Trekking Remote Areas

Makalu Basecamp Trekking

In a country known for dramatic scenery, Makalu-Barun stands out, a rugged landscape of towering Himalayan peaks and deep river gorges. The 2,330 square kilometer region, located just 10 kilometers southeast of Mt. Everest, gets its name from its highest peak, Mt. Makalu, and the ecologically-pristine Barun Valley.

As part of our programme to reduce the negative impacts of tourism in general, we are offering two special treks into the Makalu-Barun area of Nepal. The 2 treks give time to visit community conservation sites as well as the opportunity to help support local conservation efforts. The treks feature: environmentally sound camp practices; provide expert leadership knowledgeable about eco-tourism and conservation efforts; visits to communities and projects that are working to protect their rich natural environment.

This somewhat difficult, yet extremely rewarding trek offers a true wilderness experience. The trek starts off in the tropical climate of Tumlingar and progresses through the whole climatic spectrum culminating in the rugged high Alpine terrain of rock and ice. Home of the Snow Leopard and the Red Fox, but we need a lot of luck to see them.

Mt. Makalu - fifth highest peak in the world - towers on the northern boundary, straddling the borders of Nepal and Tibet. Just 40 kilometers southeast, the powerful Arun River cuts one of the world's deepest river gorges. Between this high peak and plunging valley stretches the bio-diverse Barun Valley, a botanical zone of immense scientific importance.

The contrasting altitudes of the Makalu- Barun area create dramatic changes in climate, wildlife and plants within only a few kilometers

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Min.- 1
1950m
5050m
Sep to Jan, & early Feb to late Jun.
Moderate
Bus, Car, Land Cruiser or Jeep
24 days (Kathmandu - Kathmandu)
Approximately 5 - 6 hours each day

Itinerary of Makalu Basecamp Trek in Detail

Day 1 : We take an internal flight to Tumlingtar and prepare for tomorrow

Day 2 : Tumlingtar (487m) to Khandbari / Manebhanjyang (1,160m). 4 hrs

Day 3 : Manebhanjyang to Chichila (1,920m). 5 hrs

Day 4 : Chichila to Num (1,500m). 6-8 hours

Day 5 : Num to Seduwa (Murmidanda) (1,510m). 5-7 hrs

Day 6 : Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,060m). Last village before entering the uninhabited Makalu-Barun National Park. Lodging / camping, available. 3-4 hrs

Day 7 : Rest at Tashigaon to acclimatise.

Day 8 : Tashigaon to Khongma (3,500m). Sharp elevation gains heed altitude sickness symptoms. 6-8 hrs

Day 9 : Khongma to Dobato (3,500m). Cross Shipton Pass (4,216m),and Keke Pass (4,127 m). 5 hrs

Day 10 : Dobato to Yangle Kharka (3,540m). We set off early to minimize landslide risks, through this rough section, that is uncharacteristic of Nepal. The trail leads down to the river and we progress slowly over boulders and in slippery gullies, below steep loose cliffs. 4-5 hrs

Day 11 : Rest and acclimatise

Day 12 : Yangle Kharka to Langmale (4,100m). As we enter the inner sanctuary of Makalu there are sharp elevation gains and we remain aware for altitude sickness symptoms. Pass magnificent natural amphitheater at the base of Mt. Makalu. Camp a half hour further on at Merek . 6 hrs

Day 13 : Langmale to Shersong (4,600 m). After about 3 hours with spectacular scenary we arrive at Makalu Base Camp (4,800m / 15,749ft) and then head up to the Upper Barun Glacier, for views of Everest and surrounding mountains. The spectacular sight of Makalu’s dramatic pink rock buttresses makes all the effort worthwhile.

Day 14 : Shersong. A 2nd day to explore the the glaciers and higher elevations

Day 15 : Shersong to Yangle Kharka

Day 16 : Yangle Kharka to Dobato

Day 17 : Dobato to Khongma

Day 18 : Khongma to Norbuchaur

Day 19 : Norbuchaur to Dobatak. Blessed with abundant rainfull, east Nepal is alive with botanical wonders, from wild mushrooms and other edibles, to orchids and roses. The forests are draped in hanging moss and vines, streams cascade down rocky slopes. Dobatak is a small settlement of farmers, a pleasant stop for 2 nights while visiting the Khembalung cave and possibly Saisima (depending upon the nuns' and monks' retreat schedule).

Day 20 : Rest day: visit the sacred Khembalung cave, a refuge site for Tibetan Buddhists. Optional day hike up to Saisima Monastery, a remote study center for Buddhist nuns and monks

Day 21 : Dobatak to Dap Kharka: continue to parallel the Arun River, from high above. Climb up to Dap Kharka (a meadow cleared by grazing livestock), a lovely peaceful camp

Day 22 : Dap Kharka to Tamku: Tamku is an active farming community and local government centre. The community takes responsibility for managing its own forests, which provide for their basic living needs

Day 23 : Tamku to Bumlingtar. Descend to and cross the Arun River, and camp by the river in flat fields, the first flat land you've seen in a while

Day 24 : To Tumlingtar by foot, and to Kathmandu by plane

For more information and booking CLICK HERE.