Makalu Base Camp
Hard
Makalu Base Camp trek lies in the eastern part of Nepal in the scenic Makalu Barun National Park and conservation area. The base camp itself lies at an altitude of 5000m above sea level. Mt. Makalu (8463m) which is regarded as 5 th highest mountain of the world is one of the main attraction of this trek with amazing views of Everest (8848M), Cho Oyu (8152m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m) and Ama Dablam(6456m). Due to the challenging nature of the trek and the remote location, the trek sees limited tourist.
The trek goes through diverse landscape and interesting cultures of Rai, Gurung, Magar, Chettris, Tamang and Sherpas passing through beautiful forest, floras and fauna. Since most of the places in this region has limited tea house which is why camping is highly recommended in the region.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Everest Base Camp (5364m) from where all the major expedition starts.
- Views of Island peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam are the major part which encloses the panoramic view.
- Experience staying in a mountain tea houses will help to relax our mind and soul.
- Visit village of Khumjung the school which has been established by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
The program will be - the Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square monuments with their wooden pagoda-temples, the Bodnath or Swayambhunath’s Buddhist sanctuaries and Pashupatinath Hinduist one where the cremations occur, not to speak of the many temples spread about along the crowded and busy streets of the antique city.Meals: B
Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (400m) – 50 Minutes Flight
After breakfast we drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for a 50 minutes flight to Tumlingtar where our staff will be waiting for us. We then drive to our hotel for tonight.Meals: BLD
Day 4: Trek to Khadbari (1040m)
The trail becomes a ridge walk to Khadbari.Meals: BLD
Day 5: Khadbari - Bhote Bas (1740m)
Past Mani Bhanjyang the trail makes a gentle climb through terraced fields, past a paper factory at Panguma. Then it continues through fields, bamboo groves and big rocks to Shekla before climbing to the Tamang village of Bhote Bas.Meals: BLD
Day 6: Bhote Bas – Gogone
The cultivated fields disappear as the trail climbs to a pass at 1850m that offers a spectacular view of Chhamlang, Makalu and Jaljale Himal.Meals: BLD
Day 7: Gogone - Num (1490m)
The trail goes through forests of huge rhododendrons then below Mure passes many tracts of burned trees. The route descends on a rocky eroded trail to Num, situated on the ridge above the Arun river.Meals: BLD
Day 8: Num - Tashi Gaon (2070m)
The trail descends steeply through the corn fields of Lumbang then drops very steeply through jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun river at 660m. From here it climbs through rocky fields to Seduwa. It makes a gradual climb through forested areas.Meals: BLD
Day 9: Tashi Gaon - Khongma Pass (3500m)
It is a tough day on a steep trail through forests to Unshisha, a tiny meadow at 3300m. Then the slope gets steeper along a ridge over a hillock.Meals: BLD
Day 10: Khongma Pass - Numbuck (3570m)
The trail climbs on steep switchbacks to a ridge. It reaches the Kika La at 4127m then descends to a lake before ascending to a second pass, the Tutu La. From there it descends through forests to Numbuck.Meals: BLD
Day 11: Numbuck - Sarsung (4600m)
It is a long day because there is no suitable camp between Nay Kharka and Sarsung. The trail gets closer to the Barun Khola. After crossing it, the trail climbs alongside a moraine of the Barun Glacier with views of Pyramid Peak. Then it enters an alluvial valley and Makalu pops out into view just before Sarsung.Meals: BLD
Day 12: Sarsung - Makalu B. C. (5000m)
It is a gradual climb to a minor pass then it descends crossing on boulders to the B. C. There are wonderful views of the south face of Makalu.Meals: BLD
Day 13: Makalu B. C. - Numbuck (3570m)
Retrace your steps down.Meals: BLD
Day 14: Numbuck - Khongma Pass (3500m)
Descending through rock falls, green forest and valley from Yangri Kharka making our way towards Dobate, we follow the river banks of Barun down the trail. With steep advance from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of Rhododendrons we cross the KeKe La and reach out Khongma la.Meals: BLD
Day 15: Khongma Pass - Seduwa (1460m)
Through the hillsides trek continues with frequent long and steep descent. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making to the Sherpa village of Tashigaon. And then we exit from Makalu Barun National Park and move down to the Barun River. Crossing the hillside and villages afterwards, we move further down, finally stopping at Seduwa once again.Meals: BLD
Day 16: Seduwa - Chichela (1830m)
From the school the trail descends steeply to a suspension bridge over the Arun River at 660m then climbs steeply to Num situated on a ridge. It still climbs to Fururu through forests of huge rhododendrons then goes down to a campsite at Chichela.Meals: BLD
Day 17: Chichela - Tumlingtar
The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day.Meals: BLD
Day 18: Flight: Tumlingtar-kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel
After the breakfast in the Lodge, you will be transferred to the Tumlingtar Airport and take a 50 minutes flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, we drive to the hotel and have some free time to relax or head into the city. Most people want to simply unwind and enjoy the hotel facilities.Meals: B
Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu
You’ll have a day free to roam around the Kathmandu Valley and enjoy your time.Meals: BLD
Day 20: International Departure
Depending on your flight time, our airport check in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12PM.Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Meals: B
Essential Info
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.Eating & Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the teahouses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.
Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
More Info
This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.
Though technically harder than Mera Peak, for those with the necessary experience this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit. The climb requires strong lungs and a great deal of will power - it is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. We cross the glacier roped up (there is one ladder to cross), and then come to a 200m steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to a 20m summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. There are fixed ropes up the headwall (approximately 200m) and along the summit ridge. On the ascent you will need to use a jumar and on the descent you will need to use an abseil device.
Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group. We ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.
The climb itself is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo and the main trail itself crosses three modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys - all of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high.
Equipment Checklist
Our Specialist
Mountaineering
Trekking
Emergency Contact
How to Book
We like to offer a personalized service to our clients – you can contact us by email or telephone any time. Please let us know if you wish to chat with us via Skype, Whatsapp or Viber and we can connect with you at a time that is suitable for you and us, depending on where you are in the world and the timezone you are in.
Check availability:
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
To Book
Let us know which trip you would like to join. For trips that require a certain level of skills and prior experience, we will ask you to provide us with details so that we know the trip is the right one for you.We will send you a form for you to complete your personal details, medical and fitness information. We will also send you our bank details for you to make payment – we will tell you how much and how to pay.
When you are ready, simply complete the form and send it back to us and let us know once you have deposited the relevant funds into our bank account.
We will send you back a written acknowledgement and other information about your trip such as a gear list and any other relevant information specific to your trip.
Of course, at any time leading up to your trip, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us as we will want to give you as much information as you need so that you can feel comfortable and excited about your forthcoming adventure.
We look forward to having you on an adventure with us!