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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Overview

Trip Fact

Trip Name:

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Fitness Level:

Moderate & Challenging

Best Month:

Autumn / spring

Max Elevation:

4700 m

Walking hours Per Day:

5-6 Hrs

Trip Duration:

16 Days

Trip Starts/Ends:

Kathmandu, Nepal

Meals:

BLD

Accommodation:

Hotels & Lodge basis

Group Size:

1-10

Destination:

Nepal

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remarkable and traditional trekking journey toward the foothill of the world's fifth-highest summit, Mt. Makalu (8,483/27,818ft), and is one of the most popular trekking locations among lone hikers. Lying inside the Makalu Barun National Park, the Makalu Region offers delightful opportunities to explore high-altitude terrain, snow-clad mountains and remote Himalayan life of Nepal. 

The Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trek begins with the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a small settlement nestled above Arun River. The Makalu Base Camp Trek meanders through the remote and unexplored Makalu Barun Buffer Zone and passes cultivated fields, isolated hamlets and forest before entering the Makalu Barun National Park. The park was established in 1992 A.D. and covers 2330 square kilometers.

It has a wide range of varieties of flora and fauna because there is a wonderful diversity of plants, animals and people as well as snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar and many kinds of birds. From here, the need for a large gain in altitude makes your days strenuous and sometimes offers official camping sites but there are basic tea house accommodations. The lower section of the trail is well-known for lushness with verdant forest where as the upper section shares polished granite cliffs with hanging glaciers and over flowing waterfalls. 

Every trekker is enthralled by the commanding view of Mount Kanchenjunga in the east, Mount Makalu, and Mount Everest in the west from the upper ridge. Makalu Base Camp is nestled at Sherson (4,700 m), an alpine high grazing area close to the tip of the Barun Glacier, which is engulfed by stunning assortments of Himalayan peaks. The unique landscapes and forest of Barun valley shelters some of the last remaining pristine ecosystems in the world. It is also home to many high land endangered and rare wildlife which are state of extension. 

This is fully Camping Trek that brings you so close to untamed beauty of Nepal and let you experience the cherished culture of people living in high land of Nepal. A scenic flight to Tumlingtar and a three and a half hour drive to Num Village mark the beginning of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The following day, the trail dips to the Arun River before crossing and climbing to Seduwa Village, where we must enter Makalu Barun National Park to register our park permits before continuing on to Tashi Gaun. Tashi Gaun is the last permanent settlement in the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The difficult trekking trail starts from Tashi Gaun through the forest of Rhododendron, Oak and Pine and crosses the high passes such as Shipton-La and Keke-La before entering the Barun Valley.

However, you will forget the struggle as you travel because of the beauty of nature you will experience. After following the Barun valley, Mt. Makalu starts to rise right in front of Makalu Base Camp. Makalu Base Camp is a beautiful place with spectacular views of Mt. Makalu, North Makalu, south face of Everest and Lhotse. After enjoying the views you will continue the same way back to Tumlingtar to catch the Flight to Kathmandu.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights 

  • Scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu
  • Trekking in to the Makalu Barun National Park
  • Trek to the base camp of 5th highest mountain in the world
  • Impressive views of splendid Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and others Mountain
  • Explore the remote Barun valley, Barun glacier and high altitude lakes
  • Walking through the Rai and Sherpa village and experience the mixed culture of local community
  • Easy to observe the wildlife and birds such as Red Pand and Himalayan Munal 
  • Feel the real Wilderness trekking experience 
  • Rich of the varied flora and fauna 

Why with us ?

Trekking in Nepal with High Pass Adventure means a lot. It means friendship, fun, convenience, adventure and above all the security and safety we bring. Our long experience in Nepal and true dedication guarantees your vacation is well thought out and planned to make the most beautiful journey of your lifetime. We are flexible for create a suitable itinerary and offer such a great combination of quality hotel, small group size trip, family tour, solo trekking, honeymoon trip, group trekking.  Also our guides have general knowledge about first aid kits and long years experience in the trekking fields and hire strong porters for supporting carry the luggage. 

Hence, your trekking in Nepal is leading by our professional and experience trekking guide who are joining with you from airport to airport and our strong porter will carry 2 trekkers’ bags (maximum 30 kg).  

Important Note:

Some time becomes problems like weather condition, local politics issue, transportation or other factors that are beyond from our control. It might be change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be considerably change.  If alterations are necessary the Guide and Trekking leader will decide what the best options are. You can talk and decide taking into through the best happiness of the whole group. Where a change does suggest itself, we try to do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot take responsible for the results of changes or delays. Our trekking staffs are experience and professional and try to solve all problems during the trekking. 

Makalu Base Camp Trek Altitude Profile

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Welcome to Nepal! A member of the High Pass Adventure Pvt. Ltd. crew will be waiting outside the baggage claim area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. A4-sized paper with your and our company's names on it, is carried by the individual you need to find. From the airport, this person will transport you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. Check into the hotel, have a nap, freshen up, and be ready for the appointment with our trekking office to discuss your programs.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before getting ready for the trip of the Kathmandu Valley with an experienced tour guide. We are on a tour of the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will be taken to four of the top and most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. For the  tour of these places, you will be traveling  in a luxurious, personal vehicle. There are intriguing tours available that offer unique insights into Buddhism, Hinduism, ancient art, historical architecture, Kathmandu Valley people's way of life, and culture. Following this tour, you will return to the  After this tour you will come to office and finalize your trekking clothing and gear for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

You will take a scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu which will take 45 minutes where your trekking porter standing there will welcome you. From there you will drive to Num which will take about 4 hours. You will see a fantastic green landscape filled with farm land and local villages. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
1560

After breakfast, the trail leads to a steep descent to the Arun River and crosses by suspension bridge to heading up to Seduwa. You will walk in hot temperatures because there is low altitude but you will feel cool due to walking under the shade of the forest before reaching the camp. From there starts the Makalu Barun National Park and your trekking guide manages the entrance permit. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
1500

Your trekking trails head northeast to Kusuwa Khola and cross a wooden bridge over this Khola then passes a beautiful village, farmland and green forest to reach Tashi Gaun. You can observe the beautiful Himalayan views along the Trail. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
2200

Today you will feel a bit of difficulty because the altitude increases and there is a steep climb up to Khongma through green forest. That day you can see some wildlife, birds and great views of mountains along the trekking trail. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
lodge/homestay
Elevation
3500

Today is quite a challenging day because there are 2 passes to get to your final destination. The first pass is Keke La (4100 m) and second pass is Sipton La (4150 m). You will see beautiful Kalo Pokhari and many huge Rocky Mountains on the north side. From Dobato starts another valley called Barun Valley. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
4100

The trekking trails lead gradually descending to Barun Khola through the colorful Rhododendron forest and pine forest. From there, you will follow the Barun Khola to keep moving forwards to the upper valley to Yangla Kharka. Yangle Kharka is relatively plain, filled with greenery but there are few tea-houses for trekker’s accommodations. You can enjoy the green scenery along the trail. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
3520

Today the trail heads North West to Barun Valley through small bushes and lush Himalayan forest to the Yak Kharka. You will cross a few wooden bridges over small streams from the mountain and see a magnificent view of the Himalayas along the way before reaching Yak Kharka. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
4360

Today is our final destination to Makalu base camp. You will head further from Yak Kharka following Barun Khola and Glacier. That day is not a long hike on a rocky path and you will have enough time to enjoy the views and the beauty of the Makalu Base camp.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
lodge/homestay
Elevation
5000

That day you can hike to upper Makalu Base Camp to observe the magnificent views of the south face of Everest and Lhotse, North Makalu and Mt. Makalu and back to Makalu Base Camp for overnight stay. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
lodge/homestay
Elevation
5000

After breakfast you will easy descending back to Yangle Kharka for the overnight stay

Food
BLD
Accomodation
lodge/homestay
Elevation
3520

Today you will continue to trek back to Tashi Gaun. That day was a bit long and tough due to the big ascend and descent to get Tashi Gaun for an overnight stay.  

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Guest House.
Elevation
2200

Today, you will be very excited because today is the last day of the trek.  After breakfast at Tashi Gaun, you will continue trekking back to Num through Seduwa and cross Arun River. After crossing the Arun River, the trail ascended to Num and caught the vehicles to reach Tumlingtar for overnight stay. 

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1600

You will catch the morning flight to Kathmandu and your guide will transfer to your hotel. You will enjoy the shopping in Kathmandu and we welcome you to dinner in Nepali kitchen with culture dance. 

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

This is your last day of your trip in Nepal. One of our High Pass Adventure staff will take you to Kathmandu international Airport for your flight departure time. If you are looking forward to your extra trip in Nepal, High Pass Adventure will help you for your next trip and adventure activities in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.

Food
Breakfast

What Is Included ?

High Pass Adventure have working best guide and porter for the trekking. We are providing an excellence service to our customer. All our costs are net and very clear on cost include-excludes. We have paid best salary to Trekking, Tour guide and porter which is more than government fixed amount. Our entire customers are satisfied from our service. For the more details please feel free to contact us.

Coat Include

  • Airport Pick up & drops 2 times domestic / International
  • All Ground-transportation above program
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing
  • Flight cost Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu (Guest+Guide)
  • 3 meals per day during the trek (Breakfast Lunch & Dinner) and one cup of tea with per meal
  • Accommodation on Tea-house during the trekking
  • 2 night's Hotel in Kathmandu on Bed & Breakfast plan
  • An experience English Speaking Guide
  • Necessary Porter 1: 2 (one porter for two Guest), the porter will Carry 20 KG/ 25 KG
  • All applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations
  • All trekking  permits TIMS and Makalu Barun national park fee 
  • First Aid medical kit, Oxy meter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
  • General equipment for Porter during the adventure trip
  • Guide and porter salary and insurance during the trek
  • All organizational requirements
  • Duffel Bags refundable to protect your Luggage
  • Tour Certificate, Company T-shirt as a Souvenir
  • Farewell Dinner with Typical Nepali Restaurant

What Is Excluded?

  • Nepal visa fee and your International flights
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu 
  • Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu other than itinerary
  • Travel insurance and Mountain rescue service
  • Personal expenses (phone, laundry, water, bar drinks, battery recharge, extra porters, hot  shower etc.)
  • Trip Cancellation cost accident or Health, Loss Theft or Damage and personal effects
  • Tips 

Traveller Useful Information

Getting There: Nepal 

Between China's Tibet Autonomous Region and India, Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation. It has eight of the top ten mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. There are numerous points from China and India where one can enter Nepal by land. Tourist visas for Nepal are available on arrival at all Indian and Chinese borders if you are traveling there by land. There are numerous foreign airlines providing nonstop connecting flights to Nepal if you're arriving by air. Nepal Airlines, Turkish Air, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Air, Jet Airways, Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Travel Dubai, Air Arabia, and Air China are a few of the well-known airlines that fly to Nepal. From China or India, one can also go overland. Please check your flight and get in touch with us before arriving in Nepal. At the airport in Nepal, you can easily obtain a on arrival visa.

Visa and passport information

Except for Indian passport holders, all foreign visitors to Nepal need a visa; however, you must have a passport with a six-month validity date in order to apply for a tourist visa. At the Tribhuvan International Airport and the Chinese-Indian border in Tibet, visas are available on arrival. To apply for a visa to enter Nepal, you must have a color photograph in PP size. Please click this link for more details about Visa Information. 

Money exchange rate and prices

If you're seeking for the best foreign exchange rates and locations in Nepal, you may easily exchange the majority of your foreign currency at a local bank or authorized money exchange facility in a well-known tourist destination. The Nepal Rastra Bank controls all exchange rates (Center Bank of Nepal). You can exchange small amounts of money at the hotel if you want to. Because our banks will not take dirty or old notes, kindly bring clean and fresh notes.

In order to avoid the time-consuming processes associated with cards and traveler's checks, Nepalese people typically prefer cash in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other locations. You can use an ATM to get cash (in Nepali Rupees) if you have a credit or debit card. In the main tourist city, there are a number of ATM counters with 24-hour service. If you use a card, the maximum withdrawal amount is between 30,000 and 35,000 rupees at once, plus a processing fee of 500 rupees. 

You must convert your money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the hike because the majority of trekking routes do not offer a facility for international currency exchange. Additionally, inquire about the amount of money required for a Himalayan trek from your trekking operator or guide.

Safety and security

When traveling in Nepal, safety and security are crucial issues to consider both on the way to in and out. We are here for you at all times, and we promise to provide the greatest service to all of our cherished clients. Our guides have extensive training in the field of trekking and broad understanding of first aid items. Because it rises more than 4000 m above sea level, it is essential for hiking in Nepal. Because health is crucial, if a trekker becomes ill from the high altitude, our knowledgeable guide discusses the necessary medications and decides to continue the trek while organizing the emergency rescue.

You must be cautious when hiking trails pass one other because they are not wide enough to do so. During the busiest trekking season, there are lots of porters, yaks, mules, and Jokpe along the trail. You must stay on the safe side if you encounter them on a bridge or in a confined space because otherwise they may force you over the edge.

Safe drinking water

For a healthy body while traveling and staying hydrated, clean water is essential. It will be the most effective method of completing the Himalayan journey. If not, getting sick and having diarrhea is simple. Almost everywhere during the Nepalese tea house trip, but not during the camping trek, sells bottled water. Unfortunately, bottled water is very pricey. 

Please bring good water bottles (for boiling water) and water purification tablets or water filter bottles since plastic bottles are detrimental for the environment. Reusable water bottles are a good idea because they help keep the mountain clean. If you are concerned about finding a typical water tap to fill up your bottles in the trekking region of Nepal, they are very simple to locate. It can be found in rivers, streams, and lodges.

Travel insurance and insurance policy

Nepal hiking tours: The difficulty levels of the Himalayas range from easy to tough. As a result of the Himalayan climate changing, there is a risk of high altitude and potential mishap. 

Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas demands practical trekking abilities at high altitudes (above 4,000 meters), so travel insurance is essential. If an accident occurs during a trip and requires medical attention or evacuation, the cost of returning to a city and receiving treatment may be significant. Therefore, you must ensure that your insurance covers the price of an air ambulance, medical care, and any risks associated with travel, such as delayed flights and lost, stolen, damaged, or missing baggage. Your complete itinerary while visiting Nepal should be covered by your insurance policy. Make sure your insurance policy covers hikes higher than 5,500 meters. If not, you will be responsible for all unforeseen costs associated with your trek through Nepal. 

All trekkers must send a copy of their certificate from their comprehensive travel insurance policy to High Pass Adventure as part of the booking process for trekking and climbing in Nepal.

High altitude sickness information

Mountain sickness is another name for high altitude sickness. You must be aware of high altitude sickness symptoms since they arise rapidly if you hike or ascend to a higher elevation. Here are some details if you're curious as to why it occurs. The air pressure is the main cause of altitude sickness. Your body needs time to adapt to the shift in air pressure when you travel to higher elevations since the air pressure decreases and there is less oxygen present. According to doctors, If you are at sea level, it begins at 8,000 feet (2400 meters).

1) Types 
There are three types of altitude sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): it is very common and symptoms feel like a tiredness, dizzy, headache, thirsty, muscle aches, nausea 

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): it is effect in the lungs, which can be very dangerous and hard to do life threatening

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): it is effective in the brain and most difficult to treat and you need to go to hospital attention the right way. 

2) Cause 
Following are the causes of high altitude sickness:

Generally living near sea level and travel to a high elevation 

Had the sickness before

Climbing quickly

Not being acclimatized to the altitude

Drinking alcohol when you ascend 

Medical problems of heart, nervous or lungs 

3) Symptoms
These symptoms will appear depending on your speed to climb and how hard you push. Symptoms range from normal to serious. They can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart.

Here are symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:

Difficulty sleeping

Dizziness 

Fatigue

Headache

Loss of appetite

Nausea or vomiting

Rapid Pulse (Heart Rate)

Short breath with action

Blue color of skin or gray soft skin 

Chest tightness or blocking

Confusion

Dry cough or coughing with blood

Cannot walk in a straight line 

4) Prevention 
Important keys to preventing of High Altitude Sickness are:

Climb the mountain gradually. 

Stop every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of climb above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and one or two nights sleep there.

Sleep at a lower altitude when possible.

Make sure that you have the ability to quickly descend if needed.

Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness.

If you plan on climbing quickly, or climbing to a high altitude, ask your provider about medicines that may help.

If you are at risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia), ask your provider if your planned trip is safe. Also ask if an iron supplement is right for you. Anemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes you more likely to have mountain sickness.

5) While climbing, you should follow these rules:
Drink plenty of water

Climb slowly.

Take it easy

Do not drink alcohol.

Eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrates.

Sleep lower elevation 

Take a medication (diomax) according to doctor 

Trekking Gear List 

Travel equipment are necessary to pack before you travel.  We hope it is too much to carry from your home to others country but some are the necessary equipment can be hired or buy in Kathmandu around Thamel. 

These general equipment are for all seasons while on trekking in Nepal, but may be different as per the different season and duration of trekking routes on your chosen trip.

Documents: 

-Passport and 4 passport size photos 

-Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)

-Boarding passes for flights

-Driver’s license (if needed)

-Cash USD

-Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card incase an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)

Sleeping:

-Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)

-Sleeping bag liner (Optional)

Footwear:

-Trekking boots: one pair  lightweight

-Sandals for city and tea house footwear 

-Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)

-Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp

-Thin, lightweight inner socks

-Thick, warm wool hiking socks

Clothing for Body: 

Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking.

-Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

-Fleece/Windproof jacket

-Waterproof jacket

-Down jacket for warmth

-Travel clothes and City Wear

-Underwear

-Base-layer trousers (optional)

-Waterproof trousers

-Trekking trousers

-Trekking shorts (Optional)

-Gloves and wool hat

-bandanna or scarf 

Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)

-First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea

-Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular

-Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu

Others: 

-Sunglasses and Sun cream 

-Towel

-Book (reading and writing materials)

 -MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.

-Travel wash

-Hand sanitizer, wet wipes

-A day bag: 35 liters

-A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)

-Dry Liner or Dry Bag

-Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.

General Toiletries

 -Toilet papers/ tissue 

-Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)

-1 medium sized quick drying towel

-Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)

-Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)

-Nail clippers

-Face and body moisturizer

-Feminine hygiene products

-Small mirror

-On Personal Hygiene

-Wet wipes (baby wipes)

-Anti-bacterial hands wash

Others (optional) 

-Trekking Poles 

-Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag

-Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries) 

-Binoculars (for luxuries)

-Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)

Client Reviews

chrish

Chrish

United Kingdom

Best Trekking Ever in my life time

14th June, 2023

My husband and I decided to do the Makalu Base Camp Trek vs the more popular Everest & Annapurna treks and others, and we haven't regretted it since! Our guide Purna was knowledgeable and catered to our needs, and the locals were friendly and welcoming! The 1st part of the trek was a remote, where we saw less than 30 tourists but still spectacular views! The 2nd part of the trek we went to the more famous Makalu Base Camp for Climbing Mt Makalu. There were more people but we met many friendly tourists on the way! I would recommend the Makalu Base Camp Trek & High Pass Adventure for anyone who's considering a trip to Nepal!

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