Our trek is a well acclimatized trekking expedition that starts from the hill town of Tumlingtar. Going through the sub-tropical climatic condition inside Arun Valley, we climb up through areas Chichila and Mudhe. Before heading further higher to Seduwa, Tashigaun and all the way to Khongma Danda. From this point onward, the trail gets steeper as we ascend further to Mumbuk and Nehe Kharka through Sipton La Pass and Kalo Pokhari. Next, we start descending down to Yangri Kharka after acclimatization in Nehe Kharka and ascend up to Merek.

Continuing on, we walk further on a trail surrounded by glaciers before reaching the anticipated Makalu Base Camp. Past the camp, we push ourselves ahead as we pass through the French camp and East Col. Then we cross the Sherpani Col before proceeding to Baruntse Base Camp. The next day we plan on crossing cross West Col and the most difficult Amphu Laptsha Pass. Trekking through Lobuche, we visit Everest Base Camp and then head down to Gorakshep. Lastly, we adore the vastness and closeup mountain vistas from the top of Kalapatthar. After Kalapatthar, we trek down to Lukla via Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. Ultimately, we fly off to Kathmandu by taking a flight from Lukla. In this way, we will complete our trek over all.

Final Thoughts:

Trekkers will get stunning views of Mt. Cho Oyu (8153m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) and Mt. Everest (8848m) during the trek. Additionally, rich cultural heritages of Rai, and Sherpa people, diverse landscape and solitude are the highlights of our trek. And as you have to move through tough terrains, you will need to be physically fit in order to join this trek. Moreover, we also recommend spring and autumn seasons as the perfect time to go for this trek in general.

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu City tour
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Patan Durbar Square
• Monkey Temple
Today we shall have a guided tour to the heritages of Kathmandu valley. You shall be picked from your hotel for a guided tour to several medieval and spiritual sites in Kathmandu which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Boudhanath).You will introduced with your trekking guide and have a small pre-trip meeting after your sightseeing program. Take an opportunity to hire/buy any last minute trekking equipment or bargain for your souvenirs at the many stores. Pack your bags and get ready for your Makalu Circuit Trek adventure beginning the following day. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight and trek to Khandbari. 1040m (4/5 hrs)
Today we take an early morning flight to Tumlingtar’s grass airstrip. From Tumlingtar we take two hours drive further to the Newari and Rai village of Khandbari – the starting point of our trek. Khandbari is the administrative centre of Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area where we need to register at the park office before heading further. Stay overnight at Khandbari.

Day 03: Trek from Khandbari to Chichila. 1980m (5/6 hrs)
We start our trek from Khandbari passing through picturesque villages to Mane Bhanjyang. We continue on our trail by climbing a small ridge to a minor pass at Bhotebas 1740m from where good views of Makalu can be enjoyed. From there we follow the route passing through moss covered forest along the ridge towards Chichila, where there is a large camping site with few tea houses. Stay overnight at Chichila.

Day 04: Trek from Chichila to Mudhe. 1945m (5/6 hrs)
From Chichila we start early to get the clear views of Makalu. Passing through the village of Kuwapani we head towards the crossing of another minor pass Daju La 2100. From the pass we continue to walk descending through the steep section of the forest to reach the large village of Mudhe. Stay overnight at Mudhe.

Day 05: Trek from Mudhe to Seduwa. 1500m (5/6 hrs)
We continue on our trail by gently descending down to reach the Arun Nadi. After crossing the suspension bridge we climb up through a dense forest towards a large trading village of Seduwa. Here at Seduwa we need to register again at the National Park office. Stay overnight at Seduwa.

Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaun. 2100m (5/6 hrs)
From Seduwa we follow an easy trail passing through Murmidanda where we can see local students going to the school. Then, we climb uphill towards Narbugaun from where the trail heads through hillside forests and cultivated fields towards Tashigaun. Since Tashigaun is the last village on the trail, it is a good idea to buy the necessary items here. Stay overnight at Tashigaun.

Day 07: Trek from Tashigaun to Khongma. 3500m (6/7 hrs)
Today we follow the trail that climbs steeply through the beautiful cloud forest. We continue to ascend passing through Unshisa where there a campsite and a tea shop which is open in the main trekking season. From there we climb further up to reach our campsite at Khongma Danda. Khongma shall be our final destination for the day before we rest. Stay overnight at Khongma.

Day 08: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk. 3540m (6/7 hrs) via Shipton La
Today is one of the toughest days on our trek as we continue on our trail crossing Khongma La Pass with the magnificent views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga and Jannu. From there we climb further up for to cross the Tutu-La Pass before descending to a large lake – Kalo Pokhari. We head further by ascending towards Shipton La Pass; from there we can get good views of Chamlang range and Tibet to the north. A steep and rocky descend from the top of the pass leads us to the campsite of Mumbuk. Stay overnight at Mumbuk.

Day 09: Trek from Mumbuk to Nele Kharka. 3700m (6/7 hrs)
We continue to descend downhill to reach Barun Nadi before climbing up along the steep hillside, often affected by the landslides. We follow the trail that goes along the loose ground, we should be very careful while we walk along the loose landslide trails. After few hours of walking our trail leads us to Nele Kharka. Stay overnight at Mumbuk.

Day 10: Rest Day
As acclimatization is necessary in the higher altitudes, today we take a rest day for acclimatization and exploration at Nele Kharka before heading upwards to the higher altitudes the following days. Stay overnight at Nele Kharka.

Day 11: Trek from Nele Kharka to Merek. 4340m (5/6 hrs)
From Nele Kharka we continue to walk on the loose trails before crossing the Barun Nadi to the grassy fields of Yangri Kharka. From here we follow the trail passing through rhododendron, pine and fir filled forest towards Langmale Kharka. The trail now enters an ancient lateral moraine through which Barun Nadi flows. To the left is the large glacial lake that fills the valley, an easy trail from here leads us to Merek. Stay overnight at Merek.

Day 12: Trek from Merek to Makalu Base Camp. 5000m (5/6 hrs)
We now follow the trail that turns right and heads up for the climbing of more moraines. Once reaching the top we shall start to descend gradually to the crossing of a small bridge and continue towards the stone huts of Makalu Base Camp. Makalu Base Camp offers one of the best mountain viewpoints in Nepal. Stay overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 13: French Camp
From Makalu Base Camp we follow the well defined trail that passes through Hillary Base Camp. We then walk along a smaller trail on the south side of Barun Glacier Valley and camp at French Camp. Stay overnight at French Camp.

Day 14: East Col Camp
The trail from here becomes hard as it climbs towards a steep boulder filled gully. After a while of climbing the gradient eases somewhat before arriving to a small flat area. From there an hour of climbing leads us to East Col Base Camp at the snout of a glacier. Stay overnight at East Col Camp.

Day 15: Trek to Baruntse Base Camp via Sherpani Col. 5700m (7/8 hrs)
We make an early start for the crossing of the challenging pass Sherpani Col. Following the trail by the side of the glacier we climb towards the prayer flags that requires a fixed rope and hand lines to reach the top of the Sherpani Col. From there we shall start to descend down to West Barun Glacier. After crossing the glacier we head towards our camping site at Baruntse Base Camp. Stay overnight Baruntse Base Camp.

Day 16: Trek from Baruntse Base Camp to Seto Pokhari.
We begin our trek after our breakfast to Seto Pokhari. We pass Peak 41 and Hunku Peak and proceed to the lower regions of Seto Pokhari. The valley gets increasingly barren as we descend lower. And at the end of our trek our trail crosses a wide and grassy valley scattered with small boulders to reach Seto Pokhari. Stay overnight at Seto Pokhari.

Day 17: Trek from Seto Pokhari to Amphu Laptsa High Camp. 5400m (6/7 hrs)
We hike along the rugged moraine towards Imja Valley. Along the way, we get panoramic views of the high Himalayan peaks including Lhotse and Everest toward on the north-west. After reaching Amphu Laptsa base camp we set up our tents. Stay overnight at Amphu Laptsa High Camp.

Day 18: Cross Amphu Laptsa pass (5851m) and trek to Imja Valley. 5100m (6/7 hrs)
Today we head for the crossing of probably the most dangerous pass in Nepal that needs so much care while climbing and declining. Since the climb includes icy slopes and snow covered trails, we head upwards with full climbing equipments. From the top of the pass we descend downhill following the steep rocky trail passing through Amphu Laptsa Glacier and towards Imja Valley. Stay overnight at Imja Valley.

Day 19: Trek to Lobuche via Kongma La pass. 4940m (6/7 hrs)
Today, we shall start our trek from Imja Valley then to Chukung and we follow the route to Kongma La Pass. After crossing the Kongma La Pass, we further trek ahead and that brings us to Lobuche. Stay overnight at Lobuche.

Day 20: Trek from Lobuche to EBC and Gorakshep. 5450m (5/6 hrs)
Today, we shall start our trek from Lobuche which will be destined for EBC (Everest Base Camp), and we will follow the route from Gorakshep. And we return back at Gorakshep to stay overnight. Stay overnight at Gorakshep.

Day 21: Early morning hike to Kalapatthar and trek to Pheriche. 4371m (5/6 hrs)
Waking up early today we shall start our journey from Gorakshep early in the morning and our trek is more focused to reach Kalapatthar. Kalapatthar is at the altitude of 5545m. Then again from Kalapatthar, we shall go forward to reach Pheriche. Stay overnight at Pheriche.

Day 22: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. 3440m (5/6 hrs)
Today, we shall descend down to Namche Bazaar from Pheriche via Tyangboche. From Tyangboche, we shall start our trek and we start going onwards to reach Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Stay overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Day 23: Trek from Namche Bazzar to Lukla. 2860m (6/7 hrs)
The last day of our Makalu Trek with Sherpani Col leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring us to Lukla for our overnight stay. Stay overnight at Lukla.

Day 24: Lukla to Kathmandu flight and back to hotel in Kathmandu.
Today we get an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Our happiness knows no limit as we fly back over the mountains and greenery clad hills below us. The magic of the natural treasures of hills and mountains amuse us as it did the first time. We shall take a rest after the tiresome yet enthralling and memorable expedition to one of the most sought after trails in the world. Give rest to your body as you shall be busy recalling the memories created in past twenty two days. We take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic mountain flight after the wonderful trekking experience during our Makalu Circuit Trek. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.