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Makalu Base Camp Trekking - 18 Days

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Good to Know
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Trip Destination Makalu Base Camp
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Trip Type Tea house trek
  • Transport Private vehicle / By Air
  • Accommodation Teahouse

Highlights

  • Mt. Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world which lies in the Makalu Barun National Park.
  • 19 days trek from Kathmandu to the Makalu Base camp.
  • Breath-taking diversity, unique cultural heritage, incredible views of the mountains are the treasure of this region.
  • Home land of Sherpa people alongside Khumbu valley.
  • Kekela pass (4230m), Tutu la pass (4200m) are the passes that will be covered in this trek.

Makalu base camp trekking is the no. 1 trekking destination in Nepal for solitary trekkers. It offers the best journey in the Himalayas with great joy and happiness. It makes you encounter with the world’s fifth highest mountain, Mount Makalu (8463m) centered in Makalu Barun National Park.

During the Makalu base camp trekking, the route takes us from fair lowland to the height of 5000m. This trek offers the entry and roaming in Makalu Barun National Park which covers an area of 2330 square kilometer extending around Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts of Nepal.

This park is loaded in terms of wildlife and vegetation. Making you feel like you are in Heaven and in the lap of Himalaya, is the major aspect that makes this trekking and route more beautiful and admirable.

Mount Makalu base camp trekking provides the greatest vista of Mount Makalu along with other ranges like Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Chamlang, and so forth. This reward of view gives you the feeling of heaven.

This trek can be comparatively challenging in some parts depending upon your level of physical fitness. Owing to the tremendous scenery of base camp, the route provides breathtaking diversity, unique cultural heritage and incredible views of mountain peaks attract many trekkers to enjoy its unseen beauty which is treasured forever.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Route

Kathmandu -> Tumlingtar -> Chichila -> Num -> Seduwa -> Tashi Gaon -> Kongma -> Debotay -> Yangle Kharka -> Merek -> Shersong -> Makalu Base Camp -> Yangle Kharka -> Mumbuk -> Khongma -> Tashi Gaon -> Num -> Chichila -> Tumlingtar -> Kathmandu

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

Makalu base camp trek is one of the most admired remote and unspoiled trekking in Eastern region of Nepal. It has made its own places in low instance with its adorable view which provides serenity to the trekkers and its other visitors.

The major highlights of this trekking are the vista of mountain ranges like Mount Everest, Mount Chamlang, Mount Lhotse, along with exceptionally admiring flora and fauna. Makalu Barun National Park is also the another one with extra attracting power.

The trek passing through Kekela Pass (4230m) and Tutu La Pass (4200m), along with Sherpa village with its own culture and tradition which are also the major attractions.

Nepal Trek Adventure & Expedition offers you Makalu base camp trek with full flexible itinerary and cheap but negotiable price. We let trekkers visit on outstanding exploration visit and can enjoy its unbelievable views. This trek will leave the mark in your mind and memory which you will not forget in your lifetime.

Book now and get free t-shirts, caps, and stickers.

Itinerary

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  • Highest Altitude1,840m

We fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar which will take approximately 50 minutes. It will take 3 hours to reach Chichila from Tumlingtar from jeep through a bumpy road.

  • Highest Altitude1,500m

We have quite paced walk from Chichila to Num through the pleasing villages and From Chichila, today we have a quite paced walk through the delightful villages and prolific mountain forests. A ridge line with large views on both side and suspended on the end is Num. Overnight stay in Num.

  • Highest Altitude1,540m

From Num, we trek vertically down to Arun Khola through the forests and terraced plots of land. The area is quite hot and the forests on the valley offers bit of darkness. From here, Makalu national Park starts and we register our permit, and trek toward the top of village and do camping there.

  • Highest Altitude2,070m

From Seduwa, we trek towards the hilltop surrounded by the Ipsuwa Khola (on the west) and Kasuwa Khola (on the east). We reach to Tashi Gaon after passing the hillside through still villages and small paddy fields.

  • Highest Altitude3,560m

After heading off from Tashi Gaon our route moves upwards towards Khongma. Khongma is the last stop before crossing the Shipton La and moving down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. You will be observing scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains.

    Today, you will have an acclimatization day. Rest and acclimatization day allows our bodies to catch up with us before going to more altitude. The following day we take on crossing of the Shipton La.

    • Highest Altitude3,650m

    From Khongma we head towards the peak of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari, we get ahead of 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 move down through the striking valley to Debotay. Climbing high and sleeping low gives the chance for acclimatization.

    • Highest Altitude3,600m

    We pass through the Rhododendron forest which takes us to the Baruni River and the upper reaches of the valley. A amusing walk will allow us gain altitude slowly, until we arrive at Yangle Kharka situated at the base of the valley.

    • Highest Altitude4,500m

    Today, we trek to Merek. Because we are reaching at height beyond 4,000 meters, be clear in your mind to allow your body the necessary time for acclimatization.

      At this time, we climb up the valley, all the way through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into vision. Campsite at Shersong.

      • Highest Altitude5,000m

      Make sure that you accustom yourself well before walking up to Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy the terrific views of the Himalayan all over the day. Come again back to Shersong.

        From Shersong, we come down back down the valley and take our last glance of Makalu before turning the corner and ultimately reaching Yangle Kharka.

          Today from Yangle Kharka we descend down.  Then climb up the rock gully to Mumbuk. We will be again greeted by the greeneries below.

            After walking ahead from Mumbuk, on the way you will walk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. Cross the Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Move down to Khogma again. 

              Today, we constantly go down down to Tashigaon. The fall will be a long and vertical one. And we come across the hillside to ultimately reach the Sherpa town of Tashi Gaon.

                We are going back over the same path that we came by. We exit the Makalu Barun Camp. Moving down to Arun Khola and Seduwa again we have another hike through the forest to Num. We go behind our footsteps all the way back down to the river and ascend back the opposite side of the valley to Num.

                  Once more we repeat our steps to Chichila. The final return of the trek will allow us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Transfer to Tumlingtar.

                    We finish the journey with a flight to Kathmandu. We will return to the hotel in Kathmandu. 

                    Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

                    Customize Trip

                    What's Included

                    Domestic & International Airport Pickup – Drop-off Services

                    • International arrival pickup
                    • Domestic airport drop off from hotel (Starting of trek) 
                    • Domestic airport Pick up transfer to hotel (After the trek) 
                    • International drop-off on your final departure day

                    Domestic Flight

                    • Kathmandu toTumlingtar 
                    • Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

                    Transportation 

                    • Chichila from Tumlingtar by local bus/jeep 
                    • Tumlingtar from Chichila by local bus/jeep

                    Accommodations

                    • 1 nights hotel in Tumlingtar on BB Plan (Twin sharing basis)
                    • 17 nights at local guest houses/lodges 
                    • If you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu (Apply the Addons option)

                    Trekking Permit

                    • Local Government Entry Permit (Trek Card)
                    • Trekkers Information Management Systems Card (TIMS)
                    • All related Permits

                    Food During the trek

                    • 17 Breakfast: Local and continental choices from tea house Menu
                    • 18 Lunch: Simple and light lunch in lunch camp tea houses 
                    • 17 Dinner: Veg and Non-Veg Meals of your choice domestic and continental foods from the local tea house Menu
                    • 1 Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the best restaurant with the NTA Team 

                    Includes Guide/Porter Services & Their Liabilities

                    • English-speaking government trekking guide
                    • With a minimum of 10 years experience
                    • All meals for Guide/Porter
                    • Insurances for Guide & Porter (Emergency evacuation and accidental medical expenses)
                    • Salary as per the company standard rate (which is recommended by the concerned association of the tourism industry)
                    • A first-aid kit box carried by our team

                    What's Excluded

                    • Your travel insurance ( Travel insurance is compulsory to take an adventure trip and it must be covered both medical & emergency evacuation with the worth of USD100, 000.00 minimum. 
                    • International flight tickets and departure tax
                    • Nepal entry visa fees
                    • Any kind of drinks (tea, coffee, water, hot water, etc) and of bar bills (alcoholic beverages)
                    • Hot shower, WIFI, any electronic battery charges during only in trekking  
                    • Tips and gratitude to your guides, porters, and drivers
                    • Extra night accommodation or meals in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure and early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary

                    Availability & Private Trip

                    For those interested in joining a group tour, we offer a fixed departure date. However, if you prefer to choose your own date for the trip, we encourage you to explore our Book a Private Trip section, which provides the flexibility of booking on any day of your choice, as private trips offer daily availability.

                    Select a Trip DateSmall Group Departure
                        
                    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 12, 2024End DateEnd: SundayDec 29, 2024PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: FridayDec 13, 2024End DateEnd: MondayDec 30, 2024PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 14, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayDec 31, 2024PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: SundayDec 15, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayJan 01, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: MondayDec 16, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayJan 02, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 17, 2024End DateEnd: FridayJan 03, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 18, 2024End DateEnd: SaturdayJan 04, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 19, 2024End DateEnd: SundayJan 05, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: FridayDec 20, 2024End DateEnd: MondayJan 06, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 21, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayJan 07, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: SundayDec 22, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayJan 08, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: MondayDec 23, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayJan 09, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 24, 2024End DateEnd: FridayJan 10, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: WednesdayDec 25, 2024End DateEnd: SaturdayJan 11, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: ThursdayDec 26, 2024End DateEnd: SundayJan 12, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: FridayDec 27, 2024End DateEnd: MondayJan 13, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: SaturdayDec 28, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayJan 14, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: SundayDec 29, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayJan 15, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: MondayDec 30, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayJan 16, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed
                    Start DateStart: TuesdayDec 31, 2024End DateEnd: FridayJan 17, 2025PricePriceUS $2050StatusStatusGuaranteed

                    1.Food: the food during the trek cannot be determined but the foods available in lodges and hotels will be far sufficient for trekkers to enjoy Nepali culture and fill the empty stomach. Noodles and biscuits are also suggested to carry in case of urgent and hunger strike in the places where hotels are not available.

                    2.Best seasons: Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) are the best seasons for Makalu Base Camp Trek. The temperature remains good (at lower and mid-elevation) and weather remains finest of all. Trekking in winter season can also be done but due to cold, it is not recommended much. Also in winter, lodges also aren’t essentially well-equipped.

                    3.Getting there and moving away: the most common way to start the journey is the flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which is around 500 km east of Kathmandu. The major airlines operating are Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air, which operates on a daily basis.

                    4.Permits: There are two major permits needed for this trekking route. They are:

                    • Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card [US $20 per person]
                    • Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area Permit [US $30 per person]

                    5.Difficulty level: This trek is challenging enough for beginners but not much for mountaineers and trekkers/hikers. It deserves 6 out of 10 on the difficulty level rating. The added acclimatization days in the itinerary assist a lot in keeping oneself fresh and relieved which reduces its difficulty level.

                    Testimonials
                    What Our Clients Say
                    • B
                      BrianUnited States,May 08, 2016

                      Best Agency for Makalu Base Camp Trek

                      Nepal is such a beautiful country that I love every part of it from my core heart. I have visited many parts of it, and now it was the turn for Makalu Base Camp. At first, I thought of going alone but my guts didn’t support. So, I decided to consult with the company in Nepal. So I called Binod, the managing director of Nepal Trek Adventure and Expedition. We did some other treks together and I was satisfied with the circle. We talked and he told me about the group that is going to the very place. I agreed with him and came to Nepal. I met with group members and all were so cool. Finally, a day our trek started and we did our journey in full fledge. The route, sighting rhododendron forest, shining mountains, and overall experience went above my head. I mean everything was good enough to observe. I truly enjoyed the company and union. I heartedly wish for your good luck and a great future. Congratulations Nepal Trek Adventure for your fabulous years of experience and services.

                      TrustPilot
                    • J
                      JaniceAustralia,October 07, 2015

                      Makalu Base Camp Trek 16 Days

                      Makalu base camp is one of the most desired trekking routes for solitary trekkers. I also decided to do the one but with a guide. I was not able to search an efficient guide so I started to search for companies who provide perfect guides for these kinds of purpose. I found and chose Nepal trek Adventure and truly I was not disappointed at all. They provided me a guide with option to swap too. Bu I was happy with their first choice. We both (me and my guide) enjoyed each-others’ company and collaboration. Our camping, noodles making process, fighting like a kid and immediately hugging each other, enjoying natural landscape and vegetation, clearing snow; all were perfect. I truly appreciate the guide and the company which gave me such a good guide. God bless you all.

                      TrustPilot

                    Why travel with Nepal Trek Adventure?

                    Nepal Trek Adventure and Expedition is one of the best local travel companies based in Kathmandu with leading adventures.

                    • Expert Guides
                      Expert Guides

                      Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of the local area and culture, ensuring a safe and authentic adventure.

                    • Top-notch Customer Service
                      Top-notch Customer Service

                      Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, from personalized trip planning to attentive support throughout your journey.

                    • Flexibility
                      Flexibility

                      We understand that travel plans can change, which is why we offer flexible itineraries and customizable tours to meet your specific needs and preferences.

                    • Unmatched Value
                      Unmatched Value

                      We strive to provide the best value for your money, with competitive pricing and transparent, all-inclusive pricing that eliminates hidden fees.

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                    Talk to BinodWhatsApp:+977 98514 88 555