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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Overview

Overviews:

 

Mt. Makalu base camp trekking, an adventure to the foot of the world’s 5th highest peaks at 5,100 m high. Mt. Makalu is a black rock pyramid-shaped top, hence the name Makalu, in the Nepali language. Towers high at 8,463 m / 27, 766 feet between Mt. Everest towards the west and Mt. Kanchenjunga in the east.

Mt. Makalu's first ascent was on May 15th, 1955 by the French Expedition, and since then often climbed. Regarded as technical and a tough mountain to climb, that is why it is rarely ventured. The beauty of Mt. Makalu base camp trekking leads you to witness the rare North-East Face of Mt. Everest. Known as the famous Khangsung side of Mt. Everest, the one only spot to view from Mt. Makalu base camp.

A great scenic adventure that leads you around both areas of the beautiful Arun and Barun valleys. Starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to land at low warm Tumlingtar airport, a moderate size farm town. From Tumlingtar an interesting drive on a four-wheeler takes you to cooler hills past Khandbari.

A large town and headquarter of Sanka-Sabha district and Makalu region, as the drive, climb high. Then heading down to a nice farm village of Num, from here our adventurous walk begins. Starts with a short descent to the Arun River, and then climb leads to Seduwa village and then at Tashi-Gaon. The last permanent farm settlement with the majority of Sherpa people, on leaving Tashi-Gaon trek leads through lovely forest. A steep long uphill amidst beautiful rhododendron and pine trees then reaching on top of Kongma Danda, a high ridge.

From Kongma Danda, superb views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang Himal towards the north. As well overlooks a massive range of Mt. Kanchenjunga in the east direction, and includes great scenery of rolling green hills. After a pleasant time on top of Kongma Danda, the walk continues contouring a high ridge, crossing over Tutu-La and Shipton-La pass. As the walk leads back into dense woodland at Mumbuk and then reaches scenic Barun Valley.

The area around Barun Valley is famous for endangered and rare species of plants and herbs almost extinct in this world. From Barun valley heading north-west on a pleasant gradual uphill to Makalu Base Camp, within remorseless fields of ice, and glacier.

Stand beneath the world’s 5th highest peak of Mt. Makalu, and close to Chamlang and Baruntse Himal glacial ponds. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of picturesque surroundings on the highest spot of the adventure.

Having an enjoyable and memorable experience at Mt. Makalu base camp, return journey on the same scenic route. An opportunity to cover more of Barun and Arun Valley's lovely landscapes, as the walk leads down to Tashi-Gaon.

Walk then finally ends reaching Num village for an exciting drive to low sub-tropical Arun valley at Tumlingtar. Then take a short panoramic flight to Kathmandu, after a glorious adventure and experience on Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu / Tumlingtar 950 m and drive to Num 1,530 m -04 hrs.

Day 04: Trek to Seduwa 1,493 m-06 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,200 m -04 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Kongma Danda 3,500 m -06 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Dobato 3,700 m, cross Tutu La & Shipton La 4,230 m -06 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,620 m -06 hrs.

Day 09: Trek Langmale Kharka or Jark Kharka 4,400 m -06 hours

Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,650 m -05 hrs.

Day 11: Rest day at Makalu Base Camp for scenic hike.

Day 12: Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,620 m - 07 hrs. Day 13: Trek to Dobato 3,700 m -06 hrs.

Day 14: Trek to Kongma Danda 3,500 m -05 hrs.

Day 15: Trek to Seduwa School 1,493 m-07 hrs.

Day 16: Trek to Num -04 hours after lunch drive to Tumlingtar -04 hours.

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 18: Free day at leisure guided tour on request.

Day 19: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

Trip Highlights

     

    MT. MAKALU BASE CAMP TREKKING

    ‘an exciting adventure around Arun & Barun Valleys to Mt. Makalu’

    Highlights:

    “Enjoy the adventure from warm Arun Valley to cooler scenic Barun Valley. An exciting walk from low sub-tropical to arctic zone of ice, snow and glaciers. Adventure on off the beaten trails to world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu base camp Enchanting mist filled forest of tall rhododendron, oaks, pines and fir trees. Explore traditional remote hill villages and beyond to high picturesque terrains”

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges with tented camping.

    Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous. Highest Spot: 5,100 m / 16, 732 feet high at Makalu Base Camp.

    Activities: Cultural tour, exciting flights, interesting drive and scenic trekking.

    Trekking duration: 14 Nights and 15 Days with drives and flights both ways.

    Total Trip: 18 Nights and 19 Days from arrival to final departure.

    Best Seasons:

    Mt. Makalu base camp trekking, the best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.

    The springtime’s begin from March till May, the high seasons for trekking to Kanchenjunga base camp and around the Himalayas.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to a bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, one of the peak seasons. For trekking around the Himalayas and to Makalu base camp, where days are mostly crystal clear for

    views and scenic walks. However, the days are shorter due to fewer sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Chances of snowfall sometimes during the walk around higher areas above 3,000 m high, but with a bright starry night sky.

    Religion, Culture of Makalu Region:

    Makalu area from Tumlingtar onwards to Num, Tashi Gaon villages, and lower mid-hills. Populated by mixed people of hill ethnic tribes, mostly Kirat Rai and Limbu main natives of eastern mid-hills of Nepal. Includes other minority tribes of Magar, Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa with some Hindu Brahmin, Chettries, and Dalits. The lower hills people of both Hindu and Buddhism religions, on the higher sides of Makalu at Nawang Gaon and Tashi Gaon populated by the mountain tribe the Sherpa of far north Eastern Himalayas follow Tibetan Buddhism.

    The culture, tradition, and heritage are similar to its Tibetan predecessors, the Sherpa migrated from the eastern part of Tibet.

    Interesting villages of Sherpa to explore around Tashi and Nawang Gaon and adorned with impressive cultures of age-old heritage. Every village houses impressive monasteries and shrines, which you will have time to explore and observe.

    Sherpa celebrates New Year called Losar, which falls at the end of February or the beginning of March. According to the Tibetan Buddhist Lunar calendar, based on animals and birds, the year 2022 is a year of a Tiger.


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

Day 02: At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.

Enjoy the free day for trek preparation and join for an interesting sightseeing tour around historical, cultural and religious places. Kathmandu is steeped with World Heritage Sites, our city / cultural guide will takes you around the great places of historical wonders of great interest. Afternoon free for individual activities and trek preparation.
Day 3:

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu / Tumlingtar 950 m, drive to Num 1,530 m -04 hrs.

Moring as flight time for Tumlingtar airport around Nepal Far Eastern Himalayas, transfer to Kathmandu airport for scenic flight. During air enjoy panorama of Himalayan range from Langtang, Jugal, Gaurishankar, Everest and Makalu to Kanchenjunga Himalayas. As the plane lands at Tumlingtar town airport, located on the shelf of Arun River with sub-tropical climate. On arrival our staffs receives you, and then drive to the foot hills of Mt. Makalu, from low warm-subtropical to cooler hills. Towards green forest past Chichela village, and down to Num village located on a high ridge for overnight stop.
Day 4:

Day 04: Trek to Seduwa 1,493 m -06 hours.

Enjoy the morning views of Jaljala Himal with Mt. Makalu, start the day walk downhill for short hour. Reaching a narrow gorge of Arun River, after crossing a bridge the trail leads to climb through farm areas. As walk continues uphill through Ramara farm village, and then reaching Seduwa a small village for overnight stop. Tented camp is set on best available flat field near the village primary school yard.
Day 5:

Day 05: Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,200 m -04 hours.

Today a short day walk of few hours to Tashi-Gaon, the last permanent village on route Makalu base camp. Morning walk on gradual winding path through several smaller farm villages, then reaching Tashi-Gaon for lunch and overnight stop. After lunch and getting organized in tented camp, explore the village of Tashi-Gaon and observe the traditional farm life. As well the culture of Sherpa interwoven to Buddhism religion, as you can notice prayer flags on houses.
Day 6:

Day 06: Trek to Kongma Danda 3,500 m -06 hrs.

Leaving the last human settlement and farm village of Tashi-Gaon, walk leads through dense forested path. A lovely woodland lined with tall rhododendron, oaks, pines and fir trees. The walk continues past few cattle herder summer grazing areas with temporary shelters and then heading for a steep climb. As trail follows uphill then reaching a wide open area at Kongma Danda a high scenic ridge top. Where overnight tented camp is set on a ridge finding a suitable flat ground.
Day 7:

Day 07: Trek to Dobato 3,700 m, cross Tutu La & Shipton La 4,230 m -06 hrs

From high Kongma-La pass, walk leads to follow the ridge line crossing a small pass of Tutu-La and Shipton-La. Reaching a small and big glacial ponds called Sano and Thulo Pokhari in Nepali. As walk leads back to forested area and then finding a nice spot for overnight camp at Dobato.
Day 8:

Day 08: Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,620 m -06 hrs.

After staying overnight in the middle path of Barun valley and Kongma-La, walk leads on downhill trail. Walking into lovely woods with views of Khumbukarna Himal range, and then reaching scenic Barun Valley. Where walk gets much easier on gradual uphill path to Yangle Kharka for overnight camp or into a small hut. Which serves as a tea-house and a lodge with basic amenities, where tented camping is far better. Than staying in little shack of a tea-house, Yangle Kharka a lovely spot in the midst of Barun Valley. A place with a small Gompa / monastery, built in the early 1990’s by local Sherpa of Nawa and Tashi Gaon villages.
Day 9:

Day 09: Trek Langmale Kharka or Jark Kharka 4,400 m -06 hours

Morning walk leads further west following a stream a tributary of Barun River, which later joins the big Arun River. The walk is pleasant overlooking views of high rocky cliff and snow-clad peaks that surrounds the Barun Valley. Finally ending our lovely day walk on reaching Langmale Kharka or close to Jark Kharka. Overnight tented camp in a nice grassy meadow having few dwarf rhododendron and juniper bushes.
Day 10:

Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,650 m -05 hrs.

From here on adventure leads to our main highlight at Mt. Makalu Base Camp, start the morning walk. Heading to cross a small stream, as trail follows higher terrain to a place called Sherson close from lower Barun glacier facing views of Mt. Makalu. After a short refreshing rest as well having our pack lunch, start the trek to Mt. Makalu base camp. The trail leads past number of stone enclosures around high grazing area then reaching Makalu base camp. On the highest spot of the adventure, tents are pitched close to Baruntse Himal and Makalu glaciers.
Day 11:

Day 11: Rest day at Makalu Base Camp for scenic hike.

A rest day at Makalu Base Camp to explore around the wild areas of arctic zone landscapes. Enjoy a short hike up to a high ridge east of Mt. Makalu, adding more heights to the adventure. Offer grand views of Mt. Makalu summit at close distance with Baruntse and Chamlang Himal nearby. Overlooking the rare Khangsung the East Face of Mt. Everest with Lhotse and array of peaks.
Day 12:

Day 12: Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,620 m - 07 hrs.

Return journey to Barun Valley at Yangle Kharka for overnight camp, after a wonderful experience at base camp. Walk on the same route with chances of spotting some wild-life on this pristine surroundings
Day 13:

Day 13: Trek to Dobato 3,700 m -06 hrs

Morning walk on leaving the Barun Valley, a pleasant walk to a stream and then climb to Mumbuk. A small place amidst dense forest, as walk follow to a steep climb reaching on wide open ridge at Dobato. Where our overnight camp is set with time to enjoy the surrounding landscapes views.
Day 14:

Day 14: Trek to Kongma Danda 3,500 m-05 hrs.

Retrace the walk back to Kongma Danda, as trail leads over Shipton and Tutu-La reaching the glacial ponds. Then climb to a high ridge reaching Kongma Danda for last overnight camp on a high hills and ridges of Makalu.
Day 15:

Day 15: Trek to Seduwa School 1,493 m-07 hrs.

Enjoy the morning views of Kanchenjunga and Makalu peaks, and head downhill through dense forest surroundings to Tashi Gaon. After a long descent taking a rest and for possible lunch stop. Afternoon walk back to Seduwa taking the same route, as well choosing an alternative trail visiting Nava-Gaon. A large Sherpa village above Seduwa, whichever route chosen finally walks ends at Seduwa for overnight camp.
Day 16:

Day 16: Trek to Num -04 hours after lunch drive to Tumlingtar -04 hours.

From Seduwa enjoy the last day walk of the adventure, morning walk on long downhill through several farm villages. Then reaching at the bottom to cross a bridge above Arun River, and then steep climb brings you at Num. Having rest after a climb, then taking a local vehicle for an exciting drive to Tumlingtar. The drive head up to Chinchilla farm village facing views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse Himal. From here downhill to a large town of Khandbari, Drive continue downhill reaching back at Tumlingtar for last overnight. Staying in the comfort of a nice lodge with time for last dinner party with fellow members-crews and porters before flying back to Kathmandu.
Day 17:

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Depending upon flight time transfer to Tumlingtar air terminal and then board in a small aircraft. As plane lifts up facing grand panorama of Himalayan peaks, and then reaches Kathmandu airport. From the airport a short transfer to your hotel, rest of the day at leisure after a marvelous adventure around Easter Himalayas.
Day 18:

Day 18: At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.
Day 19:

Day 19: Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful experience on Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking

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