Overview

The Makalu Base Camp trek is an ideal trek for nature-loving trekkers who want to experience a variety of landscapes and cultures, as well as uncommon views of some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest. Mount Makalu, standing at an impressive altitude of 8475m, is the fifth highest mountain on Earth. Makalu Base Camp Trek, which can last up to 20-24 days, is a trekking trail less frequented than its more famous neighbor, Mount Everest Base Camp Trek.

The trail is located in the Mahalangur area of the Himalayas, 19 km southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between the countries of Nepal and China. Makalu is an isolated peak that attracts attention with an almost pyramidal shape with four very well marked slopes. This long and fairly sustained trekking offers the traveler a wonderful variety of landscapes, with its picturesque villages and green cultivation terraces crowned by lush forest ridges of high alpine valleys. Compared to the most popular areas of the Everest and Annapurna regions this is a much less visited area although we can expect to see some hikers.

The journey begins after a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar – the main city within the Arun Valley region. As we march on the trail, the route will take us through farmlands, charming villages, then ascend to the Shipton Pass (gateway to the Barun River Valley). From this vantage point, the view of Kangchenjunga to the east is quite impressive. As the route descends, we pass through rhododendron forests (most impressive in the spring, when the flowers bloom amazing red, purple, pink and white) and cloud forests, through some of the last areas of pristine forest and alpine meadows in Nepal. Numerous Yaks can be seen grazing around the region. These animals are predominantly used to transport goods and services up to Makalu Base Camp.

From Makalu Base Camp there are spectacular views of the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far east. The Makalu Barun National Park is the eighth largest in Nepal, covering 2,330 sq. km, and is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in Nepal, including the Red Panda. Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the most spectacular and inhospitable trekking in Nepal. It is a jewel to those looking to explore the last corners of the Himalayan country. Therefore, to enjoy this trekking route, anyone attempting this trek should be in a good physical condition

Itinerary

Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu, with a shuttle to the overnight hotel.
Day 02:
Sightseeing the city and trek preparations. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 03:
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Flight Time: 50 minutes. Upon landing, driving for 3-4 hours until the overnight destination Chichira is reached. Overnight in a homestay/tent.
Day 04:
Trek to Chichira from Num. Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 05:
Trek to Seduwa from Num. Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 06:
Trek to Tashigaon from Seduwa. Trek Time: 4-5 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent
Day 07:
Trek up to Khongma Danda from Tashigaon . Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 08:
Rest day to acclimatize Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 09:
Trek up to Dobate from Khongma Danda. Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 10:
Trek up to Yangri Kharka from Dobate Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent
Day 11:
Trek up to Langmale Kharkafrom Yangri Kharka. Trek Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 12:
Trek to Makalu Base Camp from Langmale Kharka. Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 13:
Rest day to Explore Makalu Base Camp Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 14:
Trek to Yangri Kharka from Makalu Base Camp. Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 15:
Trek to Dobate from Yangri Kharka. Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 16:
Trek to Khongma Danda from Dobate. Trek Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 17:
Trek to Tashigaon from Khongma Danda Trek Time: 4-5 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 18:
Trek to Seduwa from Tashigaon. Trek Time: 4-5 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 19:
Trek to Num from Seduwa. Trek Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 20:
Trek to Tumlingtar from Num Trek Time: 6-7 hours. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 21:
Fly to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar Flight Time: 50 minutes. Overnight in a hotel/tent.
Day 22:
Final Departure from Nepal.