The Makalu Base Camp trek takes you on an adventurous journey into the heart of Mt. Makalu. Standing at 8463m, Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and falls on the eastern region of Nepal.
On our quest to reach the Makalu Base Camp, we will make a wilderness voyage to explore the forests, wildlife, culture and geographical landscape of the Makalu region.
The trek is a physically challenging trek requiring trekkers to be fit and face the challenges of climbing hills, crossing rivers and appreciating the beauty of one of the remotest corners of the Himalayas. Makalu Base Camp (4870m) offers superb and spectacular views of Everest (8,850m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Chamlang (7,319m) and Baruntse (7,220m) among others.
The trekking trail partly runs through Makalu-Barun National Park, one of the newest and well preserved national park, recognized for its place in global ecological hotspot. The park is home to an amazing 3000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals, including the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak and Himalayan Thar.
Those with plenty of time for exploration as well as thirst for more adventure can choose to cross three highest passes of the Himalayas, namely Sherpani Col (6135m), West Col (6143m) and Amphu Laptsa (5850m). The trek is best approached during Spring (March-May) and Autumn (Sept-Nov) seasons.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition has been a specialist in trekking and expedition in the Himalayas since 1990. Our passion for the Himalayan adventure compliments our team of highly experienced and professional trekking guides, high altitude sherpas, climbers and support assistants.
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (510m.) takes about 45 minutes. Same day, you will drive from Tumlingtar to Num (1500 m.) that takes about seven hours. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trekking trail descends steeply for about 2 and a half hours until you come to a big river named Neguwa Khola. The trail crosses it over the suspension bridge and ascends through forest and villages. People of this area are mainly engaged in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. There is a check post and local office of the Makalu Conservation Area here. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail initially ascends but the major part of the hike is on a leveled path covered with bushes. Tashigaon, surrounded by verdant forest, is a big Sherpa village. You will find prayer flags fluttering in the wind whispering odes of prayers for the dead and forgotten in and around the village. The camping spot in this village is really a praiseworthy site. Stay overnight at a tea house (lodge).
You will follow an ascending path throughout the day walking through forest of Rhododendrons and Sal trees until you reach your destination. Kongma la is a ridge and there is only one tea house here. It is a perfect place for camping. It snows here even during the spring months of March and April. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
Trek from Khongma la to Mumbuk (3550m.) takes about six and a half hours. The trail ascends and then follows a rugged path to reach a beautiful lake named 'Kalo Pokhari' at the height of 4004m. Leaving this lake, you go downhill until you reach Mumbuk. It is a serene camping spot surrounded by green forests. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The hike today is a bit adventurous and strenuous. For about 3 hours you will go 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.). Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
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 large grazing field. Stay overnight at camp in Yak Kharka.
The hike passes through a leveled trail and will now descend to a river. As you reach Makalu Base Camp, the views of Mt. Makalu (8463m), Baruntse (7152m), Kali Himal (6985m), Chamlang (7390m) and Makalu II (7640 m) appear to embrace you wholeheartedly. Stay overnight at camp in Makalu Base Camp.
After ascending for a few hours, the trail moves along a flat level path and at the end descends to Yangle Kharka. En route, you walk through a rocky forest path with views of green hills and huge stones at some distance. Stay overnight at camp in Yangle Kharka
The path ahead ascends for almost three hours through landslide prone stretch. You then have to trek uphill passing through jungles all the way to Dobato. This is not a village but only a camping place. Here, you find small bushes of rhododendrons. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trekking path descends steeply to Khongma la via Kali Pokhari through a dense jungle. You again walk along a downhill path all the way to Tashigaon. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The path steeply descends in the beginning which changes to a steep ascent before reaching Num. You pass through small forests of bamboo and small villages. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
After breakfast, get ready to drive from Num to Tumlingtar (510m.). Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
Early morning, after breakfast, you will fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu airport. The flight duration is about 35 minutes. Our office representative will transfer you from airport to your hotel.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Nepal , Makalu Trek 18 Days
