Trip Information
Make a trek to the Makalu Base Camp Trekking of world's fifth highest mountain Makalu. Makalu Trek is a close neighbor of Mt Everest, lying in the northeast region of Nepal The Makalu Barun National Park, established in 1992, covers the Barun Valley which is part of a huge international protected area under an agreement between Nepal and China. The Park spreads just east to the Everest Region Trekking, covering areas of the Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts of Nepal. One of the most popular trekking peaks of Nepal, the Mera Peak (6654m), also lies in the Makalu Barun region. A large variety of common as well as endangered flora and fauna are protected in the region including rhododendrons, orchids, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak, Himalayan Thar, and more than 420 varieties of bird species. Some believe the area also to be home to the elusive Himalayan giant, the Yeti.
The Makalu Base Camp Treks begins from Tumlingtar of mid-eastern Nepal, an hour's flight from Kathmandu. The real walking starts from Chichila, a 3-hour's drive from Tumlingtar. Following the beautiful Barun river valley in the Makalu Barun National Park, we cross various high passes such as Shipton La, Keke La and lakes such as Kalopokhari etc. While trekking, we rise from lowland of Tumlingtar on the Arun River to one of the highest Base Camps on earth, the Makalu Base Camp at 5000m. While on the way to the Makalu Base Camp, you will enjoy the views of the highest mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse and other Himalayan mountains along with Makalu (8481m) itself.
Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Adventure Pilgrims Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Day 01 : Arrival KTM & Transfer to hotel - 1300m/4264ft
Upon your arrival in the Tribhuvan international airport, our representative will welcome you and will assist to transfer you in your hotel in Kathmandu. You may relax at your hotel or go around for shopping. In the evening Adventure Pilgrims Trekking will organize welcome dinner for you in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu meanwhile briefing about your adventurous trip will take place in a payable amount.
Day 02 : Free day to arrange necessary euipments and documents.
Day 03 :Fly to Tumlingtar and drive/trek to Bhotebas - 06 hrs (subject to flight on time and availability of local transport)
A 50 minute flight from Kathmandu landing on a bumpy grass airstrip at Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, about 3 hours jeep drive on a bumpy road takes to Bhotebas.
Day 04: Trek from Bhotebas to Chichila (1,840m/6035 ft)-5/6 hrs
From Bhotebas ,we walk slowly through the villages and forests and trek all the way through Mudey Village and to Chichila.
Day 05: Trek to Num (1,500m/4920 ft) - 6/7 hrs
A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end is Num. Thunder and lightning make interesting displays in Num evenings.
Day 06 : Trek to Seduwa (1,540m/5051 ft) - 6/7 hrs
A steep descent down through the forests and terraced plots of land takes to Arun Khola. Then winding ascends up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valley sides offer a bit of shade. Makalu National Park starts and we register our permits. Camping right at the top of the village.
Day 07 : Trek to Tashigaon (2,070m/6790 ft) - 4/5 hrs
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 village of Tashi Gaon.
Day 08 :Rest & acclimatization day
Rest and acclimatization day allows our bodies to catch up with us before gaining more height. The following day we take on crossing of the Kongma La.
Day 09 : Trek to Khongma La (3,560m/11,676 ft) - 6/7 hrs
Trek upwards towards Khongma. Khongma is the last stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. The green forests are replaced by scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains.
Day 10 : Cross Shipton La and trek to Debotay (3,650m/11,972 ft) - 7/8 hrs
Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari, pass over the Keke La at 4,152m. Marvelous views of Chamlang 7,319m, Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend down through the beautiful valley to Debotay. Climbing high and sleeping low gives the opportunity for acclimatization.
Day 11 : Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600m/11,808 ft) - 5/6 hrs
From Debotay, pass through the Rhododendron forest leads to the Baruni River and the upper reaches of the valley. A pleasant walk, gaining altitude slowly, until we arrive at Yangle Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
Day 12: Trek to Merek (4,500m/14,760 ft) - 5/6 hrs
Today, we trek to Merek. Since we are gaining height beyond 4, 000 meters, be sure to allow your body the necessary time for acclimatization.
Day 13: Trek to Shersong - 6/7 hrs
Now we climb up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view. Campsite at Shersong.
Day 14 : Day tour to Makalu Base Camp (5,000m/16,400 ft) - 5/6 hrs
Make sure that you acclimatize well before walking up to Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy the superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day. Return back to Shersong.
Day 15: Trek to Yangle Kharka - 8/9 hrs
Descend back down the valley and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and eventually reaching Yangle Kharka.
Day 16 : Trek to Mumbuk - 6/7 hrs
Continuing with our descent through the rockfall. Then climb up the rock gully to Mumbuk. We will be again greeted by the Greeneries below.
Day 17 : Trek to Khongma - 6/7 hrs
Initial steep climb from Mumbuk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. Cross the Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Descend to Khogma again.
Day 18 : Trek to Tashigaon - 5/6 hrs
Today, we continually descend down to Tashigaon. The descent will be a long and steep one. Cutting across the hillside to eventually reach the Sherpa town of Tashi Gaon.
Day 19 : Trek to Num - 4/5 hrs
We are retracing the same path that we came by. We exit the Makalu Barun Camp. Descend down to Arun Khola and Seduwa again. Then another hike through the forest to Num. We follow our footsteps all the way back down to the river. Climb back up the opposite side of the valley to Num.
Day 20 : Trek to Chichila Transfer to Tumlingtar - 9/10 hrs
Again we retrace our steps to Chichila. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Transfer to Tumlingtar.
Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu
We complete the journey with a flight to Kathmandu. We will return to the welcome haven of the Hotel. Once back in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will host an evening barbecue to celebrate the expedition and as a farewell party to thank the Sherpas for their support and friendship.
Day 22 : Farwell Friends
Today the journey comes to an end. There's nothing to do but trade emails with your new friends, organize all your photos and finally depart from Nepal. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. Or get ready for the next adventure.
