Addres:

Thamel - Kathmandu - Nepal

E-mail:

info@alpinistclub.com

Contact No:

+977 9843603583

1 Person From:

$

2 Person From:

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Makalu Base Camp Trek Informaion

  • Max. Elevation: 5000 M

  • Best Season: Spring- Autumn

  • Duration: 20 Days

  • Trip Grading: Moderate

  • Activity: Expedition

  • Transport: Private vehicle

  • Accommodation: Hotel-lodge-Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  • Availability Status: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Highlight

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an extraordinary adventure into the remote eastern Himalayas of Nepal.

 Makalu offers trekkers stunning views of Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak, as well as the chance to explore the untouched beauty of Makalu Barun National Park. This challenging trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and terraced fields to high-altitude glaciers and rugged mountain passes. 

A rare, original, and exclusive trek.
A non-technical belvedere at 5,800 m.
A loop route Makalu base camp natural and wild.
Villages preserved Tibetan culture.

Overview
The Makalu base camp trek is located in the Makalu – Barun National Park. The national park is home to the fifth-highest peak Mount Makalu. The Mount  Makalu stands tall at 8,485 meters ( 27,838 feet ). This trek promises to provide a blend of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich in cultural experiences.

The trek will start from Num Valley. Gradually you will hike up to Arun and then Seduwa.  Arun Valley is one of the most beautiful trekking regions where you can cross through the dense green forests, terraced farmlands, and many more. The trail will take you to the lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, and stunning landscapes.  The locals here belong to the ethnic groups of Rai and Sherpas. They follow their own tradition and culture.

During the trek, you will also get a chance to witness the various majestic peaks such as including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Lhotse, and the eastern gem, Kanchenjunga. Makalu Barun National Park is rich in flora and fauna. While trekking we may see various endangered wildlife such as Red Panda, snow leopards, and musk deer. You will be rejuvenated by the blooming rhododendrons and the beauty of this place. The Makalu base camp trek is a perfect choice for trekkers who are seeking to experience the charm of the Himalayas while enjoying a unique and immersive trekking experience.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.

  • Transfer to hotel
  • Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: night in the hotel

DAYS 2: DAY IN KATHMANDU

We take advantage of this moment to take stock with the expedition manager about the equipment taken. If necessary, the numerous mountain equipment shops in Thamel can help you complete our equipment. Meanwhile, our local team is working to complete essential paperwork and climbing permits.Accompanying persons will be able to take tours of Kathmandu.

  • Meals: breakfasts – free lunches (not included) – free dinners (not included)
  • Accommodation: nights at the hotel

DAY 3: FLIGHT KATHMANDU / TUMLINGTAR — NUM

We leave Kathmandu in the morning for a superb one-hour flight to Tumlingtar along the Himalayan range of Nepal: Langtang, Rolwaling, Khumbu in the distance. When the flight arrives, our vehicle is waiting to transport us to Num, a village perched above the Arun River, the starting point of the trek.

  • Transport: by private vehicle and plane
  • Drive: about 3 hours
  • Flight: approximately 1 hour
  • Altitude: approximately 1,490 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 4: TREKKING FROM NUM — ARUN — SEDUWA

The trek continues for a few more kilometers and plunges towards the tumultuous Arun. We leave our vehicles to continue on foot with our porters. Crossing on a suspension bridge and long climb to the village of Seduwa with the characteristic habitat of the lower valleys.

  • walking: about 5 hours
  • Attitude gain/loss:  + 950 m / - 235 m
  • Final Altitude: approximately 1,600 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 5: TREKKING FROM SEDUWA TREK — TASHI GAON — SADEMA

The path continues to rise above the valley but this time more or less following the contour lines, in a dense forest of bamboo then birch and rhododendron. Passage to the last village of the Arun valley, Tashi Gaon. Beyond, the path winds up to reach the Sadema mountain pasture.

  • Approximately 6 hours of walk
  • Altitude gain/loss:  + 750 m / - 180 m
  • Final Altitude: approximately 2,135 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 6: TREKKING FROM SADEMA — KONGMA KHARKA

Regular but long climb. The forest thins out and we begin to really enjoy the high mountain scenery around us. The rhododendron forest, depending on the year, may still be in flower.

  • Approximately 6 hours of walk
  • Altitudegain/loss: + 1,100 m
  • final altitude: approximately 3,470 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 7: TREKKING FROM KONGMA KHARKA — SHIPTON LA (4,127 M) — KEKE LA — DOBATO

One of the most beautiful days of the trek, with the crossing of Shipton La (4,217 m) among the rhododendrons. At the start of the stage, we climb a grassy ridge with a clear view of the Chamlang and the Makalu. The path follows the ridge and goes upstairs. First pass, the Ghungru La (4,050 m) before descending to a small lake (3,850 m). Finally, a rocky corridor leads to Shipton La (4,217 m). Descent toward two other lakes (4,020 m), a new climb to cross Keke La (4,180 m). On the opposite side of the pass, pleasant descent to the Mumbuk mountain pasture and further Dobato.

  • Approximately 6 hours of walk
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 950 m / - 630 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 3,800 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 8: TREKKING FROM DOBATO TREK — YANGLE KHARKA

The path, clinging to the steep sides of the Arun River basin, becomes more uncomfortable because it is less frequented. Only a few shepherds venture here. We continue through the primary forest before confronting the “Nepalese flat” (alternating climbs and descents, etc.) on a track constantly swept by landslides. One piece of advice: don’t hang around! We have lunch at the Phemathang kharka before crossing the river on a new wooden bridge, the last one having been swept away by a gigantic mudslide in spring 2017. A new path was hastily traced on the left bank of the Barun Khola but it still requires some adjustments. That said, it is still of much better quality than that of the morning… We reach Yangle Kharka, a “village” made up of a few wooden houses.  

  • 5 hours of walk
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 400m / - 600m
  • Final Altitude: approximately 3,650 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 09: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY IN YANGLE KHARKA

Rest is essential for our body to acclimatize to the altitude.

  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 10: YANGLE KHARKA TREK — BARUN GLACIER — LANGMALE KHARKA

The first part of the day takes place on the left bank of the river on a temporary path traced on the pebble bed. The traces of a mudslide are impressive, if we consider these rocks weighing several dozen tons which are in the middle of the river. We find the historic path after an hour of walking and we continue in a pine forest. Through the branches, we have splendid views of the glacial valleys of peaks VI and VII. The climb is gradual up to the Merek camp where we can see, perched on the grassy moraine which closes this part of the valley, the Langmale lodge, recognizable by its blue roof. But before getting there, we will have to cross the “new” river bed, created by the mudflow, an indescribable hodgepodge of piled rocks in the middle of which the Sherpas have traced a marked route. Beyond that, all that remains is to climb the grassy moraine to reach the Langmale sheepfolds and 20 minutes further to reach the lodge. Superb view of Chamlang (7,320m), Peak IV (6,720m), Peak III (6,477m) and Peak V (6,404m).

  • 5 hours of walk
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 800 m / - 35 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 4,300 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 11: BARUN GLACIER TREK — MAKALU BASE CAMP

After crossing the Langmale mountain pastures, we reach the left bank moraine of the West Barun glacier valley. We continue without much effort until Shershong where we turn to the right towards a well-marked pass in the middle of the moraine. At 4,900 meters, we discover the imposing mass of the Himalayan giant, master of the place, Makalu and its immense south face. It's really huge! We continue along a contour path on the side of the moraine as we discover the base camp lodges in the mineral valley below. A short descent to cross the river and we are warm in the common room next to the lodge. Exceptional and unforgettable views, it goes without saying... In the afternoon, you can go in 15 minutes to the moraine lake right next to the lodge and even gain a little height at the top of a pebble mound on which a A labtse was erected in the middle of which colorful Buddhist flags, darchoks, are planted.

  • 4 hours of walk
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 520 m / - 100 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 4,870 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 12:MAKALU BASE CAMP

We take advantage of these two days to climb Makalu Pattar (5,795 m), in order to complete our acclimatization and obtain a better view of Makalu and its satellites. Beautiful panorama of the north face of Everest (Tibetan side). Return to camp and rest.  

  • 4 hours of hike
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 925 m / - 925 m
  • fina altitude: approximately 4,870 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 13: MAKALU BASE CAMP — LANGMALE KHARKA — YANGRI KHARKA

Descent towards Langmale kharka via a route of grassy ridges allowing you to admire from above the frontal glacial lake of the West Barun glacier. Then, in the space of an hour, we are again on the grassy mountain pastures of Langmale. We go back down along the Barun Khola to Yangri Kharka.

  • 5 hours of walk
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 100 m / - 1,400 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 3,530 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 14: TREKKING FROM YANGRI KHARKA — DOBATO

We take the Shipton trail which owes its name to Eric Shipton (one of the pioneers of Himalayanism). This trail is also known for its difficult terrain and the characteristic of being affected by the first snowfall in the region. The Barun Khola valley remains dry while the only route available to quickly reach "civilization" is often stuffed with fresh snow... Departing from the kharka we take a path that crosses several rocky and sandy scree. We find a primary forest and, after passing a natural cave, here is the path which turns right to go up a thalweg in which "path" and torrent sometimes blend intimately... How high the steps are! We then climb into a forest of rhododendrons and reach the small clearing of Dobato from which we can try to look in the mountain range opposite for traces of the path on the side of which we followed between Kalo Pokhari and Korlangue kharka. about 4 hours + 630 m / - 300 m approximately 3,860 m Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner Accommodation: night in lodge

  • About 4 hours of trek
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 630 m / - 300 m
  • final altitude: approximately 3,860 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 15: DOBATO — KEKE LA (4,185 M) — SHIPTON LA (4,216 M) — KHONGMA DANDA

We climb steadily into the rhododendron forest which fades as we progress in altitude. We arrive at Keke La (4,185 m), the first pass of the day, marked by a chorten and prayer flags. We descend along the Kalo Pokhari (black lake) where the surrounding peaks are reflected before continuing towards the Shipton La (4,216 m) and its endless staircase climb before descending to cross the Ghungru La (4,020 m), the last pass of the day. Then, we follow the edge of the ridge to reach the lodges of Khongma danda.

  • 6 hours of trek
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 630 m / - 950 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 3,580 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 16: TREKKING FROM KHONGMA DANDA — SEDUWA

A day of pure descent! We feel the difference both in terms of altitude and temperature. First part of the day on stairs in the forest before happily returning to the first places inhabited all year round and firstly the Tibetan village of Tashigaon. In the afternoon, a lightly marked up/down balcony path takes us through villages mainly of the Rai ethnic group until we reach the hamlet of Seduwa.
approximately 7 hours of trek

  • Altitude gain/loss :+ 150 m / - 2,060 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 1,670 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in lodge

DAY 17: SEDUWA — ARUN (735 M) — END OF THE TRACK (1,060 M) — NUM (1,560 M) — ROAD TO TUMLINGTAR

One last effort! We descend in wide bends on a rocky path to the metal footbridge which allows you to cross the Arun Khola then, once on the other side, in previous years the endless climb to the Num ridge began! Today, the track has (fortunately or unfortunately) been traced at the height of the Arun Khola valley and the climb is lighter. The Jeeps wait for us at 1,060 meters and we arrive at Num for lunch. We have 3 hours of trail left before arriving in Khandbari. The commercial town is not very exciting and it is preferable to go down to Tumlingtar via the tarmac road to stay in one of the guesthouses facing the airport.

  • by private vehicle
  • about 4 hours drive
  • about 3 hours of trek
  • Altitude gain/loss: + 300 m / - 950 m
  • Final altitude: approximately 500 m
  • Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
  • Accommodation: night in guesthouse

DAY 18: FLIGHT TUMLINGTAR — KATHMANDU

No more than 200 meters of flat walking to reach the boarding hall with a late morning flight to Kathmandu for a splendid “mountain flight” which allows us to review our Himalayan geography. To enjoy to your heart's content!

  • by private vehicle and domestic flight
  • approximately 2 hours
  • about 35 minutes
  • approximately 1,300 m
  • Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)
  • Accommodation: night at the hotel

DAY 19: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU

 It is a free day in Kathmandu.

  • Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)
  • Accommodation: night at the hotel

DAY 20: FINAL DEPARTURE TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.

Included

AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP: Airport : AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP: Airport :

Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).

ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :

3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.

WELCOME DINNER : WELCOME DINNER :

One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.

PERMITS : PERMITS :

All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card and conservation entry fee.

SPECIAL PERMIT : SPECIAL PERMIT :

Makalu restricted permit.

STAFF INSURANCE : STAFF INSURANCE :

Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.

MAP : MAP :

Manaslu Region Trekking map.

MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :

(Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – to Tumlintar - and while returning from Tumlintar - to Kathmandu, and land transportation as per itinerary.

MEMBER LUGGAGE : MEMBER LUGGAGE :

Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.

FOODS & LODGING : FOODS & LODGING :

3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.

GUIDE : GUIDE :

Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.

PORTER : PORTER :

Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.

STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :

All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.

MEDICAL KIT : MEDICAL KIT :

Comprehensive Medical kit


Excluded

AIRFARE :

International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).

NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE :

The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days.

LUNCH & DINNER :

Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).

EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU :

Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (for any other reason) other than the scheduled itinerary.

INSURANCE POLICY :

Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue and air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory

PERSONAL EXPENSES :

Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).

PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT :

Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.

TOILETRIES :

Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.

FILMING :

Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.

INTERNET SERVICE :

Not included during the trek and the expedition.

TIPS :

Tips for the staff.

EXTRA: : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.


Trip Organization

Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:

The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.

The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp. 
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.

Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. 
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:

Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and  Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Accommodation during the Makalu Base Camp Trek 

For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room. 
Here is a typical one-day menu: 

Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.

Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.

Preparation for the Trek

Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.

Medical check-up

Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.

Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.

FAQ's

1. What is the ideal time for Makalu Base Camp Trek? :

The ideal seasons for the Makalu Base Camp Trek are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).

2. Why is the Makalu base Camp trek Famous? :

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is known for its breathtaking landscapes as it offers you the opportunity to witness the way of life of a wide variety of people in addition to traversing high-altitude terrain, snow-covered landscapes, a steamy low-altitude forest, glaciers, and glacial lakes, and a variety of stunning Himalayan peaks.

3. How challenging is the Makalu Base Camp Trek? :

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered to be moderately challenging. Trekkers must have excellent physical fitness and a regular exercise regimen to complete the challenging Makalu Base Camp Trek, which requires an average of 6–8 hours of walking over challenging terrain.

4. What kind of accommodation and food to expect throughout the trek? :

The majority of the food served throughout the trek is Dal Bhat, a classic Nepalese dish, while the lodging options include simple tea houses and tent camps.

5. What is the estimated cost of the trek? :

The cost of the trek differs on various factors such as the type size of the group, trekking agency, and services taken. The average package price for the Makalu Base Camp Trek ranges from $2250 to $3200 per trekker.

6. What permits are required for the Makalu Base Camp Trek? :

You will need two permits for this trek.  You will need to have a Makalu Barun National Park Entry permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System.

7. What is the cost of these two permits? :

The Makalu Barun National Park Entry permit costs $ 30 and the Trekkers’ Information Management System costs $ 20.

8. What kind of accommodations are to be expected during the trek? :

The majority of the food served throughout the trek is Dal Bhat, a classic Nepalese dish, while the lodging options include simple tea houses and tent camps.

9. Is altitude sickness a concern for the Makalu Base Camp Trek ? :

Yes, altitude sickness can be a major concern as it reaches above as the Makalu Base Camp is situated at around 4,870 m. You must acclimate properly. Hydrate yourself and ascend gradually to reduce altitude sickness.

10. What kind of wildlife flora and fauna can be spotted here in the trek? :

Makalu Barun National Park, which is renowned for its varied flora and animals, passes through during the trek. Particularly in the wooded areas of the lower elevations, trekkers may see animals such as the Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, red pandas, and a variety of birds, including Nepal's national bird, the Danphe.