Makalu Base Camp Trek

Duration	21 Days	Per Day Walking	5 - 6 Hours
Max Altitude	5,000m	Accommodation	Camping
Trek Grade	Strenuous ****	Best Season	February, March, April, May, September, October

 

This trek usually centred on the Arun Valley & is mainly low altitude trek in eastern Nepal. It includes the sub-tropical valley floor of the mighty Arun River is in places densely forested, contrasting with the terraced slopes higher up, that are farmed by villagers of diverse tribal groups. The high pastures typify the upper slopes, that border on the important conservation area for many endangered animals & other species i.e. Makalu-Barun National Park.

From Tumlingtar, we begin our trek, & we take the Makalu Base Camp trail, following a ridge high above the eastern bank of the Arun River. Traveling several days on the trail and distant views of Makalu and Chamlang, we make descend to cross the river and head northwest to explore an area that is completely off the normal trekking route. From there we continue following the paths used by yak herders, & we make our way to a 4,300m plateau on the Thuli Danda ridge, from where the stunning wall of Chamlang and other major Himalayan peaks may be seen. After several days in the wilderness, the trail descends to the community of Walung, the Buddhist village, perched on the steep slopes of the Arun Valley, along with magnificent & impressive views towards Makalu, that has never had its own gompa, an important spiritual centre for a community. There we get the opportunity to visit C.A.N.'s gompa project and meet with the villagers. With the purpose to complete the circular trek, we make our way following the west bank of the Arun River, along the valley floor. From there we return back to Tumlingtar.

The main highlights of the trek are the lush and dramatic scenery of the Arun Valley, that offer us the chance to visit a community that is benefiting directly from tourism. We spend several fine days in the wilderness of the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area. This trek especially suits for those wanting to get off the beaten track and some of the trekking days are quite long, though most are not especially strenuous. We recommend this trek for the winter months because the Arun Valley can be quite hot during summer season.

Itinerary:

Day 01	Kathmandu to Tumlingtar fly - Khandbari
Day 02	Khandbari - Chichila
Day 03	Chichila - Num
Day 04	Num - Sedua
Day 05	Sedua - Tashigaoun
Day 06	Tashigaoun - Khongma
Day 07	Khonpma - Mumbuk
Day 08	Mumbuk - Yangle Kharka
Day 09	Yangle Kharka - Shersong
Day 10	Shersong - Day Tirp Makalu Base Camp
Day 11	Rest day
Day 12	Makalu Base Camp - Yangle Kharka
Day 13	Yangle Kharka - Mumbuk
Day 14	Mumbuk - Khongma
Day 15	Khongma - Tashigaoun
Day 16	Tashigaoun - Num
Day 17	Num - Chichila
Day 18	Chichila - Mani Bhanjyang
Day 19	Mani Bhanjyang - Tumlingtar
Day 20	Tumlingtar - Kathmandu by flight

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