Makalu Base Camp Trek

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m)

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal. You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.

Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration: Approx. 8 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

 Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess. Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and the center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath. From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the

5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: (1,980 m/6497ft)

Flight duration:  45 mins flight

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a flight to Tumlingtar. Upon landing at the airport, you meet the team members who will also be joining you for the trek. Then you take a private vehicle along the paved road to the bustling town of Khandbari. There’s plenty of rural life to observe as you head upwards, with fields of corn, bamboo, and Sal trees. You continue on a meandering road to the highest point at 1,960 m before descending to the village of Gurung settlement called Chichira. You will stop by Chihira to check the entry permit.  Witness the shaded and serene forest of rhododendron, and oaks on the way. Further, you head towards Num driving descend path.  Num is situated on an outcrop above the Arun River, where you can see a birds-eye view over the valley towards Seduwa village.

Altitude above sea level: (1,500 m/4922 ft.)

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, after breakfast, you leave Num behind and head towards Seduwa. Start your today’s journey with a steep descent through terraced farms and forests to the Arun River at 770 m. Thereafter, you cross the suspension bridge over the wild-flowing Arun River and begin the long, zigzag ascent to Seduwa, passing groves of enormous bamboo, and bustling village life. This is where Makalu Barun National Park starts, and registers our permits.

Altitude above sea level: (2,100 m/6,890ft)

Hiking duration:  5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you start uphill on a path with numerous stone steps and pass several Mani walls. Further, you walk through many small farms scattered across the hillside, cardamom plantations, and the forests of bamboo and rhododendron trees. After hiking for a couple of hours, you reach the small settlement of Chyaksa Danda  with some tea shops, schools, and several houses.

You may hear the melodious sound of barbets, cuckoos, drongos, and laughing thrushes. Thereafter, you continue hiking through dense forests and cross a few streams on good log bridges. You can see your destination, Tashigaon, on the hillside ahead, although it takes longer than you might think to arrive, as you contour on an undulating path. Finally, you take downhill to a log bridge just before your final push on stone steps to reach Tashigaon.

Altitude above sea level: (3,500 m/11,483 ft.)

Hiking duration:  8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a bit of a sturdy day as you have to walk a lot through steep trail.  From Tashigaun, take an ascent through forests to a rivulet and then on top of a ridge. The trail gets still steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and then follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes climbing to the top of the ridge. Then you walk a bit down to Khongma Danda.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a day to have a rest to allow some bodily rest and help your acclimatization before traversing Shipton La the next day. Those who prefer to explore the close by area can walk along Khongma ridge towards Shipton La. You can enjoy the magnificent backdrop of Kanchenjunga from the ridge.

Altitude above sea level: (3,800 m/12,467 ft.)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you follow an equally picturesque trail to the foothill of Shipton Pass (4,125 m/13,533 ft.).  Then you walk along the ridge through a rhododendron forest to Ghungru La. A short descent from here takes you to a lake, and you reach Keke La Pass (4,150 m/13,615 ft.). After crossing the pass, you move downwards towards the valley of Dobatey.

Altitude above sea level: (3,557 m/11,670 ft.)

Hiking duration: 5–6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a downhill through the forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Further, take a steep descent towards the Barun River through the forest. Finally, you reach the river and then start your walk on a path underneath a substantial landslide area. En route, you catch glimpses of Chanlang and Tutse.

After a passing ascent, you reach the tea shop at Themathang Kharka, 3,500 m. Savor the remarkable view of the waterfall just before you reach Themathang. From here you walk for a short while until crossing the Barun River on a wooden bridge.  After hiking through the steep trails you take a gradual ascent to Yangri Khraka which is located at the base of the valley.

Altitude above sea level:  (4,410 m/14,468ft)

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you pass several yak pastures (kharkas) and herder huts.  You cross a couple of wooden bridges over small streams from the mountain to arrive at Merek. From here, you will get a commanding view of the Himalayas, Further, you walk through moraines and passes and small settlements to reach Langmale Kharka.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today you go for a day walk from Langmale Kharka. This will help our acclimatization before walking up to Makalu Base Camp tomorrow. You walk up the grassy slopes above the lodge and can ascend over 800 m. There are superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day, so take your time to enjoy the walk. The views of Peak 3, 4, and 5 are stunning as well as Chamlang.

Altitude above sea level:   (4,900 m/16,076 ft.)

Hiking duration: 4-5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the day we hit the big time to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we walk up to Shershong where you can see fine view of Mount Makalu and finally reach to Makalu Base Camp where you will mesmerize seeing the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding you.

Altitude above sea level:   (4,900/16,076 ft.)

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will organize an optional walk on the slope on the east side of Makalu Base Camp, which help your acclimatization. You can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. If you wish, you can explore the surrounding lakes and glaciers. The walk will take about 5 hours to return and reaches an altitude of 5,300 m.

Altitude above sea level: (3,700 m/12,139 ft.)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we descend the same trail to Yangle Kharka.

Altitude above sea level: (3,800 m/12,467 ft.)

Hiking duration:  6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we follow the same trail back to Dobatey.

Altitude above sea level: (3,500 m/11,483 ft.)

Hiking duration:  7-8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is your final chance to get fascinating views of the soaring mountains, including Kangchenjunga. After breakfast, You take an ascending trail that takes you to Keke La Pass. From here, you take a gradual descent to Kalo Pokhari and take a steep ascent to Shipton La Pass. Another hour or so of contouring around the mountainside will take you to the large cairn that marks Sano Pokhari Danda at 4,105 m. A further hour of undulations brings you back to the final pass – the Khongma La at 3,890 m, marked by a Mani wall. Then take a downhill, mainly on stone steps all the way to Danda Kharka.

Altitude above sea level: (1,500 m/4,922 ft.)

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a way down from danda Kharka and follow the path lined with rhododendron forest. Exiting the forest, we will move through a rocky area. Then you continue your hike further through the meadow, to reach the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon. From here, you walk through terraced fields with a stunning view of mountains. Thereafter, you take a descent to the Arun River and make it to Seduwa.

Altitude above sea level: (285m)

Hiking duration: 2.5 hrs. approx.

Driving duration: 6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we walk for about 2.5 hours, then take a vehicle along a bumpy road to the bustling market town of Khandbari. Further, you continue driving through terraced fields to Tumlingtar.

Flight duration: 45 minutes approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

Today we will take a flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. After check-in at the hotel, spend your afternoon at leisure. You can spend the day resting or catch up on some last-minute shopping or shop for some locally made handicrafts and souvenirs.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.