Exploring Barun valley, one of the most beautiful mountain valleys and the laps of Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, by crossing two exciting mountain passes Siptom-La and Keke La Pass make this trek a super adventure. The trekkers need to take a 45-minute flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu to start the trek. From Tumlingtar they need to take a jeep all the way to Chichila and stay overnight. The actual trek starts from Chichila and extends along the rhododendron forests to the heavenly waterfalls and glaciers. The spectacular views of Makalu and several other peaks including Mt. Everest further beautify this journey. The natural beauty and the unique adventure of Makalu Base Camp Trek make it one of the must-visit destinations in the Himalayas.
During the initial phase of trekking, most of the trails demand continuous hiking for days making it a bit tiresome for a novice trekker. However, the best adventure along the peaceful and pristine trails gives anyone the perfect joy of trekking. The 15-days trek offers acclimatization stays at the right elevation to adjust to the quick fluctuation in altitudes. Since the less number of trekkers come to explore Makalu Base Camp, the trek is a heavenly journey for peace lovers. Barun National Park is one of the richest and deepest national park of Nepal. Explore the flora and fauna in every step of this trek with cultural diversity and ethics of this region. We can explore the many lakes and wildlife like Yak, Bear, Musk deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, many species of birds during this trek.
- See Everest from a unique angle, it’s eastern Kangshung face.
- Gain views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kanchenjunga.
- Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Rai and Sherpa culture.
- Spot some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda.
We fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast and meet the rest of the crew members who will also be joining us for the trek. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridgeline with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in Num.
A steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun River. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot – the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins and where we register our permits. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight in Seduwa.
Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. over night stay.
We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma.
We ascending towards to the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate.
Today we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of the trek as the trail is steep and arduous. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
The valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek. We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.
Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself.
We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.
Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, green forests and valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail.
We start the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
The trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again.
We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. after num we drive to Khatbari Along the tumlingtar approx 5 hour .overnight stay Tumlingtar.
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones.
Included
- Pickups and drops from hotels and airports.
- All necessary paperwork and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
- All government and local taxes.
- Necessary insurance for trekking staff
- Domestic flights Kathmandu – Tumlintar – Kathmandu
- Guesthouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals and snacks while trekking
- All surface transportation to the starting point and from the ending point of the trek
- An experienced English speaking guide trained by the government of Nepal
- Sleeping bags and down jackets for the trek (should be refunded after the trek)
- Hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights, in twin-sharing room with breakfast
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Staff Insurance
- Trekking Map
Excludes
- Alcohol, laundry and other personal expenses
- Travel, accidental/ health insurance (mandatory).
- Beverage bills, bar bills, and personal expenses
- International airfare and airport tax and visa fee.
- Emergency evacuation
- Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 10 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- Tips for staffs
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
This trip is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey.
The best preparation for this trek is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted, and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers, it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying Mount Adventure Holidays signboard outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in our tourist vehicle.
YES, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport, and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.
Most of the tea houses do have western-style flushing toilets however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.
In most cases, you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.
During the trek, we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled rooms instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required.
In Kathmandu, USD 45 Per Room per Night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu and Tumlingtar /Khatbari but not in the mountain especially during the peak time.
Most teahouses (lodges) in Makalu trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal Bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season), and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.
Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while for the lunch you would be stopping by on the way where you can order your meals as per your choice. Guide will help you to stop by at the best possible places to eat.
YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.
No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.
Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses, which you can buy at the cost of USD 1 at lower elevations to USD 3 to higher elevation per liter.
If you are planning to drink normal water all the way during the trek, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drops is a must. You can bring your own purifier or can purchase it in Kathmandu
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and during the trek you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for lunch and a dinner. USD 10 to USD 15 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower, and a few drinks during the trekking.
Cancellation notice is required, a minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as canceled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.
Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September, the monsoonal rains decrease. By the end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December is the best time to do this trek.
One of the most unpredictable elements of the mountain is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns, and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.
Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.
It totally depends on the level of your sickness. Once you are sick at a higher altitude you need to rest at a lower altitude and it at least needs 3 days to a week for the recovery.
If you are on a private or solo trips you can discuss and decide with a guide depending on your health status. If you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with a guide and catch up the group later on.
Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, etc.
The hotel in Kathmandu does provide free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.
A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek, we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation, and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly. If you are in the private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible whereas if you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend a minimum of 10% of your total trip cost for tipping the entire local staff, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
YES, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimal additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.
Day pack (25–35 liters)Pack cover
Sleeping bag comfortable to -10 to -20 Degree(dependent upon season, weather forecast.
Waterproof and comfortable hiking boots
Camp shoes (down booties or running shoes)
Headlight with extra batteries, Trekking poles
Trekking Clothing(3 pair t-shirt,2 pairs trousers or trekking pants,
Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs (3)
Wicking, quick-dry sports bra (for women)
Heavyweight long underwear bottoms
Mid-weight long underwear bottoms
Mid-weight long underwear top
Wool or synthetic T-shirts (2)
Mid-weight fleece or soft-shell jacket (2)
Convertible hiking pants
Fleece pants or insulated pants
waterproof/windproof jackets
Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain pants
Mid-weight fleece gloves or wool gloves, Liner gloves
Mid-weight fleece/wool winter hat, Sun hat
Mid-weight wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs)
Liner socks (optional),Sunglasses
Sun lotion 35 to 40, Water Bottle
Water filter, Slippers, Towels, Raincoat
Personal medicine kits