Makalu Base Camp Trek

This trek takes you to Makalu Base Camp (5250 m), now designated as Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area. The Makalu Base camp trek is a true adventure with scenery so beautiful that it will never tire you. The trek starts with a flight to Tumlingtar and heads up the Arun River valley to Sedua and Num, then crossing Shipton La Pass (4210 m) into the upper Barun river valley for a close look at Makalu and Chamlang Himal.

The trek begins from Tumlingtar following the trails parallel to Arun River passing through Brahman, Chhetri, Rai, Limbu, Gurung and Tamang villages to Num. Oak, chestnut and rhododendron forests are aflutter with birds and animals. From Num, the trail crisscrosses the Arun and starts up the Kasuwa Khola turning westward to cross the Shipton Pass (4,500m), which actually consists of two passes, Keke La (4,127m) and Tutu La (4,075m) into the upper Barun Khola valley. From high points panoramic views of eastern Himalayas; Chamlang (7,319m), Peak 6 (6,739m), Peak 7 (6,105m) and long-awaited Makalu (8,463m) all from Everest to Kanchenjungha are open to reward the steadfast trekker. Campsite in alpine meadows and at the base of Mt. Makalu as it reflects dusk’s light off the neighboring peaks are spectacular. The way down from the higher region of ice and rocks to lower Barun Khola valley of rhododendron and oak trees is of as much interest and contrast.