Makalu Base camp Trek: A Challenging Adventure Trek

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Makalu
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    21 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Makalu
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    5000m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    6-7 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    camping trek
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/Spring

MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK

JOIN THE FUN & ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TO THE BASE OF THE WORLD’S 5TH HIGHEST MOUNTAIN (8481M).

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is just over three weeks of high adventure into a spectacular region of the Himalayas with the climax of climbing to Base Camp at 5250 meters, located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km southeast of Mount Everest (8848m). Makalu has two prominent subsidiary peaks, Kangchungtse (Makalu II - 7678 m) and Chomo Lonzo (7804m) that is connected by a narrow saddle (7200m) - that in itself is a huge mountain by world standards.

Of all base camp treks, Makalu is one of the toughest treks due to the number of high altitude passes. The area has been designated as the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area. The scenery is truly spectacular and will leave you breathless.

The real trek begins at Chichira (1980m) then to the following villages: Num, Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Kongma Danda, Dobate, Yangri Kharka, Langmale Kharka and finally to Tumlingtar where we make our way back to Kathmandu. This is a tough and physically demanding trek as the altitude increases day by day that will require acclimatization at certain points along the route. We will cross several lower altitude passes on the same day we head across Shipton La Pass (4220m). Along the trail, there is a load to see, including Barun Pokhari Lake and the Baruntse glacier. Mt. Baruntse (7129m) is a mountain in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. Once we have acclimatized we ascend to Makalu Base Camp (5250) the highest point of the trek. This is a photographer’s dream experience!

Sherpa Trekking & Exploration have been established for more than 40 years and has an excellent reputation. Our goal is to make it better!

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

An amazing view of Mt.Everest (east face named Kangshung)
Trek along peaceful trails, past terraced fields, , waterfalls & rhododendron forests.
Trek through changing landscapes and see glaciers, and gorgeous waterfalls.
Explore Sherpa villages & observe their rich culture.
Cross high alpine passes.
Tough it out by heading to Makalu Base Camp.
Magnificent snow-capped mountain views.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu transfer to hotel (1350m)

On arrival at Kathmandu airport you will be met by a representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking who will take you to your 3 star hotels. You can rest at you hotel or stroll around Thamel and do some last minute shopping and take in the sights. Tonight’s welcome dinner will be accompanied by a Nepalese cultural dance.

Day 2 : Fly to Tumlingtar (518m) & drive to Chichira (1980m). Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we will spend about three to four hours travelling, starting out by flying to Tumlingtar followed by a road trip to the Gurung settlement of Chichira where we will stay the night.

Day 3 : Trek from Chichira to Num (1560m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

We will start relatively early as we have a six to seven-hour trek ahead of us. The trail takes us through some quaint and distinctly different villages with views over forests and mountains until we reach Num situated high on a ridge. We will stay here overnight.

Day 4 : Trek from Num to Seduwa (1500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we descend and pass by the terraced fields and through the forest until we reach the Barun River. After crossing and re-crossing the river we will enter the Makalu Barun National Park where we have to register and obtain a permit. We then continue until we reach Seduwa where we will stay the night.

Day 5 : Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon (2100m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Our four to five-hour trek begins by following the trail down to Kasuwa Khola (river) and then across the hills passing through rice fields until we reach the eye-catching village of Tashi Gaon and great views of the Himalayas. We will stay here overnight.

Day 6 : Trek from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda (3500m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today will be tough going with a six to seven-hour trek ahead of us at a higher elevation. Once we reach the ridge we will head down through the forest, cross a river and then climb again up a steep trail to the ridge at Kharka. The trail then descends to Khongma Danda where we will stay the night.

Day 7 : Acclimatization at Khongma Danda (3500m).

Today it is important that we take time to acclimatize. Health specialists recommend we spend the day being active, rather than sitting idle. This will prepare us as we climb and travel across Shipton La Pass (4220m). You can remain active by taking short treks around the village. Tonight we will stay here.

Day 8 : Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3068m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today is a test to see how well you handle higher altitudes as we ascend to Shipton La Pass (4220m). The trek of six to seven hours today is interesting and takes us by Kalo Pokhari (3930m - lake), across Keke La Pass (4170m), and offers fantastic views of Mt.Chamlang (7319m), Peak 6 (6524m) and Peak 7 (6758m). After crossing the Keke La Pass, we head down through the beautiful valley to Donate where we will stay the night.

Day 9 : Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3557m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today on our six to seven hour trek we head through a rhododendron forest and on to the Barun River and into the valley. The trail is quite steep and care is necessary during the first couple of hours. We then ascend to Yangri Kharka Village at the end of the valley and stay here overnight.

Day 10 : Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4410m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we have a five to six-hour trek through the valley, forests, and past Yaks grazing. In the initial phase of this trek, we are hemmed in by towering valley walls. We will then come to Merek and then head uphill where there are more incredible views of the Himalayas. We will stay the night at Langmale Kharka.

Day 11 : Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today’s six to seven-hour trek will be quite an exhausting day as we climb to higher altitudes where it is physically more demanding as we head to Makalu Base Camp. We first head up to Shershong and then to Makalu Base Camp. The trail, from Shershong, offers stunning views over glaciers and snow-capped mountains, especially of Mt. Makalu. Tonight we will stay at Makalu Base Camp amidst the mountains.

Day 12 : Explore Makalu Base Camp (4870m).

Today we can soak up the feeling of having journeyed to such a high altitude and take in the sights around Makalu Base Camp. It is a harsh arid rocky terrain with Barun Glacier just above it. From here we can see the south face of Makalu and a panorama view of Mt.Everest and Mt. Lhotse. We will stay the night at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 13 : Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3557m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we have a six to seven-hour trek leaving base camp and heading back down to Langmale Kharka (4100m) and to Merek then through the valley until we reach Yangri Kharka where we stay the night.

Day 14 : Trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobate (3068m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

A six to seven-hour trek takes us through lush green forests towards Dobate and along the banks of the Barun River. We then reach Dobate where we stay the night.

Day 15 : Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda (3500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We begin our five to six-hour trek today following the trail to Mumbuk passing through fir and rhododendron forests. We then have to cross Keke La Pas, Tutu La Pass (Shipton’s Pass), Kauma La Pass, and then on to Khongma Danda where we will stay overnight.

Day 16 : Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashi Gaon (2100m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trek of around four to five hours leads through dense forests and then to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon where we stay overnight.

Day 17 : Trek from Tashi Gaon to Seduwa (1500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We head back down on a four to five-hour trek and the exit the Makalu Barun National Park and down to the Barun River. Traversing the hillside and past villages we finally make it to Seduwa where we stay overnight.

Day 18 : Trek from Seduwa to Num (1560m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Heading along an undulating trail and through the dense green forest, we arrive at the Sherpa village of Num where we will stay overnight.

Day 19 : Trek from Num to Tumlingtar (285m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Once more we follow the trail for six to seven hours and first head to Chichira where we have our last views of Mt. Makalu. We will stay the night at Tumlingtar and rest before our early morning departure to Kathmandu the next day.

Day 20 : Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.

Today we have a scenic flight back to Kathmandu and can look back at the mountains that have been home for over two weeks. After we arrive at Kathmandu we can either relax at our hotel or wander around Thamel to do some final shopping. Tonight Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will provide a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of this exhausting trip to Makalu Base Camp. We will take you back to your hotels after dinner.

Day 21 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.

Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to reminisce and plan your next adventure and opportunity to explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.

SERVICES

Cost Included

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (4 nights only)
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a guesthouse in Biratnagar including breakfast (1 night only)
All standard meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen team
Tented camp accommodation for 24 days/23 nights (We will provide full water/wind-proof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, etc.)
Local Sherpa Expedition and Trekking licensed English-speaking trekking guide
The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff
All special trekking permits & fees
Down jacket and sleeping bag by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking (which need to be returned after the trek)
Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Kathmandu airfare and Biratnagar-Suketar-Biratnagar airfare including airport departure tax
Free Sherpa Expedition and Trekking duffel/kit bag and a sun hat (yours to keep)
Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu
Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances
All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
Official expenses

Cost Excluded

Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa:
All cold drinks such as alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill, etc.
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for trekking crews

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may not find comfort and better quality teahouses -During the trek, We sleep in the very simple tea house/tent and our guides will pick the best Camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these mountain regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu, Tumlingtar and back to Kathmandu.

Physical fitness

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.