Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley Trek - 18 Days

Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport meet Nepal Trekking Path airport representative then drive to your hotel. If you arrive early, there will be a short presentation covering orientation and introduction of the tour. You may spend the rest of the day as you please. You can either take rest in the hotel or wander around the local market.

Fuel on the delicious breakfast then head to Tribhuvan International Airport to board flight to Tumlingtar. Fly above the soaring mountains; Makalu peaks and Mt. Everest. The 45 minutes scenic flight gives you a glimpse of the Himalayan country. After landing in Tumlingtar airfield set in Arun valley, meet our crew. Nestled above Arun River, the village has a warm climate and offers amazing vistas of Mt. Makalu. We will spend a night in a comfortable hotel room.

Wake up early, have breakfast while enjoying the view of Mt. Makalu and other Himalayan ranges then hop into the jeep. Pass through several villages and farms, cross Khadbari, a large town then hit the road climbing uphill. A brief drive on the dusty road will lead us to Chinchilla. We will take a break before heading to Num. Drive on uphills and downhills for around an hour. We will be in Num in four hours so we will have enough time to explore Num.

The first day of the walk is relatively easy and pleasant. We will start by descending on the steep slopes and treading through the terraced farms heading to Arun River. From here, we will descend through dense forest and slippery trail. Reaching the foothill, we will follow an easy trail then cross a suspension bridge hanging over the raging Arun River. From here, we will climb uphill then tread alongside farms and scattered houses until we reach Runruma. We will take a lunch break before continuing marching on the steep uphill to Sedua. The village has few houses, a school, and a health post.

After a sound sleep in Sedua, we will continue our journey to Tashi-gaon.Today, we will walk for around four hours. Walk past numerous farm area and small hamlets then follow the trail piercing the forest leading to Tashi-gaon. We will have lunch in Tashi-gaon. Tashi-gaon is the last village we will see for the next seven days. The ancient village is dominated by Sherpa tribe following distinct culture and lifestyle. Check out the village, enjoy the peaceful ambiance and the sight of farmers working in the fields. Savor the local meal cooked using the fresh ingredients and take rest.

A five hours walk meanders through dense forest, grazing meadows, ridge and summer pasture. Start the trek by treading on the route passing through oaks, pines and rhododendron forest. Enjoy the cool breeze while walking through the green meadows, grazing fields, and summer pasture. Climb into the woodland then head to Kohama ridge. We will set our camp here. The place offers amazing vistas of snowy peaks above and dramatic landscapes below. Spend the remaining day strolling around, snapping pictures and soaking up the beauty of this place.

Have delicious breakfast amid the panoramic mountains, enjoy the view then continue the journey. Though we will be descending most of the time, the hike is not going to be easy because of the snow. Walk past the glacial Thulo and Sano Pokhari then head to Tutu-la Pass at an elevation of 4,075 meters. While enjoying the panoramic view descend down until Mumbuk. Follow the trail piercing dense woodland and walk to the place where we will set our camps. Spend the night in the midst of the colorful forest with the view of sparkling mountains. It’s going to be one heck of an experience.

After spending a beautiful night in this lovely place, today we will set off for Nehe Kharka. Post breakfast, follow the trail meandering downhill that leads to amazing Barun valley. The barely trodden valley features exotic landscapes, 440 species of birds and a large range of flora and fauna. The place is popular among the zoologist. As we move forward, we will experience a change in the weather. March the trail climbing uphill leading to the upstream of Barun River. It will take us around six hours to reach Nehe Kharka. Surrounded by forest and rocky cliffs Nehe Kharka boast the epic view. Local of Navagoan and Tashi use Nehe Kharka as summer pasture.

Snack at some energy boosting breakfast to prepare for the rest of the trip. Start the trek by crossing the small wooden bridge over Barun River. Follow the path climbing uphill to Sheppard’s area Ramara. The place is dotted with a large prayer wall. As we move forward, the tree lines start to diminish and short bushes begin to appear. Walk through barberries, rhododendrons and juniper bushes until we reach Sherson. From here, we get a glimpse of Peak 04, Baruntse, Mt. Makalu and many other hidden peaks. Enjoy the view, wander around the place and delve into the beauty of this wonderful wonderland.

The 10th day of the trek is reserved for rest and short hikes. Have leisurely breakfast then set off for the short hikes. We will hike to Makalu Base Camp at an elevation of 5,060 meters. It will take us a few hours to reach the base camp. Set on the foothill of Baruntse and Makalu, the base camp provides breathtaking views of Mt. Makalu and Mt. Everest. Head back to Sherson, have breakfast and spend the remaining day exploring Sherson.

Tracing our steps back to the trailhead, today we will descend down to the end of Barun Valley i.e. Yak Kharka. We will gradually descend for around six hours. Upon reaching Yangre Kharka, we will spend the rest of the day strolling around the place.

Walk past the trail dotted with trees and dense vegetations. Easy uphill Climb for few hours then steep climb through the thick tree line. Within five hours we will be in Mumbuk, our overnight spot. Walk around the place, breath in the fresh air, take rest then have a local meal.

Walk to Dhiptom – la at an elevation of 4,040 meters. Pass through Tutu – la Pass then cross Thulo Pokhari and sano Pokhari. Walk until we reach Khoma danda. Enjoy the view of a green valley and sparkling mountains from the top. Snap pictures, enjoy the peace and explore the place before calling it a day.

Today, we will get the glimpse of the human settlement once again as we head to Nawa Gaon through Tashi Gaon. Start the trek by descending on the hill passing through the colorful forest leading to Tashi Gaon. Take a short break in Tashi Gaon before continuing our journey to Nawa Gaon. Walk past the forest and farmlands to reach Nawa Gaon, a small village dominated by Sherpa tribe.

Enjoy the easy and pleasant walk on the downhill. Tread on the downhill passing through terraced farm leading to Sedua village. Descend on the steep trail and cross a bridge over Arun River. A final uphill climb from here will take us to Num.

After an early morning breakfast, catch a bus to Tumlingtar. Drive uphill until reaching Chinchilla village from where the trail winds downhill until Tumlingtar. Throughout the way, we will get a glimpse of beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes. Take a brief rest upon reaching Tumlingtar. We will gather in the evening to celebrate our victory and exchange our experiences. Take rest in the cozy hotel.

Enjoy every bit of your last day in this heavenly place. Have breakfast then head to Tumlingtar and catch a flight to Kathmandu. The 45 minutes flight gives you an up-close view of soaring mountains the last time. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your respective hotel. Today, we will keep our option open. Spend the day as you like. If you want to go to explore the local market you may do so but if you are feeling tired you may take a rest at your hotel.

There is numerous place to explore in Kathmandu but due to time constraint we will only be able to explore four cultural heritages, starting with Basantapur Durbar Square.

Basantapur Durbar Square: After an early morning breakfast, our cultural guide will receive you and take you into the heart of the capital city, Basantapur Durbar Square also known as Hanuman Dhoka. Get the glimpse of culture and tradition of Kathmandu city for the first time in the form of ancient temples, antique courtyards, majestic palaces, fine Newari architectures, and historic houses. It’s strange how peaceful the place is despite being set amid the busiest city in Kathmandu. Take blessing of living goddess, Kumari before leaving for Swoyambhunath.

Swayambhunath: Drive for around fifteen minutes to reach Swayambhunath. If we choose to enter from the main entrance, we will have to climb 365 staircases dotted with trees and small vendors selling handicrafts. But if you don’t want to walk, we can drive to another entrance. We will have to pay Rs 200 as an entrance charge. The plaza was build in the fifth century thus features ancient architectures and crafts. The plaza houses magnificent stupa, chortens, temples decorated with prayer flags, prayer wheels, and sparsely populated trees. We can see monks performing prayers and rituals. On a clear day, we can have a bird’s eye view of Kathmandu city from the top.

Pashupatinath: Shiva temple, Pashupatinath is one of the most significant religious site in Asia for Hindus. As we head to Pashupatinath entrance, we will see lots of scattered vendors selling flowers and things needed to offer puja. Only Hindus are allowed to enter into the inside courtyard of the temple so we will catch the view from afar. Stroll around the outer courtyards of the temple, take pictures, enjoy some monkey shows, feel the peace, learn the culture of Nepali people then head to Bouddhanath.

Bouddhanath: Another major attraction in Kathmandu Boddhanath is always repleted with visitors. We need to pay a certain amount to enter the plaza. The plaza houses the largest stupa in the world. Enjoy the view of the surrounding while performing kora around the stupa. We can see a number of small vendors selling Tibetan and Nepali handicrafts, thankas and other stuff. There are several restaurants, we will have lunch then head back to the hotel.

The 19-day long Nepal tour comes to an end today. Pack your bags, do some last minute souvenir shopping and get ready, our airport representative will pick you from your hotel to transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.