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

The Makalu Base Camp trek is just over a two- week affair now that a jeep track has been pushed from Tumlingtar to Num. Makalu is the fifth highest peak in the world (8468m).

It’s still one of the hardest approaches to any base camp, though, with formidable passes blocking access. Most begin from Tumlingtar and head north along the Arun to Num. This is still a fully supported camping adventure, despite basic lodgings as far as Num.

A tough day ensues from Num to Sedua and then it’s mostly up to Tashigaon. A massive climb begins after Tashigaon to Khongma. The next day is a stinker or a thriller depending on your acclimatization to the altitude. Now begins the crossing of the Shipton Pass(4220m), although two other slightly lower passes are also to be conquered on this day to Mumbak. One in the Baruntse glacial Valley, the trek continues to Yangle Kharka, Shersong and on to Makalu Base Camp. For the best views, head up the ridges to the east or go to Barun Pokhari lake from here. Going some way up the trail to Sherpani Col might be another choice, but be careful. Some just head up the ridge to the east for views towards Everest and Lhotse.

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

An amazing Everest view from eastern Kangshung face.
This Trek has an offer quiet trails, vibrant terrace farmland, rural cultures, rhododendron forest.
Pass from green terraced farmland to glacier and beautiful waterfalls.
Explore the Sherpa culture and villages.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

One night.
3-star Hotel

Upon the arrival in Kathmandu, representative of Sherpa Expedition and trekking will pick you from the airport with a warm welcome and transfer to the Hotel.R est for sometimes and visit the office and there will be a welcome dinner in Nepalese cuisine with the Nepalese dance.

Day 2 : Fly to Tumlingtar (518m), Drive to Chichira(1980m) 3 to 4 hrs.

3 to 4 hours.
Guest House

We will fly to Tumlingtar and after the arrival, we will have, we drive to Chichira, a small Gurung settlement. Relax at Chichira as we need to be prepared for the next day’s trek. We will be spending the night in Chichira and overnight at Chichira.

Day 3 : Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft) 6-7 hours.

5 to 6 hours
Guest House

We start early in the morning and head towards Num right after our delicious breakfast. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridgeline with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us and overnight at Num.

Day 4 : Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft) 6-7 hours.

5 to 6 hours.
Guest House

Descend through the forest and terraced farms take us to the Barun river. Cross the river and follow the path ascent to the side again. After sometimes we will reach Makalu Barun National Park, where we register our Permit. Trekking sometimes we reach to Seduwa where we will be staying overnight.

Day 5 : Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft) 4-5 hours.

5 to 6 hours
Guest House

Ascend to the Kasuwa Khola, cross the hillside through villages and pass by the small paddy field we reach to the beautiful village of Tashigaon which is surrounded by the eye-catching Himalayan. Overnight at Tashigaon.

Day 6 : Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft) 6-7 hours

5 to 6 hours
Guest house

Today will be going o be a little tough day as we walk on a steep trail in the higher elevation. We ascend through the forests to a stream onto a ridge, from where the trail gets even steeper and passes to a Kharka. After that, we follow a rough stair and ascend to the ridge, from here it’s a little bit down to Khongma Danda. overnight at Kingma Danda.

Day 7 : Acclimatization at Khongma Danda.

One day.
Guest House

Today will be going to be an acclimatization day. It helps to allow your body to rest before crossing the Shipton La. If you wish to explore then walk around the area and overnight at the Khongma Danda.

Day 8 : Khongma Danda to Dobate 6-7 hours.

5 to 6 hours
Guest House

We will climb towards the summit of Shipton La (pass ) . After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m, we can see the stunning views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Donate. Overnight in Dobate .

Day 9 : Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft) 6-7 hours.

6 to 7 hours
Guest House

From Dobate , we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and reaches to a valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of a trek as the trail is steep and difficult. We then walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley at Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Day 10 : Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft) 5-6 hours.

5 to 6 hours
Guest House

Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek. We will be passing Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight at Langmale Kharka.

Day 11 : Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft) 6-7 hours

5 to 6 hours
Guest House

Today will be the quite tiring day because we are going o make it to Makalu Base camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and finally to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayans. overnight Makalu Base Camp.

Day 12 : Explore Makalu Base Camp

One day.
Overnight at Tent.

Makalu Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers .overnight at the base camp.

Day 13 : Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka 6-7 hours.

6 to 7 hours.
Overnight at tent.

Descend down from the base camp and take the last glimpse of Makalu before heading back. We pass through shushing, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley and we finally reach and stop at Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Day 14 : Yangri Kharka to Dobate 6-7 hours.

6 to 7 hours
Overnight at tent.

From Yangri Kharka we descend through the green forest, making our way towards Dobate . Following the bank of Barun, we descend down to the trial. overnight at Dobate .

Day 15 : Dobate to Khongma Danda 5-6 hours.

5 to 6 hours.
Guest House

We begin the trek from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight at Khongma Danda.

Day 16 : Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours.

5 to 6 hours
Guest House

The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon.overnight atTashigaon.

Day 17 : Tashigaon to Seduwa 4-5 hours.

4 to 5 hours.
Guest House

We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again. Overnight at Seduwa.

Day 18 : Seduwa to Num 5-6 hrs.

5 to 6 hours.
Guest House

We will leave Seduwa and trek to lush forest towards Num, After passing the up and down trail through the dense forest we reach to Num, Sherpa village. Overnight at Num.

Day 19 : Num to Tumlingtar 6-7 hours.

6 to 7 hours.
Guest House

Again we retrace our footsteps to Chichira from where we see the glorious view of Mount Makalu for the last time. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight at Tumlingtar.

Day 20 : Tumlingtar to Kathma.u 45 minutes flight

45 minutes
Guest House.

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. In the evening we celebrate our successful journey to the Makalu base camp and back with a farewell dinner. Spend the whole night in Kathmandu.

Day 21 : Final departure.

25 minutes.
None

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end Today. Sherpa expedition and trekking representative will drop you to the airport, approximately 3 hrs before your scheduled flight. Hope you had a great day in Nepal and hope to see you again.

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

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.
International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa; you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days

EQUIPMENTS

General

Seasonable Sleeping bag and down Jacket (If you need it but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag (We will provide duffle bag during the trek Sherpa Expedition & Trekking need to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (Must have for morning and evening above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyes

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

Hand

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

Center Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal Tops
wool Jackets or pullover
Artificial sports bras for (Women and girls)
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

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

Feet

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Socks liner
Light shoes and sneaker

First Aid Kits and Medicines

Assorted Adhesive Bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment
Insect testing / anti-itch treatment
Ibuprofen / 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 better to bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous, but must useable

4 pic passport sizes with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because of if you won to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included Toilet papers put on the plastic bag, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Best energy dry foods (up to you)
Power Bank and music players
Camera (Memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Trekking Equipment

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the hiking in Nepal and the gear play a vital role for the successful trip and we suggest you to have all the necessary gear for the trip and not to have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be used for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:

Good down Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you do not have on your own and it is to be returned after the trek.
Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all gear and this will be carried by the porters.
Daypack bag for yourself
A down Jacket
Shade hat
Warm wool hat to cover your ears
A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
T-shirts 2- 3 pieces
Lightweight thermal tops.
Fleece jacket.
Fleece Wind-proved jacket (optional).
A pair’s nylon hiking shorts which are quick drying one
Underwear
Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
Four pairs of liner warm socks
A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
A pair sandal (Optional)
A water bottle.
Head/Torch Light.

Medicines and First Aid Kits

Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches like DMX.
Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
Imodium or Peptone besom, Flexon capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
Diamox 125 or 250mg or 400mg tablets for altitude sickness.
1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.(Sherpa expedition and Trekking company's team also provide first aid kits)

Miscellaneous but Important

Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)
Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
Lip care (Balm) At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
Sun’s cream with SPF 40 is recommended
Pocket knife.
Water purification Iodine tablets
Toiletry kits and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Note Regarding Itineraries:
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Sherpa Expedition And Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is safe and successful. Your safety is paramount.