Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek
Date of Departure
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Date of Departure
Trip Information
Duration
23 days
Max Altitude
Makalu Base Camp 5000 m
Difficulty
Difficult
Starts from
Kathmandu
Trips Ends at
Kathmandu
Activity
Trekking
Trek to fifth Highest Mountain in the world – Makalu.
Trek through Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area.
Walk to one of the most remote and isolated areas of Nepal.
Stunning view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Chamlang and Makalu.
Explore the diverse flora, Fauna and geographic diversity comprising rare Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Wild Boar, Himalayan Thar, and Wild Yak.
Experience the warm hospitality of Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai.
Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek Overview
Mt. Makalu is the world’s fifth-highest peak and certainly a proud neighbor of Mt. Everest. The Makalu Barun National Park, established in 1992, is an absolute virgin land spread out over 1500 sq km in eastern Nepal.
Located in the Barun Valley, which stretches east from Solukhumbu National Park and passes through the high plateau of Tibet, and a deep sub-tropical gorge formed by the Arun River.
This remote area is under an agreement between Nepal and China. Therefore, falls under the International Protected Area. It spreads over two districts, Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha.
Additionally, the Makalu Region is also well known for one of the most popular trekking peaks, the Mera Peak. (6,654 m). The region also provides amazing views of the majestic snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), and Mt. Baruntse (7,129 m).
Why Trek Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley
The Makalu Barun Valley is an epic of contrasting features where you find high waterfalls cascading into deep gorges. It is followed by weather-beaten rocks rising proudly from lush green forests and the carpet of colorful flowers beneath the snow-white peaks.
The Makalu Barun region has a rich biodiversity. Thus, it is home to a variety of exotic flowers like the rhododendrons and orchids. Similarly, you can also find an abundance of wildlife like the snow leopard, red panda, wild boar, musk deer, wild yak, Himalayan thar, etc.
Furthermore, this region is home to more than 420 species of avian life. Among the unique species, the Spiny Babbler is the bird found in Nepal. The Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek offers a pristine wilderness experience.
Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek Route
The trek takes off after we reach Tumlingtar in mid-eastern Nepal. The Makalu Trek starts from Chichila, which is a 3-hour drive from Tumlingtar. We pass the beautiful Barun River Valley in the Makalu Barun National Park. This stretch of the trek will see us crossing some really high passes like the Shipton La, Keke La, and also some beautiful lakes like the Kalopokhari, and so on.
During this trek, you walk from the lowlands of Tumlingtar on the Arun River to one of the highest Base Camps, the Makalu Base Camp at 5,000m above sea level. Autumn is considered to be the best season to do this trek.
Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek Difficulty
Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek is a difficult journey. The core difficulty factors are the high altitude, technical passes, remoteness, and basic facilities. Is the MBC and Barun Valley trek harder than the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp? Yes, it is.
The trek reaches an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Thus, having a proper acclimatization plan is a must. What’s more, the Makalu Base Camp is an off-the-beaten-path trek. As a result, finding help and proper accommodation is rare.
Passes like Shipton La and Keke La are very technical to cross. Additionally, these paths are often snowy and treacherous. Thus, trekkers need to have proper technical knowledge to navigate them.
Best Season to Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek
The best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley trek are Autumn and Spring. These are the peak seasons for treks and mountain adventures in Nepal.
Why Autumn
Autumn is the season that offers crisp air and clear skies. For the best possible view of the Himalayan views, fall is the best choice for travel. Also, autumn brings the most stable weather, thus it becomes possible to navigate this remote terrain. Still, trekkers need to keep their undivided focus during high passes.
What Spring Brings
Spring is the second-best trekking season in Nepal. It offers travelers a front-row seat to the flora blooming in the lower regions. Trekkers walk through blossoming rhododendron forests and wild flowers. Temperatures remain warm in lower areas, and higher altitudes remain cool. Yet, it won’t be bitterly cold.
Seasons to Avoid
Summer and monsoon are the most treacherous times to travel. The path becomes muddy and slippery. Also, the forests are infested with leeches and bugs. Most importantly, many hills are prone to mudslides or landslides. Therefore, making travels risk.
Winter offers a clear view of the mountains. However, the Himalayas offer nothing but blistering cold weather. The snow covers the trekking trails, making it hard to navigate even the well-marked paths. So, trekking remote areas isn’t recommended at all.
Itinerary Detail
What is Included / Not Included
- TIMS
- Permit
- Entry Fees
- Airport Pick-up and Drop
- Transportation as per itinerary
- Guide, Driver, and Porter
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with Tea)
- Accommodation
- First-Aid Kit
- Welcome/Farewell Dinner
- All Taxes
Himalayan Trekkers promises to manage the best, most comfortable, and preferred accommodation. Generally, in cities like Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we arrange basic three-star facilities. If available, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option or upgrade to a more luxurious hotel by paying a little extra.
Although not all the places might have all the modern facilities, we will make sure to arrange safe and comfortable accommodation. In general, hygienic and safe tea houses/local lodges/ home-stays with all the basic facilities are arranged. But you can, if possible, personalize according to your preference.
If your itinerary includes camping or you choose to experience camping during your travel, a proper camping site will be pre-decided. If required, we also provide the basic equipment, which is refundable. Please check the Gear-List and Requirement List for more information.
Meals
Breakfast is usually included with your B&B Accommodation within the cost that is evident. For other meals in the city, you would have to pay separately. Often in the cities, you can choose from many different cuisines and varied food services. We can always help you find the right place to fit your taste.
In more remote areas, usually, there are not many options. But you can always find hygienic and well-prepared food. Moreover, almost all the meals during the trek are included in the cost. We can help you make changes according to your preference and budget, but only if choices are available!
On top of that, Himalayan Trekkers also organizes Welcome and Farewell Dinners as a symbol of warm greetings. Please go through the detailed itinerary for more information. We are always there to help you travel to your heart’s content.
