Makalu Base Camp Trekking

  • Duration 20 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal

Highlights

  • Adventure from low warm to scenic cooler Barun valley and at arctic cold zone.
  • Stand beneath world’s 5th high Mt. Makalu at base camp within ice and glaciers.
  • Trek on hidden trail to beautiful Barun valley crossing high Shipton and Kongma-la.
  • Journey into remote Nepal Far Eastern Himalaya within complete wilderness.
  • Super daily views of Makalu, Baruntse as far to Kanchenjunga Himalaya Range.
  • Explore traditional rural Nepalese farm villages witness exiting varied cultures.
  • Rare views of Mt. Everest East ‘Khangsung’ Face from Makalu Base Camp.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking, one of the most picturesque adventure destinations around Himalaya Region, located Far North East of Nepal between high peaks of Kanchenjunga towards east with Mt. Everest in the west direction. 

Amazing scenery of mountains, green hills to witness on walks towards Makalu Base Camp where adventure leads you from low warm sub-tropical temperatures of Arun Valley to cooler alpine areas with high hills and into scenic Barun Valley.

Barun Valley a paradise for naturalist and as well for trekkers where 47 species of orchids, 67 species of valuable medicinal and aromatic plants are found with 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 species of bamboo, includes 400 different species of bird life with rare and elusive wild animal from musk deer to snow leopards.

Besides its beautiful mountain views traditional villages enriched with medieval period villages of mixed custom and people around Makalu Region is equally fascinating where walk leads into typical Nepalese hill villages.

Starting Makalu Base Camp Trekking, taking a sweeping scenic flight to land at warm sub-tropical areas of Arun Valley in Tumlingtar, an impressive town where exciting drive leads you on mid hills to commence our walking journey.

As trek proceeds into high green hills past remote farm villages and then into absolutely wilderness away from human habitations and villages, into cool dense forested areas then climbing up to reach over Kongma and Shipton-la passes to reach at scenic Barun valley.

Barun valley situated beneath high snowcapped peaks and high rocky cliff walls where walks head towards our final destination at Makalu Base Camp. Where panorama of close mountains views surprise and excites you.

At Makalu Base Camp the highest spot of the adventure enclosed by Baruntse, Chamling with east and western side flanks of world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu which rises above 8,463 m and 27,766 ft high, first climbed by French Expedition way back in May 15th, 1955. 

An awesome place with an opportunity for rare views of Mt. Everest the Eastern Khangsung Face only seen from this scenic spot, after a wonderful time and experience in perfect mountain wilderness heading back to Tumlingtar for flights to Kathmandu.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking a most mesmerizing adventure with enjoyable time that truly fascinates you on daily walks. 

Itinerary

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On arrival at Kathmandu international airport via respective airlines, where you will be received by our office staff and guide with warm welcome then transfer to your hotels in the hub of the city.

After checking into your rooms and getting refreshed join the other groups for briefing on Makalu Base Camp Trekking, our guide offers you with useful important information regarding trek and your stay in Nepal with us. 

Evening includes welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant with Folk Culture program of Nepal while having your dinner.

    Morning, depart from the hotel for exciting tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest,  Kathmandu city and its valley steeped with historical and religious monuments temples and monasteries listed as World Heritage Sites.

    After an interesting tour afternoon free to relax and preparation for Makalu base camp trekking next early morning flight to Tumlingtar around d Arun Valley.

      As per the flight time towards Nepal Far East to reach at Tumlingtar, where our marvelous Makalu base camp adventure begins, a scenic flight from Kathmandu takes you to land at warmer areas at Tumlingtar located on the shelf of Arun River. 

      Tumlingtar, an interesting town with time for stroll and explore the traditional life of local hill people of eastern Nepal, from here transfer to local vehicle where drive leads towards mid hills past farm villages and town of Khandbari, headquarter of Sankha Sabha district of Makalu region.

      Drive continues over high hills on dirt road heading past Chinchela farm village and long downhill to reach at Num village for overnight in a nice local nice lodge with views of grand landscapes with Jalajala Himal and Makalu peaks.

        First day starts with long descend for an hour to cross over a bridge above Arun River, and then uphill to Seduwa village, walking past Runmura a small farm village with gradual climb to Seduwa village for overnight camp.

          From Seduwa village a short day walk today as morning walk follows winding path to Tashigaon a moderate size farm village of Sherpa community, which is the last village on route to Makalu base camp, walking into farm area and then reaching at Tashigaon for lunch and overnight camp.

          Here with ample time to explore the village of great interest around to witness Sherpa Buddhist culture and age-old traditional life. 

            After Tashi Gaon which be last human settlement for a week, as morning leads to gradual walk within dense forest of rhododendron, oaks and pines trees past several cattle herder’s shelters and shades.

            Walking for few hours on good moderate trail where afternoon walk leads to a climb for few hours to reach on top Kongma ridge, where tall trees fades to small rhododendron and juniper bushes. 

            Overnight camp is set overlooking views of world third high Mt. Kanchenjunga with Mt. Makalu and adjoining peaks.

              From Kongma walk leads to complete wilderness following a ridge with few ups and down to reach at glacial ponds of Thulo Pokhari (large) with Sano Pokhari (small), and then cross over Tutu-la and Shipton la above 4, 453 m high passes, with downhill heading back into dense forest to our overnight camp in the midst of tree lines at place called Mumbuk.

                Morning walks heading down towards scenic Barun valley, a place famous for unique rare species of vegetation- plants that’s almost extinct on this world, where medicinal herbs and mountain animals are found around.

                On reaching Barun valley, walk leads to gradual up with views of peaks on both sides of the valley and then encountering several Yak herder shelters and a small Buddhist Gompa (monastery), after a nice good walk reaching to our overnight camp at Nehe Kharka with scenic Barun valley.

                  From Barun valley trek to Shersong which is at end of Barun valley towards Makalu base camp as walk lead to slow uphill then crossing streams with views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse peaks, after a good walk of the day reaching at Sherson for overnight stop. 

                    After Shersong heading to our main highlight and destination at Makalu Base Camp, where walk leads on high path over moraine and ice within rocky areas to reach at Makalu base camp, located close to a glacial icy pond next to Baruntse Himal.

                    Our overnight camp set beneath towering South Face of Mt. Makalu, with time to explore and enjoy views of surrounding high peaks.

                      Rest day at Makalu base camp with views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse Himal and peak IV, options for hike for views of Mt. Everest with its rare East Face known as Khangsung with Mt. Lhotse. 

                        From Makalu base camp retrace the walk back towards lower Barun valley to reach at Yangle Kharka for overnight stop enclosed within high rocky cliffs, offering views of waterfalls.

                          After a grand time around Barun valley, walk leads towards the end of Barun valley and then climb back into forest at Mumbuk for overnight camp.

                            Morning heading back on the same scenic trail to Kongma ridge, starting with a climb for an hour into forest areas to reach a ridge after leaving tree lines, as walk leads past the glacial ponds and over Tutu la and Shipton la to Kongma hill for overnight camp.

                              Ending our high latitude trek as morning walk leads to long downhill into forest of tall tree lines to reach at Tashi Gaon, from here on route to Nawa or Narbu gaon village, as our route leads into shade of forest and farm terraces to reach a large Sherpa village of Nawa Gaon on for overnight stop, with afternoon free to explore this nice farm village.

                                Our last walk of the great adventure ends today following a trail to Seduwa village, from this village a long descend on steep path to reach a bridge over Arun River, after crossing the bridge steep climb for few hours to reach back at Num village for last overnight around high hills of Makalu Himalaya.

                                  Morning where our adventure complete after taking an exciting drive to a nice little town at Tumlingtar within back at warmer areas enriched with vast farm land around Arun Valley, as drive leads past farm villages of Chinchilla, Manebhanjyang and large town of Khand-Bari and then back at Tumlingtar with time to browse around village to observe local culture and custom of the eastern Nepalese.

                                    From Tumlingtar morning flight to Kathmandu with panorama of mountains views all the way to Kathmandu, at Kathmandu domestic airport our staff transfers you back into your hotel with free afternoon to relax after a great and wonderful adventure on Makalu Base Camp Trek. 

                                      Free day in Kathmandu reserved as extra day in case of flight delay and cancellation at Tumlingtar, due to unfavorable bad weather conditions which can occur sometimes as Himalaya weather can be unpredictable.

                                      If all goes well as per our guideline and set itinerary, enjoy the day with individual activities or join in for exciting tour around Kathmandu at places of great interest.  

                                        Last day in Nepal, country of Himalayan wonders and as per your international flight time depart for homeward bound or to next respective connecting destinations.

                                        Our staff and guide transfer you to Kathmandu airport after a mesmerizing memory and great time on Makalu Base Camp Trekking.

                                          Makalu Base Camp Trekking provided with standard Itinerary days where some length of walks can be shorter or longer as per physical fitness of trekkers and climbers, where some designated overnight camping can be changed, due to available space for camping with clean water facilities and etc…….

                                          We will follow the itinerary if its needs some changes in case of weather, landslides and difficulties on climb requiring more days where our leader and lead head guides decides holding full authority for Trekking Planner Treks Inc. USA and Expeditions.

                                          Cost Details

                                          Includes

                                          • All airport Pick up drop by private vehicle
                                          • Welcome dinner in Authentic Restaurant
                                          • Twin/double shearing accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
                                          • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with and private vehicle (Entrance fees extra).
                                          • Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu flight with airport departure tax
                                          • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
                                          • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly , English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
                                          • 02 guest=01 porter with their Insurance, Salary, Food, accommodation and equipment.
                                          • Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
                                          • Three meals a day; breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
                                          • Safe drinking water and first add kid box
                                          • Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets,Ti-shirt, Cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
                                          • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
                                          • Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
                                          • All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary
                                          • One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after the trek

                                          Excludes

                                          • Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
                                          • All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
                                          • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
                                          • Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
                                          • In case of extra more nights accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary
                                          • Your Personal expenses such as ( laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc)
                                          • The Tips to the trekking crews and drive
                                          • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
                                          • Anything not included in service includes column

                                          Essential Info

                                          If you have an Indian passport, the cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp is INR 100,000. When breaking down the cost, Indian citizens pay slightly less than citizens of other nations because India is a member of the SAARC (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka), which lowers the cost of a permit. Additionally, Indian citizens pay less for airline tickets than citizens of other nations, which further lowers the cost of the trip. 

                                          People travelling from SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka). have low-cost permits, the cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp can be 20 to 50 dollars less for holders of these kinds of Trekkers and travelers coming to Nepal.

                                          EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

                                          • Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We will provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag but is to be returned after the trip)
                                          • Day bag.( Small handbag)
                                          • Trekking shoes
                                          • Sports shoes or sandal.
                                          • Sun Hat/cap
                                          • Warm woolen cap
                                          • Trekking jacket Gore tax/ flees jacket
                                          • Pullover or warm sweeter
                                          • Raincoat
                                          • 4/5 pairs of good qualities shock
                                          • Hand gloves
                                          • 2/3 pairs of Trekking trousers
                                          • 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts
                                          • 3/4 pairs of Underwear
                                          • Eye glass
                                          • Water bottle
                                          • 4 seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trip)
                                          •  Flash or Torch light
                                          • Camera and batteries.

                                          Best Seasons for Makalu Base Camp Trekking:
                                          Best time April and May in spring season with September to November months during autumn / fall.

                                          April and May with much longer sunlight hours, makes the trek more interesting and very special with wild flowers in season especially the rhododendron of various different species from trees to bush, which is also national flower of Nepal.

                                          Most days are clear from morning till late afternoon, can get cloudy sometimes with chance of snows around higher elevation cold in the morning and night time (without wind-chill factors).

                                          September to November during autumn / fall season most days are crystal clear from morning till mid-afternoon, days are shorter and as well with sunlight hours, much cold with freezing temperatures in the morning and night as well in shades above 2, 000 m high (not adding extra wind-chill factor).

                                          Local Culture and Religion:
                                          Makalu region around Sanka-Sava district of Far Eastern Nepal dominated by Kirat tribe of Rai s with some Hindu Bharamins, Chettries and Dalits includes few other hill tribes Gurung, Magar and Tamang of both Hindu and Buddhism religion of mix interesting cultures.

                                          Higher up from Num, Nawa-Gaon and Tashi-Gaon populated with highlanders the Sherpa of Buddhism religion with farm and cattle herding traditional life, where all houses festooned with colorful prayer flags which you can notice on this wonderful treks and respecting local immense culture of Buddhism religion.

                                          Climate and Weather:
                                          Himalayan climate can be unpredictable sometimes even in good best seasons, where April and May to first week of June will be the best time during spring times, when days are longer with enough sunlight hours.

                                          Morning and night time as well in shade can be cold and much freezing temperatures around higher areas above 3,000 m.

                                          Other months from September to November another great times for treks around Makalu base camp and other areas of Himalaya, when days are clear for views and to summit the top of the peak, although much colder months of autumn season with extreme cold during morning and night time, where sunlight is much shorter. 

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