Overview
Makalu Base Camp Trek is more or less an eco-friendly trek in the ever ascending daily hikes of twenty days to the base camp of Makalu where aspiring mountaineers train and prepare to scale this gigantic fifth tallest peak of 8,481 meters known as Makalu. Mount Makalu lies in the eastern part of Nepal on the Nepal-China border.
It is more or less a trek for those who love the animal and plant world and other trekking enthusiasts would believe themselves to be in another world of wildlife. Most of the trek ascends up through forest and terrains with villages on the ways, through the Makalu-Barun National Park, where not only the locals of the villages look after the region they are in, but also stern restriction is on to the destruction of the natural life and vegetation. So much so, the region in which you do this Makalu Base Camp Trek seems to be a botanist dream come true. It is worth nothing, that the flora and fauna and terrain keep on changing as you go higher and higher in elevation to the Base camp, and the local life so well integrated into the terrain, that you can hardly set them apart. The vegetation seems to change on a daily basis as you hike northwards from the lush tropical forest to the more alpine ones. Along with this, there seems to be a change in the living ways of the locals as well. This is because the walk of life stems from the eco-natural ways they live. While on the way, you cross a number of streams and rivers and thick forest vegetation of plants of over three thousand species and might come across the endangered animal species of the red panda, and other animals and other bird species. There is a variety of flower in the plethora that it would make a florist’s envy. So much so, when you return from your Makalu Base Camp trek, you will be a physically stronger person with a brighter mental capacity. The air and the diverse greenery has a way of doing it coupled with the pristine unpolluted air of the Himalayas. This might make you consider doing treks in other regions of Nepal such as Everest Region Annapurna Region and Langtang Region.
There is much that one would gain from doing the trek to Makalu base camp in the eastern half of Nepal. On your first day, you get to see four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu which would be a precursor to understanding the cultural, tradition and religious aspiration of the Nepalese people. Then the trip by air to Tumlingtar and back to Kathmandu gives you a quick aerial view of what the topography and terrain look like from the lower Himalayas to the higher snow-capped mountain peaks to the north. Then on the daily hikes itself, you get majestic sights and views of not only Mount Makalu but also Mount Everest to the northwest, Mount Kanchanjunga to the northeast, Mount Lhotse, Mount Baruntse, Mount Chamlang and the rarely seen Khashang face of Everest. Then on the way and back, you get to pass through the evergreen countryside, over roaring icy Himalayan Rivers, Alpine Meadows, valleys and glaciers emitting from the Mountain glens. Then it is the crowning glory of it all, the Makalu Base camp with its glaciers at a height of 5000 meters above the level of the sea, getting the chance to mix with the mountaineers aspiring to scale this 8000 plus meters high mountain. And, to get an opportunity to touch, feel and see, some of the finest flora and fauna, animal and birdlife of the Makalu-Barun National Sanctuary Park, where you might also encounter the rare red panda. Finally, on the way, you also interact with the local people, learning of their lifestyle, culture, tradition and religion. So much so, that this Hike in Makalu with want you to take treks to other trekking in Nepal areas.
Where do we stay while on the trek?
We stay either at lodges if we halt off at some village that provides lodging, but mostly it is at the campsite. Nevertheless, the arrangement are fine, comfortable and warm in the higher. Makeshift toilets are used at the campsite and food is prepared by the staff. Since there are strict provisions in the region all waste must be carried out. Your lodge and hotel stay is basically confined to Kathmandu and Tumlingtar, but, you staying and nightly rests are taken care of by the company and your security as well.
Outline Trekking Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (50 minutes flight) to Chichila (4-5 hrs bus ride) to Deurali (2-3 hrs hike)
Day 04 : Deurali to Num (1500m) 5-6 hrs
Day 05 : Num to Seduwa (1540m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06 : Seduwa to Tashigaon 5-6 hrs
Day 07 : Tashigaon to Khongma (3560m) 5-6 hrs
Day 08 : Khongma to Mumbuk (3550m) 5-6 hrs
Day 09 : Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3600m) 5-6 hrs
Day 10 : Yangle Kharka to to Langmale (Yak Kharka) 4400m 5-6 hrs
Day 11 : Langmale to Makalu Base Camp (5000meters) 5-6 hrs
Day 12 : Acclimatization day
Day 13 : Makalu Base Camp to Yanle Kharka 5-6 hrs
Day 14 : Yangla Kharka to Thulo Pokhari 5-6 hrs
Day 15 : Thulo Pokhari to Tashi Gaon 5-6 hrs
Day 16 : Tashigaon to Num 5-6 hrs
Day 17 : Num to Bhote Bas 5-6 hrs
Day 18 : Bhote Bas to Tumlingtar 5-6 hrs
Day 19 : Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (flight) 50 min
Day 20 : Transfer to the Airport for your onward destination
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites inside the Kathmandu City.
- Catch scenic round flights of Kathmandu- Tumlingtar- Kathmandu .
- Enjoy majestic panoramas of Mt. Makalu-the fifth highest mountain along with Kanchenjunga massif, Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang and the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest.
- Hike past roaring Himalayan icy rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers.
- Explore around the Makalu Base Camp at an altitude of 5000 m above the sea level.
- Witness variety of floras and faunas of the remote Makalu Barun National Park.
- Get along with ethnic people and their culture.
Write a Review