Jours: 22 / Difficulté: 4 of 5 (Intense)
Introduction to Makalu Base Camp Trek
This is one of the most remote and unfrequented trek in the eastern part of Nepal, established in 1992. It is an ideal trek for those with the time and desire to experience impressing natural beauty, life style of different ethnic groups, culture diversity of peoples, magnificent Himalayan range, incredible range of landscapes from mountain to glacial terrain and rich variety of flora and fauna. The trail follows the Arun River passing through the beautiful villages of Seduwa and Num from where viewing spectacular scenery of Mt. Makalu.
Highest elevation: 4870m
Trek style: Camping Trek
Major attraction: Remote Arun valleys and Barun Valleys close up view of world’s highest peaks, biological diversity and rich culture of peoples, natural beauty, and wildlife.
Itinerary in detail
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from SFT will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. Welcome drinks and short briefing about your trek and relax. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours drive
We fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast and meet the rest of the crew members who will also be joining us for the trek. Next, we drive to Chichira, a small Gurung settlement. We take a rest at Chichira as we need to be prepared for the next day’s trek. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 04: Trek from Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours
We start early in the morning and head towards Num right after a warm breakfast. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours
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 home-stay/lodge.
Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 4-5 hours
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. Once there, we are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 07: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours
This will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher elevation. 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 Danda. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 08: Acclimatization/Rest
The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the nearby surrounding can walk around the area. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 09: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours
Climb towards 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. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 10: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours
From Dobate, 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 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. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 11: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft): 5-6 hours
Following a moderate walk to 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 home-stay/lodge.
Day 12: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours
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 in home-stay/lodge or tented camp.
Day 13: 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. Overnight in home-stay/lodge or tented camp.
Day 14: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours
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. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 15: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours
From 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. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 16: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours
We begin 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 home-stay/lodge.
Day 17: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours
The trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 18: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours
We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 19: Trek from Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours
We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 20: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours
Again we retrace our footsteps to Chichira from where we can savor the glorious vista of Mount Makalu for the last time. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight in home-stay/lodge.
Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight
Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 22: Final departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A SFT representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Our Tour Package Includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
* Domestic flight ticket KTM/Tumlingtar/KTM and domestic airport tax
* 3 nights ccommodation with breakfast at Standard hotel in Kathmandu.
* Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the trek.
* Tented accommodation during the trek.
* All transportation by private car.
* Makalu Barun National Park Permit and all necessary permits.
* All Camping Equipments (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
* Tourist service charge, Vat.
* Office Service charge.
* Guide & support staffs insurance and salary.
Our Tour Package doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver..
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
N.B: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselve
