Makalu Basecamp trek in October/November is the best season to trek in Makalu Barun National Park. October and November are the autumn season in Nepal. After several monsoon months in Nepal, we have another great fall start with blue sky, sunshine days, less rain, and not so many clouds in the mountains from mid-September till the end of December. Then, most of the trekkers come to the Himalayan country Nepal for Trekking, Climbing, and tour in this preferable weather in autumn. Compared to other trekking areas in Nepal, Makalu-Barun national park was open for trekkers in 1992, and Mount Makalu (alt 8486m) was climbed in 15 May 1955, for the first time by Lionel Terray, and Jean Couzy from France.
While you trek to Makalu base camp, it doesn’t matter late or early, but there is no other place where people can find one of the great adventure experiences of trekking, Climbing including different beauty of natural flora-fauna, cultural, social, massive big Makalu Mountain with many other over 7000m, 6000m. As well as the arum and Barun river is possible to see only at Makalu Barun National Park.
In the Makalu base camp trek, There are not made any decent hotels and guest houses yet. So the tourist have to spend overnight at basic typical homestays. The basic homestays are available in every places to reach Makalu base camp. Many companies and tourists still prefer organizing their won camping to feel more adventurous and provides verities of continental Western food. Which is a little bit more expensive because all camping gear, food, cruise members, need to manage from Kathmandu. Which is not possible to manage locally in Khadbari or Tumblingtar.
But those tourists who also like to feel a bit of Nepali way, sleeping in dometry hall sharing homestay with families and other trekkers, eat basic Nepali food (Dal Bhat) then, the trek costs bit cheaper. Also, you can just hire guide and porters to do Makalu base camp trek to reduce the cost. The homestays will be available until Makalu base camp, but for those who wants to extend the trek and go further different areas like Sherpani-col, Amphu Laptsa, Mera, or Kanchenjunga they have no other options then just camping.
Makalu base camp, and Sherpini – Col pass trek in details:
In Makalu Barun national park there is an another hardcore adventure trip called Sherpani-col high pass trek and the altitude is over 6000m/19,685ft. Adventure high pass trek is the extremly tough trek in the world. In between Makalu base camp trek and Sherpani-col high pass trek, up to Makalu base camp the itinerary is same but Sherpani-col pass trail split from Makalu base camp and goes further north-west. But the trek to Makalu base camp return same way back to Tumlingtar. Also, Sherpani-col pass trek, we need to fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (450m/1476ft), it takes about 55 minute to get there. Tumlingtar will be the lowest altitude for this high adventure trek, eastern Nepal’s, Sankhuwasava district.
You will follow Arun river for a while and take right side up towards Bhotebash via Mane Bhanjyang. When you are in Bhotebash you feel a little bit cooler breeze coming from the hills, after few hours 0f driving in hot temperature. While you reach Chichila from where you can see Makalu mountain range in distance, then again you drive down to Num which is the last point of driving. Tumblingtar to Num the drive will take around 4 to 5 hours.
You should stay in Num for overnight to prepare for walking to Makalu base camp. The basic lodge in Num, at least you can have good sleep and get some common Nepali food as well as some Chinese food. The next destination will be Seduwa which goes steep down again to Arun River and steep up to Seduwa, in 7 to 8 hours of walking you can reach in Seduwa. The tempreture will be very hot so you might be sweating all day. Seduwa to Tashi gaun is easy to walk for a few hours and preparing for some longer walk.
After staying in Tashigaun, the next destination is kongma dada. Which is long climb most of the day and it takes around 8 to 10 hour to reach in Kongma dada throughout forest walking almost all day. This day is good warming up for altitude and a little bit of training for Sherpani-col pass. Kongma-la the next day small pass which is not that high altitude but ground fugue most of the time and that makes little difficult to climb up and down to Dobato. This is again a long day and it takes around 9 to 10 hours but depanding on the weather conditions and walking pace you can reach at Dobato less than 9 hours.
After Dobato, it is just down to Barun river and easy up to Yangri kharka, which is beautiful Makalu valley. Yangri Kharka and Makalu base camp valley is the most beautiful scenery of Makalu range mountain day by day more and more once you reach in Makalu base camp it is just amazing beautiful of world’s top 5th biggest mountain base camp. Explore the barun glacier and rest is needed for the next destination.
Enjoying in a base camp then, you can go towards Swiss camp, walking distance looks not so long but walking into glacier makes it harder but still possible to make it by 4 to 5 hours with enjoying the front view of Makalu mountain.
Swiss camp to High camp is harder to accent up because of rocky hillside walking. At the elevation of 5600m/18,372ft. called Sherpani-col high camp located in the front for huge Iceland. Preparing for next to Sherpani -col pass, you need to acclimatize here with some basic climbing training and to get used to the altitude. Guide and climbing guide may prepare for the rope to fixed to top off of Sherpani -col to make it easier for the next day to everyone. Early Morning Starts from high camp to sherpani -col top, next is a challenging job. It may take 7 to 8 hours to reach the top.
First 5 to 6 hour you can manage to reach the button of Sherpani-col, every step after high camp Sherpani-col top looks very near but due to crevasses and hard snow makes it harder to keep walking. After struggling some hours with less oxygen to accent to the buttom of Sherpani-col to the top, you have to go through rope to the top for 200m/0.2mile. Climb up is not easy for the porters too with carrying load. For the safety everybody should use the rope. When you are at the top of Sherpani -col at 6190m/20,308ft. you can see west -col and huge snow field of Baruntse camp II in the west and stunning view of mount Makalu.
To go to camp site, it takes time because of 250m/0.2mile. steep rocky down hill part. at this point, everyone need to make a queue and go turn by turn. Normally the guide will make a decision first to cross that part depending on the situation. The clients will go with Sherpa, and the kitchen crew and porters will go together. For kitchen crews and the porters carrying huge load will be very tough to go down, if the bags go wrong direction for few meters then the bag will fall down to deep crevasses which will be very hard to pullback to the right direction.
So, when we cross the pass one person stays in turning point of ice fall and other person will be at the buttom to collect safely and one person stays on top to manage load to send slowly down walking to Baruntse camp II. This day will be very tough day and it will take many hours.
It is huge ice field end of the other side of field is Baruntse Camp II, where you spent overnight. Similar strategy like Sherpani- col high camp, here, also climbing guide and other crews will go to prepare for West-col to make sure rope is fixed and for other preparetion. Small accent and long descent for next day you will reach Baruntse.
This place is probably one of the most beautiful places on this whole adventure trip. Spendig the night at lap of Barunte with seeing massif mountain Makalu, definitely there is no other place to similar like this. You will be sleeping over 6000m, so, this can be tired and hard to sleep on this altitude. The next morning, descending down from west-col is one of the hardest pass in this trip among other passes.
From west –col during descending, lose rock may fall and can hit anybody so, you need to be careful. The descending method will be as same as Sherpani-col, the guide needs to sent down clients first one by one and then after other crew member and porters load via rope. Even completely reach in the button of west-col still, you need to be careful to falling into the crevasse. The trail shape are always changing due to heavy avalanche during heavy snowfall time. after struggling to decent to Baruntse camp I then, you will decent more to Baruntse high camp for overnight stay. This day could be the hardest day for sure.
The next day to Amphu Laptsa high camp, which won’t be any high pass, just trek up to high camp for 5 to 6 hours. One more day at this place is rest to prepare for another high pass Amphu laptsa(5900m.). From high camp to Amphu Laptsa, it takes around 2 to 3-hour maximum to reach on top, near the top again you need to climb with rope but this one is easier and much safe then the last passes of this trip. On the top of Amphu Laptsa, you can again start seeing Everest regions mountain.
The one last difficult descend from the top of Amphu Laptsa to Imza lake. You will descend about 200 to 250 meter steep down towards South and turn North-West to descend by rope. The descending proccess will be the as same as previous passes. Finally, you will arrive Imza lake and start trek towards Chhukung. After waking for 2 to 3 hours you will arrive in Chhukug. Finally, the hardest part of the trek will be done here and you will continue trek dwon to Lukla for few days.
When you arrive at Lukla, the trek will end here and you can celebrate the trek with all the staff members with great trekking experience with nature explore trek team. Next morning you will take a short flight to Kathmandu from Lukla for 35 minutes. You will be invited for authentic Nepali meal with cultural dance for dinner.
Makalu Base Camp and Shepini- Col pass Trek Highlights:
- A magnificent Makalu, Everest and Kanchenjunga mountains, and many other mountains view from a close distance.
- Visit several local villages and their culture, religions and basic daily lifestyle
- Stay at homestay with warm hospitality.
- Test of delicious organic food and drinks.
- A scenic mountain flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu.
- Cross Sherpini –Cola pass (alt. 6119m)with few times ascending and descending
- Encounter with wild animal and birds domestic in Barun national park
- One of the adventure and challenging trekking and climbing experience in life.
- From begging to end of the trek is full of joy and excitement.
- Unforgettable memories of trekking and climbing in Nepal.
- Great chance of Photograph of big mountains from a close distance
Ethnic groups and religions of Makalu base camp and Sherpini –cal pass trek.
Makalu Barun national park is also very important for a place for Hindus and Buddhist religious because of starting source of Barun river is Makalu glacier and Barun staring points and down below near Sherson are an equally important place for both religions. So every summertime when there is not so cold and easy to go for all age people.
Specially Hindus visit in the source of Barun river every July with Shaman (jhakri) in a small groups from their own society and cast, such as Limbu, Rai, Chhetri, Tamang and some more cast to fulfill their pray in high altitude religious place.
Overall, other lower populated areas of Makalu region are similarly celibate many national festivals and their won festival as national calendar and their generation tradition. Higher up sherpa culture have followed same as Buddhist calander.
Popular Vegetation in Makalu Base Camp trek:
Starting from 400m (Arun Valley) to 4000m (Yargri kharka valley), there are very large number of flora and funa. Where more than 3200 species of flowering plants and, more than 22 types of rhododendron trees found in this national park.
In this Eastern large national park, more than 70 types of economically valuable medical plants are found such as, Junipers, many types of herbs, and Yarsagumba. Also, around 50 types of orchid’s family plans are available here.
Popular for Flora and Fauna in Makalu base camp trek:
Makalu Barun national park is also rich from fauna as similar to flora. Here more than 320 species of butterflies found, which is possible to see from 400m. of Arun Valley to yangri kharka. In the record of the department of national parks and wildlife conservation in Makalu Barun national park, found more than 450 types of birds and 45 types of reptiles are found which are like turtles, crocodiles, snakes, frog, lizards and many more.
One of the little areas where we can capture in camera snow leopards and red panda is also possible to see at Makalu, as well as other popular wildlife also easily found here like, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, black bear, hanuman languor, Himalayan Thar, Assam macaque, musk dear, Himalayan wolf, leopard cat, jungle cat, golden jackal, barking deer, Asian golden cat, and much other common wildlife can see in Makalu Barun national park so this national park is not only famous for trekking and mountaineering it also can be easily destination for those people who like to see wildlife.
Makalu base camp and Sherpini-Col pass trek Outline itinerary:
Day 1- arrived in Kathmandu & transfer to your hotel (alt 1300m.)
Overnight at Hotel
Day 2 – Half Day sightseeing and afternoon trek preparation.
Day 3 – Fly to Tumlingtar from ktm, total flight duration is 50 minutes (450m.) and drive to Num (1560m.) 4-5 hours.
Day 4 – Trek to Seduwa (1510m.), 6 -7 HOURS.
Day 5- Trek to Tashi Gaun (2030m.) 4 – hours
Day 6 – Rest day in Tashi Gaun.
Day 7 – Trek to Kongma dada (3700m.) 5 to 6 hours.
Day 8 -Trek to Dobato (alt, 3520m), 6 to 7 hours.
Day 9 – Trek to Yangri kharka (3500m.) ,5 to 6 hours.
Day 10- Trek to Sherson (4040m.) , to 6 hours.
Day 11- Trek to Makalu base camp (5000m.), 4 to 5 hours.
Day 12 – Explore Makalu base camp and acclimatization day.
Day 13 – Trek to Swiss camp (5350m.), 6 to 7 hours.
Day 14 – Trek to Sherpani – Col high camp (5600m.) 5 -6 hours.
Day 15 – Rest and prepare for Sherpani-col pass(this day climbing guide go up to Sherpani- col to fixed the rope to top)and porters take some load to the top as well to make easier next day)
Day 16 – Early morning trek to Sherpani – Col pass (6190m) top last 200 meters by rope and descend 200m by rope to Baruntse camp II, and camp at Baruntse camp ii nearby west- Col,( total time minimum 10 to 12 hours.
Day 17- Climb up to west – Col (6220m) and go down Baruntse camp I by rope approx.300meter for overnight stay.(time 10 to 11 hours)
Day 18 – Trek to Amphu laptsa high camp (alt.5400m.) ,5 to 6 hours.
Day 19- Rest and prepare for Ampuhu laptsa pass.
Day 20- Early morning trek to Amphulaptsa pass(5900m) 100 meter up by rope and from top 170 meters down by rope and trek to imjase lake corner camp for overnight
Day 21- Trek to Dingboche (alt.4400m.) 5 hours
Day 23- Trek to Namche Bazar,(alt.3400m.), 6 hours
Day 24- Relaxing day
Day 25- Trek to Lukla , Alt.2800m, 6 hours .
Day 26- Fly back to Kathmandu 35 minutes and your trip ends here.
Day 27- free time in Kathmandu, and evening invited for farewell dinner.
Day 28 – Departure to your won destination.
Makalu base camp and Sherpin Col pass trek and trek equipment list.
Ice axe (it’s not necessary to bring from there, the climbing guide will carry one for the summit day) but if you have your own then you can bring it)
- Crampons
- Harness)
- Tape slings (2)
- Screw gate karabiners (2 locks, 2 unlock)
- Descended/eight-figure
- Plastic mountaineering boots
- Ascender/Jhumar
- Helmet
Group Climbing Gears ( it’s not useful for the single climber)
- Snow bar*
- Rope*
- Ice hammer*
- Ice screw*
Head
- Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
- Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
- 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- 1 pair of hiking shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
- 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Feet
- 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks
- Gaiters
Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag -30 degree centigrade
- Fleece sleeping bag liner
Rucksack and Travel Bags
- Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
- We provide you duffle bag for the trip.
Medical (we will also have our first aid kit bag)
- Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants!
- Water purification tablets or the water filter
- 1 set of earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Practical Items
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
- 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS(optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
- Large Ziplocs
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
- 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
Toiletries
- 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes
- Tissue /toilet roll you can buy everywhere on the trip
- Anti-bacterial handwash
Extras/Luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map/guide book (Map we provide you.)
- Journal and pen
- 1 modest swimsuit
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs.
Why Makalu base camp trek is Popular?
For those who have done already many hiking and trekking from easy to medium, and difficult levels around 5000m higher in Nepal or anywhere in the world, and want to go higher and more adventure trekking in Nepal then, we would highly recommend for Makalu base camp trek, and it’s the perfect trekking and climbing route in Nepal. Mount Makalu is the fifth highest mountain among 14 peaks above 8000m in the world.
Mount Makalu is very popular and famous for climbing and trekking around, for the first time mount Makalu is climbed by French expeditions group on 15 May 1955 and Makalu base camp trek was open from 1992. Makalu base camp trek is very popular for adventure walk in Himalaya, and a magnificent mount Makalu, Everest range, mount Baruntse view from a close distance including several mountain peaks and visit the rare culture and religions of the region.
Along the way, you shall cross so many different types of’ villages, ethnic groups, religions, and their daily basic lifestyle. A great chance for capture beautiful photos and video of big mountains from a close distance, And crossing Sherpini-Col pass (alt 6219m) including twice ascending and descending by rope is one of the most challenging parts of this trek, anyone going Makalu base camp and Shepini- Col pass you should know basic climbing skills, and these passes are very risky and big trip in the Himalaya.
If you haven’t done any harder trekking before then, do not try to do trek, we highly suggest you all adventures lovers please be well prepared before you planning this type of trek and high passes. This is the trek that gives you hundred percent satisfaction and adventure experience in your lifetime.
Final say:
Makalu base camp and Sherpini –col pass trek is one of the challenging adventure trekking routes in Nepal. You should be well prepared for this type of trek, basically, you should know climbing skills, how to use climbing equipment, and well fit and fine for higher acclimatization, minimum you need to have done other hard treks before you plane for this trek. Minimum time required 4 weeks time to finish the whole trek including Sherpini -col pass to Everest region via Amphu Laptsa pass or if you want to do only Makalu base camp trek then two and half weeks enough.
So, if anyone interest in Makalu base camp and Sharpni- col pass trek, please contact us anytime we are happy to help yo. We have been organizing these types of adventure trips in Nepal for a long time with 100 percent success with safety and security. We have a good experienced and professional guide and kitchen crew who have been on this trek many times. Recently we organized Upper GHT trail long trek (Upper Great Himalaya Trail) starts from Kanchenjunga and ends far west Nepal in Simikot, (total 1800km, days 129).
