Trip Overview
Like the trek to Kangchenjunga Base Camp, the trail to Makalu Base Camp is never crowded, although a true Himalayan gem, few undertake this demanding, but very rewarding trek. Mt. Makalu at 8,463m is the fifth highest peak in the world and dominates the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area, a protected area under the agreement between the governments of Nepal and China.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Those on the left side of the plane will have a birds-eye view of the eastern Himalaya. From Tumlingtar it is a 4 hour drive to Num, the start of the trek. The trail from Num heads up the Arun valley crossing the Shipton La (4,210 m) and into the upper Barun valley. There you will have stunning views of Makalu and Chamlang Himal. This is a rough, undulating tail and should not be rushed!
Until quite recently this was a camping trek, few tea-houses, but now there are basic lodges all the way to Makalu Base Camp. Altitude acclimatization is difficult on this trek as there are a number of quite large altitude gains. To offset this we have included additional acclimatization and rest days. On these days you will enjoy exploring the local area, "climbing high and returning to sleep low" which aids acclimatization.
Having spent a day exploring the area around Makalu Base Camp you will about-face and follow the same trail back to Num and Tumlingtar. The walk-out is no less demanding but by then you will be well acclimatized. This time those on the right side of the plane have the view.
