Makalu Base Camp Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (518m) and drive to Num (1,560m)
Day 4: Num to Seduwa (1,500m): 6-7 hours
Day 5: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m): 4-5 hour
Day 6: Trek to Khongma Danda (3,500m): 6-7 hour
Day 7: Acclimatization day 
Day 8: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3,570 m)
Day 9: Trek to Tonhe Kharka from Mumbuk
Day 10: Trek to Sherson
Day 11: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m): 6-7 hours
Day 12: Day Hike to Makalu Advanced Base Camp
Day 13: Trek to Mumbuk (3,570 m)
Day 14: Trek to Khongma La (3,500m) from Mumbuk
Day 15: Trek to Seduwa (1,500m): 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Seduwa to Chichila (1,980m/6,497ft): 5-6 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Tumlingtar (518m): 3-4 hrs
Day 18: Return to Kathmandu
Day 19: Leisure Day
Day 20: Departure

Day 1: Kathmandu

Quest Himalayan Trek and Expedition team representatives will greet you at the airport after your arrival. You will be dropped off at the hotel safely by our staff. Depending on your arrival, you can either choose to rest in your room or explore the surrounding areas. Experience the bustling life of the capital city of Nepal exploring the markets. In the evening, you can enjoy the welcome dinner at a renowned Nepalese restaurant hosted by our team and get a taste of Nepalese food. You will spend your first night of Makalu Base Camp Trek at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing

Today, you will explore the beautiful capital city of Nepal; i.e., Kathmandu. You will start your day tour from the nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square. Then you will pay your visit to Swayambhutnath Stupa, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, etc., which is enlisted in World Heritage Sites. You will spend your night in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (518m) and drive to Num (1,560m)

To start with the adventure in eastern Nepal, you will start your day by catching an early flight to the hill town of Tumlingtar. After reaching Tumlingtar, you will enjoy your breakfast. From this beautiful village, which offers beautiful views of Makalu and Chamlang Peaks, you hop on the bus and drive to the trailhead of Chichila where you will enjoy your lunch. 

On a rough road, and through the landscape with terraced fields, you head towards Num enjoying the stunning views of terraced fields, rivers and mountains on your way. Num is a beautiful village from where you can enjoy the view of the Arun River and Sedu Village. You will spend your night here in Num for today.

Day 4: Num to Seduwa (1,500m): 6-7 hours

After enjoying our breakfast, we will leave behind Num village and head towards the Arun River. Before crossing the Arun River over a suspension bridge, you have to pass through several dense forests and slippery sections in your today’s trek. Following the crossing over, this glacier river, your uphill climb begins now. Through the twisting trails, you reach the village of Runruma, and ahead through the steep trail, you finally reach your final destination for today, i.e., Seduwa. Seduwa is a stunning village with a marvellous view of cascading hills covered with green and lush forests. You will spend your night here in Seduwa.

Day 5: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m): 4-5 hour

Today, your trek begins with the checking-in permits at the entry checkpoint in the village. Then you ascend through bamboo, and rhododendron forests to move towards your final destination, Tashigaon. After a few hours of walking through terraced fields, you will reach the small settlements of Manigaon. 

Walking ahead, you trek through the lush green forests, beautiful farmland, and school to reach your final today’s destination Tashigaon. Tashigaon is your last destination for today’s walk into Makalu Base Camp or before Chhukung in the Everest region. You will spend your night here in Tashigaon.

Day 6: Trek to Khongma Danda (3,500m): 6-7 hour

Today is the longest trekking day you have had in the past few days before your hike to cross the Shipton La Pass. Your trek starts with a steep ascent through the dense forest with oak trees and rhododendron. After walking for a few hours, the trail gradually starts to open up to the beautiful view of the rhododendron forest, and we shall continue through to the small settlements at Chipla village. 

March ahead in the trail along the ridge to continue to the destination of Khongma Danda. This area has a few teahouse lodges with comfortable facilities. You will reach your final destination, Khongma Danda after a few hours of walking. This area has a few settlement lodges with comfortable facilities, where you will spend your night today.

Day 7: Acclimatization day 

Today is your first acclimatization day before we climb higher altitudes. You should cross over the formidable Shipton La Pass tomorrow, so for this, you must prepare yourself first. The acclimatization mantra of climbing the high and trekking low must be followed by every traveller and we are no exception. Therefore, you should climb towards the Shitpon La Pass on the Khongma Danda ridge for a while in the morning hike today. The view of Kanchenjunga Peak from here, i.e., Khongma ridge is breathtaking. You will spend your night here in Khongma.

Day 8: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3,570 m)

The most challenging trekking day is finally here as you will cross over the Shipton La Pass. After the acclimatization, the trail takes us through the most fascinating views of the Makalu, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga peaks. Through the stone staircases and rhododendron forest, you will reach the base of Shipton La Pass. You will hike on a steep trail to move towards the top of the Pass, and witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, cascading hills, and stunning landscapes. Then the rocky trails take you down to the Kalo Pokhari Lake.  

Further on the trail, you will reach the Keke La ridge on a steep trail. Now, we will head down from this high ridge through the ridge with terraced and cascading hills as well as the green forest surrounding the trail and look over the Himalayas to reach our final destination for today, Mumbuk. Moreover, we will spend our night here in Mumbuk.

Day 9: Trek to Tonhe Kharka from Mumbuk

Trekking deeper into the Arun Valley, today you will initially descend to the Barun River and all along the day. Until you reach the Tonhe Kharka, you will be accompanied by the glacier river throughout. Following the trail, you will reach the summer settlement of Temanthang Kharka along the Barun River. Climbing up and down, you will trek through several landslide-prone areas where you must be very careful. On this trail, you can see big cliffs and a couple of prominent caves on both sides considered holy by the locals of the region. 

We then follow the trail through the view of alpine pastures with beautiful flowers dispersed with the spruce trees and rocky cliffs and increasingly improving views of peaks and then finally we reach our final destination, the Tonhe Kharka. Today, you will spend your night comfortably at a teahouse here in Tonhe Kharka.

Day 10: Trek to Sherson

In an increasingly strenuous trail, you should take a rest at the Sherson today before reaching our final destination of this trek; Makalu Base Camp. In today’s trekking, you pass through the densely forested area, across several small streams originating in the glaciers at a higher altitude, and marvel at the close view of mountains. Also, we pass through some unnamed peaks, big cliffs with caves, a waterfall running down, and summer gazing areas before reaching Lenhmale Khaka. 

Further on walking ahead, you will reach the grassy plain area; Sherson. However, Sherson is the base camp area for Mount Makalu, with a stunning view of Lower Barun Glacier, the upper part of Makalu’s south face, and other surrounding peaks. You will spend your night comfortably in Sherson.

Day 11: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m): 6-7 hours

Today, you will trek to the base of the Makalu Peak or the Makalu Base Camp gradually making your way ahead. In a trail surrounded by glaciers and filled with rocks, you will continue climbing to the higher altitude. On the path to Makalu Base Camp, you will be accompanied by the majestic Himalayas and icy glaciers throughout. Admire this heavenly beauty in the Himalayan panorama surrounding you and relax at the camp. Don’t forget to take a picture for a memory that will last forever. Enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Himalayas and spend your night in the Makalu Base Camp.

Day 12: Day Hike to Makalu Advanced Base Camp

Today you will be hiking towards the Makalu Advanced Base Camp, so prepare yourself properly. Your trek starts early in the morning, crossing the ice glacier, steep snowfields to the hanging icefall to reach a plateau above the ice-fall. In this challenging trek, you must have a clear understanding of the alpine trekking technique and mental endurance to overcome the difficulties on your way. 

From the Makalu Advanced Base Camp, you can closely witness the tallest Everest and other mountains such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, etc., including the peaks on the Nepalese and Tibetan sides besides glaciers. Capture the memorable memories in pictures and then descend gradually to the base camp. You will spend your night in Makalu Base camp.

Day 13: Trek to Mumbuk (3,570 m)

After reaching the pinnacle of our adventure, today we will start our trek to lower altitudes. We will take the same trail that we took on our way up to the Makalu Base Camp. Look out for the scenery and view more carefully as you might miss such stunning views because we were too busy to turn around while climbing. Followed by the Barun River, we walk slowly and gradually to reach our today’s final destination, Mumbuk.

Day 14: Trek to Khongma La (3,500m) from Mumbuk

Today, you will start your trek towards the Khongma La where the challenging Shipton La Pass once again comes before us. But before this, you pass through the Kalo Pokhari Lake and cross over the Keke La. Further, you should ascend to the challenging pass and trek down from the summit along the trail with stone steps. After a few hours of walking, you will finally reach Khongma La. The ascend and descend today is much easier because you are now used to higher altitudes, fitter than before, and also better acclimatized. Your today’s trek ends after reaching Khongma La.

Day 15: Trek to Seduwa (1,500m): 5-6 hrs

The downhill trek also continues today as well where you will be losing a greater altitude than the previous day. Today, you will pass through the cloud forest, steep sections, several lively settlements, scenic environments, etc., before reaching Murmidanda. After a short hike to Murmidanda, you will gradually descend to Seduwa where your trekking ends today.

Day 16: Seduwa to Chichila (1,980m/6,497ft): 5-6 hrs

Today, we will leave Seduwa village behind and another side of the Arun River after we exit from the Makalu Barun National Park. After crossing the mighty Arun River, you traverse to the villages of Mudhe and Num. Walking along the hillsides, traversing across numerous villages and settlements, exploring the dense forest and views of the Himalayas. Today’s tour comes to an end after reaching Chichila village.

Day 17: Trek to Tumlingtar (518m): 3-4hrs

In the final leg of our return trekking from the base of Makalu peak, we continue leaving Chichila village behind admiring one last time the majestic views of Makalu Peak. Trekking through the settlements at the foothills and on the hillside, terraced hills, and green landscapes, we will reach the hill town and go to Tumlingtar after a few hours of walking. You will spend your night here.

Day 18: Return to Kathmandu

Flying along the beautiful mountains and over the green hills, we will reach Kathmandu after a flight of around 50 minutes. You will get transferred to the hotel where you can take a rest or explore the surrounding areas on your own.

Day 19: Leisure Day

After proper rest and relaxation, now it’s time to shop for souvenirs for your friends, family, and loved ones. You can visit the nearby places, and get to know the taste of Nepalese food for the last time before your next visit. You will spend your night in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Departure 

Your adventurous journey of Makalu Base Camp Trek comes to an end today. Pack your bags and get transferred to the airport for your flight to your hometown promising to visit again.

• Airport transfers: Pickup and drop upon arrival and departure
• Accommodation: Kathmandu with breakfast
• Accommodation in a teahouse or lodges during the trek
• Transportation in a private vehicle and domestic flight
• English-speaking experienced guide
• 1 porter for 2 trekkers
• Trekking tools, sleeping bags, down jackets, etc.
• TIMS and Makalu Barun National park permit fees
• All Government taxes and service charges
• Farewell Dinner

• International flights
• Nepal entry visa fee
• 1 porter: 2 trekkers
• Kathmandu: Accommodation and meals before and after the trek
• Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Travel/Medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
• Personal expenses like alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry, internet facility, mineral water, etc.

Trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal needs proper planning and preparation, including packing the right equipment and clothing. Trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas is a wonderful experience, but you must be prepared ahead for what you are going to experience. So the packing list must be prepared carefully. You probably don’t know what to pack and what to don’t, right? Don’t worry we got you. Here in Quest Himalayan Trek and Expedition, we have mentioned the trekking packing list for all the mountain trekking and mountain climbing activities in Nepal. Your trip to Nepal will surely be memorable, and adventurous if you carry all this mentioned equipment with you for the upcoming trekking days. Be sure to check out the equipment list and manage it before you go on your trek to make sure you have everything you need. Also, there might be differences in the items from one area to another, and from season to season.

Therefore, before you book your Nepal trekking or peak climbing, please read this packing list carefully and arrange it with you. The following are the list of equipments that we suggest to you for trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Trekking Boots: You must pack sturdy and comfortable hiking waterproof boots that provide support and protection to your feet and ankles. Also, be sure that you tie and untie the laces with ease and check that the boot has deep-cut traction on the sole.

Backpack: Choose a backpack with a good quality having of capacity 40-60litres to carry all your gear and personal items. Duffle bag or kit bag is necessary to carry gear while trekking.

Sleeping Bags: It is best to carry your own sleeping bags. For trekking in high-altitudes in Nepal, we advise you to carry a warm and lightweight sleeping bag rated to at least -25C.

Clothing: You will need a variety of clothing depending on the season of your trekking. But for any season trekking, always carry quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothes. Also not to forget the layers are very important for adjusting to changing temperatures during trekking days. So, choose the best brands for a base layer, insulation layer, outer layer, trekking trousers, shirts, waterproof jackets, etc.

Trekking Poles: The use of poles during trekking days is very essential as they help to reduce the impact and stress on your joints and make your trekking days easier, especially on steep and rugged terrain.

First Aid Kit: Don’t forget to carry a first aid kit with essentials such as antiseptic, bandages, pain relievers, blister treatments, etc.

Water Filtration System: Rather than buying bottled water in every lodge, or tea house, we suggest you carry a water bottle with a built-in filter or water purification tablets for safe drinking water.

Footwear for Trekkers:

• Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking and/or travelling.
• Warm thermal socks for colder areas.
• Gaiters, in case of rain or snow
• Pair sandals/trekking shoe
• Microspikes
• Socks

Body:

• Choose a variety of T-shirts and long sleeves, ideally not made of cotton.
• Warmer climates need thermal clothing.
• Warm clothing, perhaps fleeces, for colder climates.
• A wool sweater or a fleece jacket.
• Higher altitude outer shell clothing that is wind and waterproof.
• Windproof and watertight down jacket for chilly mornings and evenings

Head/Hands:

• Hat made of wool, fleece, or a balaclava.
• For sun protection while day hiking, use a hat or cap.
• Goggles or sunglasses
• Cozy gloves

Leg Wear:

• Loose-fitting, everyday pants for trekking.
• Leggings for chilly climates.
• Daytime wearable half-pants
• Women’s long skirts as an alternative to pants.
• Waterproof pants
• Heavy-duty clothing for high altitudes (not for the short trek)
• Trousers

Other necessary items:

• Strong rucksack or large hold all to be carried by porters.
• Day rucksack to be carried personally.
• Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag.
• Water bottle.
• Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
• Sleeping bag( 4 seasons).
• Torch, ideally headlight.
• Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger! – For those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalayas.
• Toiletries
• Hand Sanitizer
• Towel
• Portable Charger
• Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
• Passport/Money
• Water Purification Tablets
• Hand Sanitizer

Optional Items:

• Binoculars
• Books (In your free time you can read books, you love reading)
• Altimeter
• Compass
• Headlamp: A good quality headlamp with extra batteries is essential for navigating trails in the dark
• Playing cards/background/chess set

Note: You can also buy the sleeping bag or rent the sleeping bags in Kathmandu for Nepal Trekking to higher altitudes including the Everest base camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, Makalu base camp trek, and many other treks over 5600m. Pack lightly and bring only the essentials. Furthermore, for any queries related to trek, packing list, bookings, etc, Quest Himalayan Trek and Expedition is always here for you.