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From$3,060

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1048

23 days, 22 nights

Availability : April - June and October - November

Min Age : 15+

Max People : 12

MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK (Lodge Trek)

On the Makalu Base Camp trek, participants get up-close with the fifth highest mountain in the world – Mt. Makalu (8,485m). Eric Shipton was the first outsider to have trekked in the region in the 1950’s. Consequently, the Shipton Pass on this trek was named after this English explorer. Makalu trekking starts at a relatively lower elevation which is home to Rai’s, Gurung’s and Tamang people. Ascending slowly, the trek follows a trail through the beautiful Makalu Barun National Park which is home to diverse flora and fauna. Continue to trek past the Barun river are the spectacular granite rocks and waterfalls. Finally, the villages near the Makalu Base Camp are home to the Sherpas.

The Trek

The Makalu Base Camp trek is quickly emerging as a popular trekking destination especially among trekkers who prefer solitude. Trekking to Makalu is a great alternative to the more busier treks in the Everest and Annapurna region. And with daily flights available to Tumlingtar, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is also quite easily accessible. It has all the makings of an epic Himalayan trek including stunning snow-clad mountain scenery, high passes, intriguing mix of Nepal’s culture and soaring Himalayan peaks.

The journey begins with a 35-minute flight to Tumlingtar from where we drive to the road-head on a chartered vehicle. The lower parts of the Makalu region are quite hot and humid with lush rhododendron and oak forests, cardamom plantations. Ascend slowly over several passes following the Barun river valley to the Makalu Base Camp. Return to Tumlingtar is along the same trail but vistas are quite spectacular in both directions.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The lodges on this trek are quite basic. Meals are not as varied as on the Everest or the Annapurna treks but options do include rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. On this trek, we will carry some food to supplement what’s available at the local lodges. Furthermore, we will also carry tents so you may opt to sleep in tents in some of the places.

BEST SEASON

Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to trek to Makalu Base Camp in December but obviously it will be very cold with temperatures dipping to -20 C/, -4 F or slightly lower.

TREK RATING

The Makalu Base Camp trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest overnight altitude reached is at Makalu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,750ft) and the highest elevation reached is at the view point above base camp (5,300m/17,400 feet). There are two acclimatization days to allow for proper acclimatization. Trekking to Makalu involves average daily hiking or around 6 hours with a few longer days of around 7-8 hours. Also, this is a relatively long trek in a remote area. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.

WHY TREK WITH US?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a private trek for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff. We are also proud to give back to our community through our giving arm – 3 Summits For Nepal – managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…

Trip at a glance

Brief Itinerary

Day	Description	Overnight	Altitude
Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu	Kathmandu	1340m/4,300ft
Day 2	Exploring Kathmandu	Kathmandu	1340m/4,300ft
Day 3	Fly to Tumlingtar. Drive to Chichila. (All meals)	Chichila	1,980m/6,496ft
Day 4	Drive/Trek to Num. (All meals)	Num	1,560m/5,110ft
Day 5	Trek to Seduwa. (All meals)	Seduwa	1,560m/5,110ft.
Day 6	Trek to Tashi Gaon (All meals)	Tashi Gaon	2,100m/6,890ft.
Day 7	Trek to Khongma Danda (All meals)	Khongma Danda	3,637m/11,950ft.
Day 8	Acclimatization day (All meals)	Khongma Danda	3,637m/11,950ft.
Day 9	Trek over Khongma la and Shipton La to Dobate (All meals)	Dobate	3,860m/12,700ft.
Day 10	Trek to Yangri Kharka. (All meals)	Yangri Kharka	3,630m/11,900ft.
Day 11	Trek to Langmale. (All meals)	Langmale	4,420m/14,500ft.
Day 12	Acclimatization Day. (All meals)	Langmale	4,420m/14,500ft.
Day 13	Trek to Makalu Base Camp. (All meals)	Makalu Base Camp	4,800m/15,750ft.
Day 14	Explore Makalu Base Camp. (All meals)	Makalu Base Camp	4,800m/15,750ft.
Day 15	Trek to Yangri Kharka. (All meals)	Yangri Kharka	3,630m/11,900ft
Day 16	Trek to Dobate. (All meals)	Dobate	3,860m/12,700ft.
Day 17	Trek to Khongma Danda. (All meals)	Khongma Danda	3,637m/11,950ft.
Day 18	Trek to Tashi Gaon. (All meals)	Tashi Gaon	2,100m/6,890ft.
Day 19	Trek to Seduwa. (All meals)	Seduwa	1,560m/5,110ft.
Day 20	Trek to Num. Drive to Khandbari. (All meals)	Khandbari	1,560m/5,110ft.
Day 21	Drive to Tumlingtar. Fly to Kathmandu. (B)	Kathmandu	1340m/4,300ft
Day 22	Sightseeing in Kathmandu. (All meals)	Kathmandu	1340m/4,300ft
Day 23	Final departure. (B)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel Tibet or similar. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Dinner)

Day 2Exploring Kathmandu

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window.

In the afternoon, make final preparations for your Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.

Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 3 and Day 4Fly to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num.

Fly to Tumlingtar. This airport is much larger than the STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) airports of Lukla or Suketar. From, Tumlingtar we will drive on jeep track to Chichila (1,980m/6,496ft). The drive begins on a winding road to Khandbari – the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha district. Continue on a winding road to Chichila, a small Gurung village. The drive is bumpy from Chichila onwards so you may opt to walk to Num instead.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 5 and Day 6Trek to Seduwa and then to Tashi Gaon

The day begins with a big and steep descent through forests, cardamom fields and terraced farms to the Arun River followed by a big climb to Seduwa. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Enter Makalu Barun National Park here where permits will be checked.

It’s an easier walk from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon without the steep ascents and descents of the day before. Today you will pass several mani walls as you trek into the Buddhist Sherpa country. The trek today is through small farms, cardamom plantations and bamboo and rhododendron forests.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 7 and Day 8Trek to Khongma Danda and acclimatization day

Today is an all ascent day! The trek begins with an ascent out of Tashigaon on stone steps. Cross a log bridge and continue ascending through a rhododendron forest.

After three to four hours, arrive at Dhara at 2,867m/9,400ft. which has a tea shop where we stop for lunch. After lunch, continue to climb to Unshisa at 3,200m/10,500ft. and onwards on staircases through rhododendron forest for another 2-3 hours to arrive at Khongma Danda at 3,560m/11,700ft.

We are at an altitude higher than Namche Bazaar. So it is important to acclimatize. We spend an extra day at Khongma Danda to allow our bodies to adapt to the altitude. You may opt to hike up to the Khonmga pass.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 9 Trek to Dobate over Shipton La and Keke La

Today is a truly spectacular day involving crossing of four passes! Start by ascending to Khongma La at 3,890m/12,800ft. On a clear day, Makalu and Chamlang are visible. Descend for a short distance before ascending towards the second pass from where Kangchenjunga comes into view. An hour later arrive at Sano Pokhari Lake 4,105m/13,500ft. and continue to Shipton La pass at 4,200m/13,800ft.

Descend to Kalo Pokhari Lake at 4,080m and climb to your last pass of the day – the Keke La at 4,170m/13,700ft. Descend for an hour to your lodge at Dobate.

Overnight lodge. (All meals)

Day 10, 11 and 12Trek to Yangle Kharka and onward to Langmale

Begin with a descent through rhododendron and pine forests to the Barun River. Ascend for a short distance to reach Themathang Kharka 3,500m/11,500ft. There is an impressive waterfall just before you reach Themathang. Walk for a short distance and cross the Barun Khola. Walk for around two hours to reach the pasture of Yangri Kharka. The total walk today is around 6 hours.

From Yangri Kharka, it is a moderate walk to the Langmale as we trek through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. Trek past the pastures of Yak Kharka to arrive at Merek after around 2 hours. From Merek, it is another 2 hours to Langmale.

The next day is an acclimatisation day. You make hike around Langmale or just sit and read a book.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 13 and Day 14Trek to Makalu Base Camp. Explore.

Begin the day by ascending on a good path keeping the river on your left. After a couple of hours, reach a flat area called Sherson (4,630m/15,200ft). Soon Makalu and Makalu Base Camp comes into view.

You have an extra day to explore the Makalu Base Camp including to climb to the ridge (5,300m/17,400ft) above base camp for panoramic views. From this viewpoint you can see Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse as well as close-up, dramatic views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6 and Peak 4. The round trip should take around 5 hours.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 15, 16, 17 and 18Retrace trail back to Tashi Gaon

Retrace trail back to Tashi Gaon via Yangri Kharka, Dobate and Khongma Danda.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 19 and Day 20Retrace trail to Num and drive to Khandbari

Retrace trail to Seduwa and Num. Drive onwards to Khandbari.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 21Drive to Tumlingtar. Fly to Kathmandu.

Drive to Tumlingtar and Fly to Kathmandu.

Overnight Hotel Manaslu. (B)

Day 22Sightseeing in Kathmandu

This is a contingency day in case of flight delays from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.

If your flight arrives on schedule, sightseeing in Kathmandu. Visit Swayambunath, better known as the Monkey Temple. It is situated on a small hill overlooking Kathmandu City. Be prepared to climb almost 300 steps to reach the stupa at the top of the hill.

Drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window.

A final farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Hotel Manaslu or similar. (All meals)

Day 23Final Departure

Drop off at airport for final departure. (B)

Cost Information - Makalu Base Camp Trek

(valid until 31 Dec, 2023) – Lodge Trek

2 persons: $ 3,600 USD per person

3 – 4 persons: $ 3,240 USD per person

5 or more persons: $ 3,060 USD per person

Single Supplement: $250

Please inquire for quote in GB£ or Euros.

For late Autumn treks (November 10 onwards) we are offering a US$ 200 per person discount. All our treks are private treks for two or more participants and can be arranged for a date of your choosing.

Payment policy:

A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
Balance is payable a week prior to departure or on arrival in Kathmandu.

Cancellation policy:

Deposit is non-refundable. But if you cancel a month prior to trek start date, your deposit will be applied to any trek you undertake with us anytime in the future.
No refunds for unused services once trek begins.

Price Includes

Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
Motivated, well-cared-for staff
All airport transfers
Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments
4 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Manaslu (3 star) in Kathmandu
Airfare: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Chartered vehicle: Tumlingtar to Khandbari to Tumlingtar
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Lodge trekking as indicated in the itinerary
Three meals a day on the trek
Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
Guide and staff insurance
Makalau Barun National Park fee
Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)
Satellite phone.