Makalu Base Camp Trek

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Makalu Base Camp Trekking - 22 Days

Makalu Base Camp Trek

$2899
Group size: 2 - 12 Max-Altitude: 4870
Destination: Nepal Fitness level: Strenuous
Arrival on: Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) Departure from: Kathmandu
Meals: All meals during the trek
Accommodation: 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu and tea-houses/lodges during the trek

Trip Introduction

Makalu Base Camp Treks trail is designed after the name of Mount Makalu (8481m), the 5th highest mountain in the world. Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the adventurous, toughest and most thrilling trek route in Nepal. The Makalu trekking, little known to most tourists due to its relative inaccessibility.

Makalu region is the habitation of Sherpa, Rai and Bhotiya, who are good farmers. Arun and Barun valleys are the most important valleys on this trails to grow food grains. These valleys are two of the remotest parts of the country. Though they are isolated and economically poor, they have a rich cultural heritage.

The Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area was established in 1992 as Nepal’s eighth national park covering 2,330 sq km. Makalu-Barun is a vital component of the greater Mount Everest ecosystem which includes Nepal’s 1.148 sq km Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park to the west and the 35.000 sq km Qomolungma Nature Preserve in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north.

The Makalu Trekking takes place in the Makalu Barun National Park, where the trekking gets wilder as the forest closes in, where the distant lush green hill welcomes trekkers, which is a perfect habitat for different species of birds, including the Wren Babbler, that is rarely found in other parts of the world, and here, more than 75 species of mammals have adapted to this place since time immemorial, including Red Panda, Snow-Leopard and Musk Deer, and they may come across your eyes if trekkers are fortunate. These rare animals thrive in the cruel climate of the mountains, and this is how they become legendaries, and to have their glimpse is rewarding itself.

Check out overview and itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek or if you want to customize itinerary according to your requirements just send us an email.

Included in the Cost

  • Pickups and drops from hotels and airport
  • Accommodations in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and tea-houses during the trek
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Transportation on a comfortable private vehicle
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Blue Mountain Travels & Tours Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Outline Itinerary

DAY 01:
Arrive in Kathmandu
DAY 02:
Kathmandu City Sightseeing
DAY 03:
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours drive
DAY 04:
Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 05:
Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 06:
Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 4-5 hours
DAY 07:
Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 08:
Acclimatization/Rest Day
DAY 09:
Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours
DAY 10:
Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 11:
Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 12:
Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 13:
Explore Makalu Base Camp
DAY 14:
Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours
DAY 15:
Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours
DAY 16:
Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours
DAY 17:
Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours
DAY 18:
Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours
DAY 19:
Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours
DAY 20:
Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours
DAY 21:
Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight
DAY 22:
Final Departure
DAY 01:
Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon our arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will pick us up from the airport and take you to our hotel. In the afternoon, you may take a rest or short visit in Kathmandu city . In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Blue Mountain Travel. For dinner, you will be served excellent

Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.
Included meals:Dinner

DAY 02:
Kathmandu City Sightseeing

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to the most historical and spiritual attractions places in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath Stupa) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath Stupa) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members.

Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.
Meals:Breakfast

DAY 03:
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours drive

Today, We fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast and meet the rest of the crew members who will also be joining us for the trek. Next, we drive to Chichira, a small Gurung settlement. We take a rest at Chichira as we need to be prepared for the next day’s trek.

Overnight in Chichira.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 04:
Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours

Today, we start early in the morning and head towards Num right after a warm breakfast. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us.

Overnight in Num.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 05:
Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours

Today a steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun river. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot – the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins and here we need to register our permits. We camp right at the top of the village.

Overnight in Seduwa.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 06:
Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 4-5 hours

Today we ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan panorama.

Overnight in Tashigaon.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 07:
Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours

Today will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher elevation. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma Danda.
Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 08:
Acclimatization/Rest Day

The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the nearby surrounding can walk around the area.

Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 09:
Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours

Today we climb towards the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the breathtaking 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 Dobate.

Overnight in Dobate.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 10:
Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours

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

Overnight at Yangri Kharka.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 11:
Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft): 5-6 hours

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 pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views.

Overnight in Langmale Kharka.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 12:
Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours

Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us.
Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 13:
Explore Makalu Base Camp

The 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 and go for a short trek up where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself.

Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 14:
Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours

Today we descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.

Overnight at Yangri Kharka.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 15:
Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours

Today from Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, green forests and valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail.

Overnight at Dobate.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 16:
Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours

Today we begin the trek with steep climb 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. Next, we again descend to Khongma Danda.

Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 17:
Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours

Today the trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon.

Overnight in Tashigaon.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 18:
Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours

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

Overnight at Seduwa.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 19:
Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours

Today we leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards.

Overnight at Num.
Meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 20:
Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours

Today again, we retrace our footsteps to Chichira from where we can savor the glorious vista 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.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 21:
Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight

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 Treks and back with a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Kathmandu.
Meals:Breakfast Dinner

DAY 22:
Final Departure

Your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Our Blue Mountain Travels representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. Have a wonderful flight and see you next time for your next adventurous trekking destination in Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast

Dates and Cost

The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Book our fixed departures

Trip Dates Trip Price Trip Status
8 March, 2019 - 29 March, 2019 $2899
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17 March, 2019 - 7 March, 2019 $2899
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19 April, 2019 - 10 May, 2019 $2899
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6 May, 2019 - 27 May, 2019 $2899
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19 May, 2019 - 9 June, 2019 $2899
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9 September, 2019 - 30 September, 2019 $2899
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Included in the Cost

  • Pickups and drops from hotels and airport
  • Accommodations in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and tea-houses during the trek
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Transportation on a comfortable private vehicle
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Blue Mountain Travels & Tours Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) other than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Anything not mentioned in the ‘What is Included’ section

All our departure dates

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100% GUARANTEED

All our departure dates

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