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Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp trekking is a challenging trek in a very remote area of Nepal. It is certainly an outstanding trek to the base camp of the world's fifth highest mountain. This is a purely camping trek. The lodges are not available along the route. This trek goes high up to 5100m. This is a region where you hardly find any modern facilities and amenities but blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty.

Makalu Base camp trek follows the Barun Valley which contains some of the last remaining areas of pristine forests and alpine meadows in Nepal. From the bottom of the Arun Valley, near the start of the trek, the mountains rise from just 435m above sea level to the lofty snow capped peak of Makalu at 8463m within a distance of only 40km. The trek therefore passes through a wide diversity of ecosystems and cultures. Communities of Rai farmers give way to Sherpa and Bhotia villages as altitude is gained. These peoples live in isolated villages much as they have for centuries. Their livelihoods depend upon forest resources for animal fodder, fuel, food, housing materials, fertilizers and medicine. Makalu base camp trek passes through lower altitude and usually centered on the Arun Valley that starts with a flight to Tumlingtar and heads up the Arun River Valley to Sedua and Num, then Yangle Kharka to Makalu base camp (4812m), Mt. Makalu and Chamlang Himal are spectacular from here.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking / 22 Days - Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu (1300m)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (40 min.) and Trek to Khandbari (1067m) 3-4 hrs

Day 04: Trek Khandbari to Sakurate (1893m) 5-6 hrs

Day 05: Trek Sakurate to Num (1524m) 5-6 hrs

Day 06: Trek Num to Sedua (1460m) 5-6 hrs

Day 07: Trek Sedua to Tashigaon (2063m) 5-6 hrs

Day 07: Trek Tashigaon to Kauma (3470m) 6-7 hrs

Day 09: Trek Kauma to Mumbuk (3500m) 6-7 hrs

Day 10: Trek Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3600m) 5-6 hrs

Day 11: Yangle Kharka to Yak Kharka (4810m) 6-7 hrs

Day 12: Trek Yak Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4812m) 5-6 hrs

Day 13: Explore day at Makalu Base Camp (4812m) 6-7 hrs

Day 14: Trek Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3600m) 5-6 hrs

Day 15: Trek Yangle Kharka to Dobato (2580m) 6-7 hrs

Day 16: Trek Dobato to Tashigaon (2070m) 5-6 hrs

Day 17: Trek Tashigaon to Num (1490m) 5-6 hrs

Day 19: Trek Maney Bhanjyang to Tumlingtar, 5-6 hrs

Day 18: Trek Num to Maney Bhanjyang (1158m) 5-6 hrs

Day 20: Flight Tumlingtar to Kathmandu 40 min.

Day 21: Leisure day in Kathmandu

Day 22: Farewell Friend (Final departure to your onward destination)

Makalu Base Camp Trekking / 22 Days - Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu (1300m)
Namaste & welcome to Mountain Guide Trek of Nepal. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mountain guide Treks (MGT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mountain Guide Treks and Expedition with Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, if time allows, you will visit MGT office to meet your trekking leader as well as other participants and for final preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
The day after breakfast we will start sightseeing tour with our professional tour guide to the several of most historical and spiritual Place in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered the World Heritage historic Sites such as Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After come back from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. Mountain Guide Trek will brief you regarding your trek as well as we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. Rest of the time you could use for travelling around the Thamel and shopping of needed equipments and other necessaries. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (40 min.) and Trek to Khandbari (1067m) 3-4 hrs
We will fly by domestic air to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal, the starting point of our trek through the Arun Valley. It's a beautiful flight over terraced fields, hills and traditional villages with a range of Himalayan 8,000 meter peaks peeking over the haze in the distance. It is situated on the east bank of the Arun River which you will be following by an ancient trade route during the first three days of this trek. And it takes about 3 hours walk to Khandbari (1067m), (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 04: Trek Khandbari to Sakurate (1893m) 5-6 hrs
The trial heads due north while the river veers slightly to the northwest. Walking up the ridge to the village of Mane Bhanjyang (1158m) and on up through terraced fields through Pangma to Bhotebas from where there are the first really spectacular views of the mountains to the north. The route then further goes through the small settlement and a stretch of rhododendron forest to camp just beyond Sakurate. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 05: Trek Sakurate to Num (1524m) 5-6 hrs
The path continues heading along the ridge with rhododendron forest now dominant. Then begin a gentle walk through Mude. The erstwhile forest on the slopes has been denuded to make way for cultivation. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 06: Trek Num to Sedua (1460m) 5-6 hrs
It is a fairly steep descent with many bends from Num to cross the Arun Khola (690m) by suspension bridge at Runbaun. It is then a stiff, rocky climb up the other side of the river on arrives at Sedua (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 07: Trek Sedua to Tashigaon (2063m) 5-6 hrs
Climb to the north across cultivated terrace field. The path then climbs continuously and passes the settlements of Navagaon and Kharshing Kharka to Tashigaon, last village of this trek. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 08: Trek Tashigaon to Kauma(3470m) 6-7 hrs
Start on a steep climb through forest which can be magical in the early morning mist. The climb continues through Unships to Kauma. We walk through the sparse forests along the ridge over a hillock and descend a bit to Kauma. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 09: Trek Kauma to Mumbuk(3500m) 6-7 hrs
The path twists and turns steeply passing through forest before emerging on to a ridge with Mani walls, numerous prayer flags and superb mountain views including Kanchenjunga to the east. Trial goes through La pass via Keke La pass (4230m) and Tutu La pass (4,200m) where there is a Chorten. From here it is a fairly gentle descent walk through rhododendron and pine forest to level off at Mumbuk. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 10: Trek Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3600m) 5-6 hrs
The hike today is a bit adventurous and strenuous. The trail passes for about 3 hours through a landscape which is very prone to landslides. The Barun River running through the trail adds more dimensions to the trek with its spectacular views of Mt. Tutse Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6185m) (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 11: Yangle Kharka to Yak Kharka (4810m) 6-7 hrs
The trail ascends through grasslands and forest. You can enjoy the majestic peaks such as Mt. Tutse Peak 6 (6739m) Peak 7 (6185m), Isuwa La (5340m) and many other unnamed mountains and peaks. Yak Kharka is a grazing field. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 12: Trek Yak Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4812m) 5-6 hrs
Today hike passes through a flat trail and will descend to a Perennial River. As you reach Makalu Base Camp, you will be mesmerized by the views of Mt. Makalu (8463m), Baruntse (7152m), Kali Himal (6985m), Chamlang (7390m) and Makalu II (7640 m) etc. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 13: Explore day at Makalu Base Camp (4812m) 6-7 hrs
You will enjoy the whole day in the base camp. From here you will have spectacular views of different mountains and peaks. You can also hike to the Baruntse Base Camp to enjoy the scenery (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 14: Trek Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3600m) 5-6 hrs
Today after breakfast we can enjoy the last chance of mountain views from base camp and start to return back. After ascending for a few hours the trail moves along a flat level path and at the end it descends to reach Yangle Kharka after you walk through a rocky forest path with views of green hills and huge stones at some distance. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 15: Trek Yangle Kharka to Dobato (2580m) 6-7 hrs
The trail goes for almost three hours through the same landscape. You then have to trek uphill passing through jungles all the way to Dobato. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 16: Trek Dobato to Tashigaon (2070m) 5-6 hrs
The trail descends steeply to Khongma la via Kali Pokhari through a dense jungle. You again walk along a downhill path all the way to Tashigaon. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 17: Trek Tashigaon to Num (1490m) 5-6 hrs
The trail steeply descends in the beginning which changes to a steep ascent before reaching Num. You pass through small forests of bamboo and small villages. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 18: Trek Num to Maney Bhanjyang (1158m) 5-6 hrs
The trail ascends by starting through the forest and will gently descend in the second half of the day. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 19: Trek Maney Bhanjyang to Tumlingtar, 5-6 hrs
This is our final day for trek. Today is very easy walk to Tumlingtar all the way down hill. When we arrive in Tumlingtar we will enjoy seeing town and drinking with staff & doing farewell for trekking staff. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 20: Flight Tumlingtar to Nepaljung (30 min.) to Kathmandu 40 min.
We'll head to the airport after breakfast for our flight to Kathmandu. It's a beautiful flight over terraced fields, hills and traditional villages with a range of Himalayan 8,000 meter peaks peeking over the haze in the distance and landing in Kathmandu airport. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 21: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Today is your leisure day, if interested you could buy some gifts from Nepal for your friends and relatives, you will visit some nearby shops or venture at Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If enthralled to explore some other areas of Kathmandu you could take some more time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration "Farewell dinner" at traditional Nepalese restaurant with Mountain Guide Trek staffs for successful completion of the Makalu base Camp trek via Arun valley! (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 22: Farewell Friend (Final departure to your onward destination) 
Today is last day in Nepal for this trip; you are saying good bye to the mountains as journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mountain Guide Treks will take you to the airport.

Cost Include

  • Airport pick up drop service
  • All land transportation as per itinerary
  • One day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with license holder tour guide
  • 4 night's hotel accommodation at Kathmandu in deluxe hotel on BB basis.
  • "Farewell dinner" before a day your departure from Nepal.
  • Guest house/tented accommodation according to given itinerary (sharing in 2 bed room) and 3 meals (Breakfast, lunch, Dinner) during the trek
  • Domestic air ticket (Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu)
  • Domestic air fare Tax
  • 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, for seasonal sleeping bag, Mountain Guide treks & Expedition kit bag/duffel bag, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Special permit for rusticated area & all necessary governments documents (National park permit, TIMS )
  • A comprehensive medical kit

Cost Exclude

  • Nepal entree visa: you can get a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by Paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • International airfare
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, water bottle, hot shower during the trekking etc.)
  • Personal trekking equipments & clothing
  • Any donation and monuments entrance fee
  • Tips for guides and porters

Note:- Cost includes and exclude section may give you better idea on how the trip is organized. Once you let us know the number of interested traveler and departure date we would get back to you with actual cost for the trip.

Equipment

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend for Makalu Base Camp Trekking Nepal. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we are feel necessary for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Head

  • Light or warm fleece hat.
  • Watch with light & alarm
  • Sun hat and scrap
  • Sunglasses

Upper Body

  • T-shirts (4)
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or sweater
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
  • Body lotion/Anti-sunlight cream

Hands

  • Playing cards
  • Lightweight gloves (water/wind proof)
  • Trail map and guide book
  • Heavy weight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Lower Body

  • Underwear (4)
  • Hiking shorts (4)
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light weight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet

  • Thin, lightweight inner socks (4-pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4-pairs)
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag
  • Money belt
  • Head touch and batteries
  • Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
  • Water bottle
  • Toiletries
  • Small wash towel

Optional Items

  • Swiss Knife
  • Playing cards/backgammon/chess set
  • Trekking map
  • Books (Highly Recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Reading books
  • Journal & pen
  • Photo's of home/family
  • Energy/protein bars (optional)
  • Walkman

Note: If the above schedule does not meet your requirements, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Photos

Please click on thumbnail pic to have larger view.

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