Makalu Base Camp Trek

Chhatra Karki — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 08:28:00 +0000

Makalu Base Camp trek offers you a countryside experience in the remoteness and wideness of Nepal. The trails of Makalu Base Camp take you deep into the valleys while showing you the vista of several mountains and landscapes.

Makalu Base Camp lies in the foothills of Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain. It resides in the Sankhuwasabha District of the Eastern development region at Province No. 1.

The trek route goes through the jurisdiction and protection of Makalu Barun National Park. The park is home to several animals, villages, and famous mountains like Chamlang, Baruntse, etc.

Other than them, you also get to see Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, Mera, Peak 6, Peak 7, and other unnamed peaks. The park also exhibits diverse species of flora and wildlife.

The floras are- sal, oak, maple, magnolia, birch, fir, laurel, rhododendron, juniper, etc. Similarly, wildlife found are- clouded leopard, red fox, black bear, red panda, musk deer, barking deer, golden jackal, and many more.

The trails go deep through the dense forest, alpine meadow and pass Barun glacier before reaching Makalu Base Camp. It also passes through vibrant villages inhabited by various communities such as Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Newar, and others.

Makalu Base Camp trek begins from an 800 m elevation and heads above 4500 m elevation. It transitions from near-tropical monsoon forest to subalpine conifer forest.

The trek begins by flying to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu then driving to Khadbari. You again catch a ride to Chichila the next day and start your walk by heading to Num.

From Num, you trek to Seduwa and later to Tashigaon. Then, you walk to Khongma and acclimatize there before trekking to upper areas. During your day off, you explore the village and view the lifestyle of the people.

You hike to Dobate crossing the high passes the next day, and head to Yak Kharka. Finally, you now make your way to Makalu Base Camp, the main highlight of this trek.

You explore the base camp the next day and trek down to Yangle Kharka. From here, you now continue to retrace your step and head back, passing Dobate then to Khongma, later to Seduwa, after to Num, and at last to Chichila.

From Chichila, you catch the ride back to Tumlingtar and fly back to Kathmandu the following day. It is a 17 Days itinerary, and you spend 14 Days in the mountains.

Overall, the uniqueness of the trails is what makes the Makalu Base Camp package an exclusive one. So, put your stress aside and join us here at Nepal Eco Adventure for an unforgettable trip in the mountains.

Things to Experience during Makalu Base Camp Trek

Tour the remote areas of the Makalu region
Spectacular views of the snowy peaks like Chhamlang, Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, Peak 6, Mera, Baruntse, and more
Trek through the typical village of Sherpa, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, others.
View Everest ranges from a new angle
Trek through the beautiful Makalu Barun National Park
Reach the Base of the fifth tallest peak in the world
Witness the lifestyle in rural areas of Nepal

Detailed Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then drive to Khadbari.

Flight Duration: 35 minutes

Tumlingtar altitude: 1040 m above sea level

Driving hour: 1 hour

Khabar altitude: 867 m above sea level

Overnight at Khadbari

Your 17 Days trek to Makalu Base Camp with Nepal Eco Adventure begins from the first day of the itinerary by flying to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. It is a morning flight, so your guide will come to pick you early in the morning.

Then drive you to the airport, check-in, and board the flight to Tumlingtar. Soaring into the sky, you get to see the marvelous views of green valleys and majestic peaks.

After 30 minutes or so, you reach your destination, Tumlingtar, where you have your breakfast. You board the jeep after filling your tummy and head towards Khadbari via the off-beat road.

You drive away from the airport and head north on the route. Then following the off-road, you pass small settlements, pastureland and make a slight descent to reach Khadbari.

Khabar is a populated town with several reputed schools and a hydropower project. This place is the entry point for trekking in the Makalu region.

Day 2: Drive to Chichila and Trek to Num

Driving hour: 2 hours

Chichila altitude: 1560 m above sea level

Walking hour: 4 to 5 hours

Num altitude:1490 m above sea level

Overnight at Num

Today, you have your breakfast, get ready, and catch another ride from Khadbari to Chichila. Driving out of the town, you pass the famous bazaar and keep moving through the graveled road.

Then, you reach a small settlement, take the off-road and do a gradual climb to your destination. Chichila is a small Gurung settlement where you have your lunch.

From there, your trekking journey in the mountains begins as you head to Num. After a delicious meal, you leave the village behind and move forward, entering the lush forests of oaks and rhododendrons.

You pass several picturesque villages and reach a ridgeline as you keep moving in the trails. This place gives a great view of the great valleys ahead. You make a slight descent in the tracks and reach Num by viewing the scenarios.

Num is a small settlement surrounded by hills on all sides. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful landscapes while sipping your coffee or tea.

Day 3: Trek to Seduwa

Walking hour: 5 to 6 hours

Seduwa altitude: 1700 m above sea level

Overnight at Seduwa

Today, you trek from Num to Seduwa after breakfast. You leave the village and make a steep descent through the western end of the Num ridge. Then following the path, you reach Lumbang and keep descending through its cornfields.

The downhill path takes you through the jungle and towards Arun Koshi, a bit further from there. You then use the suspension bridge to cross over it and make a slight ascend in the trails.

The path opens up to a beautiful grassland, where you have your lunch. Then you continue the trek and do a steep uphill climb to reach Seduwa. This lovely village has a vast camping ground below the national park office. You need to register your entry time in the office and with the local police.

Day 4: Trek to Tashigaun

Walking hour: 5 hours

Tashigaun altitude: 2100 m above sea level

Overnight at Tashigaun

After breakfast, you head from Seduwa to Tashigaun. This day has several streams to cross via suspension and wooden bridges. Leaving the village behind, you do a gradual climb above the Kasuwa Khola and reach a Mani wall.

The walks are gentle from here as it takes you through forest areas and rice fields up to Hindrungama village. Then you continue to follow the trails and reach Ropsesa.

From here, you cross a meadow and several streams until you reach Tashigaon School. Then a bit ahead from here, you cross another stream, do a short climb to a ridge and get to Tashigaon.

Tashigaon is a beautiful Sherpa village and the last settlement in the valley. The houses here have stilt tops with wood barriers or round stones to keep the mouse out.

Day 5: Trek to Khongma

Walking hour: 7 to 8 hours

Khongma altitude: 3500 m above sea level

Overnight at Khongma

After breakfast, you begin the trek from Tashigaon to Khongma. The walk between these destinations will be a challenging but interesting one as you cover a considerable altitude today.

Immediately after leaving the village, you ascend the trail through the lush forests of rhododendron and reach a stream. Then crossing the stream, you keep moving forward and arrive at a ridge that has a small hut called Chipla (2520 m).

From here, the trail keeps getting steeper and crosses two streams. Then you pass a grazing land (Kharka) and climb up using a series of rough stone stairs to a ridge.

From this point, you make a slight descent in the trails and arrive at Khongma. This place has a few buildings and several tent sites on the sloping hillside.

Day 6: Acclimatization day at Kongma

You have quickly climbed a huge elevation gap in a day, so to lower the risk of altitude sickness, you acclimatize here at Kongma. Also, it is to make sure your body adjusts to the current environment before you climb higher in the trails.

You can explore the beautiful surroundings or hike up the hills during your day off. Use this chance to experience the Tibetan-influenced Nepali culture and tradition while strolling around.

Enjoy your time and interact with the locals and other groups of trekkers. You should move around as much as possible.

Day 7: Trek to Dobate

Walking hours: 6 hours

Dobate altitude: 3650 m above sea level

Overnight at Dobate

Today, you trek from Kongma to Dobate while crossing two of the high passes of this region. After breakfast, you begin with a steep climb to the top of a ridge at 3840 m that gives the best view of Mount Makalu.

From there, you keep ascending the routes and reach the Shipton La Pass that offers the beautiful view of Peak 6, Chhamlang, Peak 7, and more. Viewing them, you cross over the pass and descend to Kalo Pokhari at 3930 m.

Crossing over the lake using a suspension bridge, you make another steep ascent and cross over Keke La at 4170 m. Then drop through a lush forest to reach Dobate.

Day 8: Trek to Yangle Kharka

Walking hour: 5 to 7 hours

Yangle Kharka altitude: 3860 m above sea level

Overnight at Yangle Kharka

Today you trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka after breakfast. The trip begins as you continue walking westward through the beautiful forest of fir, oak, and rhododendron.

Be careful, as the first few hours of the trek have steep and demanding trails. Moving ahead, the courses take you to Barun River, and crossing over it leads you uphill to Barun valley.

Later, you cross several streams and wooden bridges in some to reach Yangle Kharka. This is a small yet beautiful village in a meadow at the base of the valley that is great for relaxing.

Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka

Walking hour: 6 to 7 hours

Yak Kharka altitude: 4000 m above sea level

Overnight at Yak Kharka

Today you trek from Yangle Kharka to Yak Kharka. After breakfast, the trails begin with a moderate walk towards the valley. You can see the valley walls hovering above as you leave the village.

Then ascending the trail, you walk through grasslands, boulder fields, and lush forests to Merek. You now gradually do the climb to Yak Kharka. This place is a grazing field that gives a great view of majestic peaks like Peak 7, Makalu, Tutse, Iowa La, and more.

Enjoy the views and explore the area to learn more about it. Sleep early and gain some energy as next is quite hectic.

Day 10 Trek to Makalu Base Camp

Walking hour: 6 to 7 hours

Makalu Base Camp altitude: 4870 m above sea level

Overnight at Makalu Base Camp

Finally, after several days of waiting, you head to Makalu Base Camp from Yak Kharka. The excitement will be hard to hold, so we begin the trek right after your breakfast.

Leaving the fields, you make your way uphill towards Shershong while passing through beautiful landscapes. From there, you walk the flat trail with icy glaciers while being accompanied by the views of the lofty peaks.

Enjoying the view, you make a steep and long ascent in the trails and eventually arrive at Makalu Base Camp. Reaching the foothills of the world’s fifth highest mountain will boggle your mind.

As you set your foot on the camp, the majestic mountains will surround you from all around.

Day 11: Explore Makalu Base camp and trek down Yangle Kharka

Walking duration: 7 hours

Overnight at Yangle Kharka

Today you explore around the base camp before trekking down to Yangle Kharka. Makalu Base Camp lies in a rocky, barren place that has a vast Barun glacier past it.

You get to see the magnificent South Face of Makalu and the panorama of Lhotse and Everest from up here. Later, you have your breakfast, pack your bags and trek back.

The trails descend from the camp, so rejoice the moment before heading back. You return through the same route passing through Shershong, Yak Kharka, Merek, and stop at Yangle Kharka.

Day 12: Trek to Dobate

Walking hour: 6 hours

Overnight at Dobate

Today you trek back to Dobate from Yangle Kharka. After breakfast, you head out and drop through the green forests and rockfalls. This day you cross several rivers and wooden bridges to reach your destination.

You cross over the Barun river and pass the beautiful Barun valley. You follow the trails along the river banks and walk through forests of fir, rhododendron, etc. After several hours of walking, you reach Dobate.

Day 13: Trek to Khongma

Walking hour: 6 to 7 hours

Overnight at Khongma

The trek from Dobate to Khongma is an adventurous one where you cross the high passes. You begin the tour after breakfast by doing a steep climb to Mumbuk.

Then passing through the forests of beautiful flowers and wild animals, you ascend the trail. You will again cross Keke la and Tutu La ( Shipton La) on your way back. Following the Khongma La route, you arrive at Khongma Danda.

Day 14: Trek to Seduwa

Walking hour: 5 to 6 hours

Overnight at Seduwa

Retracing your steps back, the trip furthers with frequent steep and long descent while passing through hillsides. Then walking through thick forests, you reach Tashigaon.

From here, you keep moving ahead and exit the Makalu Barun National Park. Then you drop down to Barun river and cross it over to the other side. After walking for a bit further, you reach Seduwa.

Day 15: Trek to Num

Walking hour: 6 hours

Overnight at Num

After breakfast, you leave Seduwa and head towards Num. Today, the trail passes through several lush forests and goes up and down through small settlements, pastureland, and more. The path is mostly downhill today, and you continue to walk for several hours before arriving at Num.

Day 16: Trek to Chichila and drive to Tumlingtar

Walking hour: 4 hours

Driving hour: 1 to 1.5 hours

Overnight at Tumlingtar

Just like that, your Makalu Base Camp Trek is coming to an end. You now trek back to Chichila, retracing your steps from Num, and catch the ride back to Tumlingtar.

The drive is bumpy for the first half, but the roads get smooth later. After an hour and a half, you arrive at Tumlingtar, where you stay the night.

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu