Introduction
Although Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8481m, the trek to its base camp is a less-frequented route due to its relative inaccessibility. However, if you are an adventurous trekker looking for a trek off-the-beaten path, then it’s not too hard to reach! There are daily flights to Tumlingtar, a few hours’ drive from the trailhead, and basic lodges along the way.
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.
The trek starts in warm, terraced farmland inhabited by the Rai people, an ethnic group found predominantly in the hills of eastern Nepal. As the route ascends, you will 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.
Deeper into the mountains, past the Barun River Valley, you will pass steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls. At the higher elevations live the Sherpa people, an ethnically Tibetan group who predominantly reside near Everest.
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.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Kathmandu - Tumlingtar then drive to Num (1,560m)
Day 2 Num - Seduwa (1,500m)
Day 3 Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m)
Day 4 Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m)
Day 5 Khongma Danda to Dobate (3862 m)
Day 6 Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m)
Day 7 Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)
Day 8 Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
Day 9 Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 10 Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
Day 11 Yangri Kharka to Dobate
Day 12 Dobate - Khongma Danda
Day 13 Khongma Danda Seduwa
Day 14 Seduwa - Num Same day drive to Tumlingtar
Day 15 Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 45 mins flight
Day 1 : Kathmandu - Tumlingtar then drive to Num (1,560m)
We fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast and meet the rest of the crew members who will also be joining us for the trek. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridgeline with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in Num.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 2 : Num - Seduwa (1,500m)
A steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun River. 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. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins and where we register our permits. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight in Seduwa.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 3 : Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m)
Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. over night stay.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 4 : Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m)
We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. 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. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 5 : Khongma Danda to Dobate (3862 m)
We ascending towards to the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 6 : Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m)
Today we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of the trek as the trail is steep and arduous. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 7 : Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)
The valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek. We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 8 : Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 9 : Explore Makalu Base Camp
The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 10 : Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 11 : Yangri Kharka to Dobate
Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, green forests and valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 12 : Dobate - Khongma Danda
We start the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 13 : Khongma Danda Seduwa
he trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 14 : Seduwa - Num Same day drive to Tumlingtar
We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. after num we drive to Khatbari Along the tumlingtar approx 5 hour .overnight stay Tumlingtar.
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 15 : Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 45 mins flight
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones.
Accomodation : 3 Star Hotel
Features Included on Makalu trekking 14 nights 15 days schedule
Features Not Included on Makalu trekking 14 nights 15 days schedule
Things To know
Requirement
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses
- Head torch
Upper Body
- Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower Body
- Lightweight cotton pants (long)
- Waterproof Pants
Feet
- Thin inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Comfortable Hiking boots
Hands
- Gloves
Accessories
- Sleeping bag rated to - 20°C
- Trekking bags/duffel bag
- Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
- Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
- Water bottle or camel bag
- Toiletries
