Makalu Base Camp to Everest Trek (GHT)

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m)

Accommodation: *** Hotel Manaslu or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal. You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.

Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration: Approx. 8 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: *** Hotel Manaslu or similar

 Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess. Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and the center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath. From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the

5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: (1,980 m/6497ft)

Flight duration:  45 mins flight

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a flight to Tumlingtar. Upon landing at the airport, you meet the team members who will also be joining you for the trek. Then you take a private vehicle along the paved road to the bustling town of Khandbari. There’s plenty of rural life to observe as you head upwards, with fields of corn, bamboo, and Sal trees. You continue on a meandering road to the highest point at 1,960 m before descending to the village of Gurung settlement called Chichira. You will stop by Chihira to check the entry permit.  Witness the shaded and serene forest of rhododendron, and oaks on the way. Further, you head towards Num driving descend path.  Num is situated on an outcrop above the Arun River, where you can see a birds-eye view over the valley towards Seduwa village.

Hiking duration: 5–6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, after breakfast, you leave Num behind and head towards Seduwa. Start your today’s journey with a steep descent through terraced farms and forests to the Arun River at 770 m. After that, you cross the suspension bridge over the wild-flowing Arun River and begin the long, zigzag ascent to Seduwa, passing groves of giant bamboo, and bustling village life. This is where Makalu Barun National Park starts and registers our permits

Altitude above sea level: (2,100 m/6,890ft)

Hiking duration:  5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you start uphill on a path with numerous stone steps and pass several Mani walls. Further, you walk through many small farms scattered across the hillside, cardamom plantations, and the forests of bamboo and rhododendron trees. After hiking for a couple of hours, you reach the small settlement of Chyaksa Danda with some tea shops, schools, and several houses.

You may hear the musical sound of barbets, cuckoos, drongos, and laughing thrushes. After that, you continue hiking through dense forests and cross a few streams on good log bridges. You can see your destination, Tashigaon, on the hillside ahead, although it takes longer than you might think to arrive, as you contour an undulating path. Finally, you take downhill to a log bridge just before your final push on stone steps to reach Tashigaon.

Altitude above sea level: (3,500 m/11,483 ft.)

Hiking duration:  8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a bit of a sturdy day as you have to walk a lot through a steep trail.  From Tashigaun, take an ascent through forests to a brook and then on top of a ridge. The trail gets steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and then follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes climbing to the top of the ridge. Then you walk a bit down to Khongma Danda.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a day to have a rest to allow some bodily rest and help your acclimatization before traversing Shipton La the next day. Those who prefer to explore the close by area can walk along Khongma ridge towards Shipton La. You can enjoy the magnificent backdrop of Kanchenjunga from the ridge.

Altitude above sea level: (3,800 m/12,467 ft.)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you follow an equally picturesque trail to the foothill of Shipton Pass (4,125 m/13,533 ft.).  Then you walk along the ridge through a Rhododendron forest to Ghungru La. A short descent from here takes you to a lake, and you reach Keke la pass (4,150 m/13,615 ft.). After crossing the pass, you move downwards towards the valley of Debotey.

If you trek through June and July, you might see the local people collecting Yarsagumba, the medicinal herb. Spectacular views of Makalu, Chamlang in west north, and also Kanchenjunga in the east from Ghungru La pass

Altitude above sea level: (3,557 m/11,670 ft.)

Hiking duration: 5–6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a downhill through the forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Further, take a steep descent towards the Barun River through the forest. Finally, you reach the river and then start your walk on a path underneath a substantial landslide area. En route, you catch glimpses of Chanlang and Tutse.

After a passing ascent, you reach the tea shop at Themathang Kharka, 3,500 m. Savour the remarkable view of the waterfall just before you reach Themathang. From here you walk for a short while until crossing the Barun River on a wooden bridge.  After hiking through the steep trails you take a gradual ascent to Yangri Khraka which is located at the base of the valley.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today you go for a day walk from Langmale Kharka. This will help our acclimatization before walking up to Makalu Base Camp tomorrow. You walk up the grassy slopes above the lodge and can ascend over 800 m. There are superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the day, so take your time to enjoy the walk. The views of Peaks 3, 4, and 5 are stunning as well as Chamlang.

Altitude above sea level:   (4,900 m/16,076 ft.)

Hiking duration: 5–6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the day we hit the big time at the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we walk up to Shershong where you can see a fine view of Mount Makalu and finally reach Makalu Base Camp where you will mesmerize by seeing the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding you.

Altitude above sea level:   (4,900/16,076 ft.)

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will organize an optional walk on the slope on the east side of Makalu Base Camp, which help your acclimatization. You can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. If you wish, you can explore the surrounding lakes and glaciers. The walk will take about 5 hours to return and reaches an altitude of 5,300 m.

Altitude above sea level:   (5,200 m/17,060ft.)

Hiking duration: 4–5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you head towards Sherpani Low Camp.  The trail follows the ablation valley on the west side of Barun Glacier and then continues on the lateral moraine. During the trek, witness amazing views of Makalu’s West ridge and North West ridge, as well as Everest and Lhotse towards the head of the valley. As you trek further, the trail gets rocky and passes through slopes. Walking for a few hours will take you to Sherpani Low Camp.

Altitude above sea level:  (5,700 m/18,700ft.)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you ascend on a rocky trail then gradually climb and take descend to the valley. Further, you take ascend all the way to Sherpani High Camp.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, you stay back at Sherpani High Camp and rest. A day hike can be organized around the camp which help your acclimatization.

Altitude above sea level: (5,700 m/18,700ft)

Today is the most challenging day as it takes 12 hours to arrive at Baruntse Base Camp. The exact daily schedule depends on conditions and weather, as well as how the group and crew are managing the expedition. We have two passes to pass Sherpani Pass (6,135 m/20,127ft) and West Col (6,143 m/20,154ft)]. Passing them during the noon can be tough as changes in weather can be a problem.

With an early start around 1 am, we rejoin our trail and trek up the glacier to Sherpani Pass as we start to climb on fixed ropes. Through the trail, we follow a snowy gulley and then trek through a rock step before reaching the top of the pass. We then descend on the other side of the pass down to the West Barun glacier valley from where we will trek up to reach the top of the West Col. From the top we trek downhill to Hunku Glacier and trek further to Upper Baruntse Base Camp. Today there is a lot more trekking using ropes to pass the passes, and it will be easy if we help each other during the trail.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After yesterday’s challenging trek, we will need to have a rest today. We have a lot more days to trek, so rest is necessary and at the same time, we will get an opportunity to explore Baruntse Base Camp. Enjoy the entire day in the base camp where you continue to enjoy the spectacular views of different mountains and peaks like Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Barun Tse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), etc.

Altitude above sea level: (5,500 m/18,044ft.)

Hiking duration: 6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we start descending on Moraine to the lower Baruntse Base Camp. Then trek further to moraine ridges, that has loose rocks. We trek towards High Camp, where we will camp our tents near the trail up to the Amphu Laptsa Pass.

Altitude above sea level: (5,100 m/16,732ft.)

Hiking duration: 7–8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a long trek day; we start off early. The trail follows the rocky trail towards Amphu Laptsa pass (5,500 m/18,044ft). We then climb a step to access the glacier and follow it to the top of the pass. The view from the pass is amazing, offering Baruntse and the West Col. There are a few more hours of trekking until we pass the rocky trail, which lead us to our camp located next to Imja Lake.

Altitude above sea level: (3,875 m/12,713ft.)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today we trek into Everest, after many days of trekking in remote areas we finally trek in well-constructed trails and the trail begins with descending through hills and taking us to Pangboche. After reaching Pangboche we will camp our tents and rest the night there.

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Altitude above sea level: (3,445 m/11,302ft.) 

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we climb through the rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Further, we descend the river at Phunki Tenga and cross the bridge. Now, we take a gradual ascent to Namche Bazaar.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m/4,270ft.) 

Flight Time: 25 minutes approx.

Driving duration: 4 hrs. approx. (Ramechhap-KTM)

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu or similar

Meal: Breakfast

You will have an early breakfast and fly back to Ramechhap from Lukla airport. Once you land at Ramechhap airport, you will take a drive back to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It’s also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla if we could not fly on the scheduled date and time, or we can organize a guided day tour in or around Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.