Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Malung Treks will pick you up from the airport and drive to hotel. You will then have a meeting with a co.’s manager and your guide for all the necessary formalities and preparation of the trek.
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila (1,850m)
After 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu we land at Tumlingtar and then a drive to Chichila to small Gurung village. You will be taking a rest at Chichila as we need to be prepared for the next day’s trek. Overnight at Chichila.
Chichila to Num (1,505m)
Trekking times: 6 to 7 hrs
as the trek starts from today, you will be starting early after a warm breakfast and an average speed of walk through the beautiful villages and serene mountain forests along the ridges to a place called Num.
Num to Seduwa (1530m)
Trekking times: 6 to7 hrs
today you are heading down towards the Barun River walking a steep trial through terraced fileds. You then cross it using suspension bridge before making to the check point where you will do the entry for the Makalu Barun National park. Now you will hike piercing through the forest all the way up to seduwa.
Seduwa to Tashigoan (2065m)
Trekking times: 5 to 6 hours
today’s walk leads to you to a Sherpa village of tashigoan. As you head upwards through the ridge in between the river namely ipsuwa khola and rasuwa khola respectively to the west and east. The trial crosses pastures and several brooks and lastly hiking up to the destination with amazing bird eye fields of vision.
Tashigoan to Khongma Danda (3562m)
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hrs
As of today you got to walk on a nearly vertical trail in heading towards higher elevation. You will make that ascend right through the jungle to a rivulet which after that will lead you to the ridge. From here on the route gets even steeper, passing the grasslands and ascending a stone laid stairs to the top of the ridge after which a brief climb down will take you to KhongmaDanda.
Rest and acclimatization day
You take this day off for a rest or you can explore the nearby area as it can serve as acclimatization for the upcoming day.
KhongmaDanda to Dobate (3650m)
Trekking times 6 to 7 hrs
En route to the Shipton La pass, after a few hours of less steep climb, you come to a lake called KaloPokhari at an altitude of 3930m, walking through the Keke La at 4,170m. You get to experience the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). Having crossed the Keke La pass, you move down through the beautiful valley to Dobate.
Dobate to YangriKharka (3,557m.)
Trekking times: 6 to 7 hours
today the first part of the trek amidst the rhododendron forest leads you down to the watercourse and the trail is defined as steep and difficult due its sloppy mud and rocky at places. The other part is you take a slow and easy step in a gradual elevation until you reach at the Yangri Kharka.
YangriKharka to LangmaleKharka (4,410m)
Trekking times: 5 to 6 hrs.
In the wake of a gentle hike to the canyon, you march through yak kharka (grazing field), lush green wood and rocky grounds. The valley walls tower to a great extent above us initially at the trek. We go through Merek as you spring up and notice yourself gazing at the scenic Himalayan walls
Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m)
Trekking times: 6 to7 hrs
today you are trekking towards Makalu base camp. As you kick off from Langmele Kharka, crossing Shersong through the plain but icy glaciers in the lap of the Himalayan giants, you will then reach the Makalu Base camp while adoring the Mt. Makalu as you stomp the icy ground.
Explore Makalu Base Camp
Rugged desert land with a huge Barun Glacier on the other side, the Base Camp is all about. South of Makalu and an entire panoramic vision of Everest and Lhotse will greet us as we tread that barren land of Base Camp. You can take a short hike around and explore the region to honour the achievement that you made.
Makalu Base Camp to YangriKharka (3,557m.)
Trekking times: 6 to 7 hrs.
You now walk down from the base camp and taking the last impression of Makalu before turning the corner and find a way back. You cross over Shershong, LangmaleKharka and Merek while moving your way down. Now you make a descent to the lowland taking a break at Yangrikharka for a day.
YangriKharka to Dobate (3650m)
Trekking times: 6 to 7 hrs
You trace back to Dobate through rock falls section, lush vegetations, valleys while following the Barun River along its bank.
Dobate to KhongmaDanda (3562m)
Trekking times: 5 to 6 hrs
Today as you start the trek you will be greeted by a steep towards a place called Nambuk and you have to walk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. You will then have to cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La on the way before finally descending to KhongmaDanda.
Khongma Danda to Tashigaon (2065m)
Trekking times: 4 to 5 hrs
The hillside trails goes on to be a never ending steep descent trek which will make you walk in the middle of pines and firs that will definitely take you to the Sherpa village of Tashigaon.
Tashigaon to Seduwa
Trekking times: 6 to7 hrs
while recalling the previous stomped steps you make the exit from Makalu Barun National Park and stumbling down to the Barun River. You then cross the hillside while walking past villages and settlements as you keep moving down additionally to a stoppage called Seduwa.
Seduwa to Num
Trekking times: 5 to 6 hrs
You are completing the first part of the trek by leaving Seduwa going through the woods heading for the Num. The switch back like trail through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards that takes you to Num.
Num to Chichila
Trekking time: 6 hrs
We retrace our track from where we started our trek all the back to Chichila.
Chichila to Mane Bhanjhyang (1105m)
Trekking time: 4 to 5 hrs
Now we will trek downhill through the beautiful forest trail to Manebhanjhyang.
Mane Bhanjhyang via Khadbari to Chainpur (1260m)
Drive time: 6 to 7 hrs
Today we will ride a jeep and drive to Chainpur.
Chainpur to Chitlang (1600m)
Trekking time: 6 hrs
Today we start early in the morning. We walk uphill and down at several places through forest, paddy fields while going through several places before we reach Chitlang.
Chitlang to Gufa bazaar (3900m)
Trekking time: 7 hrs
We will trek till we reach the confluence of bheri khola, piluwa Khola and tituwa khola. After crossing we will reach a market place called Nun Dhaki and then going on a switch back trail we will arrive at Gufa Bazaar, a beautiful Buddhist market decorated with mani walls and prayer flags.
Gufa bazaar to Gorja (2010m)
Trekking time: 7 hrs
After a breakfast we will climb up for about 2 hours till Deurali at 2996m and then we move down from the middle of thick rhododendron forest that will take us to Gorja.
Gorja to Handrung (800m)
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hrs
As we start early we will walk towards Changtze, continue walking on a winding path where we have to cross the suspension bridge of the Tamar River. After hiking for about an hour we again come across the same river and have to get through on suspension bridge again which after will take us to Handrung.
Handrung to Chirwa (1185m)
Trekking time: 8 to 9 hrs
Early start, we get to a bridge and walk up to Nipun, after we will walk the up and down trail through several villages all along the Tamar River to Chirwa.
Chirwa to Sekathum (1650m)
Trekking time: 6 hrs
Today’s trail comprise mainly of ascends. We trek on a hill side path along a Tamar river, having to cross more than thrice while gradually ascending. We make through several villages like Tapethok of Brahmin’s community and Hellok. We continue walking upwards through paddy fields and small forests till we arrive at Sekathum.
Sekathum to Gyabla (2725m)
Trekking time: 8 hrs
A bit difficult trek today can be as compared to previous days. After a short walk we will be at Ghunsa Khola and have to walk above it on a side hill way. We will find a stairs made of stone to Ghyabari, we will come across a waterfall here. Now the trail turns narrow and can be winding for more than 2 hours as we have to walk on the side of a cliff until Amji Lasa, a Sherpa village. We keep trekking ahead on stone stairs for a while and then a jungle trails begin on a hill side until Gyabla.
Gyabla to Ghunsa (3415m)
Trekking time: 5 hrs
The trail is similar as every day but today before reaching Phale of about an hour there is a steep we have to climb and then the trail turns into a slightly elevated path going through the middle of large rhododendron forest as we reach Ghunsa.
Rest day at Ghunsa
Today you are free to have a day on your own. Shower, laundry, explores the area, gumpas and monasteries, immerse into the nature? Are all in the list today. Overnight at Ghunsa.
Ghunsa to khambachen (4145m)
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
We walk along the valley of the hill full of oak trees for about 3 hours. Now you will be at the fountain and now heading uphill slowly, we will come across several landslide prone places and the trials might be very tricky because of the presence of the pebbles and the mud as an outcome of the landslides and a slow walk on bumpy trials will lead you to Khambachen. Overnight.
Khambachen to Lhonak (4,792m)
trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
You commence a task with a slightly elevated path and down to Ghunsa Khola and again marching forward on a sloppy path to Shisima where we come to a Kanchanjunga glacier and a rock fall area. Now as you walk between the hills, you will arrive at Lhonak.
Whereas a slow walk is always advised because of the gained elevation.
Lhonak to Kanchanjunga Base Camp (5140m) and back to Lhonak
Trekking time: 8 to 9 hours
You are now heading towards the east along the glacier on the northern ridges all the way to Kanchanjunga Base Camp also known as Pang Pema. At Pang Pema you can get even better views of the north face. It is a wonderful place to relax, and soak up the silence and tranquility. After spending some quality time on the place you will carefully make a way back to Lhonak.
Lhonak to Ghunsa (3415m)
Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours
This is going to be a long day, as you will be repeating a one of the previous track back to Ghunsa. You will be thrilled to catch a sight of Mt.Kumbhakarna (7,170m) along with the magnificent view of the Kumbhakarna Glacier.
Ghunsa to Selele (4645m)
Trekking time: 5 hrs
As everyday you start after a breakfast and today as well you will be hiking upwards most of the time. We will find ourselves walking amidst the forest of juniper, rhododendron and oak trees at the beginning for about 3 hrs followed by an open hill walk to Selele.
Selele to Tseram (3868m)
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hrs
It can be a bit challenging day despite of being short distance because the paths are mostly comprised of rocks and pebbles as there will very little or no vegetation, there might be a case of heavy snowfall irrespective of the season and the gaining altitude is already the obstacle. There will be that meeting point of the trials from Sikkim and Darjeeling from the Indian side and then the first downhill climb takes around 2 to 3 hours of walking depending on the pace of the trekkers, after which you will be at Tseram.
Rest day Tseram
We can take this day for a rest. or hike to oktang base camp of kachenjunga.
Tseram to Tortong (2980m)
Trekking time: 4 hrs
As usual the jungle path is waiting while also you have to walk a downward trial. Today can be refreshing as the way is full of beautiful rhododendron, bamboo forest and you will be relaxed with the abundance of oxygen as you have had been on a higher place earlier.
Tortong to Yamphudin (1819m)
Trekking time: 7 hrs
We can see the beauty of terraced farming of the hills as we move down. The paths are narrowly laid on the slope of the hill comprise of the bamboo forest, mostly populated by pine trees and rhododendrons. We cross a pass at Lassiya Bhanjyang which is also a landslide prone region while walking down from Tortong to Yamphudin.
Yamphudin to Mamankhe (1786m)
Trekking time: 5 hrs
Today we will walk down crossing several villages belonging to Rai, Limbu, Gurung and Sherpa communities to Mamankhe.
Mamankhe to Keswa (2100m)
Trekking time: 6 hrs
Embracing the hilly and beautiful scenery around, we will walk along the barley, corn and millet fields until we reach a kabeli khola. Now we move uphill till Keswa.
Keswa to Lalikharka (2266m)
Trekking time: 5 hrs
From Keswa, we will hike downhill making through Phumphe danda and yangthung till we get to Phundrawa. And then walking uphill for an hour or two will get us to Lali Kharka.
Lali Kharka to Suketar (2420m) and drive to Ilam
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hrs
Drive time: 5 hrs
An early start from Lalikharka and have to walk an uphill going through Deurali and to Suketar where from we will board a jeep and drive to Ilam, a beautiful hill station popular for its organic tea and tea gardens all around.
Ilam to Bhadrapur and flight to Kathmandu
Drive time: 8 to 9 hrs
Flight time: 45 min’s
Trek del Makalu base camp trek: il responsabile dell’agenzia ha organizzato ogni cosa al meglio, sempre disponibile a modificare le proposte in base alle nostre richieste. La guida Prakash Raj si è dimostrato ottimo conoscitore del territorio, della cultura e delle tradizioni. Una persona competente e professionale ma anche aperta e ricca dal punto di vista umano. Anche il portatore ci ha assistito al meglio, tenendo conto dei nostri ritmi ed esigenze soprattutto di documentazione fotografica come amanti della natura.
Claudio Speltoni e Renza Celli dall'Italia al Nepal. Ottobre- Dicembre 2018. DUE lunghi trekking con l'agenzia MALUNG TREKS & EXPEDITION Il 1° Trekking di 25 giorni nel KANCHANJANGA CONSERVATION AREA; il 2° Trekking di 15 giorni nel MAKALU BARUN NATIONAL PARK. Due trekking impegnativi e faticosi, ma anche entusiasmanti, sia per le bellezze della natura, sia per la cordiale accoglienza dei nepalesi nei vari villaggi attraversati. Abbiamo percorso lunghi e impervi sentieri attraversando foreste di bambù, rododendri, corbezzoli, e pini himalajani fino ad giungere in alto, vicino ai ghiacciai oltre i 4500 m ; siamo arrivati ai Campi Base del Kangchanjanga (5100 m) , dello Yalung e del Makalu (4800m). Montagne e cime spettacolari, non solo i tre Kanchanjanga ( 8586-8473 e 8476 m ), il monte Yalung Kang (8505 m) e il Makalu (8463 m), ma anche cime bellissime e imponenti quali i 4 Kabru, il monte Jannu e il Kangbachen ( tutte sei tra i 7300 e 7900 m). 40 GIORNI DI TREKKING accompagnati dalla guida PRAKASH RAI e dal portatore BAHADUR RAI ; 5 STELLE (?????) splendenti e meritate per entrambi !! PRAKASH RAI eccellente guida: professionale, ottimamente preparato non solo per la specifica conoscenza dei territori attraversati, ma anche competente nell'indicare con i loro nomi le montagne più belle, i nomi dei fiumi, delle valli, dei vari villaggi e località; colloquiale e disponibile a rispondere alle nostre frequenti domande su usanze e costumi della gente locale. Un merito particolare e raro è stata la capacità di Prakash nel saper comunicare e gestire il rapporto per un tempo così lungo con due clienti non più giovani. La cortesia, la pazienza e la simpatia di Prakash la ricorderemo con riconoscenza e affetto! Il portatore...BOLE ! Super ! Forte, coraggioso e prudente nei percorsi più difficili. Un uomo riservato e sempre gentile, sempre di buon umore e cortese anche quando la stanchezza a fine giornata era talvolta notevole. Un apprezzamento eccellente (?????) anche per mister KUMAR RAI, il Boss della Malung Treks & Expedition. Un uomo gentile, professionale e ospitale. Affidabile al 100% !! Claudio e Renza ringraziano Kumar, Prakash e Bole per le rispettive loro competenze, per la disponibilità e spontanea onestà nel gestire il rapporto con noi, qualità e capacità che ci hanno permesso di realizzare questo viaggio, di iniziarlo felicemente con una collana di fiori gialli e di concluderlo con una sciarpa al collo. Un caro saluto Claudio e Renza Bolzano 26/01/2019
