Trip Facts
Makalu Region
7 Am
18 days
English, Hindi, Japanese, Urdu
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Guided tour to Kathmandu’s World Heritage sites.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, Drive to Num
Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa.
Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon.
Day 06: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda.
Day 07: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate via Shipton La Pass.
Day 08: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka.
Day 09: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka.
Day 10: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp.
Day 11: Exploration Day at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka.
Day 13: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate.
Day 14: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda.
Day 15: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon.
Day 16: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa.
Day 17: Trek from Seduwa to Num.
Day 18: Drive from Num to Tumlingtar.
Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 20: Final departure. Drop to airport as per flight schedule.
Any
- Circumnavigating the base of Mount Makalu via three challenging passes.
- Experiencing one of Nepal’s most secluded and untouched landscapes.
- Witnessing unparalleled, close-range panoramas of iconic peaks including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, among others.
Pick up from airport
Drop back at the airport
- Required numbers of time Airport pick up and drop off as per your flight schedule (international and domestic). All required transfers in Kathmandu too.
- 3 Night’s accommodation in touristic town of Kathmandu in BB Plan (one can choose budget, standard and deluxe).
- Kathmandu – Tumlintar in Flight and drive to Num.
- Num – Tumling drive and Fly back to Kathmandu.
- Standard tea house (lodge) accommodation during the entire trekking as per mentioned in itinerary.
- Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the entire trek as per mentioned in itinerary.
- A duffel bag, Trekking Map .
- Trekking pole, Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Nepali SIM card (Rental basis, if needed).
- TIMS (Trekker’s Information Manual System) permit.
- Required Permits.
- An experienced government certified local Trekking Guide.
- Required numbers of highly experienced trekking porters (2:1 ratio).
- Staff’s foods, salary, insurance, accommodation, meals, transportation etc.
- General first Aid Kit.
- A certificate of appreciation (experience certificate) after completing the Trek.
- Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program.
- All government taxes and applicable paperwork.
- International Airfare.
- Personal Travel Insurance (essential for high altitude trekking).
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses for bar, laundry, personal shopping, internet usages, hot shower and battery charge during the trek.
- Alcoholic beverage.
- TIPS for Staff.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Introduction
Standing at 8,485 meters, Mount Makalu is the fifth-highest peak on Earth, marking the border between Nepal and China within the formidable Mahalangur Himalaya range. The journey to its base, often called the Makalu Circuit Trek, is a demanding expedition that leads adventurers to the foot of the mountain at 4,800 meters. The route is distinguished by the traversal of three formidable high passes: Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha La.
Widely regarded as one of Nepal’s most strenuous treks, this itinerary is advised only for experienced hikers familiar with high-altitude gear and techniques. The trek commences from Tumlingtar, descending into the culturally rich Arun River Valley, known for its sacred Rudraksha forests. The path then climbs over the Shipton La Pass into the remote and pristine Upper Barun Valley, offering breathtaking proximity to Makalu and Chamlang Himal. This region is part of a vast, remote transboundary conservation area, underscoring its ecological significance.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Our company representative will welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport and drive you by private vehicle to hotel. Preparation and briefing about the trip.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft
Accommodation: Hotels
Day 02: Guided tour to Kathmandu’s World Heritage sites.
After breakfast, begin a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting key cultural sites. The day includes the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Hanuman Dhoka. Overnight accommodation is in Kathmandu.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft)
Accommodation: Hotels
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, Drive to Num
Flight Altitude: 1,285m (Kathmandu) to 518m (Tumlingtar)
Duration: 45 min flight, 4–5 hrs drive
A picturesque flight crosses the eastern Himalayas, followed by a drive passing rustic villages.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Num (1560 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa.
Duration: 5–6 hours
The day features a sharp drop to the Arun River, an ascent through woods and cultivated plots, and entry into Makalu Barun National Park.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Seduwa (1,560 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon.
Duration: 4–5 hours
Key moments include a steady incline, passing lovely hamlets, layered farmland, and thick forest.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Tashigaon (2063 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 06: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda.
The focus is on short acclimatization hikes to gain elevation, followed by rest for altitude adjustment.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Khongma Danda (2,100 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 07: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate via Shipton La Pass.
Altitude: 3,560m to 3,650m via Shipton La (4,216m)
Duration: 7–8 hours
Passes Crossed: Shipton La (4,216m), Keke La (4,170m), Tutu La (4,075m)
This segment’s highlights are crossing several high passes with stunning vistas of Makalu and neighboring summits.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Shipton La Pass (4,216 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 08: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka.
Altitude: 3,650m to 3,557m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Notable features are a path through forest, several river crossings, and open grazing pastures.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Yangri Kharka (3,557 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 09: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka.
Altitude: 3,557m to 4,410m
Duration: 5–6 hours
The day offers wide panoramic views, sightings of grazing yaks, and travel across alpine landscapes.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Langmale Kharka (4,410 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 10: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp.
Altitude: 4,410m to 5,050m
Duration: 6–7 hours
Standout features include views of peaks like Makalu and Baruntse, along with glaciers, set within a rugged and dramatic environment.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Makalu Base Camp (5,050 meters).
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 11: Exploration Day at Makalu Base Camp.
Altitude: 5,050m
An optional hike leads to viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Makalu Base Camp (5,050 meters).
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 12: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka.
Altitude: 5,050m to 3,557m
Duration: 6–7 hours
The main activities are retracing the previous path and predominantly downhill walking.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Yangri Kharka (3,557 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 13: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate.
Altitude: 3,557m to 3,650m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Dobate (3,650 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 14: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda.
Altitude: 3,650m to 3,560m
Duration: 6–7 hours
The key challenge is the ascent back over Shipton La Pass.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Khongma Danda (2,100 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 15: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon.
Altitude: 3,560m to 2,100m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Tashigaon (2,100 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 16: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa.
Altitude: 2,100m to 1,530m
Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Seduwa (1,530 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 17: Trek from Seduwa to Num.
Altitude: 1,530m to 1,560m
Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Num (1,560 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 18: Drive from Num to Tumlingtar.
Altitude: 1,560m to 518m
Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Tumlingtar (518 meters)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Altitude: 518m to 1,285m
Duration: 45 minutes
Highlights: Scenic Himalayan flight.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft
Accommodation: Hotels
Day 20: Final departure. Drop to airport as per flight schedule.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Our representative will drop you at International Airport as per your flight schedule.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Tribhuvan Internation Airport (1,338 m/4390 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Equipment Checklist
Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a thrilling adventure that requires meticulous preparation. Ensuring you have the right gear can make the difference between a comfortable journey and a challenging one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential equipment needed for the trek, from clothing layers to personal items. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, our comprehensive packing list will help you get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
1. Clothing
Base Layers: Thermal tops and bottoms for warmth.
Mid Layers: Fleece jacket for insulation.
Outer Layer: Insulated down jacket (recommended for high altitudes).
Rainproof/Windproof Jacket and Pants: Essential for unpredictable weather.
Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants for daytime trekking.
Warm Hat and Sun Hat: A warm beanie for cold weather, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.
Gloves: Waterproof insulated gloves and lightweight inner gloves.
Socks: Wool socks for cold weather and moisture-wicking socks for trekking.
Gaiters: To keep mud, snow, and debris out of your boots.
2. Footwear
Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Camp Shoes/Sandals: For comfort when relaxing in the tea houses or lodges.
3. Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -20°C to withstand cold nights in higher altitudes.
Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean.
4. Backpack and Accessories
Daypack (25-30 liters): For carrying essentials like water, snacks, and layers.
Duffel Bag: Large, durable bag for porters to carry; waterproof covers are recommended.
Rain Cover: For protecting your daypack from rain.
Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability and reducing stress on knees.
5. Hydration and Nutrition
Water Bottles and/or Hydration Bladder: With at least 2-3 liters capacity.
Water Purification Tablets or Filter: To treat water on the trail.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, and chocolates.
6. Personal and Miscellaneous Items
Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for early morning treks or dark trails.
Sunglasses: UV-protective, high-quality sunglasses to protect against the intense high-altitude sun.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF for sun protection.
Basic First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, blister treatment, antiseptics, painkillers, altitude sickness medication, and any personal medications.
Toiletries: Eco-friendly soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Camera and Extra Batteries: Since charging can be costly and unreliable at high altitudes.
7. Documents and Money
Passport and Permits: Passport, visa,TIMS card, and entry permit.
Cash: ATMs are not reliable in the mountains, so bring enough Nepali cash for personal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellations
Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior; 50% refund if cancelled 8–14 days prior; no refund if cancelled within 7 days due to finalized arrangements. Cancellations to be made in writing (email/message); in cases of severe weather, natural events, or government restrictions, tours may be rescheduled/credited for future use; travel insurance is recommended.
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