Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek

20 Days

Overview

Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley Trekking lead to an exciting adventure in the least-visited areas of the Eastern Himalayas.

The walk follows from the lower warm sub-tropical region of Arun Valley at Tumlingtar. It is a moderate-sized town with an airport, where our treks start and end before flying back to Kathmandu.

Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley Trekking one of the raw and scenic country landscapes. The walk leads through the hill villages of Num, Seduwa, and Tashi-Gaon, the last permanent human settlements.

From Tashi Gaon, the adventure leads towards sheer mountain wilderness with only a few temporary isolated settlements. To provide food, and shelter for the trekkers en route to Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley.

This exclusive trek starts with a short and smooth panoramic flight to land at Tumlingtar Airport. Then take the comfort of a jeep drive towards the mid-hills farm village at Num. The adventure begins in Num, a nice country village with a series of farm terraces, the trail leads down and up towards Tashi-Gaon.

It is a large spread-out village populated by the Sherpa, the mountain tribes of the Eastern Himalayas. From Tashi-Gaon, the walk follows through a lovely forest of tall rhododendrons, oaks, pines, and fir trees. Then starts the steep climb to the top of Khongma Danda, which is a high scenic ridge. From Khongma, enjoy the grand views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang Himal, as well as the Kanchenjunga massif towards the east.

The adventure then heads across three passes over Tutu-Keke and Shipton-La to reach down towards Barun Valley. The trail follows a wide scenic Barun Valley enclosed by towering rocky cliffs and snow-capped peaks.

From Barun Valley, the tree lines and vegetation drop for rocky moraine and glaciers. The climbs lead beneath Mt. Makalu at base camp, the highest point of the adventures.

The base camp, with similar terrain to the arctic zone surrounded by staggering giant snow peaks of Chamlang, Barun Himal, and Makalu with adjoining peaks.

Mt. Makalu towers high at 8,463m/27,766 ft. as the world’s fifth highest peak, the first ascent was in 1955 by French and Swiss Expeditions.
From then on mountaineering expeditions often visit for the climb.
For the mountaineers, it is one of the most challenging and technical mountains to reach the summit. Nevertheless, Makalu base camp offers grand views of surrounding peaks, including the rare eastern face of

Mt. Everest. Famously known as the Khansung Face, the views, which is only seen from Makalu Base Camp surroundings. After the wonderful and exciting time and experience at Makalu Base Camp.

Then, leaving the base camp, for the return journey following the same route through Barun Valley with a climb to Khongma Danda. The route leads downhill to Tashi Gaon and towards Num Village for an exciting drive to Tumlingtar.

Enjoy the last overnight around the eastern Himalayas, the next morning, a sweeping flight brings you to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, our great marvellous adventures to Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking conclude.

Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek Highlights

  • adventure in the heart of world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu and scenic Barun Valley
  • Adventure around picturesque Barun Valley and in the heart of Mt. Makalu.
  • Explore the unspoiled villages and pristine country of Eastern Himalayas.
  • On the least ventured serene trails away from mainstream trekking routes.
  • Exceptional views of dramatic landscapes with towering snow-capped peaks.
  • Stand on the foot of world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu amidst ice and glaciers.

Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu international airport received by staff and guide and for a short drive to your hotels. Situated in the hub of Kathmandu city, around Thamel an exciting location. After checking into your rooms with refreshment our guides will brief regarding the treks. Evening a welcome dinner in a nice Nepalese restaurant to get familiar with the culture and Nepali food.

Morning after breakfast, an exciting tour of Nepalese culture and historical tour around Nepal's landmarks and World Heritage Sites. Rest of the day after an interesting tour, with time for trek preparations.

As per the morning flight time for Tumlingtar, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport. Then board in moderate sized aircraft for sweeping flight of 40 minutes to land at Tumlingtar, around Arun Valley. During the flight grand views of Everest and Makalu, on landing at Tumlingtar airfield. The trekking crew and porters will receive you for an exciting drive to Num Village. The drive follows up towards
farm villages and through the large town of Khandbari.
The drive continues towards green hill on a rough country road heading higher to reach Chinchilla. A small farm village with views of Mt. Makalu, from here drive follows down to Num village. At Num for first overnight in a mountain lodge, offers lovely views of the surrounding landscapes. Includes peaks of Jalajala Himal and Mt. Makalu.

Enjoy the first day walk of the adventure, starts with downhill to cross a bridge above Arun River. After the bridges, steep climb towards farm fields reaching a small village of Runmura. Possible lunch stops, afternoon a gradual climb to overnight stop at Seduwa village, a small place with primary school and small health post with views of Num across the ridge.

From Seduwa village, morning walk follows on an undulating winding trail to Tashi Gaon, a Sherpa village. The last village before Makalu base camp, walk leads through farm areas with nice terraces of millet, a major crop. After few hours of pleasant walk reaches Tashi Gaon for lunch and overnight stop. Check into a nice simple lodge accommodation, afternoon explore the village and cultures of the Sherpa. The main tribes of Eastern Himalayas.

Leaving Tashi Gaon the last permanent village for a week, morning walk follows on gentle path. Heading through dense forest of rhododendron, oaks and tall pines trees past cattle herder’s temporary shelters. After hours of pleasant walk, then climb starts for few hours with steep up to reach on top Khongma Danda. A high scenic ridge, offers views of Kanchenjunga, and Mt. Makalu with adjoining peaks. Overnight in a simple lodge accommodation amidst sheer mountain wilderness.

After Khongma Danda morning walk follow a high ridge on a gradual trail with few short ups and down. Coming across an icy pond of Thulo Pokhari (big) with Sano Pokhari (small). Then cross over Tutu-la and Shipton-La at 4, 453 m passes, with short descend to Dobato. An isolated small settlement with few simple lodge to accommodate trekkers for overnight halt.

From Dobato walks towards scenic Barun valley, famous for rare species of vegetation- plants, and herbs including the wild-life. The morning starts with down-hill for an hour through dense forest of pines and rhododendrons. This area is called Mumbuk, from here about an hour descent to cross a small stream. Then enter the Barun Valley, as the walk leads on gradual path with few short ups. Enjoy the views of snow peaks on the both side of the valley, as walk leads through Yak herder’s camps. Then reaching Yangla Kharka for overnight stop in the comfort of a nice simple lodge. Located in the heart of Barun Valley with grand scenery of surrounding peaks and rocky cliffs.

From Barun valley walk to Shearson leads at the end of a valley close to Makalu base camp. Morning walk follows on gentle path with slow uphill crossing streams several times. After 5 hours of good scenic walk reaching Shearson for overnight stops as well as for late lunch. Enjoy the afternoon relaxing and marveling the surrounding great scenery of towering snow peaks. Rest and acclimatization day to soak with the views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse peaks with peak IV, morning an optional hike for excellent views of Mt. Everest with rare East Face known as Khansung face with Lhotse.

Today’s walks lead to our final destination at Makalu Base Camp, and the highest spot of the adventure. After a leisure breakfast, start the walk following steep uphill over moraine of rocks and ice in some sections. The rise in altitude makes the short climb quite strenuous, finally the walk reaches Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy the lunch and overnight, amidst remorseless fields of ice and glaciers, Makalu base camp with a single simple hut. Serves as lodge with a small dining room, provides basic meals to enjoy like noodles and Nepal famous Dal Bhat. As well as some breads, pancakes and soups, including potato variations. But the surrounding views makes the place, enjoyable and worth an experience visiting Makalu Base Camp.

After a week of continues walks, enjoy the rest day and explore the unexplored hidden areas around Makalu base camp. The high viewpoint of Makalu base camp offers grand views of surrounding towering peaks. Includes the rare East Face of Mt. Everest, known as the Khansung Face of Everest. Which is only seen from this highest spot close to Makalu Base Camp. Rest of the day relax and marvel the beautiful surroundings of arctic zone like landscapes.

Leaving the Makalu Base Camp, retrace the journey back towards Yangla Kharka, enjoying the views with pleasant walks. At Yangla Kharka for last overnight around scenic Barun Valley.

From Yangla Kharka walk to the eastern end of Barun Valley, then cross the stream. As climb leads you back into dense tall tree lines at Mumbuk and reaching the top open ridge at Dobato for overnight stop.

From Dobato enjoying the glorious morning views walk leads over the same scenic route to Khongma Danda. For last overnight around high mountain wilderness, with grand views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga Himalayas.

Enjoy the last hour in remote corners of Eastern Himalayas at Khongma. Morning walk downhill back into forest of tall tree lines reaching Tashi Gaon for lunch and overnight halt. Rest of the day explore around the traditional Sherpa farm village of Tashi Gaon.

From Tashi Gaon, enjoy the last day of trekking to Seduwa village, after a short rest. The trail follows down to narrow gorge of Arun River, cross over a bridge, then an hour steep climb to Num. Enjoy the last overnight around the high hills of Makalu’s rural farm villages.

After a wonderful time around the high hills and mountains, morning an exciting drive leads through farm villages and green hills. The road follows downhill to lower warm areas reaching Khandbari, the headquarters town of Sankha Sabha district of Makalu region. From here an hour downhill to Tumlingtar, then check into a nice lodge for last overnight around Makalu area of Eastern Himalayas.

Bidding farewell to the staff and porters, as time for flight to Kathmandu, then get board in an airplane. The scenic short flight of 40 mins reaches Kathmandu, and then transfer to your hotels.

A free day in Kathmandu, enjoy the free day for another tour and shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can book for another exciting tour around places of great historical places Patan and Bhaktapur cities.

Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a great experience on Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking. As time for the international flight transfer to Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport. Then bid farewell to the guide, staff as you enter the airport terminal for homeward bound flight, or to next port of call.

Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek FAQs

How are the medical facilities on trek if someone gets very sick?

The nearest hospital and medical post is at Khandbari, the headquarters of Sankha-Sabha district of Makalu region. For critical situation needs immediate evacuation. Taking the service of a helicopter, for all expenses to be claimed from your health and medical insurance.

What are the religion and culture around Makalu Region?

The lower areas till Num village is mixture of Hindu and Buddhist but around Tashi Gaon. The major religion is Mahayana sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is widely followed around Nepal and other Himalayan high countries.

Are there any facilities to charge electronic appliances and gadgets?

Yes, every village near have electricity run by small hydro or solar power. Trekkers can charge their cell-phone, camera batteries and laptop, and that is where available. As well as paying some fee for charging, as per hour, where every village and settlements have different rate.

How are the foods and accommodation on Makalu Base Camp Trek? 

Accommodation in local lodges are simple but nice, clean and cozy but smaller rooms. The foods are nice with limited food menu, best to enjoy Nepali Dhal-Bhat, noodle soup or fried. As well as local breads, pancakes and variation of potatoes and eggs. As Makalu and Barun Valley, located around remote corners of eastern Nepal. Due to less visitors, lodges and foods are simple, not like in popular trekking areas of Everest and Annapurna regions.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek