Thamserku Trekking Pvt. ltd.

P.O. Box 3022, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1 4413842

Makalu Heli Trek

Moderate

13 Days 12 Nights
from USD 3695


Trip Facts

  • Duration:
    13 Days 12 Nights
  • Dificulty Level:
    Moderate
  • Activity:
    Heli Treks
  • Max. Altitude:
    4972m
  • Destination:
    Nepal

Difficulty

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

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 5th 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 the base camp of 5th highest mountain of the world.
  • Trek through diverse landscape and ethnic cultures.
  • Experience the pleasantly contrasting feature of landscape on this trek with narrow trails turning into wide pastures and green lush valleys turning into glacial moraines.
  • Experience flying in Heli to from Yangle Kharka to Lukla.

Trip Includes

  • Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfer.
  • 4 Nights hotel Kathmandu in Gokarna Resort on BB Twin Room.
  • 8 nights Normal Local Lodge on FB Twin Room.
  • Flight: KTM-Tumlingtar with airport tax.
  • Heli Flight: Yangle Kharka- Lukla.
  • Flight: Lukla-Kathmandu with airport tax.
  • National Park & TIMS Permit Fee.
  • 1 English speaking Leader.
  • 1 porter-every two members.
  • All staffs insurance & daily wages & food.
  • Farewell Dinner in KTM

Trip Excludes

  • Personal Equipment & Insurance.
  • Nepal Visa fee US $40 per person.
  • Alcoholic Beverages, Telephone & Laundry.
  • Any personal nature expenses.
  • Emergency Evacuation if required.
  • Tips for Staffs

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (400m) and Drive to Num (1505m)
Day 4: Trek to Seduwa (1530m) – 6/7 Hrs Trek
Day 5: Trek to Tashigaon (2065m) – 5 Hrs Trek
Day 6: Trek to Khongma La (3562m) – 7 Hrs Trek
Day 7: Trek to Dobate – 7 Hrs Trek
Day 8: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3610m) – 7 Hrs Trek
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharkha (4972m) – 6 Hrs Trek
Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) – 7 Hrs Trek
Day 11: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3610m) and Fly to Lukla and to Kathmandu
Day 12: Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 13: International Departure

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. Evening time can be spent taking a tour in busy Thamel Street or just enjoying your beer in the hotel garden.

Meals: B
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort

Day 2: Free Day in Kathmandu

Your free day in Kathmandu today can be used relaxing in the hotel or taking an optional day sightseeing to the cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu.

Meals: B
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort

Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (400m) and Drive to Num (1505m)

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 will drive further to Num today where we spend our overnight. Num experiences a dramatic display of thunder and lightning every evening, which makes very interesting surroundings.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 4: Trek to Seduwa (1530m) – 6/7 Hrs Trek

Descending from the western end of the Num ridge steeply through the cornfields of Lumbang, the trail continues over the suspension bridge and ascends through the forest and a few traditional villages. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. People of this area are mainly occupied in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. Ascend continue through dense forest, eventually brings to aesthetic cam site at Seduwa. Here lies the large flat camping lawn ridge above the Makalu Barun National Park check point.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 5: Trek to Tashigaon (2065m) – 5 Hrs Trek

We ascend the ridge from Seduwa which is enclosed by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east, with easy hiking through the bushes. Passing the hillside through villages and small paddy fields, we reach at tropical village of Tashi Gaon. The camping location in this village is really an admirable site below the national park office.

Overnight in lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 6: Trek to Khongma La (3562m) – 7 Hrs Trek

This will be a bit hard day as we have to ascend on a steep trail in higher altitude through dense forest of remote scrub and Rhododendron passing many ridges and seasonal Yak herders. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. Khongma La is the last opportunity we have to stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 7: Trek to Dobate – 7 Hrs Trek

We climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a several hours to reach. After the Lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4170m. We can see the outstanding view of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6524m) and Peak 7 (6758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 8: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3610m) – 7 Hrs Trek

From Dobate, we advance through the Rhododendron forest which leads towards the Barun River and the upper valley. We have to be careful during the first two hours of trek as the trail is very steep and difficult. After sometime, we can take an easy walk, slowly advancing altitude until we reach at Yangri Kharka, located at the base of the valley.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharkha (4972m) – 6 Hrs Trek

Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. Beyond Nehe Kharka, the river makes a huge S-shaped curve between curtains wall of cliffs that tower on either side of river. Next gentle climb advances a Mani wall to Yak Kharka.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) – 7 Hrs Trek

Finally today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Yak Kharka we make our way up to Merek advances through a dizzying landscape of Himalayan giants, looking marvelous views of Mountains. After arriving to Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base camp. The rail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. As the trail turns northwards into a side valley, Makalu finally soars into view. We get to immerse in the regal Himalayan panorama enclosing us.

Overnight in Lodge

Meals: BLD

Day 11: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3610m) and Fly to Lukla and to Kathmandu

Taking the last glimpse of Makalu, we descend down from the Base Camp and headed back. On the way down, we descend through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka. We take the Heli back to Lukla and then take a regular flight to Kathmandu.

Meals: B
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort

Day 12: Free Day in Kathmandu

You can spend your free day in Kathmandu relaxing at the garden of the hotel sipping chilled beer or enjoying the spa or just swimming in the heated swimming pool of the hotel.

Meals: B
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort

Day 13: International Departure

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport. The airport checks in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12PM. In case our flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel.

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 tea houses, 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 tea houses 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 tea houses 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

Body Wear

  • 2.Selection of T- shirts and long sleeved shirt preferably not cotton.
  • 1 Warm shirt possibly fleece for colder areas
  • 1 Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper
  • 1 Windproof and waterproof outer shell garment
  • 1 Down jacket also can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Hands/Head wear

  • 1.Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
  • 1. Pair of Sunglasses or goggles
  • 1. Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
  • 1 pair of Warm gloves

Foot Wear

  • 1 Walking boots with suitable ankle support and waterproof
  • 1.Trainer or casual shoes for trekking and for traveling
  • 3 / 4 pairs of Warm socks for colder areas

Leg wear

  • 1 Loose, casual trousers for trekking
  • 1 Waterproof trousers and can also buy in Kathmandu cheaply)

Back pack

  • Personal back pack for trekking 25 litre for personal items
  • Duffle bag 25/30 litre for personal clothings which is provided in Kathmandu office

Other Equipments

  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated - 15ºC)
  • 30 Litre Rucksack with cover
  • Large size Duffel Bag with padlock
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Water bottles 1 Litre X 2
  • Thermos
  • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

Miscellaneous items

  • 1 Pair of trekking pole
  • 1 Toiletry bag with ZIP LOCK
  • 2 Pairs of Towels
  • Water Purifying Pills
  • 1 Sun lotion
  • 1 Lip balm
  • 1 Dairy book for personal memoranda
  • 2 Pen or pencil
  • 1 Water bottle 1 ltr.
  • 1 Pocket knife (DO NOT carry in your carry-on luggage)

Our Specialist

anjan

Mountaineering

Anjan Rai

+977 1 4413842
+977 9851025628
rai@thamserkutrekking.com
mingma small

Trekking

Mingma Sherpa

+977 1 4413842
+977 9801249349
mingma@thamserkutrekking.com
yalamber

Emergency Contact

Yalamber Rai

+977 1 4413842
+977 9851131344
operation@thamserkutrekking.com

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!

Get in touch

We’re here to get you on your way! For personalized assistance developing a customized itinerary, or for general questions, we’re a phone call or email away.
  • Address

    P.O. Box 3124, Naxal-5
    Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Phone

    +977 1 4413842
  • Fax

    +977 1 4415439
  • Email

    info@thamserkutrekking.com
  • Whatsapp

    +977 9801 249349

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