Makalu Base Camp Trek

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel. As the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich history and cultural heritage. You will be able to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of this unique city during your stay.

Once you've checked into your hotel, you can spend some time getting settled in and resting after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the city and visit some of its famous landmarks and attractions.

Kathmandu is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. These sites are deeply significant to the people of Nepal and are revered for their cultural and religious importance.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, you'll take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which takes around 45 minutes. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Upon arrival at Tumlingtar, you'll meet your trekking crew and drive to Chichila, a small village located at an altitude of 1,980 meters (6,497 feet).

The drive from Tumlingtar to Chichila takes around 4-5 hours and covers a distance of approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles). Along the way, you'll pass through several small villages, including Khandbari and Mane Bhanjyang, and enjoy scenic views of the lush hills and valleys. Chichila is a small but picturesque village with stunning views of the Himalayan range. You'll spend the night at a teahouse in Chichila, where you can relax and prepare for the trek ahead.

Starting from Chichila, you'll walk through a beautiful forested trail, where you'll enjoy the lush green scenery and the sound of the birds chirping. The trail passes through several small settlements, including the village of Rangma and the village of Bhotebas, where you can stop for a quick break and interact with the friendly locals.

As you continue your trek, you'll cross a few streams and suspension bridges that add to the thrill of the journey. The trail gets steeper as you approach Num, and you'll have to climb uphill for the last stretch. Once you reach Num, you'll be welcomed by the stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including the magnificent Makalu peak.

You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Num, where you can relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the Nepalese culture.

The trail will start with a descent towards the Arun River, which you will cross over a suspension bridge. From there, you will begin to ascend towards the small village of Lumbang. As you continue along the trail, you will pass through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo, and cross several small streams.

After a few hours of trekking, you will reach the village of Khadbari, which is the headquarters of the Makalu Barun National Park. From Khadbari, the trail will become steeper as you make your way towards the village of Chichila, which is situated on a ridge with spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

You will continue along the trail, passing through the villages of Baisake and Mure before finally reaching Seduwa, which is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Seduwa is a small village with basic teahouses and a few shops, and it's a good place to rest and refuel before continuing on with the trek.

The trek begins by crossing the Sabai Khola (river) on a suspension bridge and then ascending through beautiful forests. After about an hour of trekking, you'll reach the village of Chichila, where you can take a break and enjoy the scenic views.

From Chichila, the trek continues uphill through the forest and you'll pass through several small settlements along the way, including the villages of Mure and Num. You'll also cross the Arun River on a suspension bridge before reaching the village of Navagaon.

After Navagaon, the trail gradually ascends and you'll pass through more beautiful forests before reaching the village of Tashi Gaon. Tashi Gaon is a small Sherpa village located at an altitude of 2,100 meters and is surrounded by stunning mountain views. You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Tashi Gaon and have an opportunity to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.

The trek starts with a steep climb through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo. After about 2-3 hours of hiking, you'll reach the small settlement of Chipla at an altitude of 2,340 meters. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

From Chipla, the trail continues to ascend through lush forests of oak and rhododendron. You'll cross several streams and small settlements along the way. After around 3-4 hours of hiking, you'll reach the village of Bigu at an altitude of 2,740 meters. Here, you can stop for a rest and have some lunch.

After lunch, the trail continues to climb steeply, and you'll pass through several small settlements and grazing pastures. After around 2-3 hours of hiking, you'll reach the top of Khongma Danda. From here, you'll have panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Makalu and Chamlang. You'll spend the night in a teahouse at Khongma Danda.

After reaching Khongma Danda, it's important to spend a day acclimatizing to the high altitude. This will help you adjust to the thinning air and changing climate, ensuring that you're physically fit for the rest of the trek.

During this acclimatization day, you can explore the area around Khongma Danda. There are several Buddhist monasteries and stupas nearby that are worth visiting. You can also observe the local Sherpa culture and traditions, which are fascinating and unique.

In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to try the local cuisine and learn about the lifestyle of the Sherpa people. You can interact with the locals, ask them questions, and gain insights into their daily lives.

You'll spend the night in Khongma Danda, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. This rest day will help you recharge and prepare for the next leg of the trek.

The trail will take you through several beautiful locations, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From Khongma Danda, you'll begin your ascent towards Shipton La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Makalu, Mount Chamlang, and Mount Baruntse. After crossing the pass, you'll descend towards Keke La, which is another beautiful location along the trek.

The trail then takes you through a dense forest of rhododendron and bamboo, with occasional views of the surrounding mountains. You'll also pass through a few small settlements, including the village of Mumbuk, before finally reaching Dobate. Dobate is a small village located at an altitude of 4,200 meters, surrounded by beautiful forests and streams. You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Dobate.

You'll start your trek from Dobate, a small village located at an altitude of 3,550 meters. From there, you'll continue on to the Barun River and cross it via a suspension bridge. The trail then climbs steeply through a forest of rhododendron and bamboo, passing through the villages of Mumbuk and Yangle Kharka.

As you make your way towards Yangri Kharka, you'll start to notice the landscape changing, with fewer trees and more open spaces. The area is known for its beautiful meadows and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Finally, after several hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Yangri Kharka, a high-altitude pasture located at an altitude of 3,557 meters. Here, you'll spend the night in a teahouse and rest up for the next day's trek to Langmale Kharka.

On day 10 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you'll start your journey from Yangri Kharka, which is a picturesque meadow located at an altitude of 3,557 meters. From here, you'll trek to Langmale Kharka, a high-altitude pasture situated at an altitude of 4,410 meters or 14,468 feet.

One of the first places you'll come across is the Shershong Village, which is located at an altitude of 4,650 meters. The village is situated on a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After passing through Shershong Village, you'll continue on to the beautiful Barun River Valley. The trail will take you through lush forests and past several waterfalls, including the stunning Jharka Waterfall. From here, you'll gradually ascend towards Langmale Kharka, passing through high-altitude meadows and alpine forests.

It's important to take your time and allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Once you reach Langmale Kharka, you'll spend the night in a teahouse and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range.

Today you'll trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp, which is the ultimate destination of your trek. You'll ascend to an altitude of 4,870 meters or 15,978 feet. As you leave Langmale Kharka, you'll trek along the rocky and rugged trail towards Sherson. The trail is steep and challenging, but the stunning views of Makalu and other surrounding peaks make it worth the effort. After reaching Sherson, you'll continue your trek towards Makalu Base Camp, passing through the beautiful valley of Barun.

On your way to Makalu Base Camp, you'll cross several small streams and rivers, and walk on rocky and icy terrain. You'll also get to witness the Barun Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. Finally, you'll arrive at the Makalu Base Camp, which is situated at the foot of the magnificent Mount Makalu.

At the base camp, you'll be surrounded by the towering peaks of Makalu, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Baruntse. You can spend some time exploring the area and taking in the breathtaking views before retiring to your teahouse for the night.

On this day, you'll spend the entire day exploring Makalu Base Camp. The primary objective is to get a closer look at the tallest Himalayas from the base camp. You'll have the opportunity to witness the stunning south face of Makalu, which stands at an impressive 8,485 meters. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Everest, which is the highest peak in the world at 8,848 meters, and Lhotse, which stands at 8,516 meters.

One of the main attractions beyond the base camp is the large Barun Glacier, which you can visit and explore. You can also trek to the surrounding lakes and glaciers, and even climb up to the advanced base camp.

Another place worth visiting is the northeast ridge of Shershon, which offers stunning views of the Baruntse and Everest ranges. After a full day of exploration, you'll return to your camp at Makalu Base Camp for an overnight stay.

You'll start your descent from Makalu Base Camp and pass through several stunning locations, including Baruntse Base Camp, Shersong, and Merek. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After trekking for a few hours, you'll reach Shersong, a small settlement located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area before continuing on your trek.

The next stop on your journey is Merek, a small village located at an altitude of 4,490 meters. From here, you'll continue your descent towards Yangri Kharka, passing through lush forests and beautiful meadows along the way.

Finally, after a long day of trekking, you'll reach Yangri Kharka, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse. This beautiful meadow is located at an altitude of 3,557 meters and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a challenging day of trekking.

The trek starts with a steep ascent through a dense forest of rhododendron and pine trees. You'll pass through several small settlements, including Yangle Kharka and Jark Kharka, along the way. These settlements offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, and Mt. Baruntse.

As you continue trekking, you'll cross a river and ascend towards Merek, which is a small village located at an altitude of 4,490 meters. From Merek, you'll descend towards Shersong, a high-altitude pasture located at an altitude of 4,572 meters.

After spending some time in Shersong, you'll descend further towards Dobate. The trail is mostly downhill, but can be quite steep and rocky at times. You'll pass through several small settlements, including Keke La and Bamling, before reaching Dobate.

Upon reaching Dobate, you'll check into a teahouse and spend the night. Dobate is a small village with limited facilities, so it's important to stock up on supplies before leaving Shersong.

You'll start your trek from Dobate and make your way towards the Barun River. You'll cross the river and start ascending towards the Upper Barun Valley, passing through lush forests of rhododendron and pine trees.

After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Yangle Kharka, which is a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of 3,557 meters. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

From Yangle Kharka, you'll continue your trek towards the Merek village, passing through the dense forests and alpine meadows. You'll then make your way towards the top of the ridge, which offers panoramic views of the Barun Valley and the surrounding peaks.

Finally, you'll descend towards Khongma Danda, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse. This part of the trek can be challenging due to the steep ascent and high altitude, so it's important to take it slow and stay hydrated.