Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking Holiday - 22 Days
Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley Trekking Highlights
- Venture into the unspoiled Nepal wilderness.
- The Makalu Barun Valley trek is one of the most hidden treks in the Himalayas, and yet, considered by many, one of the most beautiful, diverse and authentic treks in Nepal.
- Close encounter with Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain in the world.
- An excellent introduction to Nepal's lesser known sights.
- Explore the wild Barun valley off-the-beaten-path.
- Abundant wildlife (Himalayan wolves, red pandas, monkeys, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, …).
- One of the most unique treks in Nepal, unaffected by tourism.
- Breathtaking vistas and spectacular views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, Baruntse and Kanchenjunga.
- Not long time ago, this trek was only possible as a camping trek. NOW, tea houses and homestays have emerged along the route, making this trek more accessible and affordable.
- A true immersion into the heart of the Himalayas.
- Small groups only (limited to 8 travelers per group) to limit the pressure on the habitats and wildlife.
Note: Our expert local guides are professional license holder Trekking Guides and have years of trekking experience. They are highly trained, uphold the highest safety standards and have an excellent knowledge of the Himalayan mountains. You can rest assured that you will be in safe hands.
DAY 01. Welcome to Nepal
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Meals: Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 02. Kathmandu sightseeing | Trek briefing
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with our private city guide - by private car or van. We will visit:
After the sightseeing tour, we will conduct a pre-departure briefing.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 03. Flight to Tumlingtar*/ Drive to Num (1500m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 04. Trek from Num to Seduwa (1530m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
Our first trekking day. Our hike starts with a long descent through the subtropical forest. Then, we will cross the Arun river and climb up to Seduwa through the terraced rice fields. Seduwa is the entrance (checkpoint) of the Makalu Barun National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 05. Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2070m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
We will continue our trek through the terraced rice fields and the bamboo and rhododendron forests, up to Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement of the valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 06. Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma (3560m) | ≈ 7-8 hours
We will start our hike with a long and steep ascent through the rhododendron forest. We will climb up to Khongma. You will be gaining elevation today. We will stay in Khongma for two nights in order to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 07. Acclimatization day in Khongma
The key to a successful trek in the Himalayas is a proper acclimatization to high altitude. Acclimatization hike to the Khongma La in the morning. Then, we will rest before tomorrow's challenge: crossing the 3 passes of Shipton La.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 08. Trek from Khongma to Dobate (3650m) via the 3 Passes of Shipton La | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will start our hike early in the morning, climb up to the first pass "Khongma La" and continue up to the second and main pass "Shipton La" (4250m). Enjoy the fantastic panoramic views on Makalu, Chamlang and Kanchenjunga. Then, we will descend to the Kalo Pokhari lake, where we will have our lunch. We will climb up again and cross our third pass "Keke La" (4150m). We will hike down to Dobate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 09. Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka (3600m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
Today will be little more technical. We will continue our trek to Yangle Kharka, through the Barun valley, with a succession of multiple steep ascents and descents. We will cross few landslide areas before reaching Yangle Kharka.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 10. Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale (4410m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
Beautiful hiking day from Yangle Kharka up to Langmale Kharka. We will cross many yak pastures ("Kharkas") and shepherds' huts. Once more, you will be gaining elevation today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 11. Acclimatization day in Langmale
In order to prevent altitude sickness issues, we will stay in Langmale today. Hike around Langmale Kharka.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 12. Trek from Langmale to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
We will trek on a mostly flat trail to Shershong. Then, we will walk to the Makalu Base Camp through a beautiful and pristine mountain landscape. Spectacular views of the south face of Makalu, 5th highest mountain in the world. We will spend the night at the Makalu Base Camp or hike back to Shershong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 13. Explore Makalu Base Camp
We will spend the day exploring the surroundings of the Makalu Base Camp. Optional hike (recommended!) to the Makalu Advanced Base camp (5600m) to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Makalu, Baruntse, Everest and Lhotse. A magical moment !
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 14. Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3600m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
We will retrace our steps through the Barun valley and hike down to Yangle Kharka, via Langmale Kharka.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 15. Trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobate (3650m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
We will continue our hike retracing the same route, from Yangle Kharka to Dobate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 16. Trek from Dobate to Khongma (3560m) | ≈ 5 hours
We will cross Keke La and hike down to the Kalo Pokhari lake. Then, we will cross Shipton La and Khongma La, before descending to Khongma.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 17. Trek from Khongma to Seduwa (1530m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
Long and deep descent from Khongma to Seduwa, via Tashigaon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 18. Trek from Seduwa to Num (1500m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Our last hiking day. We will retrace our footsteps to Num, starting and ending point of our trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.
DAY 19. Drive from Num to Tumlingtar
We will take a local jeep and drive back to Tumlingtar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Lodge.
DAY 20. Fly from Tumlingtar* to Kathmandu
Scenic mountain flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Free time in the afternoon.
*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flights from/to Tumlingtar may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 to 3 extra days should our flights from/to Tumlingtar be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 21. Leisure day & shopping in Kathmandu / Farewell Celebration dinner
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 22. Departure
After a fun-filled trekking holiday, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast.
This itinerary is intended to be a guideline; local conditions and weather may necessitate slight itinerary variations. The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable. We strongly advise allowing 2 to 3 contingency days in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that the Makalu Base Camp Trek is now doable as a Tea House Trek. We organize this trek as a "Tea House trek" (small groups only - limited to 8 travelers in order to limit the pressure on the habitats and wildlife).
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Mountaineering/ trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks & med-heavy wool socks.
- Gaiters.
- Crampons.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Trekking shirts.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Breathable underwear.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Trekking poles.
- Sunscreen.
- Flashlight.
- Sleeping bag.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle).
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking trekking guide/s (2 to 5 members: 1 trekking leader/ 6 to 8 members: 1 trekking leader + 1 trekking guide).
- Personal porter service (2 members : 1 porter).
- All ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- 2 Flight tickets: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu / Lodge in Tumlingtar / Homestays during the trek.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Trekking map.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu on day 2.
- Entrance fees.
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Satellite phone.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- Welcome dinner and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Excess baggage fees (domestic flights).
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinners).
- Tips for porters, guides & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
Kathmandu: 3-Star Hotel.
Tumlingtar: Lodge.
During trek: Homestays.
The homestays (tea houses) on the Makalu trek are quite new. The rooms are basic; the quality varies and the comfort becomes more rudimentary as you ascend in altitude. Showers mean most of the time a bucket of water. Most of the tea houses have basic access to electricity and WiFi is not often available. The rooms do not have heaters; bring a sleeping bag with you for the nights at high altitudes. Toilets (squat toilets) are outside the rooms; tea houses do not provide toilet paper; do not forget to bring a couple of rolls with you.
Meals:
Kathmandu: Breakfasts, Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner.
Tumlingtar: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
During the trek: Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Very active walker-climber in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 5 to 7 hours in a day. We recommend that all participants engage in a physical training and regular weekly hikes at least 3 to 4 months prior to departure.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.
