Makalu Base Camp With Sherpani Col and Mera Peak Climbing

Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters 

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will process through immigration and customs. Our official will meet you outside the airport terminal. He or she will assist with bags and arrange your transport to your hotel in the city, usually in the well-known tourist district of Thamel. The ride is in a private vehicle which is smooth and comfortable glimpsing Kathmandu’s busy streets, colorful markets and multi cultural environment.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you can get into your room and rest and come out feeling refreshed. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to walk around the surrounding areas. If you are in Thamel you can explore this vibrant heart of Kathmandu known for its markets, cafes and crowded streets. 

It is a good time to get your legs moving after the flight and familiarize yourself with the local culture. In late afternoon, join a Welcome Dinner thrown by our office where you will meet your guide and fellow adventurers and spend a great first time in Nepal.

This day is typically spent getting ready and preparing for the trek. This includes an extensive briefing with your guide at our office. Here you will discuss the trek route, safety measures, gear required and any unforeseen itinerary changes.

After the orientation session you are on your own to go to the trekking shops in Thamel. It is Kathmandu’s main tourist hub which has a good stock of outdoor gear and supplies. If you prefer to rent high-altitude equipment, buy extra layers, snacks or personal supplies, this is when to do it. The goal is to have you properly prepared and ready beforehand before venturing into the mountains.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to do as you please. You can rest in the hotel, go for a short stroll around the streets or have lunch at a local restaurant. If you need to rest, shop or sight-see, it is an ideal time to settle and relax before the commencement of your journey.

Tumlingtar Altitude: 518 meters

Num Altitude:1,040 meters

Flight Duration: 35-45 minutes 

Drive Distance: around 45 kilometers 

Drive Duration: 4-6 hours

The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, an airstrip in eastern Nepal and the gateway to the Makalu area. The flight provides you with an excellent view of the hills, valleys and the Himalayas. You will meet the rest of the expedition crew after your arrival in Tumlingtar and then proceed with the overland drive to Num from where you will begin your trekking experience.
It is a picturesque and bumpy drive along mountain roads twisting through traditional villages, terraced fields and forested hillsides. Continuing along the ride we will finally arrive at Num. It is a beautiful village perched on a ridge with a magnificent panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains. You will spend the night here in a teahouse immersing in the delight of local foods and hearty warming hospitality.

Seduwa Altitude: 1,510 meters

Trek Distance: 7-8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Your trekking adventure begins today with a challenging but worthwhile day hike from Num to Seduwa. The trailhead begins with a steep descent along cultivated lands and forest towards the Arun River which you cross by means of a suspension bridge. After crossing the river, the trail climbs steeply up, testing your endurance as you trek through a mix of jungle and village trails.

You will pass through tiny villages (Lumbumba is notable) en route and catch a glimpse of what life is like in the eastern Nepalese hills. Locals reside in their everyday lives in the midst of nature and it is also a great chance for close interactions with locals which adds a cultural flavor to the day.

The scenery is green and hilly with beautiful waterfalls, streams and dense vegetation cover. Hours of relentless ascent will bring you to the hillside village of Seduwa with its excellent views over the surrounding valleys.

Seduwa is a small, established and welcoming village where you will register your permits at the Makalu Barun National Park checkpoint and spend the night in a local teahouse, enjoying the views and resting up for the days ahead.

Tashi Gaon Altitude: 2,060 meters

Trek Distance: 8-9 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5 hours 

You will go on further, trekking from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon over a picturesque trail. Today’s walk is gentler and more scenic compared to the previous day. Leaving Seduwa, the trail gradually climbs through cardamom fields and dense forest offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The route also pass through some villages in the region where you get to meet with friendly villagers and learn about their cultures and traditions. The last section of the trek just is an easy climb to Tashi Gaon, a small village that is home to Sherpa people.

It is the final permanent settlement along the trail before venturing into more isolated and alpine terrain. Tashi Gaon is positioned on the hillside with open views and has a quiet atmosphere which is perfect for relaxing and spending time. Here, you will have a chance to see the ways of life of locals firsthand and soak up the quiet mountain atmosphere before continuing your trek.

Today you will take a well deserved rest and acclimatization day in Tashi Gaon. It will allow your body to acclimatize to the thinner air of the higher elevation which is critical to having a safe and successful trekking adventure to come.

You can utilize this opportunity to wander around the village, interact with the friendly and hospitable locals and discover their lifestyle and culture. Or you can just sit back and take in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

This day also gives you chances to catch up on any gear checks and do leisurely short hikes to the view points close by to acclimatize your body to the atmosphere’s low oxygen levels. Adequate rest at this strategic location spares you from altitude sickness and prepares you for the physically demanding parts of the trek that lie ahead.

Khongma Danda Altitude: 3,440 meters

Trek Distance: 9-10 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours 

The trail from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda is progressively higher as you enter the upper alpine zone. The day starts off with a gentle, easy trail, but gradually, you find yourself beginning a steady climb that continues all day. Danda Kharka is a notable place en route from where the trail becomes steeper. It is a ridge top viewpoint with extensive vistas of the surrounding landscapes and a good spot to pause and rest before proceeding further into the trek.

Moving on, the path traverses through thick rhododendron and fir forests, gradually ascending with occasional narrower sections. As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes sparse and there are wonderful panoramic landscapes of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Another challenging hour-long climb gives you the vistas of the Khongma village in the distance.

Although much of the day’s hike is along a narrow gorge lined by rhododendron forests, the village is surprisingly high in an open, broad valley. It offers an excellent spot to take in stunning vistas of the towering Himalayas and spend a glorious night.

Dobato Altitude: 3,500 meters

Trek Distance: 8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours 

Today’s trek from Khongma Danda to Dobato takes you deeper into the high-altitude mountain zones. The hike for the day begins with an incline similar to yesterday and continues to rise for most of the hike. You will ascend gently along open alpine meadows and scattered patches of forests, offering broad views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

You will be traversing several small passes on this day whose paths are marked by chortens decorated with colorful prayer flags. Further up, the terrain becomes increasingly rough and majestic with snow-covered mountains looming on the horizon.

The hike traverses high altitude moorlands, over murmuring streams and through boulder fields. At each step upwards, the view of snow-capped peaks and glacial terrain is breathtaking and the hike is very rewarding.

Finally, we will reach Dobato to spend a peaceful and restful night.

Yangle Kharka Altitude: 3,540 meters

Trek Distance: 10-11 kilometers

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Today’s walk begins with a descent down through pine and rhododendron forest and then breaks into periods of ups and downs along small mountain trails. The farther you hike into the valley, the more rugged the landscape becomes with steep cliff faces and cascading waterfalls throughout.

Following the Makalu Base Camp with Sherpani Col and Mera Peak climbing map, we will move further. You will walk along the Barun River, over some wooden bridges and through serene pastures. You can observe grazing yaks and some temporary herder camps along the way. Femtang is a scenic spot en route to rest and enjoy the scenery. The final section from Femtang to Yangle Kharka is a better walk through gentle, flat trails.

Yangle Kharka is a wide, open and serene meadow in the shade of gigantic mountain peaks. This peaceful spot is ideal to relax and appreciate the grandeur of the high mountains. It has a series of lodges aligned along the right bank of the Barun River which has been your travel partner in the day long journey. Here, you will camp overnight amidst breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

Langmale Kharka Altitude: 4,410 meters

Trek Distance: 10 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours 

Today’s walk takes you out of Yangle Kharka’s lush meadows up onto Langmale Kharka’s more elevated alpine terrain. The trek rises gradually, following close to the Barun River along open grazing grounds, outcropping rock-sided hills and juniper and alpine shrubbery. The view is more stunning as you ascend higher with a majestic sight of the high peak of Makalu looming on the horizon.
You will pass by grazing Yaks and small seasonal herder shelters while going further into the high mountains. Moving on, you will arrive at Langmale Kharka, a high-altitude camping site which lies between snow ridges. Here, you will spend the night resting and preparing for the coming days. For the more adventurous, there is a viewpoint on a ridge over Langmale Kharka that boasts even greater vistas.

Makalu Base Camp Altitude: 4,870 meters

Trek Distance: 8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours 

This day begins with an easy half hour walk along the right bank of the Barun River. The initial walk is through the forest that gradually thins out. You will hike through a series of alpine meadows and across rocky moraines that provide a sense of true wilderness. The path then follows the remote and rugged alpine landscape that becomes increasingly barren and spectacular. The more you ascend, the view opens up more with grand glaciers, icefalls and the ridge of Mount Makalu.

Continuing further, you will arrive at Shershong, a wide, scenic flat area. The trail is split up here into a high route and a low route to Makalu Base Camp. Both take roughly the same time but the high route is more favored for the greater views and drier trail. Makalu Base Camp with Sherpani Col and Mera Peak climbing map will eventually take us to the Makalu Base Camp, a far flung and impressive location at around 4,870 meters. The camp is dotted with magnificent peaks around it and the gigantic Makalu towering above.

Against the backdrop of massive Himalayas and ice formations, Makalu Base Camp is a remote, majestic setting that leaves you awestruck. You will spend the night here soaking in the magnificent scenery.

This day is set aside for acclimatization and rest at Makalu Base Camp so that your body will adjust to high altitude before moving further. This break helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness to a large extent and makes your adventure safer and more enjoyable. Besides, it also provides you with time to immerse in the gratifying Himalayan surroundings.

You can spend some time exploring the area at your own pace. Short walks around the base camp treat you to the stunning vistas of Mount Makalu, towering icefalls and adjoining mountains such as Baruntse, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and more. The base camp’s glacial environment and serene atmosphere are perfect to take in the natural beauty of the high Himalayas while giving your body the chance to rest and acclimatize.

It is also a good time to check your gear and prepare yourself for the tougher sections of the trek that lie ahead. Besides, you can simply relax and recover your strength.

Sendi Camp Altitude: 5,200 meters

Trek Distance: 5-6 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5 hours

Leaving behind Makalu Base Camp, we will head towards Sendi Camp into isolated and craggy terrain. You will walk over glacial moraines, rock ridges, frozen ice slopes and alpine meadows, all with towering peaks all around you.

This part of the trail is usually less trodden that gives you a true sense of isolation and wilderness. As you walk up and down the rugged terrain, the scenery gets more dramatic looking with fewer vegetation and increased exposure to the thin air and high wind.

Eventually, you will arrive at Sendi Camp which is a serene spot in which to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Himalayas before making ascents to tough phases that lie ahead.

West Col Altitude: 6,143 meters

Trek Distance: 7-8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Today’s hike will take you to the thrilling West Col. It is one of the most demanding and exciting portion of the hike. The ascent calls for physical and mental toughness as the path involves steep and technical pathways. The trail goes along rugged and glaciated alpine ground, crossing rocky moraines and snowfield slopes demanding good stamina and careful footing. Skills like traversing icy slopes and experience on the use of rope or crampons are necessary to navigate some tricky sections.

The more you move forward, the more the alpine zones you reach with scenery becoming increasingly barren and windy with steep ridges dominating in all directions. Once you ascend to the top of West Col, the stunning, panoramic view of the Barun Valley and surrounding Himalayan giants is revealed from this high mountain pass. Afterward, you will descend to a camp below the col where you will rest and spend the night.

At West Col, it is a scheduled acclimatization and rest day. It will provide your body with the much needed time to adjust to high altitude and the well deserved rest following an exhausting trek so far.

Some short hikes in the surrounding area will help with acclimatization. From the West Col, the view lined by ice fields and towering Himalayas is ethereal and unforgettable. It is an ideal spot to sit down and relax, reflect, ponder and prepare yourself for the coming parts of the trek.

Baruntse Base Camp Altitude: 5,400 meters 

East Col Altitude: 6,146 meters

Trek Distance: 5-6 kilometers

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours 

Today’s hike is demanding and scenic where you walk from West Col to Baruntse Base Camp via East Col. The trek begins with a descent from West Col, along glaciated ground and snowy ridges which require utmost care and at times the help of ropes or crampons based on snow conditions.

After some time, you will begin the ascent to East Col, another high altitude mountain pass. It is a walk over crevassed ground, icy slope and the Baruntse Plateau surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery. The reward at East Col is breathtaking views of Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Everest and other peaks.

From the pass, it is a tricky descent down to Baruntse Base Camp which is set in a glacial hollow. The trail features a mix of glacier crossings and steep ice ridges testing mental as well as physical endurance. The trek is breathtakingly beautiful as well with massive canvases of ice and Himalayan behemoths surrounding you. 
The camp gives you an unparalleled sense of wilderness and grandeur which is in a remote corner of the mountains. This desolate and raw ambiance under towering walls of ice and rocky ridges is ideal to spend an overnight while immersing in the untamed beauty of the high Himalayas.

Seto Pokhari Altitude: 4,825 meters 

Trek Distance: 7 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5 hours

Leaving behind the lofty reaches of Baruntse Base Camp, today’s trek takes you to White Lake. You will follow the high altitude barren landscape which is bounded by towering peaks and glacial ridges. The trail descends from the base camp and gradually sweeps through isolated alpine valleys with sparse vegetation and a desolate environment.

As you reach White Lake, the terrain opens up and gives you a glimpse of a glacial lake glittering between rock outcrops and snow capped ridges. White Lake is Seto Pokhari in Nepali. It is one of the highest and most remote lakes in the region with sparkling and clear waters and serene environment. You will spend night at the scenic campsite near the lake. It is a serene and surreal place which is perfect for unwinding after a challenging day in the higher Himalayas.

Khongma Dingma Altitude: 4,850 meters 

Trek Distance: 10 kilometers

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours 

Today’s trek is from isolated and serene Seto Pokhari to a charming ambiance of Khongma Dingma. Leaving behind the rugged splendor of glacial lakes, you will gradually enter more open valleys walking over rocky ridges, moraines and expanses of limited vegetation.

The path is frequently rocky but the scenery of the surrounding mountains continues to be stunning throughout the hike. You will eventually arrive at Khongma Dingma which is a simple campsite nestled in a quiet valley offering a well earned rest. Here you will experience a noticeable change in atmosphere from that of the isolation and deep remoteness of the earlier alpine terrains.

Mera La Altitude: 5,445 meters 

Trek Distance: 7-8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5 hours 

The day’s ascent takes you from Khongma Dingma to the windy and exposed Mera La pass, your first taste of the Mera Peak region. The trail begins with a gradual climb through remote alpine terrain, across glacial streams and open valleys amidst towering mountain vistas.

The farther up you climb, the steeper and more barren the landscape with fewer trees and more rock and ice cover on the ground. The air grows thinner and the hike itself becomes tougher as you approach Mera La, a high pass above 5,400 meters. The views from the top are stunning with magnificent Mera Peak, Chamlang and other distant Himalayan ranges.

After hours of relentless trekking, you will reach Mera La where we will camp amidst a vast, snowy area. This high altitude campsite prepares you for the ascent to Mera Peak High Camp and the summit in the days ahead.

Mera High Camp Altitude: 5,780 meters 

Trek Distance: 5-6 kilometers

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Today’s hike is from the upper Mera La pass to the Mera High Camp. It is the final base before an attempt at the summit of Mera Peak. From Mera La, the trail continues higher over uneven and rocky terrain with patches of snow and ice scattered along the route. You will climb across steep slopes and scree fields as you ascend steadily higher into the alpine zone.
The landscape is dramatic with unobstructed views of massive peaks and sweeping valleys in every direction. The atmosphere thins and the exertion increases as you ascend to the high camp at around 5,780 meters. It is a strategic place to acclimatize and replenish before making the early morning push to the peak. The 360 degree views of the surrounding Himalayan giants and the feeling of being so close to the summit of Mera Peak give you a greater sense of excitement and anticipation.

Mera Peak Altitude: 6,476 meters 

Khare Altitude: 4,950 meters

Total Distance and Duration: 10 kilometers, 8-10 hours

Today is the main highlight of your entire adventure as you will face the challenging ascent from Mera High Camp to its summit. To achieve the highest trekking peak in Nepal, you will be departing early in the morning and making a steep climb over snowfields, glaciers and rocky ridges. The ascent requires focus and basic mountaineering ability like crampon and ice axe techniques.

As you stand at the top of Mera Peak, you will have glorious panoramic views of the Himalayan giants looming over you. It is a sense of profound victory and an experience which is hard to forget. The summit view of the majestic Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu piercing the sky and Kanchenjunga in the distance along with Nuptse,Island Peak, Baruntse, Kusum Kanguru, Pumori and Ama Dablam in the horizon is surreal.

After immersing yourself in the stunning vistas, you will slowly make your way back to Khare. It is the scenic resting spot at the foot of the peak where you can resupply and rest after this challenging and victorious day.

Kothe Altitude: 3,600 meters 

Trek Distance: 12-14 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

You will descend today from the high altitude camp at Khare to Kothe. We begin descending to lower levels after breakfast where the temperature will rise progressively and the scenery will be more verdant. The trail proceeds gently through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests giving a less demanding pace after the arduous climb to Mera Peak.

And on your way down, you will enjoy stunning views of the mountains and valleys of the region. You will walk through yak grazing lands and small villages. The walk is pleasant and scenic allowing you time to enjoy the changing scenery and reflect on the experience you just had.

Kothe is a charming village with teahouses where you can rest, be at ease, and experience local hospitality before embarking on trekking once again.

Zatrawa La Pass Altitude: 4,600 meters 

Trek Distance: 10 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Today’s trek takes you from the peaceful village of Kothe to the thrilling Zatrawa La Pass which is one of the highest passes in the area. The walk begins with an easy climb through forests and villages giving you a chance to experience local culture and some lovely natural views.

The farther you go up, the sparser the vegetation and the ground is rocky and uneven. The final leg to Zatrawa La is a steep uphill that is well worth the trouble with beautiful vistas of snow topped peaks and deep valleys below.

Zatrawa la Pass is one of the important landmarks on the trek. While the ascent to the pass is physically and mentally demanding, the surrounding vistas of the high peaks and rugged valleys are grand throughout the day.

Chhutunga Altitude: 3,100 meters

Trek Distance: 7-8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours 

From the breathtaking Zatrawa La Pass, the walk proceeds with a scenic descent to serene Chhutunga village. The trail slowly goes downhill through rock fields and alpine meadows providing magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges.
Gradually, the terrain gets greener with dense vegetation and cultivated land in sight. You finally reach Chhutunga which is renowned for its warm hospitality and traditional Sherpa culture. It is the perfect place for resting prior to the next leg of your journey.

Lukla Altitude: 2,860 meters

Trek Distance: 8 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

You will head back to Lukla today, the final destination of the adventure. The path gradually follows a descent through forest, terraced fields and small local villages along the way.

As you are heading towards Lukla, the path becomes increasingly populated with houses and local shops. The walk is steady and leisurely and you will have sufficient time to appreciate the final sight of hills and mountains and reflect on your incredible experience en route.

Once you reach Lukla, you can relax, celebrate the culmination of your mountain journey and have the final night in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.

Flight Duration: 35-45 minutes

Since you have completed your journey in the Himalayas, you will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, usually early in the morning. The short and scenic flight offers panoramic overviews of the high mountains, valleys and hillside terraces you have been trekking through.

You will be transferred to your hotel after arriving in Kathmandu where you can rest and reflect on your incredible journey. In the evening you can join our Farewell Dinner and spend the final time together with fellow adventurers and crew members with great food and amazing conversations.