Makalu Basecamp Trek - Classic Nepal Trekking
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. We are met by our guide or KE representative and transfer to the group hotel. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: We take a morning flight to Tumlingtar, where we meet our trek crew. We then drive in 4WD vehicles on a rough road to Chichila (1840m/6037ft), where we camp.
Day 3: We enjoy a lovely forest walk with many birds. Views of Makalu and its satellite peaks, as we descend to the spectacularly positioned village of Num (1500m/4921ft).
Day 4: We have a long and steep descent to a bridge across the torrential Arun River and then climb again to our camp in the village of Sedua (1493m/4898ft).
Day 5: A short day's trek, climbing and then contouring around to the last settlement on the walk-in, at Tashigaon (2057m/6749ft).
Day 6: Starting out through cloud forest, we reach more open country after lunch and climb to a ridge and the grazing area at Kauma Kharka (3500m/11,483ft).
Day 7: Today, we cross the Shipton La (4229m/13,875ft) which provides superb views, before descending to our camp in a clearing amongst rhododendrons at Dobato (3700m/12,139ft).
Day 8: After a steep descent to the Barun River, we follow the river through a gorge to a more open valley and our high pasture campsite at Yangri Kharka (3620m/11,877ft).
Day 9: Following the river upstream, with great mountain views, we reach our overnight halt at the summer grazing area of Lengmale Kharka (4400m/14,436ft).
Day 10: A lovely day's walk, through a high alpine environment. Rounding a corner, in sight of the Lower Barun Glacier, we arrive at Sherson (4500m/14,764ft).
Day 11: A day for exploring above Sherson. There is the option to climb to approximately 5000 metres on a ridge to the north for views of Makalu and Everest. We spend a second night at Sherson.
Day 12: Beginning the walk out, we descend beside the Barun River to Yangri Kharka.
Day 13: Further descent beside the river and then a final stiff climb on stone steps to Dobato.
Day 14: Today, we recross the Shipton La and descend to Kauma Kharka. Camp.
Day 15: We then have a descent of around 3 hours through the cloud forest to Tashigaon and then a further 3 hours to Sedua.
Day 16: We start the day with a descent to the hot and steamy Arun River Valley. Crossing the khola we then begin the tough climb up the ridge on the other side to Num.
Day 17: An early start and a relatively easy morning of trekking along the ridge to Chichila, which takes around 5 hours. Here we board our vehicles for the return drive to Tumlingtar, where we camp.
Day 18: We take the morning flight to Kathmandu, where we check into the group hotel. The afternoon is free for sightseeing or souvenir buying.
Day 19: A contingency day in case of flight delays. There is an optional guided city tour of some of Kathmandu's best known sights. This evening we have a celebratory end of trip dinner in Thamel. Hotel.
Day 20: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4000 metres and/or trekking to 5000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude.
