Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Welcome to Kathmandu! Enchanting and exotic, it is a city immersed with ancient temples and tradition. Fused with colourful markets and the bustle of spice sellers and merchants, Kathmandu is a city you won’t forget! You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the streets and markets and then we’ll have dinner at a local restaurant. You will be met at the airport by your expedition leader.

A 45 minute flight will take us over some spectacular scenery out of the Kathmandu Valley to Tumlingtar. From here, we will switch to private 4×4. The drive will take around 3 hours down an increasingly rough road. We pass through scenic terraced rice fields and forest, until we reach the Gurung village of Chichila. Situated at the top of the ridge, it is a fantastic starting point for the trek!

We will awake to stunning views of Makalu; the perfect accompaniment to breakfast. The trail takes us through lush forests of rhododendron and bamboo through the foothills of the Himalaya. We gain a ridge and follow it to its end at the village of Num. We stay in this beautiful spot overnight, surrounded by fantastic views of Makalu and Chamlang.

A steep descent from our perch on the ridge takes us down into the valley, through terraced rice fields and jungle to cross the raging Arun Khola at 650m. A steep, winding trail takes us up to the entry point of the Makalu-Barun National Park at Seduwa.

Bamboo and rhododendron forested trails take us up out of the other side of the valley to Tashi Goan. We pass through quiet villages and picturesque terraced farmland; the last marks of civilisation along our trail until we return to this point on the descent.

It’s a big day of ascending today. The trail leads uphill through dense, green forest to more open scrubland. We gain a ridge line and follow this along to its end, where we will overnight at Kongma, having gained 1500m of altitude.

We will move slowly today to account for the increase in altitude, giving us plenty of time to appreciate the bilberry and juniper along the trail. Climbing up the valley, we will pass through kharkas (yak pastures), and the herders’ huts, framed against the impressive pyramid formation of Peak 7. We will stop at Langmale Kharka, a summer grazing area with a basic lodge, framed against the backdrop of Peak 3, 4 and 5, Chamlang and Hongku Chuli.

Gaining more height, we will pass an impressive mani wall and continue until the Lower Barun Glacier comes into view. The valley opens up before us, and the formidable looking south face of Makalu comes into view as we gain height and approach Sherson. The alpine environment is beautiful, showcasing many of the native flora, such as berberis and cotoneaster.

Equipped for a day at high altitude, we will set out across glacial moraine towards Advance Base Camp, situated at the start of Makalu’s South East Ridge. Every step we take gives us a better view of the surrounding mountains, until we reach the grand finale at 5500m. From this viewpoint, we have an incredible postcard view of grand Himalayan peaks, with Makalu’s distinctive form dominating the sky and Lhotse and Everest also in clear view.

We retrace our steps back down to Num. The views are just as spectacular on the way out, and it’s a great chance to spot more of the native flora and fauna as we go.

Unfortunately, it’s the end of this adventure. Lost Earth Adventures group services end after breakfast. Transfers to the airport are complimentary. See you next time!

Treat yourself to… A Flight Amongst Giants.

As the clouds part and the sun breaks through the early morning sky, ascend towards the Himalaya in an exhilarating mountain flight. Fly east towards the highest mountain in the world – iconic Mount Everest (8,848m) and on the way take in breathtaking views of the Himalaya including Kangchengjunga (8,586m), Shisha Pangma (8,013m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Nuptse (7,864m) and Lhotse (8,516m). Quite simply – spectacular!