Adventure Friendship
Makalu Base Camp Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Trek to Makalu Base Camp (5,000 m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain
- Explore Makalu Barun National Park — pristine Himalayan biodiversity
- Panoramic views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and surrounding peaks
- Cross Shipton La (4,200 m) and Keke La Pass (4,152 m)
- Walk through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote Sherpa villages
- Experience authentic Sherpa culture and lifestyle
- Perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking solitude and pristine landscapes
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Drive to Chichila (1,840 m)
Fly 50 minutes to Tumlingtar, then drive 3 hours on a bumpy road to Chichila. Enjoy the scenic lowlands of eastern Nepal before starting the trek.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Chichila - Day 2 : Trek from Chichila to Num (1,500 m)
Trek through delightful villages, terraced fields, and mountain forests. The trail climbs gently to Num, offering wide ridge views along the way.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Num
- Day 3 : Trek to Seduwa (1,540 m)
Descend to Arun Khola, passing through forests and cultivated lands. Makalu Barun National Park begins here — permits are obtained at the park entrance.
Overnight stay: Camp in Seduwa
- Day 4 : Trek to Tashi Gaon (2,070 m)
Ascend through hill trails surrounded by Kasuwa and Ipsuwa Khola rivers, passing small paddy fields and traditional villages.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Tashi Gaon
- Day 5 : Trek to Khongma (3,560 m)
The trail rises steeply into upper Barun Valley. Enjoy rhododendron forests and alpine scrub before reaching Khongma, the last stop before Shipton La Pass.
Overnight stay: Camp at Khongma
- Day 6 : Rest and Acclimatization at Khongma
A day to rest and acclimatize at 3,560 m, preparing for the challenging high passes ahead.
Overnight stay: Camp at Khongma
- Day 7 : Cross Shipton La and Trek to Debotay (3,650 m)
Climb to Shipton La and then to Keke La Pass (4,152 m). Spectacular views of Chamlang (7,319 m), Peak 6 (6,524 m), and Peak 7 (6,758 m). Descend to Debotay for overnight camping.
Overnight stay: Camp at Debotay
- Day 8 : Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600 m)
Pass through rhododendron forests and the Barun River valley, slowly gaining altitude until reaching Yangle Kharka, the base of the valley.
Overnight stay: Camp at Yangle Kharka
- Day 9 : Trek to Merek (4,500 m)
Trek through alpine meadows and yak pastures. The trek becomes more challenging as altitude increases — acclimatization is crucial.
Overnight stay: Camp at Merek
- Day 10 : Trek to Shersong (4,800 m)
Ascend the valley through boulder fields and yak pastures. Enjoy spectacular views of Makalu’s southeast ridge upon arrival.
Overnight stay: Camp at Shersong - Day 11 : Day Hike to Makalu Base Camp (5,000 m)
After proper acclimatization, hike to Makalu Base Camp. Marvel at the majestic peaks surrounding the base camp and return to Shersong for overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Camp at Shersong
- Day 12 : Trek back to Yangle Kharka (3,600 m)
Descend carefully through the same valley, taking in final views of Makalu before reaching Yangle Kharka.
Overnight stay: Camp at Yangle Kharka
- Day 13 : Trek to Mumbuk (3,200 m)
Descend into lower forests and climb briefly to Mumbuk, surrounded by lush greenery and flowing streams.
Overnight stay: Camp at Mumbuk
- Day 14 : Trek to Khongma (3,560 m)
Retrace your steps through fir and rhododendron forests, passing Keke La and Shipton La, before returning to Khongma.
Overnight stay: Camp at Khongma
- Day 15 : Trek to Tashi Gaon (2,070 m)
Descend through forests and hillsides back to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Tashi Gaon
- Day 16 : Trek to Num (1,500 m)
Continue descending the Arun Khola valley, retracing your steps to Num.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Num
- Day 17 : Trek to Chichila and Transfer to Tumlingtar (1,840 m)
Finish the trekking section and drive back to Tumlingtar for an overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Tumlingtar
- Day 18 : Fly back to Kathmandu
Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. End of trek.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Kathmandu
Trip Cost Inclusion
- International and domestic airport pickup and drop-off
- All ground transportation during the trip
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Tumlingtar on a Bed & Breakfast (twin-sharing) basis
- 17 nights accommodation in local guest houses, tea houses, or lodges including all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Option to upgrade hotels in Kathmandu via add-ons
- Local Government Entry Permit (Trek Card), National Park Entry Permit, Trekking Permits, and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
- 1 farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a premium restaurant with the NTA Team
- Professional English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
- All meals for guide and porter
- Salaries for guide and porter as per the tourism industry’s recommended standards
- First-aid kit carried by the trekking team
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International flight tickets and departure taxes
- Nepal entry visa fees (available upon arrival at Kathmandu airport)
- Drinks such as tea, coffee, bottled/mineral water, and alcoholic beverages
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic charging fees during the trek
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, drivers, and other staff
- Any extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or changes in the itinerary
- Travel insurance – mandatory for all trekkers, covering medical emergencies and high-altitude evacuation, with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000
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