The trek through the Arun and Barun rivers valleys is one of the great wilderness experiences that Nepal can offer. This area is largely uninhabited but there are plenty of picturesque campsites along the route.

The trek begins in Tumlingtar and gradually climbs through scenic villages above the Arun River. The river can only be crossed via a spectacular suspension bridge, which leads us the next day to Tashi Gaon, the last Sherpa village on the trail. From here we cross the Barun La (Shipton Pass) before commencing our exposed descent across landslides to the Barun Valley floor. Makalu Base Camp is now only a day away, and to our left raises the Lower Barun Glacier and the spectacular peaks of Chamlang and Ama Dablam. The goal of our trek lies at the foot of the extensive Barun Glacier. Makalu raises straight in front of us, with countless other peaks forming a majestic panorama around our camp.

Normally we retrace our steps to return to Kathmandu, however those with mountaineering experience and equipment may choose to cross 2 passes over 6,000 meters (The Sherpani Col, and West Col) into the Khumbu region. Both routes are of similar duration.

Highlights: A genuine Himalayan wilderness experience, fantastic views of the mountains of the Everest region, picturesque Tamang, Gurung, and Sherpa villages, Makalu Base Camp is amazing!

ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu
Height: 1300m
Meet with our representative and Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02 Kathmandu
Duration: 4 hrs
Height: 1300m
Half day sight seeing around Kathmandu.

Day 03: Kathmandu -Tumlinngtar - Kahandbari
Duration: 4hrs
Height:
Fly and trek. After flying to Tumlingtar we walk north to Khandbari. The trail crosses a plateau then climbs gradually .We camp above the village on large grassy fields.

Day 04: Kahndwari – Chichira
Duration: 6 hrs
Height:
We walk through many small picturesque villages; occasionally on steep trails for 3 hours to reach Goure Chichira is 3 hours further, still uphill.

Day 05: Chichira – Num
Duration:
Height:
The morning starts with wonderful views of Makalu and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The path, an ancient trading route, after a few up and down, descends through forest to Num.

Day 06: Num – Navagoan
Duration:
Height:
We descend steeply for 1 ½ hrs to the suspension bridge across the Arun River. It is a 2 hours ascent to Kerabari. We then continue upwards for 2 more hours to Navagoan (Shidda).

Day 07 Navagoan – Tashigoan
Duration:
Height:
Ascending through forest we pass the picturesque Sherpa village of Tashigoan, the last village en route to the camp.

Day 08: Tashigoan – Khonpma
Duration: 6 hrs
Height:
We climb out of the forest to the grazing area of Khonpma, 5 ½ hours away. We have a packed lunch because of the lack of the water in between Tashigoan and Khonpma.

Day 09: Khopma -- Mumbuk
Duration:
Height:
Above Khopma we occasionally walk on snow (depending on the season) to Changse Danda. Two hours further on is Magar Changse Danda. Makalu and the surrounding Himalaya are spectacular. We camp just over the Barun Pass.

Day 10 Mumbuk -- Nehkharaka
Duration:
Height:
Starting early we take about an hour to cross some land -slides. 4 hours further on over the higher river plains is Nahekharka.

Day 11 Nehkharka -- Mera
Duration:
Height:
After crossing the wooden bridge over the Barun River we trek beside the river on grasslands to Mera. The mountain peaks here are inspiring.

Day 12: Mera – Makalu Base Camp
Duration:
Height:
We pass a small glacier with spectacular alpine scenery before reaching the base camp.

Day 13: 18 Return trek to Tumlingtar
It is a long way as we come to here and now its time to return to the place where we have started from

Day 14: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu