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The Makalu Base Camp trek takes you on an adventurous journey into the heart of Mt. Makalu. Standing at 8463m, Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and falls on the eastern region of Nepal.
On our quest to reach the Makalu Base Camp, we will make a wilderness voyage to explore the forests, wildlife, culture and geographical landscape of the Makalu region.
The trek is a physically challenging trek requiring trekkers to be fit and face the challenges of climbing hills, crossing rivers and appreciating the beauty of one of the remotest corners of the Himalayas. Makalu Base Camp (5000m) offers superb and spectacular views of Everest (8,850m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Chamlang (7,319m) and Baruntse (7,220m) among others.
The trekking trail partly runs through Makalu-Barun National Park, one of the newest and well preserved national park, recognized for its place in global ecological hotspot. The park is home to an amazing 3000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals, including the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak and Himalayan Thar.
The trek can be done for different duration depending on the entry and exit points. The first option is to drive to Hile, trek to Makalu Base Camp and then trek back to Hile and again drive back to Kathmandu from Hile. The second option is to fly to Tumlingtar, trek to Makalu Base Camp and trek back to Tumlingtar and again fly back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. The third option is to either fly to Tumlingtar or drive to Hile, trek to Makalu Base Camp, and then cross over the Sherpani Col to enter the Everest region. Further you will trek down to Lukla and finally fly out of Lukla back to Kathmandu.
Those with plenty of time for exploration as well as thirst for more adventure can choose to cross three highest passes of the Himalayas, namely Sherpani Col (6135m), West Col (6143m) and Amphu Laptsa (5850m). The trek is best approached during Spring (March-May) and Autumn (Sept-Nov) seasons.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition has been a specialist in trekking and expedition in the Himalayas since 1990. Our passion for the Himalayan adventure compliments our team of highly experienced and professional trekking guides, high altitude sherpas, climbers and support assistants.
Same day, you will drive to Num (1500 m.) that takes about seven hours. You will drive by jeep from Tumlingtar. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail descends steeply for about 2 and a half hours until you come to a big river named Neguwa Khola. The trail passes over the suspension bridge and ascends through forest and a few traditional villages. People of this area are mainly engaged in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. There is a check post and local office of the Makalu Conservation Area. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail slightly ascends but the major part of the hike is flat and easy through the bushes. While walking, you will see villages at a far distance. Tashigaon, surrounded by verdant forest, is a big Sherpa village. You will find prayer flags fluttering in the wind whispering odes of prayers for the dead and forgotten in and around the village. The camping spot in this village is really a praiseworthy site. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail ascends throughout the day and you will walk through forest of Rhododendrons and Sal trees until you reach your destination. Kongma la is a ridge and there is only one tea house here. This is also a perfect place for camping. It snows here even during the spring months of March and April. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail ascends and then follows a rugged path to reach a beautiful lake named “Kalo Pokhari” at the height of 4004 m. Leaving this lake, you go downhill until you reach Mumbuk. It is a serene camping spot surrounded by green forests. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The hike today is a bit adventurous and strenuous. The trail passes for about 3 hours through a landscape which is very prone to landslides. The Barun River running through the trail adds more dimensions to the trek with its spectacular views of Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) 6739m and Peak 7 (6185m.). Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail ascends through grasslands and forest. You can enjoy the majestic peaks such as Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) 6739m, Peak 7 (6185m), Isuwa La (5340m) and many other unnamed mountains and peaks. Yak Kharka is a grazing field. Stay overnight at camp in Yak Kharka.
The hike passes through a flat trail and will descend to a perennial river. As you reach Makalu Base Camp, you will be mesmerized by the views of Mt. Makalu (8463m), Baruntse (7152m), Kali Himal (6985m), Chamlang (7390m) and Makalu II (7640 m), etc. Stay overnight at camp in Makalu Base Camp.
This takes about four and a half hours. After ascending for a few hours, the trail moves along a flat level path and at the end it descends to reach Yangle Kharka. En route, you walk through a rocky forest path with views of green hills and huge stones at some distance. Stay overnight at camp in Yangle Kharka
The trail ascends for almost three hours through the same landscape and possibility of landslides. You then have to trek uphill passing through jungles all the way to Dobato. This is not a village but a camping place only. Here, you find small bushes of rhododendrons. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail descends steeply to Khongma la via Kali Pokhari through a dense jungle. You again walk along a downhill path all the way to Tashigaon. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
The trail steeply descends in the beginning which changes to a steep ascent before reaching Num. You pass through small forests of bamboo and small villages. Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
Drive from Num to Tumlingtar takes about 4 hours.
Stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
Early morning, you will fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu airport. From there, we will transfer you to your hotel.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Nepal, Everest Region
