Makalu Base Camp Trekking - 20 Days

Trip Introduction: Makalu Base Camp Trek 2023-2024.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking, one of the most picturesque adventure destinations in the Himalayan Region, is located far northeast of Nepal, between the high peaks of Kanchenjunga towards the east and Mt. Everest in the west.

Amazing scenery of mountains and green hills to witness on walks towards Makalu Base Camp, where the adventure leads you from the low, warm sub-tropical temperatures of Arun Valley to cooler alpine areas with high hills and into scenic Barun Valley.

Barun Valley is a paradise for naturalists as well as trekkers, where 47 species of orchids, 67 species of valuable medicinal and aromatic plants, 25 of Nepal's 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 species of bamboo, and 400 different species of bird life include rare and elusive wild animals, from musk deer to snow leopards.

Besides its beautiful mountain views, traditional villages enriched with medieval-period villages of mixed customs and people around the Makalu Region are equally fascinating, where walks lead into typical Nepalese hill villages.

Starting Makalu Base Camp Trekking, take a sweeping scenic flight to land in the warm sub-tropical areas of Arun Valley in Tumlingtar. An exciting drive in this impressive town leads you to the mid-hills to begin your walking journey.

As the trek proceeds into high green hills past remote farm villages and then into the absolute wilderness away from human habitations and towns, into cool, densely forested areas, then climbing up to reach over Kongma and Shipton-la passes to reach the scenic Barun valley,

Barun Valley, situated beneath high snowcapped peaks and high rocky cliff walls, is where we walk towards our final destination at Makalu Base Camp. Where a panorama of close mountain views surprises and excites you.

At Makalu Base Camp, the highest spot of the adventure is enclosed by Baruntse, Chamling, and the east and western side flanks of the world's 5th highest Mt. Makalu, which rises above 8,463 m and 27,766 ft high. The French Expedition first climbed it on May 15, 1955.

It is an awesome place with an opportunity for rare views of Mt. Everest and the Eastern Khansung Face, only seen from this scenic spot. After a wonderful time and experience in the perfect mountain wilderness, we are heading back to Tumlingtar for flights to Kathmandu.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking is a mesmerizing adventure with an enjoyable time that fascinates you on daily walks.

Where does the Makalu Base Camp trek Begin and End at?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins with a flight towards Tumlingtar from Kathmandu and a four-hour drive towards Num. After Num, we head towards Seduwa and spend the night there. After Seduwa, we head towards Tashi Gaon, which will take around 4 hours to walk. Then we go to the hill of Kongma Danda. This day will be a little longer as we gain about 900 meters of altitude. We head towards Mumbuk from Kongma Danda, which takes about 6 hours.

From Mumbuk, we head towards Nehe Kharkha, which will take around 5 hours, and towards Shersong before our big day, around 4572m. After Shersong, we travel to our primary destination, Makalu Base Camp, and spend the next day exploring and hiking.

After we finish Makalu Base Camp and descend, we approach Tangle Kharka below Shersong. Then back to Mumbuk Kongma Danda, and the same way down till Num. Then we drive to Tumling Tar, spend the night there, and fly back to Kathmandu.

Who is the Makalu Base Camp Trekking For?

Makalu Base Camp Trekking is for trekkers and travelers who like nature's silence and want to avoid the crowd. The Makalu Base Camp Trekis a less crowded commute to the Everest Region and Annapurna Regions, which is best for trekkers who wish to spend quality time in silent nature.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking is perfect for trekkers with prior trekking experience who want to enjoy the walk along a silent trail.

What is the Best Time to go on the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The best time for Makalu Base Camp Trekking is during September, October, and November for the spring season, and March, April, and May if you plan a trek during the autumn season.

During this time, the accommodation facilities are good, the weather is favorable, and there are fewer chances of the weather turning bad. The environment and surroundings are clean and open, and the views are better and clearer.
The best thing is that the hotels and shops are open, and there are other trekkers along the trail, which makes the trek more fun.

Accommodation Options on the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

The accommodation at Makalu Base Camp Trek is suitable for basic trekkers, and travelers will spend time at the clean and serene tea houses and lodges that provide basic services.

The rooms are clean, mostly double-bed, and share a common bathroom, usually outside the room and on the safe floor.

Prior notice is required for attached bathrooms.

How do I Prepare for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek requires good physical condition and preparation before beginning the trek. Cardiovascular exercises like jogging, yoga, or deep breathing practices in the morning can be beneficial.

If trekkers and travelers are busy, avoiding lifts and public transportation and carrying at least 7 kg of weight during the walk is also considered good. Get engaged in stretching activities before beginning the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

What Type of Food is Available at the Makalu Base Camp Trekking Trail?

Various kinds of foods are available, from local foods like Dal Bhat to Tibetan-style mom dumplings (Thukpa Thenduk) to Western-style pizza and burgers.

There is an open menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from which travelers and trekkers can choose.

Breakfast can be porridge, bread, toast, omelets, noodles, boiled eggs, and other stuff, according to the menu and selection of the client. Lunch can be Momo, ChowMein, thukpa, noodles, spring rolls, burgers, pizzas, or other items. Dinner can be Dal Bhat or other heavy stuff that can provide good nutrition during the trek.

Avoid using meat and drinking alcohol, as meat is not fresh and alcohol causes dehydration in the body. Try to drink at least a liter of electrolytes per day.

Altitude Sickness During the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Altitude sickness can happen to anyone at any time; we never know. As trekkers ascend above 2400 m/7874 ft, the chances of altitude sickness increase. After crossing the 3700-meter/ 12139 ft and 4500-meter/ 14763 ft marks, an extra day is required for acclimatization so that the body can adapt to the environment.

The most common symptoms of altitude sickness are:

• Headache/nausea.
• Vomiting and loss of appetite.
• Fever and difficulty sleeping.
• Difficulty breathing, gasping a lot.
• Fatigue and rapid heart rate.
• Lack of oxygen levels in the body.

Toilets and sanitation at the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Two types of toilets are found at the trail of Makalu Base Camp: one is the Asian squat toilet, and the other is the western toilet. Toilet paper is not kept in the bathroom, so it is advised to carry toilet paper and sanitizer.

Regarding sanitation, according to preference, it is always advised to carry sanitizers, moisturizers, wet towels, face wipers, and other necessary items.

Note: Attached bathrooms are available but must be booked prior to the trek, as attached bathrooms are rare and booked in advance.

Is Travel Insurance Required for Makalu Baes Camp Trekking?

Yes, travel insurance is required for Makalu Base Camp Trekking; it is not mandatory but helps ensure that trekkers are covered in unforeseen circumstances.

Travel insurance covers things and services like baggage loss, emergency evacuation, hospital and medical services, natural catastrophes, and other items mentioned in the insurance policy.

Check the policies, rules, and regulations of the travel insurance before purchasing it, and ensure that the insurance covers medical assistance and the evacuation process. Also, check for the expiration date, as sometimes insurance doesn't cover high-altitude regions, so make sure the insurance policy the trekkers and travelers are buying covers it all.

What Type of Local Culture can be seen along the trail of the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Sherpa culture can be seen along the way of the Makalu Base Camp monasteries, gumbas, and Mani walls can be seen along the trek. With respect to the local culture, Buddhism is widely followed throughout the Makalu Valley. The locals can engage in tourism activities, sometimes agriculture, and grazing the animals.

Remember to respect the tradition and culture, and make sure to walk through the left on the trekking trail and try to stay in a bit of a gap with the mules, horses, and yaks along the path as they come in a group carrying the supplies and amenities for the tea houses and lodges.

Outline itinerary Makalu Base Camp Trekking.

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1,350 m and transfer to the hotel.
• Day 2: Full day in Kathmandu with a half-day sightseeing tour at places of interest.
• Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (475 m) (45 minutes) and drive to Num (1,485 m) (4 hours).
• Day 4 Trek to Seduwa, 1,540 m,- 5 hrs.
• Day 5 Trek to Tashi Gaon: 2,135 m,- 4 hours.
• Day 6 Trek to Kongma Danda 3,556 m,-5 hours.
• Day 7 Trek to Mumbuk 3,553 m, -6 hours.
• Day 8 Trek to Nehe Kharka, 3,760 m, -5 hours.
• Day 9 Trek to Shersong 4, 572 m, -5 hours.
• Day 10  Trek to Makalu Base Camp, 4,812 m, -4 hours.
• Day 11: Rest Day at base camp for local exploration and hiking.
• Day 12 Trek to Yangle Kharka 3, 598 m, -6 hours.
• Day 13 Trek to Mumbuk, -5 hours.
• Day 14 Trek to Kongma Danda/Riddle, -5 hours.
• Day 15 Trek to Nawa Gaon via Tashi Gaon, -5 hrs.
• Day 16 Trek to Num via Seduwa, -5 hrs.
• Day 17: Drive to Tumlingtar for an overnight in a local lodge.
• Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
• Day 19: Kathmandu is a free day for individual activities.
• Day 20: Final international departure from Nepal.