Have you ever dreamed of having the Himalayas in their entire splendor just to yourself? Perhaps you have already done a teahouse trek or two in Nepal, and you want something more challenging and remote for your next adventure. If this is the case, look no further.
This 16 day trek is the Base Camp Trek of world’s fifth highest mountain located in Makalu-Barun National Park. The destination is Makalu Base Camp and the rugged trails bring us to one of the most far off regions in Nepal. Tourism is very limited here, and you will meet very few other trekkers. The trek is strenuous but extremely rewarding.
Trek Duration
16 Days
Max Trekking Altitude
4965m
Trek Grade
Strenuous
Accomodation
Camping
Hours of Walking
5-8 Hours
Best time to go
Oct - Dec & Mar - May
Area
Makalu Barun National Park
Highlights
Trip Details
An all- encompassing
trek offering the best
of Nepal.
The Makalu Base Camp Nepal is beautiful but tough route and is especially known for its views of towering Himalayan peaks, biodiversity, and unique and unspoiled cultural heritage.
Our journey starts with a scenic fifty minute flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a small village in Eastern Nepal. From Tumlingtar a good six hour drive by 4x4 awaits. The roads may be rough, but the scenery is outstanding.
The trek itself starts from the village Num, and follows the Arun River into the National Park. The park is recognized for its remarkable biodiversity and the area contains a multitude of species of rhododendron, orchids, and other rare plants. Vulnerable and endangered species such as snow leopard and red panda are also found here.
As we continue deeper into the park, we cross the high pass of Shipton La, and enter the upper Barun river valley. Here we get a close look at Makalu and Chamlang Himal and will be walking through the glacier filled Makalu Barun Valley.
Along the way we find settlements of Rai, Sherpa, and Bhote. These ethnic groups are all farmers, and though they are isolated and often economically poor, they preserve a rich cultural heritage.
We camp in selected areas with access to water and enough space for the tents. This is usually a clearing in the forest used by the local herders to graze their cattle, or a meadow outside the village. Here you may enjoy a well-deserved shower, followed by sundowners or some relaxing time with a book. Every day culminates with a delicious three course dinner and tales shared around the campfire.
This is a challenging trek and we recommend it only for experienced trekkers or people with a reasonably good physical condition. Expect to carry your personal pack with what you need while trekking. Our porters will carry everything else.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2 - 8
The first couple of days on the trek is at a relatively low altitude, and will be hot. The forest in the valley provides some much welcomed shade, as we move along the rugged trails through the terraced farmland. We enter the National park on the first day, Makalu-Barun National Park.
From here on the trekking gets tougher as we start climbing towards Shipton La Pass, which we will pass on the fourth day. Climbing up through the forest onto the ridge, we pass numerous small streams and lakes. The trail towards the pass is demanding, but we are rewarded with marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m).
We now enter the stunning Makalu Barun Valley, as we make the steep descend to the Barun River. The trail alternates between steep ascents and pleasant walks up through the valley. On the eighth day we reach Makalu Base Camp, surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains. It is important to adhere to medical guidelines to avoid altitude sickness here; first and foremost to walk slowly and stay hydrated.
Day 9
Today is time for exploration and celebration. You may want to take an easy day with just some short strolls from the camp, or you may want to explore the glacial lakes and views further up the valley. The evening will be time for celebrating our accomplishments so far.
Day 10 - 14
For the next five days we retrace our trail back through the valley. As we make our way down, we may enjoy seeing everything again but from a different perspective.
Day 15
After spending the night in the village Num we drive back to Tumlingtar.*Note: We recommend allowing for a buffer day on trek for extra acclimatization or bad weather conditions. We also highly recommend that you plan 1-2 buffer days in Kathmandu on either side of the trek in case of domestic flight cancellations and delays.
We have other Makalu Trek packages: Makalu Base Camp Trek and Makalu Base Camp Camping Trek
The first couple of days on the trek is at a relatively low altitude, and will be hot. The forest in the valley provides some much welcomed shade, as we move along the rugged trails through the terraced farmland. We enter the National park on the first day, Makalu-Barun National Park.
From here on the trekking gets tougher as we start climbing towards Shipton La Pass, which we will pass on the fourth day. Climbing up through the forest onto the ridge, we pass numerous small streams and lakes. The trail towards the pass is demanding, but we are rewarded with marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m).
We now enter the stunning Makalu Barun Valley, as we make the steep descend to the Barun River. The trail alternates between steep ascents and pleasant walks up through the valley. On the eighth day we reach Makalu Base Camp, surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains. It is important to adhere to medical guidelines to avoid altitude sickness here; first and foremost to walk slowly and stay hydrated.
Day 9
Day 10 - 14
Day 15
*Note: We recommend allowing for a buffer day on trek for extra acclimatization or bad weather conditions. We also highly recommend that you plan 1-2 buffer days in Kathmandu on either side of the trek in case of domestic flight cancellations and delays.
We have other Makalu Trek packages: Makalu Base Camp Trek and Makalu Base Camp Camping Trek
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+977 (01) 4511 225
Mountain Travel Nepal
House No : 309
Shree Marga 1,Khursanitar
Kathmandu, Nepal
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