This is an amazing adventure to the foot of the world’s 5th highest mountain, Makalu (8481m). The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a 21-day adventure into a stunning region of the Himalayas with the climax of ascending to Base Camp at 5250 meters, located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km southeast of Mount Everest (8848m). Makalu has two prominent secondary peaks, Kangchungtse (Makalu II - 7678 m) and Chomo Lonzo (7804m) linked by a narrow saddle (7200m).
There are many base camp treks, but Makalu is one of the most challenging because of the high altitude passes. The area is also referred to as the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area.
The real trek begins at Chichira (1980m) and then to Num, Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Kongma Danda, Dobate, Yangri Kharka, Langmale Kharka and finally to Tumlingtar village from where we head back to Kathmandu. This is a tough and physically demanding trek as the altitude increases day by day and will require acclimatization at certain points along the route. We will cross several lower altitude passes on the same day that we cross Shipton La Pass (4220m). On the trail there is plenty to see that includes Barun Pokhari Lake and the Baruntse Glacier. Mt. Baruntse (7129m) is a mountain in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. Once we have acclimatized over the previous days we ascend to the highest point of the trek, Makalu Base Camp (5250).
Sherpa Trekking Teams have been established for more than 40 years and have an excellent reputation. We will take care of all permits, meals and accommodation on the trek.
On arrival at Kathmandu airport you will be met by a representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking who will take you to your 3 star hotels. You can rest at you hotel or stroll around Thamel and do some last minute shopping and take in the sights.
Your adventure begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, a small town in eastern Nepal. From Tumlingtar, a jeep or vehicle will take you on a rugged drive through beautiful landscapes, passing through forests and small villages, to reach Seduwa. This remote settlement, nestled in the foothills, will be your base for the start of the trek. Expect a long and bumpy drive, but the journey itself offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Today marks the start of your trekking journey. The trail begins with a gradual ascent, crossing through lush forests and passing through terraced fields. You'll gradually gain altitude, with the path offering glimpses of the spectacular landscape. The trek is moderate and will take you to Tashi Gaon, a small Sherpa village situated on a ridge, surrounded by scenic views of the mountains.
The trek to Khongma Danda is a challenging one, with steep sections and steady elevation gain. As you ascend, the vegetation changes, and you will be greeted with more open views and alpine landscapes. Along the way, you may encounter yak herders and their animals. The destination, Khongma Danda, is a ridge with magnificent views of the Makalu range, and the camp will offer you the first taste of the higher altitudes.
Acclimatization is crucial at this point of the trek. You will take a rest day to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude. It’s an opportunity to explore the surroundings or take short hikes around the area. Acclimatization hikes may include reaching nearby viewpoints to observe the stunning Himalayan peaks, which will help prepare you for the higher altitudes in the days ahead.
Today, you’ll descend from Khongma Danda to Dobate. While descending may seem easier, the path is still rugged and the trail winds through dense forests, providing a contrast to the previous days’ open views. As you approach Dobate, you’ll find a small settlement at a lower altitude, and it will provide a peaceful atmosphere for rest.
Today's trek ascends again as you head towards Yangri Kharka, a meadow at the base of the towering peaks. The route takes you through forests of rhododendron and pine, and you’ll be walking through quiet, remote terrain. Yangri Kharka is a great spot for camping, offering a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains, including views of Makalu and its surrounding peaks.
The trek continues upward today as you head towards Langmale Kharka, passing through alpine meadows and rugged terrain. The altitude is higher, and the landscape opens up with views of high mountain ranges. Langmale Kharka offers a dramatic setting, with a spectacular backdrop of Makalu and other nearby peaks. It’s a peaceful area where you can relax and enjoy the serene environment.
The trek to Makalu Base Camp is a significant milestone. The path takes you through a remote wilderness, with incredible views of the surrounding jagged peaks. As you ascend, you’ll feel the altitude more, but the magnificent scenery will motivate you. Upon reaching Makalu Base Camp, at an altitude of 4870m, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Makalu and the surrounding high peaks. The camp itself is surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered terrain, offering a true mountain experience.
After reaching the base camp, take a well-deserved rest day to relax and acclimatize. You can explore the area, take short hikes to nearby viewpoints, or simply enjoy the stunning environment. This day will help your body adjust to the high altitude before the return trek begins. The views from Makalu Base Camp are mesmerizing, and you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the surrounding peaks.
Today, you’ll begin your descent as you head back towards Yangle Kharka. The trail offers a different perspective of the landscapes you passed on the way up. You’ll pass through alpine meadows and dense forests, with more wildlife and nature to enjoy. Yangle Kharka is a beautiful place to spend the night, offering views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful atmosphere.
The trek today continues the descent as you head back to Dobate. The path is mostly downhill, but still winding and at times steep. The trek will be easier compared to the ascent, but still requires some effort. Dobate offers a chance to rest and recover, with a tranquil atmosphere and lovely surroundings.
Today’s trek brings you back to Khongma Danda. The trail climbs back to the high ridge, offering sweeping views of the valley below. As you ascend, you will pass through forests and experience a shift in the landscape as you approach the higher altitudes once again. Khongma Danda will be a familiar and welcoming sight as you return to the ridge where you previously acclimatized.
Your trek now heads back down to Tashi Gaon. The descent will be quicker, with the trail gradually descending through forested terrain and past small villages. Once you reach Tashi Gaon, you will have completed a full circuit of the Makalu region and can reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Continuing your descent, you’ll head back to Seduwa. The trail is downhill for most of the way, and as you near Seduwa, the terrain becomes gentler. Seduwa is a tranquil spot to end the trekking portion of your journey, and you can relax and unwind after the strenuous trek.
From Seduwa, you’ll take a jeep ride back to Tumlingtar. The road will be bumpy and the drive long, but it will offer one final chance to take in the beauty of the region, with views of the mountains and villages as you make your way back to Tumlingtar. Upon arrival, you'll have a bit of free time to rest.
Today, you’ll take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, where you’ll reflect on the incredible trekking adventure you've just experienced in the Makalu region. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Makalu, Everest, and other nearby peaks. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can enjoy the comforts of the city.
After your unforgettable trek, it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal. Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home, with memories of your incredible journey through the Makalu region.
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may not find comfort and better quality teahouses -During the trek, We sleep in the very simple tea house/tent and our guides will pick the best Camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya.
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these mountain regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu, Tumlingtar and back to Kathmandu.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
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The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you to the base camp of Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is a challenging and remote trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and a chance to experience the local culture and traditions.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek usually takes around 18-20 days to complete. This includes trekking to the base camp and returning back to the starting point. The duration can vary depending on your fitness level, acclimatization needs, and itinerary.
The best time to do the Makalu Base Camp Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. However, it is important to check the weather forecast and consult with local trekking agencies before planning your trip.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered a challenging trek and is suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and long walking hours. Prior trekking experience and proper acclimatization are recommended for this trek.
Yes, you will need permits to trek to the Makalu Base Camp. You will need a Makalu Barun National Park permit, which can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the Makalu Barun National Park entrance gate in Num. Additionally, you will also need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, which can be obtained in Kathmandu.
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide can provide valuable information about the trail, help with navigation, and ensure your safety. A porter can carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight and enjoy the journey more comfortably.
Accommodation during the Makalu Base Camp Trek is basic and mostly consists of teahouses or guesthouses along the trail. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities such as bathrooms and toilets. The teahouses also serve meals, including local and international cuisine. It is advisable to carry some snacks and water purification tablets with you.
Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness during the Makalu Base Camp Trek, as you will be trekking to high altitudes. It is important to acclimatize properly, which means taking rest days and ascending gradually. It is also recommended to stay hydrated, eat well, and consult with your guide or trekking agency for any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Yes, it is possible to do the Makalu Base Camp Trek solo. However, as mentioned earlier, it is highly recommended to hire a guide for safety and navigation purposes. Traveling with a guide also ensures that you have someone to assist you in case of any emergencies or difficulties during the trek.
Some essential items to pack for the Makalu Base Camp Trek include comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, trekking poles, and a good quality backpack. It is also advisable to carry some cash, as ATM facilities may be limited along the trail.
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Based On 22 Reviews
The Makalu Base Camp Trek with Sherpa Expedition was truly memorable. The team’s professionalism and expertise were evident in every aspect of the trek. The guides were excellent, offering a wealth of knowledge about the region and ensuring our safety. They took great care in organizing the trek, from the quality of the meals to the comfort of the accommodations. The breathtaking scenery and challenging trails were made even more enjoyable by Sherpa Expedition’s outstanding support. I highly recommend their services for a well-executed and memorable trekking experience.
Sherpa Expedition provided a top-notch experience on our Makalu Base Camp Trek. The team’s preparation and execution were flawless, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trek. Our guides were highly skilled and attentive, making sure we were well-informed and safe throughout the journey. They managed the logistics seamlessly, with excellent food and comfortable accommodations. The trek was both challenging and rewarding, thanks to the exceptional support from Sherpa Expedition. Their dedication to providing a superior trekking experience was evident, and I would certainly choose them again for future adventures.
Sherpa Expedition made our Makalu Base Camp Trek a professional and enjoyable experience. Their team was highly skilled in managing the complex logistics of the trek, from route planning to meal preparation. The guides were knowledgeable and supportive, helping us navigate the rugged terrain while providing interesting cultural and environmental insights. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were consistently delicious. Sherpa Expedition’s dedication to ensuring a smooth and rewarding trek made this adventure stand out, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality trekking experience.
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Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
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