Makalu Base Camp trek – 18 days

Your adventure with Spiritual Excursion begins when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal's busy capital. A friendly face will greet you and take you to your hotel. After settling in, explore the lively Thamel Bazaar. Try local food, shop for unique items, and relax at your hotel for the night.

Start your first morning in Nepal with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for the day. After breakfast, you'll meet with our experienced trekking guide from Spiritual Excursion. They'll not only share vital information about the Makalu Base Camp trek but also provide invaluable support and advice to ensure you're fully ready for the journey ahead in the Himalayas. During this meeting, your guide will discuss important details about the trek, such as the terrain, weather conditions, and safety precautions to keep in mind. As you prepare, take a moment to imagine the breathtaking landscapes and adventures awaiting you in the Himalayas. With everything sorted, spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you'll catch a flight to Tumlingtar, a charming town nestled along the banks of the Arun River and boasting the largest Tar or Mesa in Nepal. Upon arrival, you'll meet the crew members who have already assembled with all the camping and cooking gear, utensils, and meals. Once everyone is ready, we'll drive to Num via Chichila, a small Gurung settlement. The drive will be a pleasant journey through picturesque villages and lush mountain forests, ultimately leading you to Num. Perched on a ridgeline with stunning views on both sides, Num marks the end of your first day of the trek. You'll spend the night at a local lodge in Num.

Today marks the beginning of our trekking journey and the second day of our mountain adventure. We start by descending steeply through dense forests and terraced farmlands until we reach the tranquil banks of the Barun River. Crossing the river, we embark on a challenging ascent up the opposite side of the mountain, ascending to an equal elevation. As we traverse through lower altitudes, be prepared for warmer temperatures. Upon entering the Makalu Barun National Park, we complete the necessary registrations at the checkpoints. The landscape here is characterized by rocky terrain and small terraces cultivated with crops like corn and barley. Our journey continues with a strenuous uphill climb leading us to the village of Sedua, where we'll camp at the village's highest point. Tonight, we'll rest at a local lodge in Sedua, rejuvenating for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast in the camp we start the day with ascent on the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside with small villages and many scattered paddy fields, beautiful meadows and several streams, and finally climbing the ridge you arrive at the beautiful village of Tashigaon inhabited by the Sherpa people. This is the last permanent settlement in the valley. Here you are surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalaya. Overnight and dinner in Tashigaon.

Today poses one of the most formidable challenges of our trek to Makalu Base Camp. As we ascend steeply uphill, we venture into higher elevations, reaching approximately 3,000m or 9,800ft, the threshold where altitude sickness can affect those who haven't properly acclimatized! Throughout the day, we'll gain significant altitude, climbing roughly 1,500m or 4,921ft. Our path takes us through dense forests, across streams, and along captivating ridges. Passing by grazing lands and navigating rocky staircases, we ascend to the ridge's peak, adorned with charming mini lakes. Traversing sparse forests along the ridge, we eventually make a slight descent to reach Khongma, where we'll spend the night at a local teahouse. It's a demanding day, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of accomplishment make it all worthwhile!

Another day begins with a steep climb, challenging us at the outset. As we progress, the terrain becomes less steep, leading us through rhododendron forests to the crest of the ridge. Along the way, we encounter Kalo Pokhari, or the Black Lake, situated at an elevation of 3,930m/12,893ft. Continuing our journey, we traverse over the Keke La pass at 4,170m/13,681ft. From this vantage point, we're treated to breathtaking views of Chamlang (7,321m/24,019ft), Peak 6 (6,524m/21,404ft), and Peak 7 (6,758m/22,171ft). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to reach Dobato, where we'll spend the night and enjoy a hearty dinner at a local teahouse.

After breakfast, we start our descent down a steep gully alongside a babbling stream. The trail is rugged, rocky, and occasionally muddy, making for a challenging trek as we ascend the glacial valley. Despite the terrain, we continue onward, gradually gaining elevation until we reach Nehe Kharka, a picturesque pastureland offering magnificent views of Peak 6. Nestled on a spacious grassy plain, Nehe Kharka provides a serene respite along our journey. We proceed steadily until we arrive at Yangle Kharka, another tranquil pastureland situated at the valley's base. After checking in to the teahouse we have a well-deserved dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Today, we change our direction to the west, bidding farewell to the rhododendron forests as we transition into the alpine tundra landscape. Along the way, we're treated to spectacular views of Pyramid Peak (7,168m/23,517ft), Peak 4 (6,720m/22,047ft), and other majestic peaks. We pass by yak pastures and lush forests, soaking in the magnificent vistas that surround us. The trek to Lengmale Kharka at 4,400m/14,435ft presents a bit of a challenge as we ascend to higher altitudes, surpassing the 4,000m/13,123ft mark. However, camping options between Yangle Kharka and Lengmale Kharka are limited, leaving us with no alternative but to press on. Dinner and overnight stay at Lengmale Kharka.

Today's journey involves a gentle ascent towards a minor pass. The trail gradually leads us through icy glaciers and snow-capped mountains, enhancing the beauty of our walk. As we approach Shershong, the imposing presence of Mount Makalu begins to dominate the scenery. Continuing onwards to our campsite, we are treated to a vivid and splendid view of the majestic Himalayas that surrounds us. From this vantage point, we're blessed with magnificent views of the south face of Mt. Makalu, as well as panoramic vistas of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Tonight, we'll find rest and dinner at our camp, cherishing the unforgettable sights of the day!

Wake up at Base Camp, and enjoy a hearty breakfast amidst the rocky and empty terrain, with the impressive Barun Glacier visible in the distance. Spend time exploring the nearby lakes and icy landscapes, or take a short walk to mark your achievements near the campsite. As night falls, we’ll have dinner and sleep back in our tents at Makalu Base Camp.

Take breakfast and start your descent from the awe-inspiring Makalu Base Camp, enjoy a hearty breakfast amidst the tranquil surroundings. As you make your way down, take one last look at the majestic Mt. Makalu before it disappears further from view. Along the descent, you'll pass by familiar sights from your ascent: Shershong, Lengmale Kharka, Merek, and other landmarks. Finally, you'll arrive at the valley floor, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night at Yangle Kharka.

Today, we trek from Yangle Kharka back to Dobato. Start the day with breakfast, then say goodbye to Yangle Kharka. Walk through beautiful scenery, including forests and villages. Enjoy the views and catch your breath. In the late afternoon, reach Dobato and have dinner. Finally, spend the night at a cozy lodge, ready for rest and relaxation.

Trek from Dobato back to Khongma. Begin the day with breakfast before saying farewell to Dobato. Traverse familiar paths, passing through forests and villages once more. Pause to admire the scenery and take breaks along the way. As the day progresses, continue on until you reach Khongma. Enjoy dinner upon arrival and spend the night, ready to rest after a day of trekking.

Today, we trek back from Khongma to Sinuwa. We'll start the day with breakfast before hitting the trail. As we make our way through familiar paths, we'll enjoy the scenery and take breaks as needed. It’s the last day of trekking the Makalu Base Camp trail, so we make sure savour every view along the way. Upon reaching Sinuwa, we check in at the teahouse and have dinner as well as our last overnight In the mountains.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to Sinuwa. Retrace your steps along the familiar trail, passing through forests and villages once again. Take breaks to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and enjoy moments of tranquility. Upon reaching Num, conclude the trek and prepare for the drive back to Tumlingtar. Arrive by evening and settle in for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

After returning from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu by flight, you’ll be transferred to your booke hotel. Later in the evening, we'll gather for a special farewell dinner organized by Spiritual Excursion at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. It's a time to enjoy Nepalese cuisine and reminisce about your trek. Then, we'll head back to the hotel for the night, filled with memories of your Himalayan adventure to Mt Makalu!

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before leaving the hotel. Today marks the end of your journey, and our team at Spiritual Excursion will make sure you reach the airport in time for your flight, about 3 hours before departure. We hope you had a great time on our 18-day trek to Makalu Base Camp in Nepal. We look forward to seeing you again soon for another adventure with Spiritual Excursion!