Makalu Heli Trek
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Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
View Trip NotesDifficulty Level
Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
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Contact Our Travel Specialist
Mobile: +977 9801236280
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Trip Notes
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
View Trip Notes -
Contact Our Travel Specialist
Mobile: +977 9801236280
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Trip Notes
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
View Trip NotesEquipment Checklist
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Accommodation
This tour spends three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and eight nights on the trek in lodges (tea houses).
In Kathmandu we normally use a 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the Thamel.
On the trek, we will stay in teahouses for the most part. The tea houses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains.
Contact Our Travel Specialist
Mobile: +977 9801236280
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Trip Notes
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
View Trip Notes -
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Overview
Makalu Base Camp trek lies in the eastern part of Nepal in the scenic Makalu Barun National Park and conservation area. The base camp itself lies at an altitude of 5000m above sea level. Mt. Makalu (8463m) which is regarded as 5th highest mountain of the world is one of the main attraction of this trek with amazing views of Everest (8848m), Cho Oyu (8152m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m) and Ama Dablam(6456m). Due to the challenging nature of the trek and the remote location, the trek sees limited tourist.
The trek goes through diverse landscape and interesting cultures of Rai, Gurung, Magar, Chettris, Tamang and Sherpas passing through beautiful forest, floras and fauna. Since most of the places in this region has limited tea house which is why camping is highly recommended in the region.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the base camp of 5th highest mountain of the world.
- Trek through diverse landscape and ethnic cultures.
- Experience the pleasantly contrasting feature of landscape on this trek with narrow trails turning into wide pastures and green lush valleys turning into glacial moraines.
- Experience flying in Heli to from Yangle Kharka to Lukla.
What is included
- Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfer.
- 4 Nights hotel Kathmandu in Gokarna Resort on BB Twin Room.
- 8 nights Normal Local Lodge on FB Twin Room.
- Flight: KTM-Tumlingtar with airport tax.
- Heli Flight: Yangle Kharka- Lukla.
- Flight: Lukla-Kathmandu with airport tax.
- National Park & TIMS Permit Fee.
- 1 English speaking Leader.
- 1 porter-every two members.
- All staffs insurance & daily wages & food.
- Farewell Dinner in KTM
What is not included
- Personal Equipment & Insurance.
- Nepal Visa fee US $40 per person.
- Alcoholic Beverages, Telephone & Laundry.
- Any personal nature expenses.
- Emergency Evacuation if required.
- Tips for Staffs
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel. Evening time can be spent taking a tour in busy Thamel Street or just enjoying your beer in the hotel garden.Meals: BAccommodation: Gokarna Forest ResortDay 2 : Free Day in Kathmandu
Your free day in Kathmandu today can be used relaxing in the hotel or taking an optional day sightseeing to the cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu.Meals: BAccommodation: Gokarna Forest ResortDay 3 : Fly to Tumlingtar (400m) and Drive to Num (1505m)
After breakfast we drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for a 50 minutes flight to Tumlingtar where our staff will be waiting for us. We will drive further to Num today where we spend our overnight. Num experiences a dramatic display of thunder and lightning every evening, which makes very interesting surroundings.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 4 : Trek to Seduwa (1530m) – 6/7 Hrs Trek
Descending from the western end of the Num ridge steeply through the cornfields of Lumbang, the trail continues over the suspension bridge and ascends through the forest and a few traditional villages. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. People of this area are mainly occupied in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. Ascend continue through dense forest, eventually brings to aesthetic cam site at Seduwa. Here lies the large flat camping lawn ridge above the Makalu Barun National Park check point.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 5 : Trek to Tashigaon (2065m) – 5 Hrs Trek
We ascend the ridge from Seduwa which is enclosed by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east, with easy hiking through the bushes. Passing the hillside through villages and small paddy fields, we reach at tropical village of Tashi Gaon. The camping location in this village is really an admirable site below the national park office.
Overnight in lodgeMeals: BLDDay 6 : Trek to Khongma La (3562m) – 7 Hrs Trek
This will be a bit hard day as we have to ascend on a steep trail in higher altitude through dense forest of remote scrub and Rhododendron passing many ridges and seasonal Yak herders. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. Khongma La is the last opportunity we have to stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 7 : Trek to Dobate – 7 Hrs Trek
We climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a several hours to reach. After the Lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4170m. We can see the outstanding view of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6524m) and Peak 7 (6758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 8 : Trek to Yangri Kharka (3610m) – 7 Hrs Trek
From Dobate, we advance through the Rhododendron forest which leads towards the Barun River and the upper valley. We have to be careful during the first two hours of trek as the trail is very steep and difficult. After sometime, we can take an easy walk, slowly advancing altitude until we reach at Yangri Kharka, located at the base of the valley.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 9 : Trek to Yak Kharkha (4972m) – 6 Hrs Trek
Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. Beyond Nehe Kharka, the river makes a huge S-shaped curve between curtains wall of cliffs that tower on either side of river. Next gentle climb advances a Mani wall to Yak Kharka.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 10 : Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) – 7 Hrs Trek
Finally today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Yak Kharka we make our way up to Merek advances through a dizzying landscape of Himalayan giants, looking marvelous views of Mountains. After arriving to Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base camp. The rail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. As the trail turns northwards into a side valley, Makalu finally soars into view. We get to immerse in the regal Himalayan panorama enclosing us.
Overnight in LodgeMeals: BLDDay 11 : Trek to Yangri Kharka (3610m) and Fly to Lukla and to Kathmandu
Taking the last glimpse of Makalu, we descend down from the Base Camp and headed back. On the way down, we descend through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka. We take the Heli back to Lukla and then take a regular flight to Kathmandu.Meals: BAccommodation: Gokarna Forest ResortDay 12 : Free Day in Kathmandu
You can spend your free day in Kathmandu relaxing at the garden of the hotel sipping chilled beer or enjoying the spa or just swimming in the heated swimming pool of the hotel.Meals: BAccommodation: Gokarna Forest ResortDay 13 : International Departure
Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport. The airport checks in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12PM. In case our flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel.
Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.Meals: B -
Essential Info
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.
Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.
Eating & Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).
Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.
Although meat is available in the tea houses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.
Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.More Info
This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.
Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.
Though technically harder than Mera Peak, for those with the necessary experience this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit. The climb requires strong lungs and a great deal of will power - it is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. We cross the glacier roped up (there is one ladder to cross), and then come to a 200m steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to a 20m summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. There are fixed ropes up the headwall (approximately 200m) and along the summit ridge. On the ascent you will need to use a jumar and on the descent you will need to use an abseil device.
Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group. We ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.
The climb itself is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo and the main trail itself crosses three modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys - all of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high.Is this Trip for you?
Equipment Checklist
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Accommodation
Accommodation
This tour spends three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and eight nights on the trek in lodges (tea houses).
In Kathmandu we normally use a 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the Thamel.
On the trek, we will stay in teahouses for the most part. The tea houses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains.
-
Gallery
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
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