.
Is the food in the mountain areas prepared and cooked to an international standard in terms of safety and hygiene? +
Yes absolutely, overall the food is generally very safe to eat and cooked to a decent standard following good health and safety measures. We recommend that you eat vegetarian dishes and try some of our local cuisines too!
I am a Vegetarian, will that be a Problem? +
Being vegetarian is absolutely fine because the teahouses and lodges primarily serve vegetarian meals on their menu. We generally recommend that you only eat vegetarian dishes and avoid any heavy or non-vegetarian dishes to prevent any situation of food poisoning especially in the higher altitude regions.
What types of drinking water facilities are there in the mountain areas? +
Bottled water is readily available to purchase at any of the teahouse or lodge accommodations along the trail. The prices to buy a bottle of water can vary between $2USD – $4USD and typically the higher the elevation that you are trekking to the prices are more expensive as well.
If you would like to drink normal water, make sure that you bring purification tablets and purify the water before drinking. It is possible to buy purification tablets in your hometown or alternatively in Kathmandu.
What is the best season for this trekking? +
The peak trekking seasons are usually between mid-September to the end of May each year. The monsoonal weather period starts to calm down from the beginning of September. Between September to December it consists of warm conditions during the day and cool climates in the evening.
The best times to go trekking in this region are February, March, April, May, June, October, November and December. Between July to mid-September this is raining season across Nepal.
What is your cancellation policy? +
If you want to cancel your reserved tour, we may refund your fee payable to us minus a $150 cancellation fee (5000 INR for Indian Nationals). Himalayan Steps will not accept refunds for flights if we already booked your flight. In some cases we may reschedule your trip at no cost or with some cost if you provide us with 7 days advance notice.
We will not give any refunds if you finish the trekking earlier or later, or cancel your tour for medical or personal reason while trekking.
