One of the most famous treks in Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp Trek, covers the eastern region of the country. This part of the country remains largely isolated from the developments taking place in the outside world. Home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, eastern Nepal is a haven for nature lovers. The Makalu is a four sided pyramid shaped mountain in Nepal. Neighboring the Mount Everest, it is the fifth highest mountain in the world. The mountain stands 8,481 meters tall.
The duration of the trek is 24 days. On day 1, tourists are ferried from the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu to a hotel. The following day begins with a sightseeing trip of the famous world heritage sites in Kathmandu.  The next day trekkers are flown off to Tumlingtar. After disembarking at Tumlingtar, tourists march ahead to Khandbari covering a distance of 1040m on foot. The night is spent in a camp. Then the trek moves further and reaches Hururu. In the following days, travelers would be visiting other important places such as Nhe Kharka, Sedua, Tashi gaon and Kauma. 
Covering a huge area of 2.330 sq km, the Makalu base camp trek includes the Sagarmatha National Park that covers an equally vast expanse of 1.148 sq km.  Another highlight of the trek is the Makalu Barun Conservation Area, a part of the Mount Everest ecosystem. The Makalu Barun Conservation Area has close to 3000 species of flowering plants. The endangered Red Panda, Himalayan Thar, Leopard and Musk Deer are inhabitants of this region.  According to ornithologists there are approximately 400 species of birds in the region out of which 16 are extremely rare.
People who live in the villages in this part of the country belong to four main communities- the Sherpas, Rai, Newars and Limbus. These ethnic groups although practice different rituals, believe in the same philosophy of simple living. Their lives have remained unchanged and uninfluenced by developments in the modern world.  In addition to the great Mount Makalu, trekkers get to witness the great Mount Everest, Lhotse and Baruntse. Impressive valleys and beautiful forests dot the landscape of the eastern region of Nepal.
Covering the most remote and idyllic regions of eastern Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is for people looking to savor the delights of nature

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel. B.B

Day 02: Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour. Overnight at Hotel. B.B

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu -Tumlingtar (460m) & trek to Khandbari (1040m). O/N at camp. B.L.D

Day 04: Trek to Hururu (1900m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 05: Trek to Num (1490m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 06: Trek to Sedua (1460m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 07: Trek to Tashi gaon (2070m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 08: Trek to Kauma (3470m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 09: Trek to Mumbuk (3570m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 10: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 11: Trek to Sherson (4615m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 12: Trek to Makalu Base camp (5000m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 13: Rest day at the Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 14: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 15: Trek to Mumbuk (3570m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 16: Trek to Kauma (3470m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 17: Trek to Tashi Gaon (2070m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 18: Trek to Balung (760m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 19: Trek to Pukuwa (550m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 20: Trek to Bumling (370m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 21: Trek to Tumlingtar (460m). Overnight at tented camp. B.L.D

Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. Overnight at Hotel. B.B

Day 23: Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel. B.B

Day 24: Transfer to the International Airport for your home departure. B. “Farewell”

Day 16: Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel. B.B

Day 26: Transfer to the International Airport for your home departure. B. “Farewell”

Note: B = Breakfast, B.B = Bed & Breakfast, B.L.D = Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by private car / van
2. Four nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
3. Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary
4. Kathmandu - Tumlintaar - Kathmandu airfare,
5. Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) prepared by our expert cook
6. Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek
7. An experience guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments
8. Makalu trekking permit, TIMS, Barun conservation fee
9. Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipments during the trek)
10. Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag during Manaslu Trek
11. Nepal Hiking Team T - Shirt (yours to keep)
12. Safe drinking water, boiled/iodine tablets.
    
13. First aid medical kit bag.
    
14. All government and local taxes.
    
15. Office service charge.

OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

1. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
2. Travel insurance
3. International airfare
4. Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
5. All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
6. Hot and cold showers during the trek
7. Personal shopping and laundry
8. Personal trekking equipments
9. Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory)

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu.
You are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program upon arrival. Overnight at Hotel. B.B

Day 02: Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour.
Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at Hotel. B.B

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu -Tumlingtar (460m) & trek to Khandbari (1040m)
We take flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, from where our trek commences. From Tumlingtar, we walk north towards Khandbari after lunch. We begin walking on a plateau for about 45 minutes after which the trek starts climbing gradually for approx 3 hrs to reach Khandbari camp above the village on large grassy fields. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 04: Trek to Hururu (1900m)
Leaving Khandbari, continuing along the trail which passes a ridge, we walk a short distance to reach the settlement of Mani Bhanjyang (1100 m). We continue through fields, bamboo groves, big rocks and climb a short distance to reach the Tamang village of Bhotebas (1740m). Beyond the village, the cultivated fields disappear as the trail climbs through trees to a pass at 1850 meters that offers spectacular views of Chamlang, Makalu and Jaljale Himal. We then descend a bit to the next ridge, and then follow the crest as it makes some ups and downs through a rhododendron forest to Chilchela (1830m), with a tea shop and few houses inhabited by Gurungs. We follow along the ridge to the small settlements of Kuwa Pani (1910m) and Sakurati Majuwa (1860m). Just past a mani wall, the trail leads up to a campsite. The lower trail heads to the village of Fururu, situated below the ridge at 1900 meters. O/N at Camp. B.L.D

Day 05: Trek to Num (1490m)
From Fururu, we move back to the ridge at 1960 meters and trek through forests of huge rhododendrons just below the ridge line to a mani wall and a dirty pond. We continue along the ridge past a small stream to a single Sherpa house and tea shop. This is Mure, a spread-out village at 1980 meters that is inhabited by both Sherpas and Rais.
Below Mure, the route cuts across the ridge, then makes a tedious descent on a rocky eroded trail to some stone steps and a final walk to Num (1490m). Num is situated on the ridge above an S-shaped bend in the Arun River. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 06: Trek to Sedua (1460m)
We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the corn fields of Lumbang. Below the village the trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m). From the bridge we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 07: Trek to Tashi gaon (2070m)
Leaving Sedua, we make a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m). Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village, and on to Rupisa. En route, we cross meadows and several streams, and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 08: Trek to Kauma (3470m)
We climb over the ridge and ascend through forests to a stream and onto a ridge where there is a small campsite. The trail levels out, and then climbs to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We climb past two small streams, then switchback up the ridge in forests to a kharka at 2900 meters and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx 330 meters. Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. The slope gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow atop the ridge. We then move over a hillock and descend a bit to reach Kauma. O/N Camp. B.L.D

Day 09: Trek to Mumbuk (3570m)
Today leaving Kauma, we climb on steep switchbacks for a while. We then climb less steeply through rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge, with a large mani wall adorned with prayer flags. From here, we get superb views ofChamlang, Peak 6 and Peak 7.
Following the ridge for a while, we ascend a stone staircase. After a few false summits the trail veers left off the crest to a small lake. We then climb gently up a shallow rocky gully to the Kike La (4127 m). From the pass, we descend to another lake, then ascend steeply through large boulders to the Tutu La. We continue descending about 150 meters into sparse rhododendron forests to a level area. The final descent is through a forest of firs and rhododendrons to Mumbuk (3570 m). Mumbuk is a forest camp, on a grassy slope about 100 meters above a small stream, with views of snow peaks through the trees. O/N at Camp. B.L.D

Day 10: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m)
We descend a steep gully with a stream for about 500 meters. We then move left through fir forests, along the flank of the Barun Valley. Moving along ill-defined trail, we cross a 200-meter-long slide area, and then follow the river to a kharka. Moving through forests of birch and scrub rhododendron, we reach Yangle Kharka. We Climb from Yangle Kharka, finally crossing to the north side of the Barun Khola to reach Nhe Kharka. There is a small gompa at the south side of the valley that offers great mountain views. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 11: Trek to Sherson (4615m)
Beyond the Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun Khola for a while. We then cross a small wooden bridge before the river turns northward. The Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve and the walls rise almost vertically 1500 to 2000 meters above the river, but the trail climbs gently as we approach Ripok Kharka. Still on the north side of the Barun, the trail turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. Above Ripok Kharka, the route crosses a rocky crest with a few goths, and then ascends alongside a moraine formed by the Barun Glacier. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3 and Peak 5, but Makalu is not yet visible.
As we pass a ridge the glacier turns slightly north. We enter an alluvial valley and Makalu pops into view just before Sherson (4615 m). Sherson is somewhat sheltered, but still is a very cold spot. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 12: Trek to Makalu Base camp (5000m)
From Sherson, we stay to the right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is gradual descent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We then descend to a stream, cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river. From here we get terrific views of the south face of Makalu. The large buttress of the south face rises across from base camp. An ascent of this buttress yields views of Peak 6, 7 and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 13: Rest day at the Base Camp
Today is a rest day for acclimatization and exploration. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 14: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m)
Today we retrace our steps down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka. O/Nat Camp. B.L.D

Day 15: Trek to Mumbuk (3570m)
From Nhe Kharka, we continue descending through the forests to Mumbuk. From here we get beautiful sunset views of Makalu and Chamlang. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 16: Trek to Kauma (3470m)
Leaving Mumbuk, we trek across the Shipton La and descend to Kauma. O/N at Camp. B.L.D

Day 17: Trek to Tashi Gaon (2070m)
Today we make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. At Tashi Gaon we spend the rest of the day relaxing in order to recover from the high altitude. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 18: Trek to Balung (760m)
We descend the Kasuwa Khola Valley back to Sedua, then turn south down the west bank of the Arun River. From Sedua, we follow a trail that descends gently to Mulgaon, and then drop steeply on a rocky trail through fields of corn and barley to the Ipsuwa Khola, crossing it on a suspension bridge at 760 meters elevation.
The route now enters the hot bottom lands of the Arun Valley. Most of the settlements in this area are temporary settlements used by Rai and Chettri farmers who live in villages high on the hillside above. Passing the villages, we continue along the trail through rocky fields to Balung. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 19: Trek to Pukuwa (550m)
we continue through temporary farming settlements to the spread-out Rai village of Walung (880m). The trail descends to the Apsawa Khola and crossing it on a suspension bridge we climb steeply to Chhayang, a pleasant Rai village with an extensive bamboo-pipe water supply at 800 m. The trail then crosses a stream at 590m and makes some ups and downs to reach Parangbu, a delightful camping spot among rice fields on the banks of the Arun River. We continue through forests and pass several small streams to reach Pukuwa. O/N at Camp. B.L.D

Day 20: Trek to Bumling (370m)
The trail now follows a route through forests and some spectacular high and exposed narrow tracks as it climbs over rocky ridges. The route eventually enters a region of intense valley bottom cultivation, crosses a huge landslide and some more scrub jungle before descending to Tome (520 m). Below Tome, the Arun Valley becomes wider and more U shaped. The trail climbs over another ridge on a steep, narrow stairway of rock steps. From the top of the ridge at 530m, the trail descends to a delightful camp on the banks of the Sankhuwa Khola (370m), across from the Chhetri village of Bumling. Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 21: Trek to Tumlingtar (460m)
The trail traverses the fields of lower Bumling, then climbs over a ridge and descends to the Inkhuwa Khola, crossing it on a rickety wooden cantilever bridge. The trail follows the river downstream to its confluence with the Arun. It then follows the Arun downstream, crossing it on a large suspension bridge. Now following the east bank of the Arun, the route passes through Chyawabesi before making a short climb back to the Tumlingtar plateau. It is a few km of completely level walking to the airstrip.  Overnight at Tented Camp. B.L.D

Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. Overnight at Hotel. B.B

Day 23: Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel. B.B

Day 24: Transfer to the International Airport for your home departure. B. “Farewell”

Private tours are available with minimum number of two people; our trek departs every day upon your request throughout March to May and September to November. Please let us know your convenient tour dates.

Upon Arrival

When you arrive at Tribhuban International Airport, our staff will greet you and transport you to your accomodations. After resting, the next day you will have a sightseeing tour of the city's most influential cultural landmarks. Before departing for your trek, we will review your itinerary, introduce you to your guide and help with the final preparations for your journey.

Accommodation

You will be spending four nights at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast, normally from Samsara Resort, Hotel Vajra or Thamel Eco Resort. During the Makalu Trek , we provide comfortable two men camping tent, foam mattress, 4 season sleeping bag will be provided. We maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. All hotels accommodations & tent is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different gender; without extra charge.

Toilet Facilities - On trek, toilet facilities are available nearby your tent is an optimum distance in a toilet tent. After use of such facilities, wastes will be cover with necessary natural preservation

Meals During the Trek

Freshly cook Meals on full board basis will be provided by our experienced and trained cook during the trek with high level of balance diet, hygiene and safety. Three meals (Nepali, Sherpa, and Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cousins) will be provided from the camp according to our menu. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Our Trekking Guides and Staff

Your guide's role is to ensure that all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He will share his local knowledge, and provide advice on how to fill your free time as well as co-ordinate the day-to-day running of the tour - although occasionally he may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your guide know so that steps can be taken to correct the situation.

We are a well-established adventure company and we employ professional trekking guides with comprehensive knowledge of English and all required supplementary crew members (everyone has basic communication skills). We also provide training for our staff, thus enhancing their work efficiency. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guide book. You will have many chances to learn Nepali phrases and other cultural aspects throughout your trek. All of Nepal Hiking Team’s guides receive training in the following courses.

1. Trekking Guide Training &licensed- Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre
2. Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
3. Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
4. English Language KEEP
5. Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
6. Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Acclimatization

We are experts in operations at high-altitude. Every trip we run has a sound acclimatization program. We created the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary to allow for gradual height gain spread over a number of days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude, but for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. For all trips to altitudes in excess of 3,000 meters, our guides carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness; they are trained to track symptoms as well as administer medications.

Travel Insurance

To be adequately protected in terms of insurance, you will need specialized travel insurance for participation in hazardous activities. A travel insurance policy that covers emergency evacuation, trip injury, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking and climbing. Our agency can arrange for the appropriate policy based on your trek.

Climate and Weather

The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

The Makalu Trek is likely to have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains up to 3,500m the nights will be cool, normally around 5 degree C, and during the day temperatures sometimes rise to 25 degree C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15 degree C to -20 degree C.

Group Size

We bring together a small group of likeminded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience with an invaluable opportunity to interact in a fun-filled environment. Our travel group generally comprises a maximum of 12 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our fixed departure dates. For individualized trips, no minimum or maximum applies. If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people.

Responsible Travel

The beautiful environment of the Himalaya is also an extremely fragile one. At Nepal Hiking Team, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have campfires and we use kerosene as cooking fuel. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar energy, a far more eco-friendly alternative.

Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burned at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.