Highlights

  • Trek exploring the remote valleys which are eco- natural trails.
  • Waterfall and river of Arun valley.
  • The area is covered by the Barun National Park area.
  • Splendid view from the 5th highest peak of the world- Mt.Makalu (8463m)

About Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp is located in eastern part of Nepal. Mount Makalu is the fifth highest mountain of the world towering 8,481m from sea level. Mount Everest is close neighbor of Mount Makalu. Both the mountains are enveloped by Mahalangur Range.

Makalu Barun National Park protects the entire Barun Valley of which Makalu is the part. Makalu Barun National Park was established in 1992. It covers 1500 square kilometer area including Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts.  

The destination is popular for its bio diversity. Wide variety of flora and fauna including some endangered species of animals and plants are found and sighted here. The governments of both the countries—Nepal and China—are working in coordination for the protection of Makalu Barun National Park. More than 3000 species of plants including rhododendrons of around 23 species and orchids of more than 40 species are found here. Similarly, the destination is habitat for more than 70 species of mammals including red panda, endangered species. Moreover, snow leopard, musk deer, wild boar, wild yak, and Himalayan thar are also sighted here. The park also inhabits more than 400 species of birds.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is popular for its breath taking scenery. The rewarding trek to Makalu Base Camp gives an opportunity to witness Mount Everest, Mt. Lotse and Baruntse. The sight of two winding rivers—Arun and Barun—make your trip more ecstatic. The granite cliffs, glaciers, greenery and waterfalls on the course to the base camp leave trekkers speechless. The Makalu Base Camp is so beautiful that trekkers forget their tiredness and get immerse on its beauty.

Makalu Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4,870m in Makalu Barun National Park. The trek to Makalu Base Camp begins from Tumlingtar. It (Tumlingtar) is an hour flight from Kathmandu. Chichila is a real starting point of the trek and it (Chichila) is around three hour drive from Tumlingtar.

Trekkers follow the course of Barun river valley. They cross few high passes like Shipton La, Keke La and go through crossing few lakes namely Kalopokhari. The literal meaning of Kalopokhari is Black Pond. While on the way trekkers get stunning view of mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse and other Himalayan mountains along with Makalu.

The local inhabitants of Makalu are also equally fascinating for trekkers. Their cultures, traditions and social values are unique for trekkers of the world. Sherpa, Limbu and Rai are native of this area. The destination gives real picture of Nepal and the hardship of peoples’ lives. Makalu Region trekking is a camping trek, can only be organized by camping because of the remoteness of Makalu Region & absence of the tea houses & lodges. Regulus Nepal arranges you to sleep in tents, manages a bathroom tent as well as a dining tent with tables and camp tools & a best cook during the entire trek to the Makalu  Base camp.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Regulus Treks & Expedition receives you at Tribhunvan International Airport and drive you to hotel. If your arrival is at appropriate time then you can enjoy leisurely walk in the streets of Thamel. It is a prime destination for foreigners. It is said that Kathmandu visit is incomplete without strolling in this part of the city. Overnight in a hotel.

    The second day of your arrival starts our trip mission. Today you visit Kathmandu, also known as city of temples with our guide. Basically there are four major touring sites in Kathmandu. They are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and and Bouddhanath Stupa. And the main part is these all four sites are listed in World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be introduced to your guide by Regulus. You can have good conversation with him regarding the upcoming trip. You can enjoy the night life of Thamel which completely depends on your wish. Overnight in Thamel.

      After breakfast we head towards Tribhuvan International Airport from where we catch flight to Tumlingtar. It is around an hour flight. Here we meet rest of the crew members who will assist us throughout our trekking days. From here we drive to Chichira. It is a small village inhabited by Gurung people. We put off at Chichira.

        It is around seven hours trekking today. We start trekking after breakfast. We follow easy course enjoying lush green vegetation and snowcapped peaks. Finally, we arrive at Num where we will spend night.

          We follow descend walk crossing forest and terraced farm lands. The trail takes us to Barun River. Ascend trail begins no sooner we cross the river. After arriving at Makalu Barun National Park we register our trekking permit which we have obtained earlier. We set camp at a village in Seduwa where we will spend night.

            We walk in between ridge which is bordered by Ipsuwa Khola (River) on west and Kasuwa Khola on east. We pass through loose settlements before reaching Tashigaon. Mountain vistas surround you at Tashigaon where you will halt for a night. 

              It is a tough walk of around seven hours as you have to ascend today. We pass through forests followed by stream and ridge. The trail becomes steeper from here. We pass kharka (grazing area). Following rough stone stairs and passing small lakes we ascend to arrive at the top of the ridge. Khongma Dada is near from here where we put off at night.

                Tomorrow we will be gaining more elevation so to adapt with it (altitude) we will take rest today so that our body can adjust with increasing altitude. You can explore local area today and enjoy Limbu or Rai culture.

                  Today we will be climbing summit of Shipton La Pass. It takes couple of hours to arrive here from Khongma Dada. We arrive at Keke aftercrossing Kalo Pokhari (lake). From here you get majestic view of Chamlang Peak 6 and Peak 7. Wecross Keke La Pass and descend to reach Dobate where we put off at night. 

                    We pass through rhododendron forests and arrive at a valley. Initial couple of hours of the trail is steep so carefulness is essential. We arrive at Yangri Kharka where we will halt at night.

                      We pass through grazing lands, green hills and boulder fields to arrive at Merek. Himalayas appear gradually one after another ahead of us. We spend night at Langmale Kharka.

                        After breakfast we head towards Shershong and further walk will take us to Makalu Base Camp. It is a flat trail with icy path. Mount Makalu appears gradually from Shershong. As you arrive at Base Camp you will immerse in the beauty of site. We will stay overnight in Makalu Base Camp.

                          The Base Camp appears like desert. Barun glacier lies beyond it (Base Camp). South face of Makalu is clearly seen from here. You also see Mount Everest and Lhotse. The lakes, glaciers and panoramic views of mountains will please you. We will stay overnight at Base Camp. 

                            We get back towards Yangri Kharka. We give last glimpse of Makalu. We pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.

                              We pass through valley and green forests to arrive at Dobate. It is a descend trail along the bank of Barun River to reach Dobate where we will stop at night.

                                It is a steep climb till Mumbuk. We pass through fir and rhododendrons forests. En route we cross Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma. To arrive at Khongma Dada we descend. Here we halt at night.

                                  It is steep descend walk passing through hillsides. We pass dense forest and arrive at Sherpa village—Tashigaon. Here we spend night.

                                    We exit Makalu Barun Natioanl Park. We descend to reach at Barun River. On the way we pass through several villages and arrive at Seduwa where we will stay overnight.

                                      Passing through lush green vegetation wearrive at Num. we follow ups and down to arrive at Sherpa village—Num where we will stop to spend night.

                                        We move towards Chichira. From Chichira we get last glimpse of Makalu Mountain. We arrive at Tumlingtar where we will halt at night. 

                                          After breakfast we head towards airport to catch flight to Kathmandu. It is around an hour flight. In Kathmandu you get time to roam around Thamel and purchase gifts for friends and family. Regulus will offer farewell dinner tonight. We will stay overnight in a hotel.

                                            Your trekking ends here today. We will drop you at Airport three hours earlier to schedule flight. We are thankful to you as you gave us opportunity to serve. See you soon!

                                              What to Expect

                                              • 3 nights of accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Kathmandu (BB plan).
                                              • 18 nightsof accommodation in a basic lodge/hotel on mountain during the trek, includes 3 meals a day ( B L D ).
                                              • Hot drinks (Tea / Coffee).
                                              • An experienced, licensed, English speaking guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu.
                                              • A government registered trekking guide (English speaking with license) & a local porter (1 porter with 2 trekkers).
                                              • Fooding, lodging, Salaries & Insurance of the staffs.
                                              • Both way domestic flights (Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu).
                                              • Highly experienced Makalu base camp trekking staffs.
                                              • Transportation fees during ground-travel (airport pick up & drop).
                                              • Government taxes, entry fees and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit & 
                                              • All applicable fees.
                                              • One cultural show and farewell dinner.
                                              • Trip Completion Certificate.
                                              • First Aid Kit.     
                                              • International flights.
                                              • Nepal entry visa.
                                              • Airport departure tax.
                                              • Entrance fees to monuments.
                                              • Extra showers, Battery recharge costs, laundry, etc.
                                              • Personal clothing and gears.
                                              • Food in Kathmandu (also if earlier return to Kathmandu from Mountains due to any reason than the scheduled Itinerary).