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Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular off-the-beaten-path treks culminates at Makalu Base Camp. Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an awe-inspiring voyage that unplugs you from cars and cellphones and gives you “you and Nature” time. It is a time of detoxifying yourself from all the harms of fast-paced modern life. Mt. Makalu standing tall with an elevation of 8,485m is the fifth largest peak on the planet, but despite it being one of the tallest mountains Makalu Base Camp Trek Trail is much less frequented by trekkers, which is often attributed to the remoteness and ruggedness of the trail itself. This Makalu Barun National Park region was explored only around the 1950s when Eric Shipton first trekked into the area. Before that, it was inaccessible and little-known except to a handful of keen trekkers with the only camping option.
Unlike Everest Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp sits right under Mt. Makalu, which makes spectacular views of Mt. Makalu unavoidable. A short hike from Makalu Base Camp will also take you to a viewpoint from where one can spot the much-less-seen Kangshung face of Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga, amongst others.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is located in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal between Everest and Kanchenjunga. The trail traverses through remote hill ridges and along the river valleys of Arun and Barun, providing an unparalleled exploration experience of hilly regions and valleys of the eastern Himalayas. The trail passes through the deepest valleys, and towering cliffs, to beautiful glaciers, providing mesmerizing views of colossal mountains. The sceneries and landscapes change each day as you trek and climb along from 700m to over 5,000m.
Makalu Base Camp Trek trails go through the pristine wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park. The park is known for its exceptional natural beauty and great diversity of flora and fauna. Almost all of the trek is done inside Makalu Barun National Park. The majority of the trail extends on a stone-paved path that pierces through the verdant Rhododendron forest, which during the Spring season changes the color of the entire forest from green to red. Along with floral beauty, the wildlife is similarly vibrant. Many rare and exotic animals like Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard among others can be spotted in this region. Makalu Base Camp Trek is also adulated for the bird-watching opportunity it provides to the trekkers.
Makalu Trek passes through several villages and settlement areas of the Rai and Sherpa communities. Villages of the Rai community are found in lower-elevation regions of the trek, whereas at higher elevation villages of the Sherpa community are prevalent. The Makalu Trek trail is less commercialized, so there are only a handful of tea houses or lodges. Because of less commercialization, the villages, localities, and nature are as pristine as they could get. Trekkers can get glimpses of the arduous lifestyle in the Himalayas. Small Buddhist shrines, terrace fields, jungle shrines, and communal water fountains all tell tales of the cultural beauty of these communities. It provides trekkers with an authentic trekking experience, with no sugarcoating, it is as raw as it could get.
Trek to Makalu Base Camp is a challenging one but rewarding too. On certain days you will have to cross 4 high mountain passes including the Shipton La (Eric Shipton’s original expedition route) and the three others are over 4,000m. Getting closer to the base camp is one of the best and most scenically remarkable walks anywhere in the world. Reaching the Base Camp, Mount Makalu dominates with its majestic, enduring presence. You can enjoy an epic panorama of the world’s highest peaks like Everest, 8,848m, Lhotse, 8,516m, Chamlang, 7,319m, and Baruntse, 7,129m from a viewpoint above the base camp.
Makalu Base Camp is the ending point of the Makalu Base Camp Trekking also known as Makalu Trekking. Makalu Base Camp’s elevation is 4870 meters or 15977 feet. Malaku Base Camp is located exactly under Mt. Makalu. Due to this, unlike Everest Base Camp Mt. Makalu is conspicuous from the base camp and trekkers can enjoy the mesmerizing sight of Mt. Makalu from Makalu Base Camp.
Makalu Base Camp is a major checkpoint for mountaineers, as the difficult part of the Makalu Expedition starts from Makalu Base Camp. Trek to Makalu Base Camp with itself endows trekkers an exploration opportunity that can not be paralleled. The base camp sits on the lap of Barun Pokhari, towered by Makalu, Baruntse, and other ginormous peaks. A short hike from Makalu Base Camp towards Barun Glacier provides trekkers with a breathtaking view of Khangsar face of Everest and Lhotse.
Makalu Barun National Park is one of the most pristine national parks of Nepal. Adjoining Sagarmatha National Park to the east Makalu Barun National Park is one of the national parks that extends to the highest elevation on the planet. The National Park is characterized by a rugged geography of hills and mountains. The National Park covers areas of 1500 sq. km (580 sq mi) in the regions of Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha. The National Park is surrounded by a buffer zone on the south and southeast part of the National Park.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek trail traverses through Makalu Barun National Park, and a special Makalu Barun National Park entrance permit is required during Makalu Trekking.
Makalu Barun National Park is superfluous with burgeoning biodiversity. The national park boasts 315 species of butterflies, 43 species of reptiles, and 16 species of amphibians. Around 78 species of fish can be found in the ponds, lakes, and rivers inside the Makalu Barun National Park. Scientists have recorded 440 bird species, including 16 protected bird species that include the rose-ringed parakeet, Blyth’s kingfisher, deep-blue kingfisher, blue-naped pitta, pale blue flycatcher, sultan tit, silver-eared mesia, spiny babbler and the white-naped yuhina.
Similarly, 88 species of mammals have been recorded in the national park. This includes rare animals like snow leopard, clouded leopard, jungle cat, leopard cat, golden jackal, Himalayan wolf, red panda, black bear, Hanuman langur, Himalayan tahr, muntjac, musk deer, barking Himalayan marmot, and many more. Makalu Trekking provides trekkers an opportunity to catch sight of above mentioned rare and exotic animals.
Makalu Base Camp Trek also known as Makalu Base Camp Tea House trek traverses through unblemished villages of Rai and Sherpa community. Trekking through these villages and staying on lodges and teahouses in and around local villages allows trekkers to witness the fascinating lifestyle, culture, and traditions of local people. Because the Makalu Base Camp Trek trail is not as commercialized as other trekking trails, these localities and villages have remained unblemished with their intrinsic beauty remaining intact.
The lower region of Makalu Region is populated by people of the Kirat Community which subsumes the Rai community. As the trail gains elevation, Sherpa villages will become prevalent. Stops and stays along the villages will introduce trekkers to the difficult, yet complacent and happy life of these people. Makalu Base Camp Trek traverses through a quintessential remote Nepali Village.
Barun Glacier is a humongous slow-moving ice river that originates from Baruntse Himal, Mt. Makalu, and other adjoining peaks. This glacier feeds the Barun Lake and subsequently Barun River. A short hike from Makalu Base Camp will take the trekker to a viewpoint from where the majesty of Barun Glacier can be relished.
As trekkers approach Makalu Base Camp trekkers, are confronted with two lakes. Shersong Glacial Lake is also known as Lower Barun Lake and Barun Lake. Lower Barun Lake is a massive glacial lake that is 2.7 km long and 600 m wide, which is formed by the gradual recession of Barun Glacial. Locals believe Lower Barun Lake and Barun Lake to be abodes of Nhepi, a local deity believed to protect the people and region from famine, disaster, and disease. Barun lakes are an outlet for the Barun glacier which later feeds the Barun River which later coalesces with the Arun River. Researchers from all over the world arrive at Barun Lakes to study the effects of Global warming on mountain glaciers and ice meltdown in the Himalayas.
Ghungru La and Shipton La are two mountain passes that trekkers will have to walk through before entering Barun Valley. Ghungru La, elevated 4,125 m above sea level, will be reached first after leaving Kongma Danda behind. The entire section is a blissful experience to travel. During spring, the small lakes reflect the beautiful image of the surrounding hill full of blooming wildflowers.
After passing through Ghungru La and then hiking through hill lakes trekkers leave the mesmerizing hill sections via Shipton La 4,170 m. The pass locally known as Keke La was named Shipton La as a tribute to Eric Shipton, a legendary mountaineer, for trekking into Barun region for the first time.
Welcome to the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, the land of pure mysticism and spirituality. The capital, Kathmandu also known as the “city of temples”, is in itself a historical and cultural chronicle that encapsulates the civil evolution of the people of the region.
Our representative will welcome you at the airport and chauffer you to the designated hotel. For early arrivals, after getting fresh if interested you can explore the city or rest and relax to recover from jetlag. In the evening you can shop for Trekking gear and other essentials at Thamel.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Today you will be mesmerized by a sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage sites inside Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, our team will contact you, pick you up in a private vehicle from your hotel, and take you to explore our first heritage site.
Swayambunath Temple also known as “The Monkey Temple” is a sacred religious site for Hindus and Buddhists. Situated at the top of the hill it offers a beautiful view of Kathmandu and nearby areas. After exploring Sawyambunath, you will be heading toward Patan Durbar Square. It features temples, palaces, and monuments that once belonged to kings and rulers of the region. These monuments embody outstanding architecture and beautiful works of craftmanship.
The next site you will be exploring is Pashupatinath temple, it is a holy sacred place for Hindu people all over the world, the adobe of Lord Shiva. You will get to witness the faith and cultural rituals that are being carried out on the temple premises.
Finally, to Boudhanath, the biggest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu Valley. After lunch in Boudha, you will head back to the hotel. In the evening, our office staff and trek guide will come to you and briefly explain all the necessary information about the Dhampus Sarangkot trek you will embark on the next day.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, trekkers will get to the starting point of the trek, Num.
In the early hours of the day, trekkers will be picked up from the hotels and dropped off at Tribhuvan International Airport for a flight. A 35-minute flight from the capital will take trekkers to Tumlingtar, a small town in Sankhuwasabha District in Eastern Nepal.
From Tumlingtar it’s a 6-hour jeep drive on 60 km off-road track all the way to Num. It might not be the most comfortable drive, but the views are absolute beauty. Rugged green hills, winding roads, and small villages dotted all over the region will introduce the joy of traveling to rural areas of Nepal.
After 6 hours of Jeep ride, you will reach Num. A stretch after getting off the jeep is mandatory. You will be checked in at a lodge in Num. You can explore the village if you arrive at Num in the early evening. You will spend the night at the lodge and then eat a hearty meal before you sleep, to fuel your trek the next day.
Overnight at a lodge at Num.
Despite the net elevation change being not significant, the first-day trek is quite arduous. With its steep descent and ascent, the trail passes through humid forest and crosses the Arun river to reach Seduwa village. The trail from Num to Seduwa is stone paved just like the rest of Makalu Base Camp Trek trail.
After breakfast, the trek starts from Num along the trail. The trail descends steeply through the corn fields of Lumbang. The trail drops steeply below Num through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m). Crossing the bridge, the trail climbs steeply to a local tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat fields. Trekkers will then follow a rocky path with tiny terraces planted with corn and barley.
After a long, steep, and rough climb, you will reach Seduwa. At Seduwa trekkers will be checked in at a lodge.
Overnight at Lodge at Seduwa.
Today is a gradual climb on the trail that stretches along the hillside high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m). The stone-paved trail passes through verdant forests of Rhododendron and Bamboo, and small pristine villages. The day’s hike is quite easier than that of the previous day’s.
The trail climbs past the school at Gyang and begins a gentle walk. The trail passes through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village and Rupisa. Subsequently, the trail crosses the meadows and several streams before finally climbing to Tashi Gaon- a beautiful pristine Sherpa village.
During the day hike, trekkers will get their first glimpses of mountain panorama. The trail is stone-paved to Tashigaon with gradual elevation gain. Only at the end of the trail, does it get a little bit steeper.
At Tashigaon trekkers will be checked in at a lodge for the stay and meal.
Overnight at a lodge in Tashigaon.
It is one of the most difficult hikes of the trek, with an elevation gain of more than 1500 meters in just a day. But the day’s hike provides a picturesque mountain view of the Makalu Range.
The day’s hike begins with a climb over the ridge and ascends through dense Rhododendron forests to a stream. The entire trail and forest turns red with flowering Rhododendrons if you are traveling during Spring. The trail traverses through campsites, shepherd’s huts, and several streams. Trekkers are endowed with a mesmerizing view of the mountain panorama. The trail switches back up the ridge in forests to a KharkaIpasture land) at 2900 meters and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx. 3300 meters.
Here you notice the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. You will go through a slope that gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow at the ridge. The trail then proceeds over a hillock and descends a bit to arrive at the Kauma/Khongma Danda.
Like the previous day, the entirety of the hike is done on a stone-paved path to Khongma Danda. After reaching Khongma Danda trekkers will be checked in at a lodge.
Overnight at a lodge in Khongma Danda.
It is a comparatively easier day hike than that of the previous day. Today involves climbing on steep switchbacks and mountain-pass crossings before descending to Dobate.
The trail initially climbs less steeply through rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge, with a large mani wall with prayer flags. From here, get a spectacular view of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. You will then follow the ridge for a while and ascend a stone staircase. After a few false summits and then crossing the Ghungru La Pass also called Khongma La Pass the trail veers off the crest to small lakes, the bigger one known locally as Thulo Pokhari, which is a sight to rejoice. During spring the entire hill is covered with wildflowers accentuating the beauty of this small valley.
Exiting the small valley the trail will cross the Shipton La, a 4230-meter pass. The trial continues descending about 150 meters into sparse rhododendron forests to a level area. After going through a final descent over the Firs and Rhododendrons forest trekkers will reach Dobate.
At Dobate trekkers will be checked in at a lodge for meal and stay.
Overnight at lodge in Dobate.
The day hike is fairly moderate and takes trekkers to Nghe Kharka. The hike after descending to the Barun River traverses along the southern bank of the river.
The trail descends a steep gully with a stream of about 500 meters and reaches the bank of Barun River. The steep descent can be hard on the knees if proper precautions are not taken. The trail then turns left through fir forests along the flank of the Barun Valley. Trekkers will walk along an ill-defined trail, cross a 200-meter-long slide area, and then follow the river to a pasture land. Crossing the forests of birch and scrub rhododendrons will reach Yangle Kharka.
The trail continues its climbs beyond Yangle Kharka, crosses to the north side of the Barun Khola, and finally arrives at Nghe Kharka. On the south side of Nhe is a small monastery that offers great mountain views.
Trekkers will be checked in at a lodge in Nghe Kharka.
Overnight at a lodge in Nghe Kharka.
This day is for acclimatization. To accommodate our bodies to rarefied atmosphere, we will not gain elevation today. Continuous elevation gain without acclimatizing can cause altitude sickness which can be lethal.
But that doesn’t mean you will do nothing. You can hike to Shiva and Parvati Cave which offers a brilliant view of the Barun Valley and the spectacular view of Peak 3 and Peak 7, etc.
Overnight at a lodge in Nghe Kharka.
The day hike takes trekkers to Langma Le, the final stop before reaching the culmination point of Makalu Trek, Makalu Base Camp. The hike is short but still observes an elevation gain of almost 800 meters.
After being acclimatized to the rarefied atmosphere, we will leave Nghe Kharka. The trail follows the north bank of the Barun Khola for a while and crosses a small wooden bridge before the river turns northward. Then the Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve, and the walls rise almost vertically 1500 to 2000 meters above the river. But you will climb gently approaching Ripok Kharka. Still, on the north side of the Barun, the trail turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for the alpine tundra.
Above Ripok Kharka, you will have to cross a rocky crest with a few goths and then ascend alongside a moraine formed by the Barun Glacier. From here spot excellent views of Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3, and Peak 5, but Makalu is not yet visible. As the trail passes a ridge, the glacier turns slightly north. You then enter an alluvial valley and continue to Langma Le.
At Langmale you will be checked in at a Hotel for the stay and meal.
Overnight at a lodge at Langmale.
The day hike today will take trekkers to the Makalu Base Camp. The day hike can be a bit difficult as the trail is rugged with loose rocks all over it.
Leaving behind the Langla Le, the trek proceeds to the Sherson Kharka where you follow the right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is a gradual ascent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. You then descend to a stream and cross on boulders to the Makalu Base Camp on the west bank of the river. From here, trekkers get a glimpse of the south face of Makalu. The large buttress of the south face rises across from the base camp. An ascent of this buttress gives views of Peaks 6, 7, and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest, and Lhotse.
Overnight at tea house on Makalu Base Camp.
After an early breakfast, the trekker will hike to Makalu View Point. As we will hike to an altitude above 5000 meters we suggest trekkers follow the instructions and guidance of the trekking guide.
A 4-5-hour long hike will take trekkers to Makalu View Point. The viewpoint provides great views of Mt. Makalu, Barunste, Lhoste, Mount Everest, and many more. And also, the Makalu Glacier is completely noticeable. The Khangsar face of the Everest and Lhotse can be seen from the Makalu View Point which is not accessible for trekkers from anywhere.
After relishing the views from Makalu View Point trekkers will return to Makalu Base Camp.
Overnight at lodge in Makalu Base Camp.
Retrace your steps down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka.
Overnight at lodge in Nghe Kharka.
Today is a trek from Nghe Kharka to Dobato for an overnight stay.
Overnight at lodge in Dobate.
This day is a hike to the Dhad Kharka which involves crossing over Shipton La, 4230 Pass, and the Kekela Pass (4127 m) and reaching Dhad Kharka.
Overnight at lodge in Dhad Kharka.
After breakfast, trek to Seduwa village passing along Tashi Gaun for the overnight stay.
Overnight at lodge in Seduwa.
The trail goes down to the Arun River and climbs to Cham-la Kharka. The walking part of the trek ends as you reach Cham-la Kharka. Afterward, you drive to Timlintar. The drive is by private jeep for 61 Kilometers.
Overnight at lodge in Tumlingtar.
Take an amazing scenic flight back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
A leisure day is planned in the itinerary program as a buffer day. For unforeseen events and reasons that might cause a delay in the completion of the trek on a designated date, this buffer day will come in handy.
If trekkers arrive in Kathmandu as planned, trekkers can relax/rest at your hotel or explore Kathmandu on their own.
In the evening we will host you for a dinner at a restaurant serving an authentic Nepali Meal to celebrate your successful completion of the trek. We will provide you with a token of love as a memento of your exhilarating adventure with us.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
With the completion of your adventure in the Himalayas, you will be dropped off at the International Airport three hours before your flight schedule by our representative for check-in formalities. At Breakfree Adventures, we are always striving to provide our clients with the best service. We hope you had a great holiday in the Himalayas and had a lovely time with us. Have a safe flight back home!
We also operated private trips.
The packing list depends upon the season you are trekking but it will be colder in the mountains around the year so packing warm clothing is suggested.
Starting from the head, you will need a Sun hat scarf winter hat insulating hat, or wide-brimmed hat. Also Sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, Face/body wipes. For the hands, Lightweight gloves or Heavyweight winter gloves.
For the body, Hiking shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, hooded rain jackets, Fleece jackets, Lightweight cotton pants, T-shirts (bring Lightweight wool), Polypropylene underwear, Down jacket if you already have one (also to be provided by the company including a sleeping bag), Sweater, Waterproof jacket, and pants.
Footwear should be Hiking Boots and Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Other essential things include a Backpack or daypack, Thermal bottle, Water purification, Medium-sized drying towel, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, etc. though these items can be purchased whilst in Kathmandu too.
– December to February is when snowfall begins in the mountain with temperature dropping down and the trails being closed due to snow.
The trek is challenging even for experienced trekkers. If you are looking for comfort then it is more basic compared to other trekking regions in Nepal since accommodations are of a lower standard than in other trek regions. But that is the beauty of the trek and to see and feel how the people in the high Himalayas have been living in this harsh environment. There are two acclimatization days one at Nghe Kharka and one at Makalu Base Camp which will help trekker’s body adapt to the rarefied atmosphere, making it easier for trekkers. From Makalu Base Camp one can connect to Everest and Lukla which requires mountaineering experience and thus could be categorized as very challenging.
The best season for Makalu Base Camp trekking is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). During these seasons the weather is likely to be at its finest and the temperatures are good for trekking (particularly at low and mid-elevations). You can do this trek in winter too but the only drawback is the cold temperatures and the lodges in this region aren’t especially well equipped.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the most exhilarating treks that can be done in the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. But it might not be “The One” for everyone. The Makalu Base Camp trek is challenging both physically and mentally even for experienced trekkers. For beginner trekkers, Makalu Trekking might not be an ideal trek. Breakfree Adventures operates several treks that are perfect for first-time trekkers. Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Dhampus Sarangkot Trek, and many such treks are perfect for a beginner trekkers.
Likewise, the Makalu Base Camp Trek trail passes through some of the most unadulterated landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, and the trail is not as commercialized as other trails. The accommodation and other facilities could be basic and quite limited. For someone who loves to trek in regions with good facilities, Makalu Trek might not be an ideal choice. Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Luxury Trek, Dhampus Sarangkot Trek, Everest View Trek, and similar treks are some of the trek packages Breakfree Adventures operates with well-facilitated establishments along the trail.
If you are browsing for challenging treks like Makalu Base Camp Trekking, Breakfree Adventures also operates several challenging treks. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, Everest Three Pass Trek, Mera Peak Climbing, Tukuche Peak Climbing, and Annapurna Circuit Trek among many other treks.
You can also do sightseeing city tours of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, or Lalitpur on your leisure day. Breakfree Adventures also operates sightseeing day tours like the Chandragiri Hills Day Tour, 1 Hours Everest Moutain Flight Tour, Bhaktapur Day Tour, Major Highlights of Kathmandu, and many others. Click here to browse day tours you can pair with your trek to elevate your travel experience in Nepal.
