Makalu Expedition (8463 M)

Altitude: 1400 m

The first day marks your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After you land, our representatives will come and get you at the airport. They will welcome and guide you to your hotel.

Once you’re at the hotel, you’re free to rest and spend your time on your own. After a long flight, you might be having jet lag. Get proper rest, and enjoy the delicious Nepali cuisine for dinner in the evening.

Highlights

• 3-star hotel for accommodation
• Delicious, tasty and authentic Nepali cuisine

Altitude: 1400m

You will spend the day in Kathmandu and finish all the preparations for the journey. You can get anything from food products, climbing gear, books to equipment. Stroll around the old markets of Kathmandu and witness the vibrant and colorful market coming to life.

Besides that, proper physical preparation and rest are equally important. If there are any medicinal requirements you need, you can get it in Kathmandu too.

Highlights

• Explore the streets and markets of central Kathmandu
• Experience the vibrant culture and traditional market

Altitude: 1400m

This day, you will be attending a briefing session in the Ministry of Tourism. This briefing session will help you understand your expedition journey better. It will brief you about your daily activities.

These include details on the itinerary, food and accommodation, and a description of the trail which you will be following. Moreover, you will also receive your permits for the expedition from the Ministry of Tourism in Kathmandu.

Highlights

• Visit the Ministry of Tourism office and get detailed information about the expedition
• Get your permits for the expedition

Altitude: 1490m

After an early breakfast, you’ll head on to the airport for a flight to Tumlingtar. Tumlingtar is a small town in Sankhuwasabha district at the bank of the Arun River. It is one of the deepest valleys in the world at 285m from sea level.

From here, you will be heading towards the trek’s starting point, Num village, which is a 2-hour drive from Tumlingtar.

Highlights

• A quick and short flight to the eastern hilly region

Altitude: 1460 m

After breakfast in Num village, you hit the trails descending through forests and terraced farms to reach Barun river. The walk through the woods will expose you to the rich biodiversity of this region.

There are 650 species of birds and more than 800 different species of butterflies. Besides that, the rich flora and fauna in the lower regions spread throughout the higher regions.

Before reaching Seduwa, the entry point of Makalu Barun National Park comes to your sight. You should check your permits here and move ahead.

Highlights

• Encounter hundreds of species of birds and butterflies
• Check your permits at the Makalu Barun National Park entry point
• Pleasant walks through forests and terraced fields

Altitude: 2070 m

An early breakfast follows the walk on this day. You start your walk ascending the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. The walk is satisfying with the sound of the flowing river constantly hitting your ears as you walk by them.

The walk continues through the hillside passing through some of the traditional Nepali villages and small paddy fields. You will experience the laid back lifestyle of Nepalese people in these rural villages.

Tashigaun is your final destination for the day. Once you are there, you will see the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of rural villages in Nepal
• Recharge your soul with a walk alongside rivers through forests and villages
• Extraordinary views of Himalayas from Tashigaun

Altitude: 3760m

Be prepared for a tough walk through steep rocks and ridges and too in higher altitude. On this day, you will mostly have an uphill walk through forests. You will come across a stream and eventually to a ridge. From here, the trail gets even steeper.

As you trek higher, you will notice a few pasture land and small lakes at the top. The greenery and the lake make up a serene environment.

Finally, you ascend from the top of the ridge down to Khongma Danda, our destination for the night.

Highlights

• Tough day of walking through steep rocks and ridges
• Lush green pasture land with small lakes make for a picturesque view.

Altitude: 3550m

This day involves comfortable walks through hilltops and eventually descends through beautiful valleys. You will be crossing multiple passes above the 4000-meter mark, namely Shipton Lama and Keke La.

After crossing the passes, you descend through a beautiful valley and continue walking through the forest of rhododendron trees until we reach Mumfuk.

Highlights

• Easy day in terms of walking
• Beautiful valleys and the forests add up for a magical landscape

Altitude: 3610m

The next day, you leave Mumphuk after an early breakfast. The day’s walk involves walking through dense rhododendron forest that lights up the forest in red during the Spring. Once you reach the Barun river, the trail starts being a bit steep and arduous.

Be careful while walking on this narrow and steep trail. Slow and steady walking leads us to Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley.

Highlights

• An exhilarating walk through narrow, rocky, and steep trail
• Opensky view will keep you in its grasp throughout the walk.

The landscape changes dramatically, and walking is easy as it’s mostly plain land through yak pastures, lush forests, and boulder fields for the first half. The valley walls stand with all their elegance and beauty to welcome you as you gain momentum in walking.

In no time, you’ll reach Merak, your destination for the day. As you approach, the view of the mighty Himalayas will leave you spellbound with its beauty.

Highlights

• Comfortable walking through pastures and lush forests
• Spell bounding views of the Himalayas

Altitude: 4615 m

Now that you are above the 4000m mark, you should walk slowly to reduce the chances of altitude sickness.

As you leave Merak, you slowly make your way up to Serusung. The view on this day is the best you have seen so far. The flat trail will allow a comfortable walk. The only problem is the gain in altitude. To avoid any difficulties, you will call it a day once you reach Sersung.

Highlights

• Magnificent views of the landscape.
• Snow-capped mountains and glaciers start to appear.

Special information

Sleeping during the day while acclimating will have adverse effects on the process. You can instead talk to the locals or engage in photography or simply rest for half of the day.

Altitude: 5000m

This day is the final day of trekking. Chasing the Makalu mountain far at sight, you move forward towards the base camp. As you approach the base camp, a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayas will surprise you.

Makalu Base Camp is a place with a rocky landscape with the remarkable Barun Glacier beyond it. It offers a close view of the south face of Makalu and a panoramic view of Everest and Lhotse.

Surrounding lakes and glaciers make the Makalu Base Camp look like a dreamy landscape. Once you’re here, you can truly feel the essence of being in the middle of the giant rocky pyramids covered in snow.

Highlights

• Up Close view of the mighty Makalu mountain.
• Gigantic Barun Glacier
• Impeccable view of surrounding peaks like Everest and Lhotse.
• Lakes and Glaciers are the icings on the cake.

Altitude: 8463m

Upon reaching the base camp, you will not start trekking immediately. First, you need to acclimatize with the altitude. Spend a day exploring the base camp, do some basic climbing drills, scale, and plan your climb. These activities will give you some time to adjust to the altitude and environment physically and mentally.

You start your climb from the northeast ridge of the mountain. The first part of the trek begins with technical rock climbing and eventually involves a lot of ice climbing. You will be ascending and descending through multiple camps for proper acclimatization.

Weather can be very harsh, especially while crossing the Makalu La at 7450m. Thus, the final summit push is an extremely challenging one.

However, the feeling of pride that takes over on reaching the top is surreal. As a mountaineer, it is a special feat when you summit the Makalu peak successfully. Along with the excitement and energy that comes after a successful ascent, you need to be highly focused while descending too.

Despite how challenging it is to scale Makalu, the views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, among other peaks, will make it worthwhile.

By the 42nd day, you will be down at the base camp after a challenging and successful ascent of Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain.

Highlights

• Surrounding peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and many more gives you a view of a lifetime on reaching the top
• Challenging yet extremely satisfying climb
• A proper test of technical, mental, and physical strength
• Good facilities at the camps
• Excellent team of Sherpas and guides

Altitude: 3550 m

You will bid farewell to Makalu and its base camp, which was your home for one and a half months. Pack your bags and gears and start walking back with your team. This time the walk becomes extremely easy.

In no time, you will be down at Mumfuk village passing through pastures and forests filled with rhododendrons. This time it feels like the flowers have to come to life to greet you, birds singing their songs for you.

Highlights

• Easy walking through picturesque landscapes.

Special information

We pay extra attention to our social and environmental responsibilities. For that reason, there will be a small cleaning session before we leave the base camp. Make sure you do not leave a single piece of trash in the mountains. Dispose of the ones that are disposable and carry the non-decomposing waste back.

Altitude: 3760m

On this day, your walk may not be as comfortable as the day before, as you will frequently pass through steep ascents and descents. Tracing back your path through Keke La and Shipton Pass, you will eventually reach Khongma La (Danda) for an overnight stay.

The walk is comfortable for most of the part as you walk through fir and pine trees of the Himalayan region. The wildflowers of Makalu Barun national park offer a scenic beauty throughout the journey to keep you motivated for the walk.

Highlights

• Cross high altitude passes like Keke La, Shipton Pass, etc.
• Enjoy the exotic wilderness and beauty of Makalu Barun National Park.

Altitude: 1460m

The trek on this day continues with frequent steep descents along the hillside. You will walk through thick forests, villages, and fields. A short break at Tashigaun will boost your energy and recharge you for the remaining walk of the day.

Shortly you arrive at the check post of Makalu Barun National Park. From here, the trail further descends to the Barun River. You will come across several small settlements on the other side of the river before finally reaching Seduwa.

Highlights

• Experience the warm hospitality of people in this region.
• Witness the sherpa culture firsthand.
• Peaceful walks through rivers and forests.

Altitude: 1980 m

This day involves walking mostly through the villages and fields. At times you come across forests and rivers too. For most of the day, you will see people engaged in their household chores in a traditional rural setting. The remoteness of this place makes hospitality and humility more authentic.

Highlights

• Get along with the warm hospitality of the people from this region.
• Experience a typical rural Nepali lifestyle as you observe the villages and villagers.

Altitude: 285m

This day is the final day of the trek. After an early breakfast, you take one last glimpse of Mount Makalu from Chichila and hit the trail ahead. The trail is descending almost throughout the day.

If you’re lucky, you will encounter a variety of bird species on this day. Likewise, this place is also known for different species of butterflies. Finally, we reach Tumlingtar.

Highlights

• Hundreds of unique species of birds and butterflies.

Altitude: 1400m

On this day, you take an early flight to Kathmandu after a delicious Nepali breakfast at Tumlingtar. You will be flying on a small twin otter. It takes 50 minutes to reach Kathmandu. You will be at Kathmandu by the first half of the day.

Once you’re at Kathmandu, our representatives will guide you to your hotel. After that, you’re free to spend time on your own. Crash at the comfortable bed, and enjoy all your luxuries.

Highlights

• Adventurous flight on a twin otter
• Treat yourself to the comfort and luxury of a 3-star hotel.

Altitude: 1400m

You can spend the day in Kathmandu and explore the city. The centuries-old culture and tradition balanced perfectly with the modern lifestyle give the city a unique charm.

You can choose to explore the World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. There are 7 World Heritage Sites in and around Kathmandu. You can explore the centuries-old market places of Asan or buy souvenirs for you and your family at Thamel. Besides that, you can explore the food, music, art, culture, and so much more.

Plan your time wisely, or you will be confused as there are many options you can go for.

Highlights

• Experience the perfect blend of traditional and modern lifestyle.
• World-renown, centuries-old art and architecture of Kathmandu
• Explore anything from food, markets, heritage sites, traditional culture, urban culture, and more

Altitude: 1400m

This day marks your last day in Kathmandu. Depending on your airport time, our representative will pick you up at the hotel and drop you at the airport.