Makalu Base Camp trek loop
Tumlingtar - Num - Tashigoan - Makalu BC - Barun River - Num - Tumlingtar
**Update: is this trail viable? probably not.**
Makalu is a stupendously high mountain, in an area littered with big peaks, and with base camp tucked up a remote valley has always been on the radar for adventurous trekkers. The trek in features rhododendron forests, alpine lakes and trekking up an intimidating alpine valley, and by starting in the briefly in the low country, reveals a surprisingly broad spectrum of Nepal, a variety of ethnic groups including Rai and famous cousins of the Sherpa, the Bhotia, among them many respected Everest - and Makalu - summitters. From pretty villages to steep gorges and huge mountains, this trek has it all, even an unusual view of Everest as in the photo above.
We have two new and wonderful itineraries for the Makalu trek. In the past I hesitated to recommend the trek as it is quick to altitude with no escape and you have to come out the same way you went in, or cross some 6000m+ mountaineering passes. Now there is a recently made new trekking trail that provides an easy escape if you get AMS, so much safer, and is also a way out that means less backtracking plus some offers some wonderful wilderness camping.
I first trekked to Makalu BC in 1988 (!) and it is only since 2010 that anything has changed, with simple lodges now in development. While researching, I was amazed by variation of altitudes and place names listed on the internet, even by good companies. Our itinerary offers considerable flexibility built in for fast/slow acclimatizers.
Camping expedition-style is still best for a comfortable trek and gives the flexibility to take the new route out.
* This page is a work in progress. *
Private treks
We organize a few special treks in areas that we know and love, and have an excellent guide and logistics.
