MAKALU BASE CAMP TO THE KHUMBU OF EVEREST
Journey to the 8000 meter Himalayan Giant of the Barun Valley
25 days - From the pristine valleys of the Makalu-Barun National Park to Lukla
High in the heart of the eastern Himalaya, seven valleys radiate from Mount Makalu, the world's 5th highest peak. Of these, the Barun Valley holds some of the last remaining pristine forests and alpine meadows in Nepal. From the bottom of the valley at just over 1,400 feet, the Himalaya rise to the snow-capped tip of Makalu at 8,463 meters. Within this expanse, the Makalu-Barun National Park contains some of the richest and most diverse pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation.
Given its isolated location this area has retained a rich cultural heritage and preserved its unique biological and cultural treasures. The Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area was established in 1992 as Nepal 's eighth national park and was the first to include an adjacent inhabited conservation area as a buffer. A new park management approach encourages local people to become actively involved in protecting the forests and natural resources upon which their lives depend and in conserving their own rich cultural heritage. Traditional resource management systems, such as community controlled grazing and forest guardianship are being strengthened and low level technologies introduced where appropriate. Covering an area of 2,330 square kilometers, the Makalu-Barun National Park is a vital component of the greater Mount Everest ecosystem which includes Nepal's Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park to the west and the Qomolungma Nature Preserve in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES:
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. We are able to arrange this incredible trek based on the below itinerary starting on any day of the week during the months of mid-March to late May and late September to mid-November for groups of 5 to 12 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.
2010 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
5 to 8 People: $3645.00
9 to 12 People: $3240.00
Single tent and hotel room supplement: $450.00 per person
TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 4 nights hotels
Camping: 20 nights camping
Trek Grade: 20 days STRENUOUS trekking
Max. altitude: 5,000 meters / 16,500 feet at Makalu Base Camp
Strenuous Trekking = physically very challenging and
more suited to hikers who are used to extended days (6-10 hours) and who
are competent over uneven and difficult terrain. These treks will involve lengthy
periods at high altitudes.
TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Met upon arrival. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar (950m/3,116ft). 50 minute flight. Camp.
Day 3: Trek to Mani-Bhanjyang (1,200m/3,936ft). 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 4: Trek to Chichila (1,800m/5,904ft), 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 5: Trek to Num (1,500m/4,920ft). 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 6: Trek to Seduwa (1,493m/4,897ft). 5 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 7: Trek to Tashi Gaun (2,200m/7,216ft). 3-4 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 8: Trek to Kahuma Danda (3,500m/11,480ft). 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 9: Trek to Mumbuk (3,400m/11,152ft). 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Nehe Kharka (3,750m/12,300ft). 6-7 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 11: Trek to Sherson (4,600m/15,088ft). 6-7 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 12: Acclimatization and exploration day. Camp.
Day 13: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3,645m/11,956ft). 6-7 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 14: Trek to Mumbuk (3,400m/11,152ft). 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 15: Trek to Khongma or Kahuma Danda (3,500m/11,480ft). 5-6 hours of trekking. Camp.
Day 16: Trek to Tashi Gaun (2,200m/7,216ft). 6-7 hours of trekking. Camp.
Proposed itinerary for the trekking traverse over to Lukla:
Days 17 to 22: During these days we will be making the traverse from the Makalu area west across a little-traveled area along old trading paths. En route to Lukla, we will be passing through the villages of Walung, Tinchuli, Bala, Chitre, Chrem, Kothe and the pasturelands of Thuli Kharka. Days will entail 6 to 8 hours of hiking on hilly terrain.
Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 24: Sightseeing day in and around the Kathmandu Valley. Hotel.
Day 25: Transfer to the Kathmandu International Airport for our departure.
Country Information: About Nepal
Mount Makalu: About Mount Makalu