Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp trekking offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. The rewards of trekking here are great, but hard won – it’s remote, wilderness country and for the experienced trekker.

The trail to Makalu base camp takes you deep into the high Himalaya and while the giant of Makalu, The Great Black, looms above you, Everest, Lhotse and Baruntse are all in view.  The verdant Arun and Barun river valleys lead to the Makalu Base camp.

The trail starts in Tumlingtar and is either ascending or descending, there are really no flat walking sections, which makes for quite arduous trekking. However, the natural surroundings are stunning. The upper reaches of the trail resemble the Yosemite Valley – towering polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers, overflowing with waterfalls.

It is breathtaking view along the route and the landscape is just that dynamic. In the lower reaches of the trail there are renowned for their lushness. The rhododendron forests have the most vibrant colors from scarlet and fuchsia to the purest white. 

Nepal alternative treks offers basic tea house trekking in this area. Lodges are available up to Base Camp though basic foods will be provided, specially Nepali " Dal Bhat". 

FACT OF THIS TREK

Trip Duration     

16 days trekking

Max. Altitude:

5,000m/16,400 ft

Minimum Altitude:

1550m./4386 ft.

Grade:

Moderate 

Activities:

Trekking 

Accommodation:

Lodge

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch , Dinner 

Transportation:

Plane/overland 

Trek Departure:

Every day throughout the week

Group Size:

1 person  to 20  persons (maximum)

Best season:

March, April,May, Sep,Oct & Nov.

Available Time:

All months

Per day trekking:

5 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary 

Day 1:  Fly to Tumlingtar ( 30 miinutes)  and drive to Chichila (1,840m/6035 ft): 3  hours drive 
After breakfast, we have a  short flight from Kathmandu landing on a bumpy grass airstrip at Tumlingtar.  After 3 hours jeep drive on a bumpy road, we arrive at Chichila.  Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2:  Chichila - Num (1,500m/4920 ft) - 6 hours walk
We begin first day of walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end is Num. Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:  Num - Seduwa (1,540m/5051 ft)- 6 hours walk
Today, the trail lead us toward a steep descent down through the forests and terraced plots of land takes to Arun Khola then winding ascends up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valley sides offer a bit of shade. Here, Makalu National Park starts. Stay overnight there  at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:  Seduwa - Tashigaon (2,070m/6790 ft): 4/5 hours walk
After breakfast, we ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east.  We reach Tashigaun after crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields. Stay overnight there at lodge. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:  Tashigaun - Khongma (3,560m/11,676 ft): 6 hours walk
We climb up to Khongma. This village is the last stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. The green forests are replaced by scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:  Acclimatization day
Acclimatization day allows our bodies to digest with high altitude to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS). The following day we take on crossing of the Shipton La. Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:  Khongma - Cross Shipton La -  Dobato (3,650m/11,972 ft) - 6 hours walk
We climb towards the summit of the Shipton La. We pass by Kalo Pokhari and cross over the Keke La at 4,152m. pass then  Marvelous views of Chamlang 7,319m, Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m) from the top. Then descend down through the   beautiful valley to Dobato. Climbing high and sleeping low gives the opportunity for acclimatization. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:  Dobato - Yangri Kharka (3,600m/11,808 ft): 5/6 hours walk
Today, pass through the Rhododendron forest leads to the Baruni River and the upper ridges of the valley. It is a pleasant walk, gaining altitude slowly, until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley.  Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:  Yangri kharka - Merek (4,500m/14,760 ft) - 5 hours walk
We head to Merek. Since we are gaining height beyond 4, 000 meters, we walk slow pace and not walk longer.  Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Merek - Shersong - Makalu base camp ( 4870m./16071ft.) 5 hours walk 
Today, we climb up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view. Enjoy the superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Day 11:  Makalu Base camp - Yangri Kharka ( 3600m./11808ft.) 6 hours walk
We descend back down the valley and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and eventually reaching Yangle Kharka. Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:  Yangri kharka -  Khongma (3760m./12408ft.)-  6 hours walk
I
n the begining of day, Initial steep climb from Mumbuk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. Cross the Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Descend to Khogma again.  Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Khongma - Tashigaon ( 2090m./6790ft.) 5 hours walk
We continually descend down to Tashigaon. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:  Tashi gaun - Num ( 1500m./4920ft.) 6 hours walk
We retrace  the same trail. we descend down to Arun Khola and Seduwa again then another hike through the forest to Num. We follow our footsteps all the way back down to the river. Climb back up the opposite side of the valley to Num. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:  Num - Chichila, drive to Tumlingtar 
After retrace our steps to Chichila, the final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16:  Tumlingtar - Kathmandu over flight 
We complete the journey with a flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. 
Meals included : Breakfast 

Trek ends

Makalu - Barun National Park fee

You must obtain Makalu- Barun national park fee to enter this trip. It is determined as the world heritage site by UNESCO. It’s main aim is to protect the wild life, flora and fauna in Makalu- Barun region. We can find there himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pika (mouse hare), weasel, jackal, black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. 193 species of birds including impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer birds are found in this national park area.  As the vegetation, pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, while above 3,500 m, forests are dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees . Entrance fees are fixed for SAARC nationals - NPR 1,500 per person per entry, foreigners - NPR. 3,000 per person per entry. Trekkers can apply to obtain it in Nepal tourism board ( NTB) or government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks or directly in entry point at spot. You are required to bring your passport copy, one passport sized pictures and fee in cash.  It is included in our package. 

Trekking /Climbing Clothing Equipment

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket - 15 c  ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

- Snow glasses and strap 

- Personal climbing gears 

You can hire below equipment at Khare for climbing purpose : 

Price approx.. US $ 70 per pax

·  Climbing boot.

.    Crampons,

·  Ice axe / Ice hamber,

·  Harness, Jumars,

·  Karabiners,

·  Finger eight / ATC guide,

·  Tap sling,

·  Fix / Main Rope,

·  Snow Bar,

·  Ice Crew / Rock Piktung etc.

 Other equipment you can get on hire :

Oxygen cylinder & Max regulater, Gloves, Sun  glasses, Sticks, Halmet, High thermos, Hot Bag, Water bottle, Ski Boards, Sleeping bag, Clothing (Water proof trousers & jacket, Down jacket, Socks, etc), Walkee talkee(talk back), Thurya Set light phone and other.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel insurance companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). If you follow precautious and our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters)
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges and two men north face tents during the trip. We will provide shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) at lodges and our cook will prepare delicious varities of meals during camping and climbing period. There will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your own choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Makalu base camp trekking is medium type of trip, Suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5000 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trip successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past climbing experience would be an asset but no mandatory for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trip.

Apakorn Yoma

Bangkok,Thailand

13th.March.2014 

Good guide and porters at Makalu area and ABC. I give 5 stars for convenience and everythings. 

Puchong Hongpoo

Bangkok,Thailand

13th.March.2014 

Makalu trekking is naturally beautifull. For the service of Nepal alternative treks, It is superb. I give five stars ***** . 

Mr. James and Ms. Mariya
USA

I found my experience in Nepal to be an overall favorable experience.  Our guides were very hospitable, knowledgeable and helpful. This company arrangement for our trip was perfect. I would like to come back again for longer time. Thanks !

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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