Makalu Base Camp Trek

Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will greet you and guide you to your hotel. Once you reach the hotel, you can check in, freshen up, and take some time to relax. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Dream Team. We will spend the night in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we'll take you on a tour of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square offers insights into the lives of royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple holds great significance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest stupas, are both iconic landmarks.

At tour, we will gather with our fellow participants at our office to introduce ourselves and discuss your upcoming trip.

Today we have a 50 minute flight from Kathmandu landing on a bumpy grass airstrip at Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, in about 4 to 5 hours with a jeep we drive up on a bumpy road takes to Num.

A steep descent down awaits us today through the forests and terraced plots of land takes to Arun Khola. Then winding ascends up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valley sides offer a bit of shade. We arrived at Makalu National Park where we register our permits.

Today we ascend down 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 village of Tashi Gaon.

Trekking upwards towards Khongma. Khongma is the last stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. The green forests are replaced by scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains. 

Rest and acclimatization day allows our bodies to catch up with us before gaining more height. The following day we take on crossing of the Shipton La.

Today we climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari, pass over the Keke La at 4,152m. Marvelous views of Chamlang 7,319m, Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend down through the beautiful valley to Debotay.

From Debotay, today's trail passes through the Rhododendron forest leads to the Baruni River and the upper reaches of the valley. A pleasant walk, gaining altitude slowly, until we arrive at Yangle Kharka situated at the base of the valley. 

Today, we trek to Lamgale with astonishing view of Shiva Dhara. Shiva Dhara is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites situated at the base of Mt. Makalu in eastern Nepal, with an altitude of 4310m in Makalu Rural municipality.Since we are gaining height beyond 4, 000 meters, be sure to allow your body the necessary time for acclimatization. Now we climb up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view. 

Now we climb up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view. Make sure that you acclimatize well before walking up to Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy today the superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day

Today, we explore the Makalu Base Camp and hike to view point for panoramic view of Makalu from the south face, Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Kali Himal, and the other Himalayas in eastern Nepal. We relish the beauty of the surrounding glaciers and glacial lakes. We can also hike a little up to Barun Glacier and make a side trip to the tranquil Barun Pokhari or hike to Switzerland Camp. 

After our successful trek to Makalu Base Camp, we bid farewell to the base camp and we descend back down the valley and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and eventually reaching Yangle Kharka.

Take a leisurely stroll along the winding river to Themathang. Our path, lined with rhododendron bushes, leads to Themathang Kharka, crossing a bridge adorned with prayer flags. We'll navigate a narrow trail through a landslide-prone area with care. The hike continues through a challenging rhododendron forest, offering stunning mountain views. Finally, we'll trek across a valley and through a lush, rocky forest to reach Dobate.

During our hike to Khongma Danda, marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga. We'll retrace our steps along the route we previously took, crossing high mountain passes. We'll climb to Keke La Pass and make our way back to Shipton La, also known as Tutu La Pass. As we proceed, enjoy the beautiful landscapes en route to Sano Pokhari Danda, a Hindu shrine. Our journey will also take us to Khongma La, marked by a mani wall. We'll descend several stone stairs to enter Khongma, where we might see blood pheasants traversing the snowy landscape amidst rhododendron bushes.

From Khongma Danda, we'll exit Makalu Barun National Park and head back to Seduwa. Our route involves descending stone stairs and crossing a bridge before following a jungle path through dense forest. Along the way, we'll cross several more bridges and enjoy the sounds of birds, as this forest is home to various bird species. Keep an eye out for cardamom bushes and scattered farms on the hillsides. We'll conclude our journey to Seduwa by passing Mani walls and walking down several stone steps.

Start your day with a hike through a lively village and expansive bamboo forests. Follow a winding trail to reach the Arun River, and after crossing a suspension bridge, enjoy stunning views of rural Nepal. Descend along the river on large stone steps. The path meanders through a beautiful forest with climbs and drops, leading to the village of Num. Continue on a scenic drive to Tumlingtar along Nepal’s twisting mountain roads. Along the way, take in the impressive vistas of snow-capped mountains and verdant landscapes, and observe hillside villages and terraced farms.

Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu on a local flight. Enjoy the stunning Himalayan landscapes from the air, featuring snow-capped peaks and verdant hills. Once we land in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can settle in. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

Should bad weather delay our flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, or if an additional day is needed during the trek, we have planned for an extra day's stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast or lunch, depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the international airport or if you leave by evening you can put your luggage at the Hotel and enjoy the city one final day.