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Makalu Base Camp

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Trip Overview

Level 15/20: This exceptional trek in eastern Nepal is long and offers a genuine challenge that goes far beyond the treks undertaken by most trekkers and tourists. It takes place in a remote and wild region where the local people have seen very little change in their ancestral way of life. This region is undoubtedly one of the most protected corners of this increasingly crowded planet. This trek requires a good level of fitness and trekking experience.

This itinerary has been designed with the utmost care for altitude acclimatization. It is an exceptional trek in eastern Nepal, offering a blend of rich cultural heritage combined with unsurpassed beauty and great biodiversity. The trek begins in the low-lying, humid areas along the Arun River near Tumlingtar and ends in one of the least-traveled areas of Nepal at Makalu Base Camp. The trail follows the beautiful Barun River valley within Makalu and Barun National Park, crossing Shipton Pass at 4,216 meters before reaching Makalu Base Camp. This trek offers stunning views of Makalu’s south face, as well as the peaks of Chamlang and Kanchenjunga.

This is a remote wilderness area with pristine forests and alpine pastures. Due to its relative inaccessibility, it receives very few trekkers.

Highlights

  • Mount Makalu [8463m]
  • 5th highest peak in the world
  • Tumlingtar Airport open to large aircraft since 2011
  • Region rarely visited by trekkers
  • Great ethnic diversity including Gurung/Rai
  • Limbu/Sherpa/Bahun
  • Chhetri

Itinerary

1 Arrival in Kathmandu.
After completing your visa and customs formalities, you will collect your luggage and be met at the airport exit by a representative from the agency. Transfer to the hotel. You will then collect your passports and pay the fees for the special Mustang permit to finalize the administrative procedures.
2. Flight to Tumlingtar then transfer to Chichila (1,840m) - 2 to 3 hours on the track.
The flight to Tumlingtar takes about 45 minutes, and upon arrival we have lunch at a local lodge. Following the opening of numerous rather rough tracks by the government, we board jeeps to reach the starting point of the trek at Chichila. The track begins heading towards Khandbari, a lively market town, then crosses an area of ​​terraced fields as the track becomes increasingly uncomfortable before climbing into a wooded area before reaching Chichila, located at the top of a ridge.
3. Trek to Num (1,500m) - 5 hours of walking.
If the weather is clear, upon opening the tent, your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the Himalayan range, and especially to the summit of Makalu. Today's trek begins through a forest of rhododendrons and bamboo, soon giving way to oak trees further along the ridge. For the rest of the day, we follow this ridge, and on a clear day, we can admire the peaks of Makalu and Chamlang. After lunch, we reach the small Sherpa village of Mure before descending to Num, perched on a promontory above the Arun River and the valley leading to Sedua.
4. Trek to Sedua (1,540m) - 5 to 6 hours of walking.
The path descends steeply through terraced fields and forests to the Arun River, losing considerable altitude to reach 650m. We must cross this large, fast-flowing river on a suspension bridge before climbing steeply to Sedua, the entry point to Makalu-Barun National Park.
5. Trek to Tashigaon (2,070m) - 4 to 5 hours of walking.
The trail continues to climb out of the valley, passing through rhododendron and bamboo forests and then through terraced rice paddies at Manigaon. From this village, the trail winds its way through wooded areas and cultivated land to reach the local school in Tashigaon.
6. Trek to Khongma (3,560m) - 6 to 7 hours of walking.
From Tashigaon, the trail begins a steep climb through the forest before opening up, revealing more and more rhododendrons until it reaches Chipla and its small huts atop another ridge. The path continues to ascend, crossing two small streams before undulating along this forested ridge to reach pastures at 2900m. The trail continues to climb across a plateau with a small meadow. Then the ascent becomes steeper on moss-covered stone steps to Dhara Kharka, a pasture at the top of the ridge. The path crosses a small hillock before descending slightly to Khongma, where there is a small lodge.
7. Rest and acclimatization at Khongma (3,560m).
After a rapid ascent of 1,400 meters the previous day, it is essential to take a rest day to properly acclimatize for the crossing of the Shipton Pass the following day. The program is therefore optional, with a walk along the ridge towards the pass.
8. Trek to Debotay (3,800m) via the Shipton La (4,216m) - 6 to 7 hours of walking.
From Khongma, the trail climbs steeply before easing as it approaches the ridge's summit, where a large mani wall with prayer flags flutters in the breeze. From the summit, we enjoyed the views of Chamlang and Peaks 6 and 7. The path continues along a stone staircase through a rhododendron forest before reaching the summit of Shipton at 4216m. The descent on the other side leads to Kalo Pokhari Lake, which, as its name suggests, is a dark-water lake. The trail then climbs to the Keke La pass at 4150m, and after this pass, we descend into a beautiful valley to reach Debotay, where there is a small, basic lodge in a clearing amidst rhododendrons.
09. Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,700m) - 5 hours of walking.
The path winds along the steep slopes of the Barun Valley, crossing numerous landslides. Giant rock walls tower above us on either side of the river. Further on, the valley widens, and near Yangle Kharka, there is a large grassy plain and a simple little shop.
10. Trek to Langmale Kharka (4,450m) - 4 to 5 hours of walking.
Today the trail passes numerous yak pastures and shepherds' huts. As we gain altitude, we limit the ascent to allow our bodies sufficient time for proper acclimatization. The camp is set up in a grazing area called Langmale Kharka, where a new lodge is located.
11. Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,900m) - 4 to 5 hours of walking.
The trail enters an alluvial valley as you approach Sherson, and the southeast face of Makalu comes into view. The path then descends to a stream, which you cross on rocks to reach base camp on the right bank of the river. From this point, the south face of Makalu is breathtaking!
12. Walk around Makalu Base Camp (4,900m).
An optional hike is organized on the slopes east of base camp to enjoy views of Everest, Lhotse, and of course Makalu. The hike will take us to an altitude of 5300m and will take approximately 5 hours round trip.
13. Trek back to Yangle Kharka (3,700m).
14. Trek back to Debotay (3,800m).
15. Trek back to Tashigaon.
16. Trek back to Num.
17. Trek back to Chichila, jeep to Tumlingtar.
18. Flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the Gokarna resort.
19 Guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
Today we set off to explore the Kathmandu Valley, starting with the charming city of Bhaktapur, "the city of devotees," the jewel of the valley with its countless temples and scenes of rural life. After lunch, we return to Kathmandu, visiting the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, where all Hindus are cremated. Then we continue to the enormous Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, where Tibetan pilgrims tirelessly circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and reciting their rosaries. What an atmosphere! Overnight at the hotel.
20 Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on flight times, it will be possible to do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for the return flight.

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