Makalu Base Camp (21 Days)

    Makalu Base Camp

    Basic Info ( MBC ) $ 2500 per person

    Duration 21
    Group Size 2 or more
    TransportaionPrivate car & Tourist bus, Domestic Flight
    Altitude 5,000m/16,400 ft
    Accomodations Hotel in Kathmandu, Tea House/Lodge/ Tented Camp during trek
    Best Seasons Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
    Activities Trekking, Hiking
    Meals Welcome and Farewell dinner at Katmandu, All meals during treks

    Basic Intro

    Trekking to Makalu base camp is considered as virgin wilderness. The trek starts from Tumlingtar and ends also at Tumlingtar. This remote terrain elongates east from Sagarmatha National Park, connecting to the high plateau of Tibet and the vast subtropical gorge engraved by the Arun River. The brilliant views of craggy Himalayan peaks, comprises Mt. Makalu (8463m), fifth highest in the world, Mt. Chamlang (7200 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7168m) within the remoteness of 40 kms. The Makalu-Barun Valley affords dazzling disparity, where high waterfall pour into deep gorges, craggy rocks go up from lush emerald forests, and multi-colored vegetations bloom beneath the pallid snow crests. The trail goes along the Arun, Kosi and Barun Valley escorts past yak grazing land and glaciers to the Makalu base camp from where the fantastic views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse  seems outstanding.  The trek to Makalu base camp visits one of the most inaccessible and isolated areas of Nepal. This area is blessed with diversity of natural vegetation, culture and life style of local people.

    Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu & Transfer to hotel - 1300m/4264ft 

    Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation 

    Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila (1,840m/6035 ft): 9/10 hrs 

    Day 04: Trek to Num (1,500m/4920 ft): 6/7 hrs 

    Day 05: Trek to Seduwa (1,540m/5051 ft): 6/7 hrs 

    Day 06: Trek to Tashigaon (2,070m/6790 ft): 4/5 hrs  

    Day 07: Trek to Khongma (3,560m/11,676 ft): 6/7 hrs 

    Day 08:  Rest & acclimatization day  

    Day 09: Cross Shipton La and trek to Debotay (3,650m/11,972 ft): 7/8 hrs 

    Day 10: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600m/11,808 ft): 5/6 hrs 

    Day 11: Trek to Merek (4,500m/14,760 ft):5/6 hrs 

    Day 12: Trek to Shersong: 6/7 hrs 

    Day 13: Day tour to Makalu Base Camp (5,000m/16,400 ft): 5/6 hrs 

    Day 14: Trek to Yangle Kharka: 8/9 hrs 

    Day 15: Trek to Mumbuk: 6/7 hrs 

    Day 16: Trek to Khongma: 6/7 hrs 

    Day 17: Trek to Tashigaon: 5/6 hrs 

    Day 18: Trek to Num: 4/5 hrs 

    Day 19: Trek to Chichila, Transfer to Tumlingtar: 9/10 hrs 

    Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu  
    Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu.

    Includes

    ·         All airport/hotel transfers

    ·         3-star hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Bliss International or simalar catagory) with breakfast.

    ·         Welcome and farewell dinner.

    ·         A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide by private car/jeep.

    ·         Kathmandu-Tumlingta-Kathmandu flight tickets and airport departure taxes.

    ·         Tumlingtar-Chichila-Tumlingatar bus tickets.

    ·         Teahouse/Lodge and Tent Camping accommodation during trek.

    ·         All meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    ·         An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.

    ·         Four seasonal sleeping bag and trekking map (sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).

    ·         All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS ).

    ·         A comprehensive medical kit.

    ·         All government and local taxes.

    Not Includes

    ·         Nepal Visa fee.

    ·         International airfare to and from Kathmandu

    ·         Excess baggage charges.

    ·         Private vehicle (Tumlingtar- Chichila-Tumlingtar).

    ·         Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)

    ·         Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and during trek

    ·         Travel and rescue insurance

    ·         Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)

    ·         Tips for guides and porters

     

    Equipment List

    Sun hat or scarf
    - Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
    - Sunglasses with UV protection

    Lower Body: 
    - Lightweight cotton long pants/ Hiking shorts 
    - Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) 
    - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

    Feet :
    - Thin, lightweight inner socks 
    - Thick, warm wool hiking socks 
    - Hiking boots with spare laces 
    - Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

    Upper Body: 
    - T-shirts 
    - Fleece jacket or pullover 
    - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket 
    - Down vest and/or jacket *

    Hands: 
    - Lightweight gloves

    Accessories: 
    - Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F * 
    - Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries 
    - Trekking Bags/Duffel bag 
    - Basic First Aid Kit 
    - Large plastic bags 
    - for keeping items dry inside trek bag 
    - Trekking Poles * 
    - Water bottles 
    - Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)

    Toiletries (it’s up to your comfort lable): 
    - 1 medium sized quick drying towel 
    - Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable) 
    - Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable) 
    - Deodorants 
    - Nail clippers 
    - Face and body moisturizer 
    - Feminine hygiene products 
    - Small mirror

    Personal Hygiene (it’s up to your comfort lable):
    - Wet wipes (baby wipes) 
    - Tissue /toilet roll 
    - Anti bacterial hands wash 
    - Diamox (Drugs for altitude sickness if incase) 
    - Water purified pills

    Extras/Luxuries (it’s up to your comfort lable) 
    - Binoculars (optional) 
    - Reading book 
    - Journal & Pen 
    - Pencils and small notebooks 
    - Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

    Useful Information

    Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature then taking this trip during winter (Dec., Jan. and Feb.) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh for most guests. Trekking in the Summer or Monsoon seasons (June to Aug.) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.