Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative from Explore Holiday Treks and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and acclimatize to the new environment. In the evening, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, visit local shops, or enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine at a nearby restaurant. A pre-trek briefing will be arranged, where you can ask questions and finalize your trekking arrangements.
An early morning drive will take you to Tumlingtar, a beautiful town that serves as the gateway to the Makalu region. Enjoy the scenic views of lush hills and valleys as you travel. Upon reaching Tumlingtar, you will continue your journey by driving to Num, a small village perched on a ridge. The drive takes about six to seven hours, and once in Num, you’ll settle into a local guesthouse for the night.
Today marks the beginning of your trek. After breakfast, set off from Num towards Sedua. The trail descends through terraced fields and forests, providing stunning views of the valleys below. As you hike, you’ll encounter local villages and the warm hospitality of the communities living along the route. After approximately five to six hours of hiking, you will arrive in Sedua, where you can enjoy a cozy lodge and the tranquility of the surroundings.
Leaving Sedua, the trail ascends gently towards Tashi Gaun. This village is known for its picturesque views and rich cultural heritage. The hike takes around five hours, passing through lush forests and local settlements. Along the way, take breaks to enjoy the views and capture photographs. Upon reaching Tashi Gaun, settle into your lodge and experience the local way of life.
Today’s trek is a significant ascent as you make your way to Kauma. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful landscapes filled with rhododendron and pine forests. The effort will reward you with magnificent views of the Makalu region. After about six hours of hiking, you will reach Kauma, a high-altitude settlement. Here, you can rest and acclimatize to the elevation.
This day is set aside for acclimatization. Spend your time exploring the stunning surroundings of Kauma. You can take short hikes in the area to help your body adjust to the altitude. Engage with local villagers, learn about their traditions, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
After acclimatizing, you will continue your trek to Mumbuk. The trail offers captivating views and a pleasant hiking experience. It takes approximately five hours to reach Mumbuk, a small settlement nestled in a picturesque valley. Upon arrival, you can explore the area, relax at your lodge, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Today’s trek leads you to Neha Kharka. The trail ascends gradually through dense forests and beautiful landscapes. You’ll experience the serenity of the high-altitude environment as you hike for about six hours. Arriving at Neha Kharka, you will find yourself surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of nature, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
Prepare for a challenging day as you trek to Sherson. The trail climbs steeply, offering breathtaking views of Makalu and other peaks. After approximately seven hours of hiking, you will reach Sherson, situated at a high altitude. This location serves as a perfect base for exploring Makalu Base Camp. Take in the stunning scenery and enjoy a restful evening.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for—the trek to Makalu Base Camp. The trail leads you through rocky terrain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. After about four to five hours of hiking, you will arrive at Makalu Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 5,000 meters. Take time to explore the area and soak in the majestic beauty of the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
Take a day to explore Makalu Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Capture the stunning scenery, and absorb the tranquility of this remote and pristine Himalayan location.
Makalu Base Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 16,404 feet (5,000 meters), stands as a remote and breathtaking destination in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. Offering panoramic views of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak globally, the base camp provides trekkers with a stunning perspective of the surrounding peaks, including Everest and Lhotse. The landscape is characterized by diverse terrains, from lush rhododendron and alpine meadows to rugged rocky landscapes, creating a captivating backdrop for the trek. Along the journey, trekkers may encounter the cultural richness of the region, interacting with local communities such as the Sherpas and ethnic groups like the Rai and Limbu. The trek to Makalu Base Camp seamlessly combines awe-inspiring mountain views, varied landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it a unique and challenging adventure in the eastern Himalayas.
Begin your descent back to Neha Kharka. The return journey provides a different perspective of the stunning landscapes you traversed earlier. After about six hours of hiking, you will arrive at Neha Kharka. Here, you can relax and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days.
Trek back to Mumbuk today, retracing your steps through the lush forests and scenic trails. The hike takes approximately five hours, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the region once more. Upon arrival in Mumbuk, enjoy the comfortable lodgings and the welcoming atmosphere of the local community.
Continue your descent to Kauma, which takes about an hour and a half. The trail winds through beautiful landscapes, making it a pleasant and relaxing hike. Once in Kauma, you can spend the day enjoying the views and perhaps chatting with locals about their daily lives.
Today, you will hike back down to Tashi Gaon. The descent is easier on the legs, and you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way. The trail takes about six hours, leading you back through forests and small villages. Upon arriving in Tashi Gaon, you can unwind and enjoy the familiar surroundings.
Leaving Tashi Gaon, you’ll trek to Pakuwa. The trail offers beautiful landscapes and a glimpse into rural Nepali life. This journey takes around six to seven hours, leading you through terraced fields and lush greenery. Once in Pakuwa, relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The final leg of your trek will take you back to Tumlingtar. The trail descends gently, and after about six hours of hiking, you will arrive at this lively town. Enjoy your last evening in the hills, perhaps reflecting on the adventure with your trekking companions.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu. The journey will take approximately eight hours, offering scenic views along the way. Upon your return, check into your hotel and take the evening to relax, shop for souvenirs, or revisit your favorite spots in the city.
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Our representative will assist you with your transfer to the airport for your departure. Safe travels and thank you for joining us on this incredible journey!
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a stunning adventure that leads trekkers to the base of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Situated in the Makalu-Barun National Park, this trek offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and diverse flora and fauna. The journey takes you through remote villages and lush valleys, providing a glimpse into the rich culture of the local communities.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek typically takes around 18 to 20 days, depending on the chosen itinerary, acclimatization days, and the starting and ending points of the trek.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered a challenging trek, requiring good physical fitness and stamina. The trek includes long days of hiking, steep ascents, and high-altitude conditions, with the highest point reaching around 5,250 meters (17,224 feet) at the Makalu Base Camp. Proper acclimatization is essential to mitigate altitude sickness risks.
Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to help trekkers adjust gradually to higher altitudes. It's essential to stay hydrated, follow a proper pace, and descend if symptoms of altitude sickness persist.
The trek takes you through traditional Sherpa and Rai villages, providing an opportunity to experience their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. You may encounter monasteries and festivals along the way.
The best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather conditions, clearer skies, and moderate temperatures, making for a more enjoyable trekking experience. Winter can be extremely cold, and the monsoon season often brings heavy rainfall, which can disrupt trails.
To trek in the Makalu region, you will need a special trekking permit, which includes a Makalu-Barun National Park permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits help protect the area's natural environment and cultural heritage. It’s advisable to arrange these permits through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
Packing for the Makalu Base Camp Trek requires thoughtful preparation. Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a high-quality sleeping bag, and sun protection gear. Trekking poles, a first-aid kit, and a water purification system are also recommended. Bringing energy snacks and meals for the trail can be beneficial, as some tea houses may have limited options.
Accommodation along the Makalu Base Camp Trek primarily consists of tea houses and lodges, providing basic amenities for trekkers. While the comfort level may vary, these lodges typically offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food usually features traditional Nepali dishes, such as dal bhat, noodles, and momos, ensuring you have enough energy for your trek.
Absolutely! The Makalu Base Camp Trek offers rich cultural experiences as you pass through local villages inhabited by the Sherpa and Rai communities. You can interact with friendly locals, visit traditional homes, and learn about their customs and way of life. The trek also provides opportunities to visit monasteries and witness local festivals if your timing is right.
Preparing for high altitude is crucial for a successful trek to Makalu Base Camp. Building your physical fitness beforehand and undertaking shorter treks at higher elevations can help acclimatize your body. During the trek, ascend gradually, stay well-hydrated, and pay close attention to how you feel. If you experience significant altitude sickness symptoms, descending to a lower altitude is essential.
