Makalu Base Camp Trek

Outline Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Maximum Altitude	Walking/Hiking Hours
Day1	Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel	1,350m	–
Day2	Kathmandu city tour & trek preparation	1,350m	–
Day3	Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & drive to Chichila	1840m	4-5 hrs
Day4	Trek from Chichila to Num	1500m	5-6 hrs
Day5	Trek from Num to Seduwa	1,493m	4-5 hrs
Day6	Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun	2,057m	4-5 hrs
Day7	Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma Danda	3,560 m	5-6 hrs
Day8	Acclimatization at Khongma Danda	–	–
Day9	Trek from Kongma to Dobate	4,170m	6-7 hrs
Day10	Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka	3,557m	6-7 hrs
Day 11	Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka	4,410m	5-6 hrs
Day12	Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp	4,870m	6-7 hrs
Day13	Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp	4,870m	–
Day14	Trek from Makalu Base Camp Yangri Kharka	3,557m	6-7 hrs
Day15	Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate	3,520m	6-7 hrs
Day16	Trek from Dobate to Kongma Danda	3,500m	5-6 hrs
Day 17	Trek from Kongma Danda to Tashigaun	2,100m	5-6 hrs
Day18	Trek from Tashigaun to Seduwa	1,500m	4-5 hrs
Day19	Trek from Seduwa to Num	1,560m	5-6 hrs
Day20	Trek from Num to Tumlingtar	518m	6-7 hrs
Day21	Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Rest day in Kathmandu	1,350m	–
Day22	Full day leisure in Kathmandu	–	–
Day23	Depart Kathmandu	–	–

 

DETAILS ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel  

Upon your arrival at the airport, an Expediya Holiday Representative will warmly welcome with traditional Dhaka Khada and transfered to your hotel in (Check in at 1400 Hrs).

Reminder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (No Meal)

Day2: Kathmandu city tour & trek preparation

Following breakfast, we’ll commence a sightseeing excursion around the Kathmandu Valley. Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is in Kathmandu. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. UNESCO lists it. It features pagoda-style architecture. It showcases intricate carvings. It stands by the Bagmati River. Daily rituals take place. Devotees frequent it.

Boudhanath Stupa: one of the world’s largest, draws visitors for its religious importance. Encircling the base are 108 niches with statues of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, symbolizing enlightenment stages. It holds significance for Tibetan Buddhists and locals alike.

Swayambhunath Stupa: This stupa is also known as the monkey temple by the tourists. The complex also has many other small stupas, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples. It also offers beautiful views of Kathmandu city.After the city tour, you’ll return to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast)

Day3 : Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & drive to Chichila        

After breakfast, we’ll take a domestic flight from Tribhuwan International Airport to Tumlingtar, enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll drive to Chicila, a journey of 3-4 hours along bumpy, dirt roads. The winding road then leads us uphill to Kandbari, a significant town in the district.

Overnight Stay at Chicila (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day4 : Trek from Chichila to Num

After breakfast in Chicila, we’ll embark on a 2-hour uphill walk, enjoying panoramic views of Makalu and its neighboring mountains. We’ll stop for lunch amidst this picturesque scenery. Following lunch, we’ll descend for a while until we reach Num, where we’ll set up camp for the night. Num, located in the Sankhuwasabha District, is a Village Development Committee with several tea houses and telephone facilities.

Overnight Stay at Num (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day5 : Trek from Num to Seduwa        

Today, our adventurous journey begins from Num village with a pleasant walk for about an hour through farm fields and villages, descending 800 meters. We’ll cross the Arun River and then ascend some steps to reach Seduwa village.

Overnight Stay at Seduwa (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day6 : Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun         

We’ll enjoy an easy and pleasant short walk today, passing through rural farm villages along a gradual trail through farm fields and terraces. As we approach Tashi Gaun, there’s an uphill climb for about an hour through millet and rice fields. We’ll spend the night at camp and take the rest of the time to explore the village.

Overnight Stay at Tashi Gaun (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day7 : Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma Danda

This is the last village before Makalu. The walk ahead is refreshing, passing through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests for about an hour and a half. Upon leaving the dense forest, we’ll reach summer pastures with traces of temporary shepherd huts. The trek to Khongma ridge from here is strenuous, with an uphill climb as the tree lines give way to rhododendron and juniper bushes. We’ll stay here, with scenic mountain ranges in view.

Overnight Stay at Khongma Danda (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day8 : Acclimatization at Khongma Danda

It’s crucial to acclimatize properly, especially after ascending 1400m the previous day. Take a rest day today before crossing Shipton La tomorrow. You’ll start with a optional morning walk from the lodge to the pass, aiding in the acclimatization process. Enjoy the fantastic views of Khongma and Kanchenjunga along the way.

Overnight Stay at Khongma Danda (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day9: Trek from Kongma to Dobate

After enjoying superb mountain views, our trek continues along a gradual trail with ups and downs. We pass through Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari (small pond). In heavy snow, the path can be misleading, making it arduous to find at times. We then cross the Shipton-la pass at 4,075m. Continuing our journey, it’s all downhill through vegetation to reach Dobate for the overnight stay amidst the woods of pines, hemlock, birch, and rhododendrons.

Overnight Stay at Dobate (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day10: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka

Today’s trail is adventurous and strenuous. It starts with a steep descent through forests, followed by undulating terrain through a very rough section. The eroded trail and boulders make for an uncomfortable walk initially. After about an hour, the trail improves as we head towards Femtang, where there’s a single lodge. From Femtang, it’s an easy one and a half hour walk to Yangle Kharka, a large meadow with lodges on the other side of the Barun River. Throughout the day, the Barun River adds to the scenery, offering spectacular views of Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) at 6739m and Peak 7 at 6185m.

Overnight Stay at Yangri Kharka (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day11: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka

After breakfast, we’ll ascend towards the Varun valley, a beautiful pasture area. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours from our starting point. Along the way, we’ll pass through Langmale, where local people from the Makalu region have built and run some tea houses. The backdrop of mountains and the picturesque landscape make it feel like heaven on earth.

Overnight Stay at Langmala Kharka (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day12: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp   

From Langmale, we trek to a more isolated area towards the higher camp, which is less than a three-hour trek above Langmale, near the snout of the Barun glacier. Upon arriving at the camp, the afternoon is free for a short hike above this camp. You can climb the moraine ridge for more spectacular views of Mt. Makalu and the hidden east sides of Lhotse and Everest, which loom above the Barun glacier to the Northwest. The rest of the afternoon will be spent at leisure, preparing for the next big adventure. Some porters will head back with equipment we don’t need, lightening our load for the traverse over Sherpani Col and beyond.

Overnight Stay at Base Camp (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day13: Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp

Today, you’ll have a full day of rest at the camp or can opt for acclimatization by exploring some interesting hikes and viewpoints nearby. One scenic option is to hike on the right side of the camp for a closer view of Mt. Makalu, Barun Pokhari, and the rare Kanshung face of Everest with Lhotse. After an hour of steep ascent, you’ll reach a large meadow where you can continue walking for even better views of the peaks in the area and beyond. Once you’ve explored the area, stroll back to the camp.

Overnight Stay at Base Camp (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day14: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka

Today we will leave Manaslu Base camp and begin to re-track our steps to YangleKharke.  It will take approximately about one and half hours of hike to reach Shershong. We will pass Merek and have lunch at the tea shop and make our way to Barun valley leaving yak pastries and lush forests behind to reach YangriKharke.

Overnight Stay at Yangri Kharka (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day15: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate

Passing through the forest of rhododendron bushes, we’ll head towards the river, reaching the tea shop at Themanthang. Following the river, we’ll cross a wooden bridge adorned with prayer flags just before reaching Themanthang. Afterward, we’ll navigate through a landslide area, which takes about an hour to traverse. Care must be taken due to narrow sections of the road. As we climb steeply through the rhododendron forest, we may catch a glimpse of the Himalayan monal, Nepal’s national bird. Note that Themanthang is the only tea shop until Dobate, so it’s advisable to carry plenty of snacks.

Overnight Stay at Dobate (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day16: Trek from Dobate to Kongma Danda

Today’s trek from Dobate to KhongmaDanda will be relatively easy and enjoyable, offering the last chance to admire views of mountains like Kanchenjunga. We’ll start by ascending to Keke La at 4,170m, a half-hour hike, then proceed to Shipton La at 4,200m, the day’s highest point, also reached in about half an hour. We’ll have lunch at a tea house here. After an hour of hiking to the mountainsides, we’ll reach Sano Pokhari. Finally, we’ll descend 250m on steep stone and gravel roads back to Khongma lodge.

Overnight Stay at Kongma Danda (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Trek from Kongma Danda to Tashigaun

We start our journey by descending from Khongma after having breakfast. Our day will begin with a short ascend to DharaKharka which will take about 2-hours of hike. We will continue to see and feel tree lines of rhododendrons and juniper scents. With a decent and steady walk, we will come across the beautiful village of Sherpa Tahshigaon.

Overnight Stay at Tashigaun (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day18: Trek from Tashigaun to Seduwa       

Today entails a long and steep descent back to the village as we traverse through the mountains. Along the way, we’ll reflect on the beautiful journey we’ve had over the past few days. Leaving behind the Makalu Barun National Park, we’ll pass by the Barun River and trek through hillside landscapes adorned with rhododendron and bamboo forests, as well as terraced rice fields. After several hours of walking, we’ll arrive at Seduwa.

Overnight Stay at Seduwa (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day19: Trek from Seduwa to Num      

Today marks the final leg of our journey as we trek towards Num. It’s a challenging day with a long and steep ascent, mostly on gravel and stone trails, leading up to Arun Valley at 770 meters. As we delve deeper into the forest, expect to feel the warmth of the surroundings. Crossing the river, we’ll then ascend 800 meters back to Num. We’ll break for lunch at a tea house along the way.

Overnight Stay at Num (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day20: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar 

After breakfast in Num, our guide will accompany you on a journey back to Tumlingtar by vehicle. We’ll retrace our steps, crossing bamboo forests and passing through ridge villages until we reach Chichila village, approximately an hour’s walk away. From there, we’ll drive back along the same route we took at the beginning of our journey.

Overnight Stay at Tumlingtar (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day21: Fly back to Kathmandu. enjoing day in Kathmandu

Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast)

Day22: Full day leisure in Kathmandu

This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore the Thamel. Enjoy full day at leisure for shopping.

In the evening, we come together for a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast and dinner)

Day23: Final Departure

Today, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey to next destination.

(Included: Breakfast)