The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote trekking route that offers unique cultural heritage, incredible views of mountain peaks higher than 8,000 meters, quiet trails, rural life, terraced farmlands, forests and rare wildlife such as Red Panda. This is a route for experienced trekkers who enjoy challenging treks as this trail can be fairly challenging in some parts depending upon your level of physical fitness. The adventure begins with a 50 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar of Mid-eastern Nepal. Mount Makalu (8,481 meters) is the 5th highest peak of the world.
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our office will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. You’ll have rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Kathmandu Durbar Square: is one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. This site was the royal residence until the 19th century where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch use to take place. The two-hectare palace complex is divided into two main courtyards, and was initially constructed in the 16th century, although subsequent additions were made in the Shah dynasty in the 18th century and by the Rana rulers in the 19th century.
Swoyambhunath Temple: This Buddhist Stupa, said to be 2000 years old is a perfect architecture of gilded spire and white washed dome located under thousands of fluttering prayer flags. From the spire, four faces of Buddha stare out across the valley in the cardinal directions.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath, a pagoda style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered to be the powerhouse of Hindu spiritual power in religious terms.
BoudhanathStupa: Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, this enormous stupa where thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a ritual circumnavigation of the dome, beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gaze out from the gilded central tower.
Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
The flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar will take some 50 minutes over the range of snow capped Himalayan peaks. We then drive to Num which is a small village with very few houses and a primary school atop a hill plateau. The drive to Num takes us through beautiful rhododendron forest that looks mesmerizing during the blooming season.
Overnight: Teahouse in Num
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The early mornings trail takes us down a steep trail heading towards the Arun River some 800 meters down. The paths can be slippery and we need to walk cautiously. A suspension bridge waits us down to take us across the Arun River. The path ascends upon crossing the River. We walk up to Runruma and stop there for lunch. Further ascending along a steep trail brings us to the Seduwa village.
Overnight: Teahouse in Seduwa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is going to be a comfortable day in terms of walking. A pleasant walk along the villages and their terraced farm takes us to Tashi Gaun. The only uphill climb for today will be while we approach Tashi Gaun.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rhododendron and oak forests, summer pastures, and shepherd huts will be the most prominent features of today’s walk. We will see plenty of those as we head towards the Kahuma ridge. The uphill climb is pretty demanding. From atop Kahuma Danda.
Overnight: Teahouse in Khongma Danda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Teahouse in Khongma Danda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we walk uphill and reach Shipton La in few hours. After Shipton La we pass through a lake Kalo Pokhari at 3930m and then to another high pass Keke La at an altitude 4,170m. From here we can see the beautiful views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). We then descend down to Dobate.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobate.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking through the steep trails for two hours we reach Barun River. From here we walk slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yangri Kharka
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we walk through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. After we pass Merek views are amazing.
Overnight: Teahouse in Langmale Kharka.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will will be walking to the highest altitude. From Langmale Kharka to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains but when you reach base camp its really rewarding.
Overnight: Teahouse in Makalu Base Camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Teahouse at Makalu Base Camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we descend down from Base Camp and follow the same route to reach Num from where we started our trek. We pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and finally stop at Yangri Kharka for night stay.
Overnight: Teahouse at Yangri Kharka.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Today we descend down to Dobate from Yangri Kharka.
Overnight: Teahouse at Dobate.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons we cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La and finally reach Khongma Danda.
Overnight: Teahouse in Khongma Danda.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With frequent long and steep descent we go through thick forests and finally reach Sherpa village of Tashigaon.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We walk out of the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. Walking through different villages we reach Seduwa.
Overnight: Teahouse in Seduwa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking through thick forests and different Sherpa villages we reach Num
Overnight: Teahouse at Num.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It is the last day of our trek today. We walk downhill to Tumlingtar.
Overnight: Teahouse at Tumlingtar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will take our flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Upon landing at Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel.
You spend the last evening in Kathmandu in a farewell dinner together sharing photos recalling the excitements of trip and exchanging emails enjoying the cultural dance program in one of the traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Today after breakfast you are in leisure on your own. You will be escorted to airport for your flight home at your flight time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
NOTICE:
Minimum 2 people required for booking
In Kathmandu, you will stay in 4 Star Hotels with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, you stay in teahouses/lodges that generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. Accommodation are on a twin sharing basis. The accommodation in lodges in trekking routes can be single and double rooms, or a dormitory. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room. Single supplement will be provided on request and will cost an additional and depend upon availability. Although single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation, it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Hotels in Kathmandu can be upgraded to 5 star in an additional cost.
In Kathmandu breakfast, welcome dinner and farewell dinner are provided. While on trekking, we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Usually, each day dinner and breakfast will be at teahouses/lodges where you will stay and lunch will be on the way. We make it sure that the food is hygienic and at the same time suits your palate. Foods cooked in lodges and guesthouses on the way are pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always find hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.
The spring time from March to May and the Autumn months from September to November is considered the best months for Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Anyone who is fit and healthy and have a habit of walking for few of hours a day can do this trek. However walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your stamina. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lungs and blood diseases are required to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Eve Holidays about the medical condition before booking the trek.
All of Eve Holidays trekking itineraries are planned keeping in mind the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Going up at higher altitude too fast causes a medical condition called AMS which is serious enough to kill if neglected. We are well aware that it is essential to allow you sufficient time for acclimatization to minimize the risk. However it is important to remember that some people are more vulnerable than others. So we suggest to avoid alcohol and drink enough water and get good night sleep during the trek.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek that goes through the high altitude terrains to reach to an the highest point at 4,870m/15,978ft at Makalu Base Camp. One has to be very much physically fit and strong determination to accomplish the trek. Start to follow our trekking training guidelines way ahead of the trip departure. The earlier, the better.
March April May and Sept Oct Nov are the best time to trek
Yes, we give you the flexibility to change the travel date or amend the itinerary and that has to be in written and at least 25 days before departure date. The cost incurred due to the changes has to be borne by you.
Booking deposits are transferable to anyone you want for any time in future. For cancelling the trip, cancellation policy in our booking terms and conditions will apply.
We had a wonderful experience. Thanks to the trekking guide and porter. We had great Nepalese food in dinners with Maina and the hotel we stayed was great in Kathmandu.
