- Trip Code : NTE-MCT40
- Trip Duration : 27 Days
- Trip Level : Strenuous
- Trip Max Altitude : 5750
- Trip Start Location : Kathmandu
- Trip End Location : Kathmandu
- Trip Route : Tumlingtar-Seduwa-Dobato-Makalu Base Camp-Sherpani Col-Amphu Laptsa Pass-Kalapather-Namche-Lukla
- Trip Best Season : March-April & August-November
Trip Highlights
⦁ See Everest from a unique angle, it’s eastern Kangshung face
⦁ Gain views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kangchenjunga
⦁ Pass from green terraced farmland to glaciers and waterfalls
⦁ Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Rai and Sherpa culture
⦁ Spot some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda
⦁ Makalu Barun National Park.
⦁ Adventure camping hikes to Makalu Base Camp.
⦁ Nepal's most remote and unspoiled trekking destination
Trip Information
The amazing Makalu Circuit trek is one of the well-known treks in the pristine Himalayan landscapes in Nepal. Although the trekking trail is quite challenging, the awe-inspiriting views of the stunning Himalayas giants such as; the Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyo, Lhotse, Baruntse, Pumori, Thamserku, and many other peaks makes this trek one of the best trekking experiences in your life. The Manaslu Circuit trek will surely fulfill your desire of adventure by offering these amazing passes namely Sherpani Col (6110m), West Col (6140m) and Amphu Laptsha (5850m) during your trail. We will begin our trek after explorations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley. You will discover the Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath temples, Buddhnath Stupa, and Royal Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The amazing flight takes us to the beauty of Tumlingtar, after our breakfast and hotel checkout at Kathmandu. Appalling views of the snow-capped peaks resting below during the flight is the sweet beginning of our Makalu Circuit trek. As we reach to Tumlingtar, we will officially begin our trekking with the stunning views of the Himalayas. In the beginning, we will trek through genital trail and the trail goes through the agricultural farmlands, rhododendron forests and charming traditional villages such as; Khandbari, Chichila, Mudhe, Seduwa and many more. We will continue mostly gradual ascend trails onwards Makalu Base Camp, Swiss Base Camp, Sherpani Col Base Camp then to Mt. Baruntse Base Camp followed by adventurous high passes. During our trekking trail, we will also get chances to encounter with the different ethnic people and observe their unique culture and traditions is really rewarding. After exploration of major highlights of Makalu Circuit trek,
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 - Arrival at TIA International Airport Kathmandu (1350m) & Transfer to the Hotel.
- Day 2 - Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour.
- Day 3 - Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight and trek to Khandbari. 1040m (4/5 hrs).
- Day 4 - Trek from Khandbari to Chichila. 1980m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 5 - Trek from Chichila to Mudhe. 1945m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 6 - Trek from Mudhe to Seduwa. 1500m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 7 - Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaun. 2100m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 8 - Trek .from Tashigaun to Khongma. 3500m (6/7 hrs)
- Day 9 - Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk. 3540m (6/7 hrs) via Shipton La.
- Day 10 - Trek from Mumbuk to Nele Kharka. 3700m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 11 - Rest Day at Nele Kharka.
- Day 12 - Trek from Nele Kharka to Merek. 4340m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 13 - Trek from Merek to Makalu Base Camp. 5000m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 14 - French Camp Acclimatization.
- Day 15 - East Col Camp.
- Day 16 - Trek to Baruntse Base Camp via Sherpani Col. 5700m (7/8 hrs).
- Day 17 - Trek from Baruntse Base Camp to Seto Pokhari.
- Day 18 - Trek from Seto Pokhari to Amphu Laptsa High Camp. 5400m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 19 - Cross Amphu Laptsa pass (5851m) and trek to Imja Valley. 5100m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 20 - Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La pass. 4940m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 21 - Trek from Lobuche to EBC and Gorakshep. 5450m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 22 - Early morning hike to Kalapatthar and trek to Pheriche. 4371m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 23 - Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. 3440m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 24 - Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. 2860m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 25 - Flight Lukla to Kathmandu and back to the hotel in Kathmandu.
- Day 26 - Explore Local market rest day at Kathmandu.
- Day 27 - Final Departure.
- Day 1 Arrival at TIA International Airport Kathmandu (1350m) & Transfer to the Hotel.
- Day 2 Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour.
- Day 3 Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight and trek to Khandbari. 1040m (4/5 hrs).
- Day 4 Trek from Khandbari to Chichila. 1980m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 5 Trek from Chichila to Mudhe. 1945m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 6 Trek from Mudhe to Seduwa. 1500m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 7 Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaun. 2100m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 8 Trek .from Tashigaun to Khongma. 3500m (6/7 hrs)
- Day 9 Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk. 3540m (6/7 hrs) via Shipton La.
- Day 10 Trek from Mumbuk to Nele Kharka. 3700m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 11 Rest Day at Nele Kharka.
- Day 12 Trek from Nele Kharka to Merek. 4340m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 13 Trek from Merek to Makalu Base Camp. 5000m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 14 French Camp Acclimatization.
- Day 15 East Col Camp.
- Day 16 Trek to Baruntse Base Camp via Sherpani Col. 5700m (7/8 hrs).
- Day 17 Trek from Baruntse Base Camp to Seto Pokhari.
- Day 18 Trek from Seto Pokhari to Amphu Laptsa High Camp. 5400m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 19 Cross Amphu Laptsa pass (5851m) and trek to Imja Valley. 5100m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 20 Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La pass. 4940m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 21 Trek from Lobuche to EBC and Gorakshep. 5450m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 22 Early morning hike to Kalapatthar and trek to Pheriche. 4371m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 23 Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. 3440m (5/6 hrs).
- Day 24 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. 2860m (6/7 hrs).
- Day 25 Flight Lukla to Kathmandu and back to the hotel in Kathmandu.
- Day 26 Explore Local market rest day at Kathmandu.
- Day 27 Final Departure.
Price Includes
- Arrival and departure airport transfer
- Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and on Twin share with breakfast
- Welcome dinner with cultural program
- Full day guided cultural tour in Kathmandu with heritage entrance permit
- Teahouse / lodge accommodation while on trek on twin share
- Full board meals while on Makalu Region Trek
- Properly boiled drinking water, tea and coffee
- Makalu Region trekking permit
- Kathmandu-Tumlingtar- Lukla-Kathmandu domestic airfare with airport tax
- Private transportationwhile in kathmandu
- Free use of trekking gears like sleeping bag, down jacket, liner, trekking poles etc
- Complementary trek duffle bag and T- shirt to every trekkers
- Medical trained experienced trekking guide with first aid kit
- Trek Sherpa and porters with all their gear, wages and insurance etc.
- A Kathmandu city map and Makalu region trekking map
- Comprehensive pre departure and trip mustang trek
Price Does not Include
Trekking equipment and clothing needed for this trek
Clothing for Kathmandu: - Informal clothing is all that is required. Remember to dress in a modest fashion. Light clothing is usually all that will be required for most of the year. During the winter months, December to February, it will be chilly in the early mornings and evenings. A warm fleece or similar jacket will be required. Do bring along a swimming costume as our hotel in Kathmandu has a swimming pool.
General Gears you need During Trekking: -
- 4 seasons Sleeping bag (we provide one if you need but is to be returned after the trek)
- Duffel bag or Rucksack (70-80 liters) (we can provide one)
- Down Jacket (we provide one if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)
- Daypack (25-30 liters)
- Socks: 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene, 3 pairs heavy weight socks (woolen) to be worn over liner socks
- Trekking Boots: 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu. Remember it is your feet that will be doing all the work. We recommend a good quality boot with a hard lug-cleated sole. Boots should be sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain. For this trek a mid-weight leather or Gore-Tex/Cardura style is an excellent choice. If you are buying boots for your trek, make absolutely sure that they are well broken in before leaving home.
- Gaiters (seasonal): 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes / boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary. Highly recommended for keeping snow from getting inside your boots. They will also help keep the bottom of trousers clean on muddy trails. They can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu.
- Sandals (optional): A pair of running shoes or sandals will be very useful for wearing around the lodge after the day’s trekking.
Lower Body: -
- Hiking Shorts (2): Quick drying type, not cotton!
- Trekking Pants (2), preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
- Lightweight underwear – capilene or other synthetic.
- Soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
- Hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
- Cotton pants or (loose jeans/khakis).
Upper Core Body
- T-Shirts
For lower altitudes and on warm days a baggy cotton T-shirt or cotton shirt is a practical item. Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture from the body. They are particular useful above 2500m when, even on warm days, you chill quickly when stopping for rests.
- Thermal Underwear
Synthetic polypropylene long johns and long sleeved vests are essential for trips departing November through March. Highly recommended for other months. They also make ideal sleeping gear.
- Waterproof Jacket. Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is required. Ensure that it is about mid-thigh length, with large pockets and has a full-length zipLight and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
- 2 women sports bras, Synthetic
- Swimsuit for women (optional)
- 1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.
- 1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
- 1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
- Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient (optional).
- Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it is place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.
- Warm wool Hat or synthetic hat that covers your ears.
- Balaclava – lightweight, thinner variety.
- Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
- Headlamp: Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here.
- Ear Muffs (optional): Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people.
- A neck warmer (optional): is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it
Medicines and First Aid Kits
Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well.
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.
Toiletries and personal Hygiene
- Quick drying towel (medium sized)
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap/handwash
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Wet wipes
- Sanitizers
Miscellaneous, but essential!
- Valid Passport
- Passport size photos (2 + copies).
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and provide us one just in case if you need to change the date of your flight).
- Luggage Locks (2)
- 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain) Refillable water bottle
Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport. - Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for it.
- Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its’ effectiveness over time.
- Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
- Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
- 2 bandanas.
Optional (Luxuries)
- 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great assistance to people who may think of themselves and generally clumsy or with bad knees, ankles, etc, especially when going downhill
- Favorite snack foods, no more than 2 pounds
- Reading materials, games (cards, chess, backgammon, scrabble, etc) music and chargers (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items light weight
- Binoculars
- Camera, film/memory cards, spare batteries (you must keep the batteries warm when not in use)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen, Pencils and small notebooks
- Extra contacts or glasses
- Pillow case (if use lodge provided pillows) or can use your own stuff sacks as pillow(s)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator
- A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman to avoid that chilly late night trip
- 1 small stainless steel thermos
The price per person for the Small group Journey is fixed as stated below. There is also the option of private and tailor made journey best suited for you, your family and friends. The discount is subjected to increase with the number of people in your group. Bigger the group better the discount so group bookings are highly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Note:- Above mention information is just the guide line and a standard template of what we provide. The trip can be customize at your request to accommodate your specific require programmed the timeframe for the trip.
Trip Note:- During the trip you might face different different problems such as weather, local politics , transport or a multitude of other factor that are beyond our control could bring change in the programmed. However every unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially atered, if alternative way is necessary, then the tour leader will take decision that the best alternative option. We try to make understand everything clear that we can to minimize its effect but we can not ensure unseen result of changes or delays.
Flight delay in Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu
Tumlingtar airport is located on a wonderful valley surrounded by high mountains. Due to this reason to landing and taking off those airport is considered be difficult and techinical issue. The weather in the areas unpredictable and likely to change every few hours resulting the flight might delay or cancellation in mountain weather condition is always changable we could not ensure even the weather forecast could not get right information.
Domestic Airlines
Nepal Domestic aircraft are Twin Otter and Dornier planes are the primary mode of transport service to and from the airstrip at Tumlingtar. In mountain range flight is fairly depandable in weather condition however if the flight are cancelled due to weather condition to lukla, from kathmandu, to jomsom and from Pokhara we also can help you charter a helicopter to ensure you are on schedule for your trip and to catch International flight connections. The extra charges incurred are approximately couple of thousand USD 500-2500 per person would be applicable to you for the charter a helicopter. Normally Helicopter takes 4-6 people at a time and cost can be shared amongst the passangers. The heelicopter charge must be paid by the participant, which can later be submitted for reimbursement through travel insurance company. We can aslo help you with the necessary documents for a claim. Payment must be pait at the time service used by the passengers by USD cash or credit card, visa card, master card, american express are accepted for the helicopter trensport service. For the payment from any card require 4% bank service charge which goes directly to the bank.
Helicopter can fly in the visibility is 1500 meter, while the twin otter and dornier planes can fly if the visibility is 5000 meter or more as per the Nepal civil avation rules. If weqather condition is extrime or poor visibility than 1500m helicopter are also not operated. Also situation keeps on getting repeated for many days then you would be provide with alternative option for the trek and tour.
Why this trip make different ?
Nepal Travel Expedition work closedy with One of the main supporters Charity service in Nepal. And contribute 10% of the tour cost for Ophan Childrens (sherpa Outdoor Foundation) We support then in many different ways.
Donation and Charity !
Nepal Travel Expedition donate 10% of its annual revenue to Sherpa Outdoor Foundation Orphan Children Home Which is Located Lalitpur one can visit while you are in Nepal after or before the trip. We support Childrens for Food, School, Clothes, Medicine also supporting stationary materials to Government School which is located at Lamjung district trying to build liberary for them where they could find different book to read. For this project we are trying to collect donation.
Sponsorship and Partnership (volunteering programmed)
One of of the mazor activities of Sherpa outdoor Children home in Lalitpur is fully conducted and collebrate with Nepal Travel Expedition and sister concern organization Nepal wildlife safari. The Volunteering concern programmed delivered by Nepal Travel Expedition and Sherpa Outdoor Foundation aim to mobilize team of exports and interested individuals as an economic measure in providing human capital for education, health, community to share teaching skill various Government school in different part of country and community to delivered humanity skills also in our children home.
Why this trip make different?
Nepal Travel Expedition works closely with One of the main supporter's Charity service in Nepal. And contribute 10% of the tour cost for Orphan Childrens (sherpa Outdoor Foundation) We support them in many different ways.
Donation and Charity!
Nepal Travel Expedition donates 10% of its annual revenue to Sherpa Outdoor Foundation Orphan Children Home Which is Located in Lalitpur one can visit while you are in Nepal after or before the trip. We support Children's for Food, School, Clothes, Medicine also supporting stationery materials to Government School which is located at Lamjung district trying to build a library for them where they could find a different book to read. For this project, we are trying to collect donations.
Sponsorship and Partnership (volunteering programmed)
One of the major activities of Sherpa outdoor Children home in Lalitpur is fully conducted and collaborate with Nepal Travel Expedition and sister concern organization Nepal wildlife safari. The Volunteering concern programmed delivered by Nepal Travel Expedition and Sherpa Outdoor Foundation aims to mobilize a team of experts and interested individuals as an economic measure in providing human capital for education, health, community to share teaching skill various Government school in a different part of the country and community to delivered humanity skills also in our children home.