Mt. Makalu is the 5th highest peak in the world among the others 14 peaks above the 8000 meters. Mount Makalu Base camp has got its popularity for wilderness trekking in the Himalaya region of Nepal.
On this Makalu Base Camp Trek we have allocated 20 days inclusive of 3 nights staying in Kathmandu pre-and post trek. After taking a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, our trek adventure starts!
From Tumlingtar, we take a local jeep drive to Num (4 – 5 hours on bumpy road). If we are trekking on the beginning of post-monsoon (early October); may be we can not continue our driving to Num; it means we may need to terminate our driving somewhere in Manebhanjyang or Chihira. Thus, we have endorsed 2 days to reach Num incase of bad road condition.
Our real trek adventure starts from Num (1560m). From Num we trek down to Arun River valley and trek uphill to Seduwa, Tashigaou and Khongma through traditional Rai and Sherpa villages and cross 3 passes including Shipton La (4170m). We see impressive views of the Himalayas including Mt. Makalu from the passes. After the 3 passes we trek down to Barun River valley through rhododendron forest and trek to Makalu Base camp. After visiting Makalu Base Camp, we trek back to Num following the same trek route.
On our trek program, we have flexibility of staying at local teahouses and at our own tents.
During the Makalu Base Camp trek, we provide an English-speaking guide, kitchen helper, required number of porters and some food provision which are not available to buy on the trek. We also purchase local food to encourage local to generate income for themselves.
Makalu Base Camp trek is truly an excellent trek in the Himalayan region…!!!
Kathmandu, Capital city of Nepal (Google Map)
09.00 AM to 10.00 AM
Mt. Makalu is the 5th highest peak in the world among the others 14 peaks above the 8000 meters. Mount Makalu Base camp has got its popularity for wilderness trekking in the Himalaya region of Nepal. On this trek we have allocated 20 days inclusive of 3 nights staying in Kathmandu pre-and post trip. After taking a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, our adventure starts!
Your arrival to Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will be met by our Airport Representative, and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
Final trek preparation. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
Flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then drive by local jeep to Num (1560m).
Drive to airport to board your flight to Tumlingtar (410m). In a clear day we can see the Himalaya ranges.
Upon arrival at Tumlingtar airport; we will arrange a local jeep and drive along the ridges of Khandbari (the headquarter of Shangkhuwasabha district) and Manebhanjyang (1100m) and along the local picturesque villages of Bhotebas (1740m), Gogane (1720m) and Chichira (1980m); from where we can see good views of Mt. Makalu and other snowy peaks.
The road is bumpy and muddy; thus, in monsoon or pre-monsoon (July – early October); there may not be possible to continue the drive to Num. So, we may need to terminate the driving before reaching Num. Thus, we need to allow 2 days to reach Num.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Seduwa village is situated in parallel to Num; which we can see from Num on the other side of Arun river just above. From here we descend to Arun river (760m) following the scattered houses, rice terraces and through the jungle before reaching the bridge over the Arun River (1:30 hour descend). As we cross the suspension bridge we ascend 800m to reach Seduwa by following some scattered village of Belghari that took us another 2:30 hours. Seduwa is a nice small village, having settlement of Rai and Sherpa community. There is also a high school and the Makalu Barun National Park; where we need to register our trek permits.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total 4 – 5 hours walking.
Today we walk through many small thatched scattered houses by following rice terraces and sometimes through dense forest of different kind of vegetation. The trail gradually leads up and down by crossing some streams along the trail until we reach Tashigaou. It is a lovely Sherpa village, having 3 nice guesthouses, some nice camping spots, and the last day walking through the villages.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total 4 – 5 hours walking.
As we leave the last village of the trek, we walk through the dense forest of different kind of vegetation. We can only hear the voice of birds’ chirping here and there. The trail gradually leads us uphill by following the streams and wooden logs. After a 2 hours continuous walk, we arrive at Danda Kharka (2650m); where there are few teahouses, an ideal place to stop for lunch. From here the trail leads uphill until arrive at Wishisa (3110m, 45 minutes walk). We climb up again until arrive another pass, which is called Kongma Danda (3500m, 45 minutes walk). After a short descend and ascend we arrive at our camp, Khongma.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total 4 – 5 hours walking.
The height we gain 3500m at Khongma is quite high. Incase we feel discomfort to sleep overnight at the elevation; it is an ideal to spend extra night here. If we decide to spend an additional night, we make a day trip to higher elevation and explore the surrounding forest and enjoy the views of nature and mountain range.
On the other hand, if we feel alright and have no any symptoms of altitude, it would be better to continue the trek. We have flexibility on these days what to do and what not to do!
As we leave Khongma, we ascend to Gongar la (3600m, 30 minutes walk) having a nice stupa with prayer flags and nice resting place for porters. On a clear day we can see excellent views of Mt. Makalu, Chamling, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga and Jannu. From here we walk along the ridge with slightly down and up hill until we reach at Kalopokhari (black lake) for another 30 minutes. From here we ascend another 45 minutes to reach another pass Shipton La (4170m). After few hundreds meters down hill, we arrive at Thulo Pokhara (big lake); it is absolutely a crystal lake! Besides the lake there is a memorial stupa and few houses for yak herders. After we cross a stream that flows from the lake, we climb up again for another 30 minutes and arrive at the last pass of Keke La (4125m). From the pass, we descend following the rocky trail and rhododendron forest to Dobato (3862m, 1 hour walk). If you come in March / April, this valley is proved to be the paradise in blossoms of rhododendron flowers.
Dobato (Crossroad in English) is situated amidst the rhododendron forest and pine trees with few teahouses and small camping spot. On clear day we can witness the view of Jannu Himal on the far east.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total 4 – 5 hours walking.
The trail descends to Barun Khola through rhododendron forest and some nice meadows lands. It is quite steep ascends till reach at the bank of Barun River that takes approximately 1 hour. From here we walk along the Barun river bank. We also have to walk through the landslide path (Be careful, the rock may fall down! approximately 1 hour to complete the landslide section). It is quite tricky path until we complete the landslide section. As we walk further after completion of landslide path section, we arrive at large meadow surrounded by pine trees where there is a teahouse (good place to stop for lunch) just above the soaring Barun River. Just in our front we will see snowy peak of Chamlang. After another 2 hours walking by following the river, we arrive at wider valley, which is surrounded by pine trees, waterfalls; and this place is not other than Yangle Kharka.
After crossing the wooden log over the Barun river, there are few guest houses with nice camping spots.
On other side of the valley, just high above the river, we can see 2 caves. In full moon day in August, a fertility festival is held in the cave and surrounding the valley. It is believed that the famous Buddhist sage, Guru Ringboche had resided in the cave. It is also believed that any couple who have no child, can have a child after paying homage to Guru Rimboche in the cave. The believe is still in exist in the local people.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total 5 – 6 hours walking.
From here we walk keeping the Barun river on our left side. The trail gradually goes up and we walk through the rhododendron and pine forest. After an hour continuous walking we reach in a meadow with waterfall view on the right corner of the cliff, that place is known as Ripuk. From here we see wider view of snowy peak mountains including Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Peak 6, Chamlang and Peak 5; which are marvelous. Then we walk again to Tadhosa, where there is a small teashop. From here we cross a stream that flows from Shiva’s Dhara (Shiva’s waterfall). It is also believe that the water flows from Tibet Plateau. The view of waterfall is absolutely great! We then gradually ascend for about 40 minutes and we reach at Jack Kharka having few houses for yak herders. After a short ascent we cross a stream and climb up again for another 40 minutes following the yak pastureland and eventually we reach at our camp, Langmale.
Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Total 4 – 5 hours walking.
We walk through just above the Barun river for about 30 minutes then we walk through the bank of the river. After another one hour, we reach to Shersong (4630m), a large meadow. The view of the mountains from here is amazing! As we gradually ascend; the Mt. Makalu appears in our front; which is apparently spectacular view. As we walk up further the tea houses at Makalu Base camp is seen. After few hundred meters ascend, we cross a wooden bridge over the Barun river and reach the Makalu Base camp. Approximately in 3 hours, we will reach to Makalu Base Camp; so afternoon, we will have a plenty of time to make a side trip to the open valley or towards the Advance Base Camp.
Please note:
We have allocated 2 days for visiting Makalu Base Camp and Advance Base Camp. We can also make a day trip to Makalu Base camp and come back to Langmale for overnight. However, if one who wants to make a side trip around the Makalu Base camp; it is recommended to spend overnight in the Base camp of Makalu.
Return to Tumlingtar. Overnight at tent or guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Flight back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
After breakfast transfer to airport for your onward journey or extend your holiday. ~~End of the trip~~
