Activities in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal Easy Trek

Nepal Trekking Peaks

Trip Extension

Makalu Trekking

Makalu Trekking is one of the most remote and isolated trekking areas of Nepal as a result it became a challenging trek in a very remote area of Nepal. Makalu Trek, Barun Valley, is located in the eastern part of Nepal and offers us impressive natural scenery.

The Makalu -Barun area trekking contains some of the richest and most diverse pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation. Covering 2.330 sq km, Makalu-Barun is a vital component of the greater Mount Everest ecosystem which includes Nepal's 1.148 sq km Sagarmatha National Park to the west and the 35.000 sq km. Sherpa, Rai and Limbus are the main habitants of this area.

Makalu trek is an outstanding trek to the base camp of the world's fifth highest mountain, Mt. Makalu. During Makalu Trekking we will meet the ethnic groups of Limbu, Newar and Rai as well as Sherpa at the lower elevations and Tibetan Buddhists at the higher elevations. Not only this, we will get a close look at Mt. Makalu (8481m) in addition to Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse and Peak etc. Makalu Trek is an outstanding trek in one of the most remote areas in Nepal that has seen very few trekkers.

Fact Of the Trips

Tour Code:	NHT 06	Accommodation:	Tented/Camping
Max. Altitude:	5000 m.	Transportation:	Car / Van / Bus /Plane
Trip Duration:	24 days	Group Size:	2 minimum, 15 Maximum
Trek Grade:	Moderate to Strenuous	Best Time:	March - May, Sept - Dec.
Activities:	Trekking + Tour	Per Day Hiking:	5 to 6 hours

Trip Highlights

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing by Experienced Tour Guide, Explore the Makalu Barun National Park, Good views of Mount Makalu, Chamlang Himal and Barun Valley, Scenic Flight to Tumlingtar, Arun Valley, Makalu Base Camp, Upper Arun valley, Makalu-Barun National Park, Arun River, Spectacular Himalayas view, Rich variety of flora and fauna, unique culture with varied customs.

Day to day Itinerary:

Day 1: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.

Day 2: Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple , Boudhanath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu -Tumlingtar [460m] & trek to Khandbari [1040m]
We take an hour 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.

Day 04: Trek to Fururu [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.

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. On the opposite side of the Arun is the village of Sedua.

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 (1460m).

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, the last permanent settlement in the valley.

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 (3470 m).

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.

Day 10: Trek to Nhe Kharka [3000m]
From Mumbuk, 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 (3000 m). There is a small gompa at the south side of the valley that offers great mountain views in all directions.

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. It is a long trek today of approx 8 hours.

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.

Day 13: Rest day at the Base Camp
Today is a rest day for acclimatization and exploration.

Day 14: Trek to Nhe Kharka [3000m]
Today we retrace our steps down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka.

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.

Day 16: Trek to Kauma [3470m]
Leaving Mumbuk, we trek across the Shipton La and descend to Kauma.

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.

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 (760 m).

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 (550m).

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.

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.

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

Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 24: Home Departure

Trip Cost:- USD 2600.00 Per Person ( Minimum of 2 People)

Cost Include During the trip

1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off by car / Van / Bus.
2. 4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at deluxe hotel in Kathmandu.
3. Guided city tour in Kathmandu valley as per above program.
4. An experience Guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments.
5. All surface transfer to and from Kathmandu by bus/Plane as per above itinerary.
6. Full board meal (veg. / non veg.) prepared by our expert cook.
7. Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, Table with chairs, kitchen utensils, Down sleeping bag / Jackets, walking sticks, and other necessary equipments during the trek).
8. Makalu trekking Permit, Conservation fee and all necessary documents.
9. Tourist service charge, Vat.
10. Office Service charge.

Cost Does not Include During The Trip

1. Meals whilst in Kathmandu allow US$ 10 - US$ 12 per meal.
2. Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
3. International air fare to and from Nepal.
4. Nepal entry visa fee US$ 30 (duration 60 days from date of issue)- you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
5. International Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
6. Items of a personal nature
7. Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call and internet.
8. Tips for guide, porters, driver...

NOTE: Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.

About Company

Before You Travel

What our Client Says

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Contact Address

Nepal Hiking Team (p.) Ltd.
P. O. Box No.: 5596
Naya Bazar Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1-4366291
Fax: +977-1-4388959
Cell +977-9841419251(Ganga)

Skype: Nepal-Trekking
Email: sales@nepalhikingteam.com
URL: www.nepalhikingteam.com
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