Makalu Base Camp trek is an absolutely amazing, still very untouched area in the northwestern corner of the Sankhuwasabha district. To the west, it is bordered by the Everest region, to the north by Tibet, to the east by the Arun River and to the south by the Sabha River. It just so happens that this very pristine area was turned into a national park and conservation area in the early 1990’s. The park is still at its beginning stages. Though struggling to make its mark, it has done fairly well. Unlike the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the Makalu Barun Conservation Project (MBCP) is set up differently. Makalu-Barun National Park, a virtually uninhabited 1500-km2 area of Eastern Nepal, is very close to virgin wilderness. This remote terrain stretches east from Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, between the high plateau of Tibet and the deep subtropical gorge carved by the Arun River. There are spectacular views of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8463m), fifth highest in the world, Mt. Chamlang (7319 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7129m). Within 40 km, these high peaks descend to the Arun River at 670m. The Makalu-Barun Valley provides stunning contrasts, where high waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, craggy rocks rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. The same day you will also have an opportunity to meet your travel group before the final departure. Permit sort out day.
It’s a beautiful flight over terraced fields, hills and traditional villages with a range of Himalayan 8,000 meter peaks looming over the haze in the distance. We drive through a forest of rhododendron and bamboo followed by oak further along the ridge to the village of Chichila. We then drive through a forest of rhododendron and bamboo followed by oak further along the ridge to the small Sherpa village of Mure and then descend to the village of Num. Num is set on a promontory above the Arun River with good views of the valley towards Sedua village.
We start our trek with a steep descent through the cornfields of Lumbang, where we will continue our way down through the jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun Kosi (620m). From here we will traverse the steep climb to Seduwa village.
We will then trek through forests and terraced farmlands to reach the entrance to the Sherpa village, Tashigaon, the last settlement in the valley.
We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge where there is a small shepard’s hut called Chipla (2520m). After this the trail becomes even steeper and passes a kharka (commonly owned grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma.
Today is the challenging day. We will follow the ridge through a rhododendron forest and a small turquoise lake. We cross three passes, which are Ghungru La (4,050m), Shipton Pass and Keke La Pass (4,150m). After which we will enter the valley filled with a rhododendron forest, Mumbuk.
The trail traverses along the steep sides of the Barun Valley and crosses a number of landslide areas, and then onto the large grassy plain of Nghe Karka. We can have spectacular views of Mt. Tutse Peak 6 (6,739m) and Peak 7 (6,185m).
The trail ascends alongside a waterfall and then through grasslands and forests to Jark Kharka, grazing field.
Today we gradually climb a minor pass to reach Makalu Base Camp. From the base camp, we can have mesmerizing views of Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Baruntse (7,152m), Kali Himal (6,985m), Chamlang (7,390m) and Makalu II (7,640 m) etc.
Free day to visit Barun Pokhari (holy lake) and Barun Glacier’s viewpoint to enjoy the scenery.
After having an early morning sunrise view from above the Himalayas, we retrace our way back to Yangre Kharka.
We will continue descending through the rock-fall area and climb up the rocky gully to the trees of Dobato.
Fooding in Tea shop, sleep in tent.
Trek across Tutu la, Shipton La, Keke la Pass and follow downhill path all the way to Tashi Gaun.
Retracing our way, the trail steeply descends in the beginning which changes to a steep ascent before reaching Num.
Guest House
Early morning fly back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. Your time is free to either further explore Kathmandu and its shops or simply chill out.