Makalu Base Camp Trekking- 16 Days

As we start our trek on day 2, we will encounter a mix of ascending and descending paths that lead to the Arun River. The trail then passes through a suspension bridge and continues along a winding path to Seduwa. On the way, we will have stunning views of the rural landscape, bamboo forests, and traditional hillside villages with tea houses. Our trek will also take us through the Makalu Barun National Park, where we will have to register our permits at a checkpoint.

Today's trek is relatively easier than the previous day. We will be passing through undulating terrains and walking past several Mani walls and stone stairs. As we walk through farmlands, rhododendron, and bamboo-filled forests, we can hear the chattering of birds, including cuckoos, singing thrushes, and barbets. We will also pass through the small settlement of Chyaksa Danda and climb several stone steps to reach Tashigaon.

Our trek for the day starts with a climb up a few stone steps and crossing a bridge. We will be walking on an inclined path through a rhododendron forest, which is a beautiful sight to see in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. We will take a break at Dhara for lunch and refreshments after walking through the forest. The trail continues uphill, passing a large rock, before we arrive at Unshisa. Then we will climb stone steps through another rhododendron forest before reaching our final destination for the day, Khongma Danda.

The trek's major highlight will be the journey to Dobate, where we will cross high passes and enjoy breathtaking views. We will climb a path surrounded by rhododendron trees before reaching Khongma La at an altitude of 3873m, from where we can see peaks like Makalu and Chamlang. We will hike up to Ghungru La (Tutu La) at 4055m and then to Shipton La at 4220m, passing by mani walls and prayer flags. We will descend to Kalo Pokhari Lake, a sacred lake visited by pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival. The ascent to Keke La at 4152m offers views of snow-covered mountain ranges, and we will descend through a beautiful valley to reach Dobate.

Descend through a pleasant forest of pine, rhododendron, redstart, and minivet, while taking caution as the path steeply falls toward the Barun River, especially in snowy conditions. Admire the snow-capped Chamlang and Tutse peaks along the way. Ascend to Themathang Kharka, passing by a beautiful waterfall en route. Cross a wooden bridge and hike on an uneven trail before reaching Yangle Kharka.

We will walk along a path that runs alongside a river and a small monastery, surrounded by lush vegetation and offering stunning views of rocky cliffs and mountain peaks. The trail will be mostly flat and enjoyable as we pass through grasslands such as Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek. Along the way, we will come across Mani walls and prayer flags swaying in the breeze. Eventually, we will reach Lagmale Kharka.

Langmale Kharka will serve as our acclimatization stop where we will have ample time to rest and adjust to the high altitude. It is a necessary pause to help us prepare for the rest of the journey. During this day, we have the option to take it easy, relax and recover from the previous days' trekking, or we can choose to go on a gentle hike to a nearby hill. Our experienced guide will advise us on the best hike to take based on our physical condition and the altitude.

Today, our destination is the Makalu Base Camp, the fifth-highest peak in the world. As we trek, we'll get a glimpse of Makalu and its awe-inspiring face covered in icefalls, crevasses, sharp edges, and seracs. The trail we'll be following has many twists and turns as it gradually descends. Along the way, we'll cross a river before arriving at the Makalu Base Camp, which sits at an elevation of 4870m. The striking view of Makalu will dominate the skyline, and we may also have the chance to spot a variety of birds, such as black redstarts, Tibetan snowcocks, and hill pigeons.

On this day, we will have our second opportunity to adjust to the altitude. We will go on a short hike to explore the nearby glaciers and lakes. The vast Barun Glacier lies beyond the barren Makalu Base Camp, and from there, we can enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and the beautiful south of Makalu. The trek's most satisfying conclusion is a hike to a ridge that stands at an elevation of 5,250 meters northeast of the Shershong on Peak 3’s lower slope. From this vantage point, we can see Everest, Lhotse Shar, and Lhotse in the northwest. The view of the stunning mountain peaks and long valleys from this spot is awe-inspiring.

We will follow the same path we took earlier and hike towards Yangle Kharka today. On our way, we will pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek, and descend before reaching Yangle Kharka. During the trek, we will be walking through a dense pine forest and appreciating the stunning alpine views around us.

Take your time and appreciate the beautiful scenery as we walk beside the winding river towards Themathang. The path will lead us through a dense rhododendron forest and across a bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags before we arrive at Themathang Kharka. Be mindful of the narrow trail as we pass through the landslide area with extra care. While trekking through the challenging terrain of the rhododendron forest, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains. Our journey to Dobate will take us through a verdant forest with rocky terrain, passing through a picturesque valley.

During our trek to Khongma Danda, we will witness the awe-inspiring sights of Mount Kanchenjunga. We will follow the same path we took before and cross high passes, including Keke La Pass, before reaching Shipton La or Tutu La Pass. As we continue hiking, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding natural wonders until we reach Sano Pokhari Danda, which is a Hindu shrine. We will also pass by Khongma La, which is marked by a mani wall, and after descending a set of stone steps, we will arrive at Khongma. While there, we may have the opportunity to witness blood pheasants walking on the snow amidst the rhododendron bushes.

From Khongma Danda, we will leave Makalu Barun National Park, turn around, and head back to Seduwa. After descending the stone stairs and crossing the bridge, we continue on a jungle path through a thick forest. We will cross several bridges. We will observe birds singing during the walk because the woodland is a habitat for several avian species. Look out for cardamom bushes and the farms scattered over the slope. We reach Seduwa by walking past the Mani walls and walking down several stone steps.

Begin the day with a refreshing hike through a vibrant village and extensive bamboo forests. Follow a winding path to reach the Arun River and cross a suspension bridge, where we'll be greeted with stunning views of the Nepalese countryside. Descend on large stone steps along the river before ascending and descending through a picturesque forest on our way to the settlement of Num. From there, we'll embark on a scenic journey to Tumlingtar along winding mountain roads, where we'll be treated to panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, lush landscapes, terraced farms, and hillside communities.

After completing the trek, we will take a local flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, during which you can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan terrain from the comfort of the aircraft. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Once there, you can take some time to relax and recover from the trek, or you can explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu and its famous Thamel district