A trek to the basecamp of Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,465m is by nature adventurous and intriguing. Not very mainstream like the Annapurna or the Everest Base camp trek, trekking to Makalu is for those who like isolated high-terrains and being hundreds of miles away from the influence of modern civilization. The Makalu basecamp area (5,150m) at the highest) is all under the Makalu Barun National park which was formed in 1992 to preserve outstandingly diverse and unique range of flora and fauna in the region. The trek to the base camp of Makalu begins at Tumlingtar. You will witness staggering specimens of lush green forests bathed in red, pink and white colors of Rhododendron, as you keep ascending, the trail slowly changes to harmonious collaboration of granite cliffs making way for massive waterfalls as a part of the astounding landscape. You will also see many glaciers along the way.
Main attraction: the basecamp trek to the fifth highest mountain in the world, 8,465m, diperterocarp and near-tropical monsoon forest at 400m from the sea-level to coniferous, subalpine forest at 4,000m, this region also has a staggering number of flowering plants, 3,128 different species which includes 25 different varieties of Rhododendron, 47 different orchids, 48 different primroses, 19 kinds of bamboos, 86 types of fodder trees, 15 different kinds of oaks and 67 different medicinal and commercially valued aromatic plants. This also contains 315 different species of butterflies, 43 species of reptiles and 16 different kinds of amphibians as well. So far 440 different species of birds have been recorded by Ornithologists. Besides bio-diversity the Makalu region is also breathtakingly tranquil and picturesque, rich in culture and heritage, and people from different ethnicities ranging from Sherpa to Tamang and chhetris live here. You will be able to witness unique and traditional culture and lifestyle of these people.
Best season: March to May in spring and September to November in autumn are best times to start the Makalu Basecamp Trek. The problem with doing this trek in winter is the extreme cold temperature.
Trip Highlights
Destination: Makalu Basecamp
Starting point: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight,
Maximum altitude: 4,950m
Duration: 23 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: tent/tea house
Best season: End of September to end of December and end of February to end of May
upon your arrival in Kathmandu our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel for overnight stay. evening we will invite dinner at local restaurant with cultural show. overnight at hotel in kathmandu.
half day sightseening
the day will start with a staff meeting for trek preparations and then going around historical and important sites in Kathmandu valley along with a multilingual and well informed guide. overnight at hotel in kathmandu
in the morning a short flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (460m), 3-4 hours trek from Tumlingtar to Khadbari (1,040m), O/N at a lodge in Khadbari
5-6 hours trek from Khandbari to Fururu (1,900m), O/N at a tea-house in Fururu
6-7 hours trek from Fururu to Num (1,490m), O/N at a tea-house in Num
6-7 hours trek from Num to Sedhuwa (1,460m), O/N at a tea-house in Sedhuwa
4-5 hours trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,070m), O/N at a tea-house in Tashigaon
6-7 hours trek from Tashigaon to Kauma (3,470m), O/N in our own tents
5-6 hours trek from Kauma to Mumbuk (3,570m), O/N in our own tents
6-7 hours trek from Mumbuk to Nhe Kharka (3,000m), O/N in our own tents
6-7 hours trek from Nhe kharka to Sherson (4,615m), O/N in tent
Trek for 4-5 hours from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp (4,950m), O/N in tent
trek for 5-6 hours from Base camp to Kharta Chhu, O/N in a tent
4-5 hours from Kharta Chhu to thulo Pokhari, O/N at a tea-house
5-6 hours from Thulo Pokhari to Tashigaon, O/N at a tea-house
6-7 hours from Tashigaon to Barun pass/Khongma Gaon, O/N at a tea-house
From Barun pass to Sheduwa from 5-6 hours, O/N at a tea-house
From Sheduwa to Tuhure for 4-5 hours, O/N at a tea-house
Trek from tuhure to Gogane for 5-6 hours, O/N at a tea-house
trek for 4-5 hours from Gogane to Tumlingtar, O/N at a tea-house
taking a flight to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar, O/n at a hotel in Kathmandu
Rest and shopping in Kathmandu
Departure to your next destination