Trip Highlights
- Spectacular trek in eastern Nepal
- Discover the rich diversity in flora and fauna
- Base camp of the world’s fifth highest mountain
- Close-up look of western face of Makalu
Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the spectacular treks in Eastern Nepal that takes us close to the world’s fifth-highest Makalu Mountain. Makalu Base Camp trek route progresses through Makalu Barun National Park that is renowned for its rare species of flora and fauna. In fact, Barun Valley provides shelter to some of the last remaining Himalayan meadows. Makalu Barun National Park is home to over 400 species of birds including rare wren babbler, and more than 75 species of mammals like Red Panda, Leopard and others. The Arun River that crisscrosses the park has more than 80 species of fish.
Opened for foreigners only since 1952, Trek to Makalu Base Camp is one of the least crowded trekking routes where one can still observe local life in its traditional form.
Eric Shipton was the first foreigner to visit this lost land by crossing the High Pass which was later named Shipton La to honour his memory. The Makalu region is one of the most culturally diverse areas. Makalu Base Camp trek allows the close-up look of the western face of Makalu. Base Camp allows scenic views of Makalu Mountain (8463m), Mount Everest (8850m), Lhotse Mountain (8516m), Baruntse Mountain (7220m) and other peaks and mountains. The journey takes us through deep Arun Valley located at 435m above sea level to the base of Makalu Mountain. Spring and Autumn are considered the best season for Makalu Base Camp Trek. The route is quite remote with not much permanent settlement.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,350m) and transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar, and Drive jeep sharing to Num (1505m).
Day 3: Trek to Seduwa (1530m), from Num, 6–7 hours
Day 4: Trek to Tashi Gaon (2065m) from Seduwa 5 hours
Day 5: Trek to Khongma danda (3562m), from Tashi Gaon 6–7 hours)
Day 6: Trek to Mumbuk (3,540m), Khongma danda 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek to Nehe Kharka (3,750m), from Mumbuk 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek to Sherson (4,600m), from Nehe Kharka, 5-6 hours
Day 9: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), from Sherson 5-6 hours
Day 10: Trek to Yangre Kharka (3,645m), from Base camp 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Mumbuk (3,540m), Yangre Kharka 5-6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Khongma Ridge (3,500m), from Mumbuk 5-6 hours
Day 13: Trek to Seduwa (1493m), from Khongma Ridge 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek to Num (1,500m), from Seduwa 5-6 hours
Day 15: Sharing jeep drive from Num to Tumlingtar (518m).
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m), from Tumlingtar.
Day 17: Drop at the airport for the final departure.
We Offer Discount
Please; Join our journey and contact us to set up an itinerary according to your preferences. Take this deal opportunity, save your budget.
Minimum group size | Get 5% discount per person |
---|---|
2 to 12 pax | US$ 2150 |
Customization Option
If this itinerary does not suit your need or you want to customize it, tell us about your travel needs, there is no fixed departure date, itinerary. Being a local trekking agency in Nepal we can arrange your trip according to any date and time, please Send Us A Message and we will customize it according to your itinerary.
Essential Information
Difficulty
Longer treks reaching up to an elevation of 5000m where some of the famous mountaineering Base Camp are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m for a few days. Physically strenuous, involving daily trekking of approximately 6–8 hours. No previous trekking experience is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and be adaptable to high altitude conditions. You will walk through a challenging trail and reach 5000m elevation increasing the chance. A physically fit and mentally calm person can complete this trek easily.
Previous Experience
No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not mandatory to participate in this trip. All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip at least 3 months prior to your trip date by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running, or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking.
Best Season
March-May and September – November is the best time to visit Makalu Base Camp as the weather is likely to be the finest and the temperature is good (particularly at low and mid-elevations). From March to May the trail is full of lush green vegetation and seasonal flowers such as rhododendron. And during September – November the trekking trail is dry and the sky is clear giving you a spectacular view of the mountains.
Accommodation
Hotel: 2 Nights, Teahouse/Lodges: 14 Nights
On Kathmandu:
In Kathmandu, you will stay at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu. Situated at the foot, of the Great Swayambhunath Stupa. The most peaceful Vajra Hotel in the Kathmandu valley, the hotel also boasts of close Swayambhunath beautiful jungle where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
Teahouse/Lodges in Trek:
Your accommodation on the trek will be on a simple mountain lodges run by the local people with basic and shared facilities. Trekking, does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we would request you to bring a sleeping bag. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.
Meals On Trek
All meals are included during the trek. We will provide three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.
Drinking Water:
We provide boiled water for drinking on all our treks. During meals, you can let the staff fill your bottle with hot water. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended.
Drinking Water:
We provide boiled water for drinking on all our treks. During meals, you can let the staff fill your bottle with hot water. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended.
Typical Day On Trek:
Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided the night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day. Tea will be served at your tent as a wake-up call. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After walk, we stop for lunch mid-day. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea.
Daypack for The Trek
You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items etc.) that you may need during the walk. The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We provide 1 porter for every 2 participants. Similarly, during the trek, there will be 1 support guide for every 4 trekkers, who will be happy to assist you during the hiking if needed.
Group Size:
Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 2 and the maximum is 12 people.
Safety On The Trek
Safety is always a priority when traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Our trek itineraries are designed with every aspect in mind, allowing proper adaptability, rest days and walking hours. On all our high altitude treks, we send a comprehensive medical kit. Furthermore, we also have a high staff to customer ratio on all our treks. Read more, Safety & Security
Our Approach to Treks
Our route to trek follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route, and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With of experience in trekking in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.
Training for High Treks
High altitude treks especially in the Himalayas are challenging and requires you to be in the top physical, emotional, and psychological condition. The more fitter you are, the more enjoyable your trip will be. Training well ahead in advance is recommended and after you have signed up for the trip, we will send you our training booklet which provides essential information on how best to prepare yourself.
Baggage and Weight Limit
We request customers to ensure that the duffel bag weighs less than 15 kg. Baggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is only 15 kg (10 kg for duffel bag and 5 kg for backpack) but we can offer additional baggage allowance. Therefore, after arriving in Kathmandu, extra luggage or belongings that are not needed during the trek can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Travel Insurance
It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. More information: Travel Insurance
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.
Airport Pickup & Drop:
We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly.