Makalu Base Camp Trek, adventure around beautiful Arun and Barun valleys, to the foot of world 5th highest peaks. Mt. Makalu is located in
Nepal Far East in between Everest to the west with
Mt. Kanchenjunga toward the northeast. An exciting walk with dramatic changes from low sub-tropical to cooler alpine hills, to end at cold arctic zone. Filled with ice and glaciers at Makalu base camp at 5,250 m or 17, 7 24 feet high.
Located at the end of eastern Barun valley, renowned for rare species of herbs and plants. The Makalu region designated as Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation covers an area of 2, 330 km. Situated within the Sankhuwa Sabha district that extends close to
Sagarmatha National Park of Khumbu and Everest region. Mt. Makalu at 8, 463 m and 27, 766 feet, the first ascent on May 15th, 1955 by French Expedition. Since then the mountain is climbed quite frequently, although gets fewer trekkers than other popular regions of Nepal Himalaya.
Makalu Base Camp Trek, a perfect adventure for trekkers who enjoys being in less frequented areas around Himalayan destination. This region is considered off the beaten tracks, due to its remote and isolated location. Our 22 days for Makalu base camp trek, begins from Kathmandu the capital of Nepal, steeped with ancient monuments. The old landmarks are listed in world heritage sites, where one can enjoy the tour before departing for the trek. From
Kathmandu, a sweeping short flight takes you to eastern Nepal at Tumlingtar, a moderate size town with an airport. On landing transfer for an exciting drive on local four-wheelers to reach mid-hill at Num village to start the trek.
After getting organized with final preparation, the adventure begins heading down to Arun River and then climb to Seduwa village. From here on pleasant walk into a small patch of forest to Tashi Gaon, the last village on route Makalu base camp. The village is populated by Sherpa, the famous mountain tribes of Eastern Himalaya interwoven to Buddhism religion, and interesting culture. Trek from here enters into a dense forest of pines and rhododendron trees with some bamboo stalks. A steep climb reaches you at high Khoma Danda, a scenic ridge where you can enjoy views of Mt. Makalu. Includes Baruntse and Chamlang Himal with
Mt. Kanchenjunga towards the far-east direction, the walk continues contouring a ridgeline. Heading past Thulo and Sano Pokhari glacial ponds, then traverse over Shipton and Tutu-La to reach Barun valley. The beautiful Barun valley, well hidden by an array of snow peaks and great rocky walls of high cliffs. The walk continues on a pleasant scenic path with gradual up to Makalu base camp, within remorseless fields of ice and glaciers. At Makalu base camp, explore around undisturbed and least ventured hidden corners of Makalu, further, north-west leads to Sherpani Col.
Which is a high route to Hongu valley that leads towards the Everest region through Imjatse Valley. Makalu base camp offers rare views of
Mt. Everest famously known as Khangsung East Face of Everest. After enjoyable and exciting moments at Makalu base camp, return journey towards Barun valley and over Khoma-La pass. After Khoma-La on an easy gentle path back to Num, where drives on the hilly rough road take you to Tumlingtar. Where our fabulous adventurous walks complete for a scenic flight to Kathmandu, after a remarkable adventure on Makalu base camp trek.
Best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek:
Makalu base camp trek best from March to May,
during spring season where days are much longer with sun-light hours.
Much warmer than any other time of the year, wildflowers will be in seasonal bloom with rhododendron of various species from tall trees to a bush. Late afternoon, nights, and morning can be colder above 2,000 m high. Can expect light rains and snow sometimes around higher areas.
Next, the best season is autumn from September to November, a clear and sunny day for pleasant walks and excellent views, but days are short with sun-light hours. Expect snow sometimes during the trek from Kongma Danda onwards to Makalu base camp.
Acclimatization:
Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is set aside for acclimatization.
