Makalu Base Camp Trekking
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I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.

The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...

Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK

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Makalu Base Camp Trekking

High in the heart of the eastern Himalaya, seven valleys radiate from Mt Makalu, the world's fifth highest peak. This trek follows the Barun Valley, which contains some of the last remaining areas of pristine forests and alpine meadows in Nepal. From the bottom of the Arun Valley, near the start of the trek, the mountains rise from just 435m above sea level to the lofty snow-capped peak of Makalu (8463m) within a distance of only 40km. The trek therefore passes through a wide diversity of ecosystems and cultures. Communities of Rai farmers give way to Sherpa and Bhotia villages as altitude is gained. These peoples live in isolated villages much as they have for centuries. Their livelihoods depend upon forest resources for animal fodder, fuel, housing materials, fertilizers and medicine.

The Makalu - Barun National Park and Conservation Area was established in 1992 as Nepal’s eighth national park. Covering 2,330 sq km, Makalu - Barun is a remote wilderness, with just two small settlements and seasonal herding in high pastures. The area receives few foreign trekkers due to its relative inaccessibility and a journey to base camp is an unforgettable experience. The undisturbed wild life and forest of this area lure you with many varieties of orchids and more than 3000 species of flowering plants along with the endangered Red Pandas, Musk Deer, Himalayan Thar and leopard. The area also cradles more than 400 bird species, some of which are extremely rare. Then of course there are the mountains, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and Chhamlang that form a stunning backdrop at the head of the Barun Valley. An extremely rewarding trek at a genuinely unperturbed land!

Summary of Makalu Base Camp Trekking

  • 1 Day Kathmandu City Tour
  • 21 Days Trek through Everest Base Camp & Tumlingtar Airport enjoying magnificent scenic routes
  • 1 Day Leisure in Kathmandu

Fact of Lower Dolpo Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking Title: Makalu Base Camp Trekking
Category: Highly Adventurous
Grade: Strenuous & Difficult
Total Days: 25 Days
Group Size: 2 to 15 Pax
Departure Date: Everyday During the Season
Maximum Elevation: 5,200m. (16,640ft.)
Transportation: Flights Only
Accommodation: Tent (Camping) Trekking
Trekking Hours: Approximately 5 to 7 hrs. Each Day.
Best Season: Sep. to Nov. / March to May
Trip cost: USD 2,844.00

Day to Day Outline Itinerary

Day 01. Day 19.Arrive at Kathmandu. Traditional Nepali Dinner
Day 02. City Tour and freelancing
Day 03. Fly to Tumlingtar
Day 04. Trek to Khandbari
Day 05. Trek to Chichira
Day 06. Trek to Num
Day 07. Trek to Seduwa
Day 08. Trek to Tashi Gaon
Day 09. Trek to Khongma
Day 10. Trek to Mumbuk
Day 11. Trek to Yangle Kharka
Day 12. Trek to Merek
Day 13. Trek to Shersong
Day 14. Day trip to Makalu Base camp
Day 15. Trek to Yangle Kharka
Day 16. Trek to Mumbuk
Day 17. Trek to Khongma
Day 18. Trek to Tashi Gaon
Day 19. Trek to Num
Day 20. Trek to Chichira
Day 21. Trek to Khandbari
Day 22. Trek to Tumlingtar
Day 23. Fly back to Kathmandu / leisure
Day 24. Free Day in Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner
Day 25. Departure

Day to Day Detail Itinerary

Day 01. ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you.
Day 02.

KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals.

Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal.

Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors.

Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century.

Day 03. KATHMANDU – TUMLINGTAR (360m): This morning you proceed to check in the airport and then you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your flight to Tumlingtar. It takes 45 minutes to get to Tumlingtar by flight. Camp will be installed in the village of Tumlingtar.
Day 04. TUMLINGTAR – KHANDBARI (1020m): The trail to Khandbari from Tumlingtar passes through a trainquil rural area with level paddies and the scattered houses all built with high floors and either white or red walls. Commence your walk to Kumhalgaon and follow the trail that passes to the east and then an ascent between the Arun Kosi and Sabha Khola observing the view of the huge Chhamlang massif, at the top of the ascent you will come to Dhunge Dhara. After walking some times you get to Khandbari.
Day 05. KHANDBARI – CHICHIRA (1840m): After the village the cultivated fields disappear and you turn right into the left flank of the ridge to climb to the pass above. Following a level mountain path through an area of scrub, and entering a forested zone makes you arrive at Gogune through to the grassy fields. Keep climbing to Tamang village of Bhotebas, which offers you a spectacular mountain view. Climbing further on from Bhotebas through to the undulating path with forest emerges atop a ridge in the village of Chichira having a couple of Gurung settlement.
Day 06. CHICHIRA – NUM (1500m): Passing the small settlement of Baisake and Kuwapani you will reach to Hururu. The route climbs and then drops down into the deep oak forest before arriving at Mure village inhabited by Sherpa and Rai. Descending on a rocky trail, which sees the unusual combination of painted Mani Stones, will make you reach to Num.
Day 07. NUM – SEDUA (1480m): Today’s trail descends steeply through the fields of Runbaun and from here the trail becomes steeper, through to the jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River. From the bridge climb a steep slope that follows along the crumbling incline of the right bank. On leaving the fine view of corn and buckwheat fields the steep slope subsides making you reach at Sedua.
Day 08. SEDUA – TASHI GAON (2070m): Leaving the Arun River and entering the area drained by the Kashuwa Khola and climbing a mountainside dotted with terraced fields and forested areas will reach you Sherpa settlement and upon crossing meadows and several streams you will reach at Tashi Gaon, the most remote permanent village.
Day 09. TASHI GAON – KHONGMA (3560m): Climbing over the ridge and ascending through the forest with rocky area, streams and grassy fields you will reach Chipla. The route now becomes steeper and joins the ridge and before reaching Khongma, a flat high altitude meadow with Rhododendron forest and many Kharkas.
Day 10. KHONGMA – MUMBUK (3550m): From Khongma you climb up all the time having beautiful views of Chhamlang peak. The trail climbs over a ridge to Ghungru-La and descends to a small lake and then climbs steeply up to Shipton-La. Descending to Keke-La and making a further descend through a forest of firs you will get to Mumbuk.
Day 11. MUMBUK – YANGLE KHARKA (3600m): From Mumbuk the trail descends down steeply and turns westward along the bottom of the Barun Valley, passes a small bivouac cave, crosses several streams, and finally the Barun River on long bridge before reaching Yangle Kharka, a large meadow.
Day 12. YANGLE KHARKA – MEREK (4570m): Climbing gently from Yangle Kharka you will pass Nghe Kharka. Following the Barun valley you will pass Riphuk Kharka and making a short climb you will reach Jhak Kharka and to the meadow of Yak Kharka. The trail climbs over a ridge beyond Yak Kharka and ascends alongside a moraine formed by the lower Barun Glacier. From here you will have an excellent view of peaks. Eventually, you will reach to Merek.
Day 13. MEREK – SHERSONG (4660m): From Merek the trail climbs up and you will reach to Shersong where there is a small stone hut. In Shersong you will find a good campsites in the Yak pasture and a couple of roofless bivouac caves.
Day 14. DAY TRIP TO MAKALU BASE CAMP (5000m): From Shersong, the trail climbs gradually to a minor pass above Makalu Base Camp. You will have an excellent view of Makalu, Baruntse (7220m), Peak 6 and Peak 7 and the complete panorama of Mt. Everest and Lhotse. After spending a couple of hours in this Shangri-La like place, you will get back to Shersong.
Day 15. SHERSONG – MEREK: Retrace your steps to the return trek to the starting point. On climbing down once again you will have opportunity to get to the beautiful village named Shersong with a fine view of Yak pasture. If some scenes were missed, you would grab the opportunity capture them.
Day 16. MEREK – YANGLE KHARKA: Descend alongside a moraine formed by the lower Barun Glacier to reach at Yak Kharka. On further descending, you will get at Yangle Kharka. You have already described the path on going up; now get the experience of walking downhill through to fascinating sceneries.
Day 17. YANGLE KHARKA – MUMBUK: The trail to Mumbuk from the Yangle Kharka is just the other way round of what you described in the day 11. The scenes many differ as you view them from different angles and facets. The climatic condition and your luck factor also make the same route a different experience to you.
Day 18. MUMBUK – KHONGMA: This trail is also the same way back with multiple undulation catching beautiful scenes of many ridges, forests, and Kharkas. Revise your trail and make the most of your journey.
Day 19. KHONGMA – TASHI GAON: This trail as you have already described before will be awaiting you to bid goodbye with beautifully blossoming rhododendron. On the way down to Tashi Gaon the rocky area, streams and grassy land will be missing you a lot. Therefore, instill the feeling of ‘Once is not enough’ in your heart.
Day 20. TASHI GAON – SEDUWA: Today you will be leaving the memories of the beautiful Sherpa settlement of Tashi Gaon along with its fascinating landscape of terraced fields and forest thickets. Viewing them from different angles and capturing the memories with different standpoints you will land on to the Arun River, a fascinating nature’s liquid treasure.
Day 21. SEDUWA – NUM: On the way to Num you will witness an attractive view of corn and buckwheat fields once again. From the crumbling incline you will get steeply down to a bridge over the Arun River. Now passing through Runbaun fields you will have to reach Num.
Day 22. NUM – CHICHIRA: Today you will ascend through rocky trail having very unusual combination of painted Mani Stones. Then going a little up to the dense oak forest from Mure and then getting down from various villages will lead you to Chichira.
Day 23. CHICHIRA – KHANDBARI: Today’s trail heads towards Bhotebas undulating with forests and mountain paths with spectacular mountain sceneries on the way. Now the cultivated fields of Khandbari will be not too far from you giving the sense of ease of coming back to Khandbari.
Day 24. KHANDBARI – TUMLINGTAR: Descending from a place called Dhunge Dhara you will head towards Kumhal Gaon. And then passing through scattered houses and paddy fields you will get back to the serene rural area of Tumlingtar.
Day 25. TUMLINGTAR – KATHMANDU: This morning proceed to check in the airport; you will be transferred to Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day has been left free.
Day 26. FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU: As you are free in Kathmandu you can go for shopping and picking up some last minute souvenirs. In the evening, Traditional Nepali Dinner will be awaiting you.
Day 27. DEPARTURE: After the breakfast we transfer you to the international airport for your final destination.

Trekking Season for Makalu Base Camp Trekking

September to November & March to May is the best seasons for attempting Makalu Base Camp Trekking and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Makalu Base Camp, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is finest temperature and trekking can be done without any problem.

Equipments Check List for Makalu Base Camp Trekking

The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.

01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
25. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
26. Water bottle
27. Toiletries

Trip Cost Includes

  • English Speaking Tour / Trekking guide (First Aid and Eco trained)
  • All Local Transport, Airport pickup and drop, Flight Tickets
  • Hotel and Breakfast During the Tour
  • Deluxe Hotels Kathmandu with B/B plan
  • Conservation Park fee and Trekking Permit
  • Sightseeing at Kathmandu Valley, Each Place with all Entrance Fees
  • Necessary Sherpa Porter, Mule, Yak during the trekking
  • Each Sherpa (Asst. Guide) for Each Group
  • Travel & Rescue arrangements
  • Special Trekking permit for Non-Tourist Areas
  • Clan Treks Kit Bag
  • Insurance for Trekking Crews
  • All government and local taxes if necessary
  • All Camping Gear and kitchen Crews
  • Trekking food 3 Times a Day as Expedition Style
  • Welcome & farewell dinner

Trip Cost Excludes

  • Your Personnel Equipments / Travel & Rescue Insurance
  • Your Visa Fee for Nepal / International Airfare To / From Home City
  • Lunch and Dinner in The City Stay
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Cost arising from outside the control of Clan Treks
  • Your Personal Expenses, Telephone, Laundry, Bar Bills & Extra Porters
  • Tips for the trekking Crews

Pre - Meeting Before Trip

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.

Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trekking

Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Makalu Base Camp Trekking you will spend four nights at 3-star in Kathmandu and Twenty nights at the locally best available Tent Camp in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; or Group Leader.

Meals during Makalu Base Camp Trekking

All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from our own kitchen. Your cook-man offering various different items in a day and will be different each single day menu. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same Camp, you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

Trekking Staff:

The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.

Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
  • Trekking Guide Training - Nepal Government's Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
  • Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
  • English Language
  • Conservation & Biodiversity
  • Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Acceptance of risk:

The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.

INSURANCE:

It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects

Climate:

Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.

The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.

Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

Health:

There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked

Altitude Sickness:

Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:

  • Nausea, Vomiting
  • Lose of appetite
  • Insomnia/Sleeplessness
  • Persistent Headache
  • Dizziness, Light headiness, Confusion
  • isorientation
  • Weakness, Fatigue, Lassitude, Heavy legs
  • Slight swelling of hand and face
  • Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
  • Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.

Client Details:

In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.