Makalu Base Camp Trek is situated in the Eastern part of Nepal. Major trekking routes lie in the area of Makalu Barun National Park. The major highlights of this trek is the view of Mt. Makalu (8485m), is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is also the fourth highest mountain in Nepal.
Our Makalu Trek starts from Tumlingtar airport. It is the only the trek that will take you from low altitude (Tumlingtar – 518m) to high altitude (Makalu Base Camp – 5000m) in 18 days. Trek to Makalu Base camp will offer an off-the-beaten trekking experience – meet with local people (Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Chhetri), experience the rural life, amazing Himalayan landscape and many more.
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num
Early morning flight to Tumlingtar (45 minutes). You can enjoy the scenic view of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga. Also, the view of both Arun and Varun valley. After landing in Tumlingtar, we will meet with our other crew member – Porter. Now, we will drive to Num by private vehicle. A 4-5 hours Drive to Num will take us to small villages and dense forests. Overnight in Num.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 1490m
Day 2: Trek to Seduwa
Today, we will start our first day of the trek. Trekking path descends through forests and terraced farms which leads to Barun river. Crossing the river and following the steep up will take us to the entry of Makalu Barun National Park. The guide will help to register the trekking permit in check-post. The landscape is quite rocky, the agricultural land where they grow corn, barley, and vegetables. To reach Seduwa, we will need to climb steep up. Overnight in Seduwa.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 1460m
Day 3: Trek to Tashi Gaon
After having breakfast, we will ascend to the ridge which was naturally created by two major rivers – Kasuwa Khola and Ipsuwa Khola. Now, we will cross the villages where they have a small paddy field, grassland, and various small rivers. Then, we will ascend towards the Sherpa village named Tashigaon. This is only the village that you will find in Makalu Trek for overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 2070m
Day 4: Trek to Kauma
Waking up with the view of surrounded Himalayas, we will start our difficult journey to Kauma. The trail will begin to steep up through a forest, numerous streams, pasture land, and ridge. Continually following the stone stairs, small lakes ascending to a narrow hilltop and lastly descend to Kauma. Overnight in Kauma.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3470m
Day 5: Trek to Mumbuk
Today’s trekking path is mostly steep up through rhododendron forests to the top of the narrow hilltop. Reaching to the top, we can see the breathtaking view of Mt. Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7. After that, we will walk down through a rhododendron and firs forest. Overnight in Mumbuk.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3570m
Day 6: Trek to Nehe Kharka
Having breakfast with a view of snow-capped mountains is simply amazing. In today’s trek, we will descend 500m below passing fir forests along the side of Barun valley. Now, the route passes through the non-defined path. Following the river to a Kharka through birch and rhododendron forests take us to Yangle Kharka. After crossing the Barun river, we will climb steeply up until we reach to Nehe Kharka. Exploring around Nehe Kharka offers a view of Monastery and amazing Himalayan landscape. Overnight in Nehe Kharka.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3000m
Day 7: Trek to Sherson
After having breakfast, we will follow the bank of Barun River then cross a bridge made-up of wooden. Continually following the north bank side of Barun river and gently ascends to Riipok Kharka. Direction changes from North to west passing through a rhododendron and pine forests. Now, the trek route ascends alongside a moraine build by a Barun glacier. From this point, you can view of Pyramid peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3 and Peak 5. Before reaching to Sherson, we will get the first glimpse of Mt. Makalu. Overnight in Sherson.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4615m
Day 8: Trek to Makalu Base camp
Today, we will reach our final destination – Makalu Base Camp. After having breakfast, we will gradually descend to the west bank of the river. From there, we will see the south face of Mt. Makalu. Ascending to the stone wall offers a view of Peak 6, 7 and Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and other Himalayan ranges. Overnight in Makalu Base Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 5000m
Day 9: Explore around Makalu Base Camp
Today we will explore around Makalu Base Camp for acclimatization so that your body can adjust with the change in altitude, temperature, and humidity,
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 5000m
Day 10: Trek back to Nehe Kharka
After having a hot breakfast, we will follow the same route back to Nehe Kharka. The trail descends down to Barun river valley. Overnight in Nehe Kharka.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3000m
Day 11: Trek back to Mumbuk
We again descend down through the dense forests until we reach to Mumbuk. From Mumbuk, we can view the sunrise and sunset pouring over Mt. Makalu. Overnight in Mumbuk.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3570m
Day 12: Trek back to Kauma
Today, we will pass the route through Shipton La (4170m) and trek down to Kauma. Overnight in Kauma.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3470m
Day 13: Trek back to Tashi Gaon
After having breakfast, we will start to trek down to Tashi Gaon following a steep downward path. Rest of the day will be spent around Sherpa village to heal up from the altitude. Overnight in Tashi Gaon.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 2070m
Day 14: Trek to Balung
The trail begins by descending towards the Kasuwa River then down to the west of Arun River. Now, we will reach to Seduwa. Following the descent path, will take us to Mulgaon which passes through the farmland of corn and barley. Crossing the suspension bridge will take us to Balung. You will mostly find the settlements of Rai, Sherpa and Chhetri community. Overnight in Balung.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 760m
Day 15: Trek to Pukuwa
After having breakfast, we will follow the trail descend to Apsara Khola. Crossing the suspension bridge will take us to the village of Rai community. Route changes from gently up and down until we reach to Parangbu on the bank of Arun river. Continuing through lush forests and several small rivers which then lead to Pukuwa. Overnight in Pukuwa.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 550m
Day 16: Trek to Bumling
In today’s trek, the narrow route begins through forests and rocky ridge. Following the same path, will take us to an Arun valley which becomes wider and U-shaped. Reaching to the top of the ridge, the trail descends down to the bank of Sankhuwa Khola until we reach to Bumling. Overnight in Bumling.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 370m
Day 17: Trek to Tumlingtar
We will start the trek by ascending over a ridge and descending to the Inkhuwa Khola then crossing the cantilever bridge made-up of wooden. The path follows the junction where two rivers meet at one place. After that, the route passes through a large suspension bridge over the Arun river. Before reaching to Tumlingtar, we will pass through Chyawabesi. Overnight in Tumlingtar.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 460m
Day 18: Flight to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we will catch up a morning flight to Kathmandu.
- Altitude: 1320m
Inclusion
- Airport Pickups and Drops
- Round Trip Flight Tickets (Kathmandu and Tumlingtar)
- All Trekking permits (Barun National Park entry permits, Makalu Restricted Area, TIMS)
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
- Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner
- A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude)
- All Government and Local taxes
Exclusions
- International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
- Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
- Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers
