Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an adventure with RP Adventures that takes you around remote pockets of the Eastern Himalayas. The walk leads you to a stunning country towards high-altitude scenic destinations to the base of Mt. Makalu. Listed as the world’s 5th tallest peak from the 14th highest mountains on this planet earth.
A black pyramid summit towers high at 8, 485 m / 27, 838 feet, above the picturesque Barun Valley. Situated, at a distance of 19 km / 12 miles east of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Due to its remote location, few groups of trekkers and mountaineers seldom venture to Makalu base camp and Barun Valley.But in the last few decades, the flow of trekkers is gradually on the rise.
As the facilities of lodge accommodation are built around Khongma and Barun Valley as far as Makalu base camp. Making it much better and easier than in earlier days when camping equipment was needed to carry throughout the trek.Mt. Makalu Base Camp although a high altitude adventure, where trekkers can get acclimatized on daily walks. As well as spending overnights at certain heights making the trek more exciting and enjoyable.
Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking begins with a sweeping scenic flight to land at the warm low farm town of Tumlingtar.Located in the district of Sankasabha of Nepal Eastern Koshi Zone, from this nice town. Taking a four-wheel drive towards cooler hills past the large town of Khandbari, headquarters of the district. As drive ends on a hill village at Num, where the air gets much cooler to start our adventurous walks.
Heading down and ups through smaller hamlets and farm villages to Seduwa, reaching Tashi-Gaon.The last permanent village en route to Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley, leaving the last human settlement. A steep climb reaches you on the top of Khongma-La high ridge, after a good uphill climb through lovely dense forest.
From Khongma-La glorious views of Mt. Makalu, Barun Himal, and Chamlang Peaks with Mt. Kanchenjunga towards the east direction.The trail follows crossing smaller passes of Shipton-La, Keke-La, and Tutu-La reaching a glacial pond of Thulo and Sano Pokhari. Slowly the walk heads downhill back into tall tree lines to Mumbuk and then enter the scenic Barun Valley.The trail follows through smaller temporary settlements of Yangla Kharka and Yak herder summer grazing camps.
After Mumbuk the tree line gives away to short rhododendron and juniper bushes then reaches the main highlight. At Mt. Makalu Base Camp on the highest spot of the adventure encircled by towering snow peaks. The base camp is a lonely hut severing as Tea- House or lodge facing tremendous mountain views.Enjoy the alluring scenery of Mt. Makalu with famous, rare views of Khansung East Face of Mt. Everest towards the North-West.
After an exciting and amazing experience within remorseless fields of ice and glaciers and giant peaks. Return journey on the same scenic route with a climb towards Mumbuk and Dobato to reach Khongma Ridge. Then finally the walk heads downhill to Tashi- Gaon and Seduwa to end the walk at Num village.An interesting drive on mountain rough tracks brings you low warm farm country at Tumlingtar for the last overnight halt.
The next morning a short scenic flight reaches Kathmandu, after a great wonderful adventure on Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking.Mt Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world, standing majestically at 8453m (27,760ft). Nestled between the formidable Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu resides in the Mahalangur Himal range, straddling both Nepal and Tibet.Known as the “Black Mountain,” Makalu holds a sacred significance in Hinduism, beckoning adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.
It was first conquered by the indomitable duo J. Cousy and L. Terrey, leading a French expedition team. Today, Makalu offers five distinct climbing routes, each presenting its own unique challenges and variations, all leading to the awe-inspiring summit. The irresistible allure of Makalu tempts hardened adventurers from across the globe to conquer this majestic “Black One.”
Just 5km northeast of Makalu, in the Mahalangur or Khumbu Himalayas of Tibet, stands Chomolonzo. This stunning mountain, often spelled as Chomolonze, Jemolonzl, or Lhamalangcho, boasts three distinct summits, offering climbers an added dimension of exploration. Come experience the exhilaration of conquering these towering Himalayan marvels and etch an unforgettable chapter in your adventure story.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arival and pickup to hotel – 1,300m
Day 02: Kathmandu Day Sightseeing – 1,300m
Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar 518m, drive to Num 1,500m – 03 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Seduwa 1,540m – 05 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Tashi Gaou 2,200m – 04 hrs
Day 6: Trek to Khongma Danda 3,500m – 08 hrs
Day 07: Rest day in Khoma Dada – 3.500m
Day 08: Trek to Dobato 3,610m – 06 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Yangla Kharka 3,600m – 06 hrs
Day 10: Rest day in Yangla Kharka 3,600m – 05 hrs
Day 11: Trek to langma-la Kharka 4,400m – 05 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Makalu base camp4800m – 05 hrs
Day 13: Rest day in Makalu base camp – 4,800m
Day 14: Trek back to Yangla kharka 3,600m – 06 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Dobato 3,500m – 06 hrs
Day 16: Trek back to Khoma Dada3,500m – 08 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Sedwa 1,500m – 07 hrs
Day 18: Trek back to Num – 05 hrs and Drive back to Tumling Tar 950m – 03 hrs
Day 19: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu 1,300m – 01 hrs
Day 20: Rest day in Kathmandu – 1,300m
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu airport – 1,300m
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport check the Nepal Standard Time, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Outside the air terminal our staff from RP Adventures will greet and receives you for short drive to your hotels. The hotel located in the hub of Kathmandu, on arrival check into your lovely rooms. Then meet with other members of the trek for briefing regarding Makalu Base Camp Trekking. After collecting all the useful information and trek details, evening a group welcome dinner in nice authentic Nepal Restaurants an introduction to Nepali foods and cultures.
A free day in Kathmandu preparation for the treks as well enjoy tour of Kathmandu and Nepal famous landmarks. Kathmandu valley and its adjoining cities are steeped with historical monuments listed in World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the tour of Old Durbar Square, the ancient palace and royal courtyard, as well visiting the oldest Buddhist Stupa of Swyambhunath. As well the famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and large dome stupa of Bouddhanath and then back to hotel. After an exciting tour, back to hotel rest of the afternoon preparation for Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Morning as time for flight to Tumlingtar airport, transfer to Kathmandu domestic Air Terminal, after checking through security. Then board on a moderate size Aircraft for sweeping panoramic flight facing grand views of Himalayan peaks. Includes view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Mt. Makalu with Kanchenjunga Himalayas, as the plane lands at Tumlingtar airport. Received by our guide and trekking staff, an exciting drive on jeep or similar four-wheelers. The drive heads up to cooler hills on leaving the sub-tropical low areas of Arun Valley. Heading past a large town of Khandbari on winding ups to Chinchilla, then downhill to Num village for first overnight. Staying in the best simple lodge available facing grand views of surrounding beautiful landscapes and snow peaks.
Morning enjoy the surrounding scenery of rolling green hills and peaks of Jalajala, start the first day trek. Heading down to a gorge of Arun River crossing a bridge, uphill climb through smaller farm village to reach Seduwa. A nice small village with few simple lodge to accommodate travelers, check into a lodge, and having time to explore the village. As well interact with the local and know the local culture and custom.
From Seduwa, the walk is pleasant following the country farm trail with few ups and down to Tashi Gaon. The last permanent human settlement and village en route Makalu Base Camp, the other places are just temporary settlements. At Tashi-Gaon in a nice simple lodge for lunch and overnight stop, afternoon enjoy visiting the villages. Tashi Gaon is mainly populated by the Sherpa tribe of Buddhism religion and culture.
After a pleasant stop in Tashi Gaon, an interesting village adorned with many Buddhist monuments. From here walk leads into a dense rhododendron and pine forest with some small meadow. As climb starts to a steep up within tree lines then reach on top of Khongma-La Danda / Ridge. Enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge facing grand views of Mt. Makalu, Chamlang and Baruntse Himal. Includes views of massif Kanchenjunga Himalayan range towards Far East horizon, rest of the day relax and marvel the views.
rest day
Enjoying the morning glorious views of world’s highest peaks, then start the walk heading due north. The trail follows on a high ridgeline as tree lines drops for some hours reaching Thulo and Sano Pokhari. A big and small glacial ponds then over Shipton-La, Tutu-La and Keke-La a smaller pass of above 4,200 m high. Then finally the day walk completes reaching a small area at Dobato with few simple huts as lodge.
Enjoying the views from Dobato, means a junction of two routes as walk follows down to Mumbuk. Enter the dense tree lines to reach Barun Valley, an area famous for rare plants and herbs. The endangered vegetation, which is nearly extinct around the world, found only within the Makalu and Barun areas.
The walk gets easier on near level path following the Barun streams uphill as tree lines fades. For short dwarf bushes of juniper and rhododendron known as azalea, as walk leads to overnight halt at Yangla Kharka. After an exciting long day walks staying in the comfort of a nice simple and cozy lodge.
rest day in hike ti Shiva dhara and Cave
After Yangla Kharka and around Yak grazing pasture field, our adventure leads closer towards our main destinations. From Yangla Kharka some Hindu pilgrims also visits to a sacred spot called Shiva Dhara. A steep climb on a rocky cliff and quite dangerous climb to reach the holy spot and waterfall. From Yangla Kharka our route heads further west following the streams of Barun to reach Shearson. An isolated place with few huts serving as Tea-House with accommodation for overnights stop. Which is a mere distance from Makalu Base Camp, as well facing grand views of Mt. Makalu.
Today’s walk leads right beneath the towering South Face of Mt. Makalu reaching the Base Camp. Our main goal and final highlights of the adventures, the morning walks follows a small path. Then over the moraine of rocks and boulders as you step towards Mt. Makalu Base Camp. Stand amidst remorseless fields of ice and glaciers and in the comfort of a nice simple lodge. At the base camp on the highest spot of the treks for lunch and for two overnights stop. Afternoon relax and enjoy the spectacular views of surrounding giant peaks of Barun and Chamlang Himal with Mt. Makalu.
After continues days of walks from Num, enjoy the free and rest day, explore the scenic high terrains. From the base camp some trekkers also head towards Everest region crossing high Sherpani Col / Pass. The best of Makalu base camp is the views of Mt. Everest. Trekkers can climb a near view-point for excellent scenery and views of rare East Face of Mt. Everest. Also known as the famous Khansung Face of Everest, rest of the day enjoy leisure moments.
After an exciting time at Mt. Makalu Base Camp, return journey downhill on the same pleasant trail to Yangla Kharka. For last overnight amidst scenic Barun Valley, enjoying the good walk to Yangla Kharka.
The walk follows the Barun Khola / stream for some hours and then climb leads back into dense forest. As uphill continues until reaching a ridge top at Dobato for overnight halt. After a good long walk on leaving the scenic Barun Valley and Makalu Base Camp.
From Dobato retrace the journey to Khongma Danda crossing Tutu-La, Keke-La and Shipton-La, walking past the glacial pond to Khongma Danda. Enjoy the last overnight around the remote areas and wilderness of Makalu and
Sankasabha district. Before heading back into human habitation and farm villages.
Morning enjoy the grand views of Mt. Makalu and series of white peaks, then leaving the high hills and ridges. A long descent to Tashi Gaon for lunch, after a refreshing stop, taking an alternative route. From Tashi-Gaon enjoy walk on higher trail through small forest and then reaching a large Sherpa village at Nawa Gaon. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the village and observe the local Impressive Sherpa culture of Makalu area.
The walk on leaving Nawa Gaon, down to Seduwa village taking a short rest, continue heading downhill to Arun River. After crossing a small bridge, with last steep climb to reach Num for overnight halt. The last day walk of the adventure ends at Num, morning enjoy the bumpy and exciting drive up to Chinchilla. From this small farm village down to Bhote Bas and Manibhanyang through serval farm areas to Khandbari a big town. After a brief stop drive leads on winding downhill past smaller farm villages to reach Tumlingtar. Check into a nice lodge for last overnight around Makalu and Eastern Himalaya region of Nepal.
As per flight time for Kathmandu, walk to the Tumlingtar Airport then wait for the plane to arrive from Kathmandu. Get on board the aircraft for sweeping panoramic flight back to Kathmandu, on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Transfer to your respective hotels, after an amazing and wonderful experience on Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking.
A free day to enjoy individual activities in Kathmandu or explore around the three historical cities of Kathmandu valley. As well enjoy shopping for souvenirs of Nepal. Please note this day is reserved as contingency, in case of flight delay or road block due to bad weather to and from Tumlingtar.
The last final day in Kathmandu and at Nepal, as time for your international flight time. Our RP Adventures guides and staff transfers you to the airport, and then bid farewell to the guide and staff. Then enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, after a memorable exciting adventure to Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trekking.
The Makalu Trek Region, located in eastern Nepal, offers an unparalleled adventure for trekkers. Dominated by Mount Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world, this remote region boasts pristine landscapes, dense forests, and high-altitude terrains. Trekkers can experience diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the red panda. The cultural richness of local Sherpa communities adds to the allure, making the Makalu Trek a must-visit for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion.
To ensure a safe and comfortable trek in the Himalayan region, it is highly recommended to bring the appropriate equipment and gear to cope with the cold temperatures. The following is a list of essential equipment and gear for Makalu Base Camp Trek, which can be purchased either in the Thamel market or brought from your home country.
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
Additional Equipment Checklist
Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.