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Nepal – Eco Trekking
Makalu Base Camp - October
In a country known for dramatic scenery, Makalu-Barun stands out, a rugged landscape of towering Himalayan peaks and deep river gorges. The 2,330 square kilometer region, located just 10 kilometers southeast of Mt. Everest, gets its name from its highest peak, Mt. Makalu, and the ecologically-pristine Barun Valley.
As part of our programme to reduce the negative impacts of tourism in general, we are offering two special treks into the Makalu-Barun area of Nepal. The 2 treks give time to visit community conservation sites as well as the opportunity to help support local conservation efforts. The treks feature: environmentally sound camp practices; provide expert leadership knowledgeable about eco-tourism and conservation efforts; visits to communities and projects that are working to protect their rich natural environment.
This somewhat difficult, yet extremely rewarding trek offers a true wilderness experience. The trek starts off in the tropical climate of Tumlingar and progresses through the whole climatic spectrum culminating in the rugged high Alpine terrain of rock and ice. Home of the Snow Leopard and the Red Fox, but we need a lot of luck to see them.
Mt. Makalu - fifth highest peak in the world - towers on the northern boundary, straddling the borders of Nepal and Tibet. Just 40 kilometers southeast, the powerful Arun River cuts one of the world's deepest river gorges. Between this high peak and plunging valley stretches the bio-diverse Barun Valley, a botanical zone of immense scientific importance.
The contrasting altitudes of the Makalu- Barun area create dramatic changes in climate, wildlife and plants within only a few kilometres.
Tropical (500 - 1,000m) Sal and broad-leafed forests, cultivated fields. Wildlife includes porcupine, langur, wild boar and jackal.
Sub-Tropical (1,000 - 2,500m) Forests of chir pine, alder and Schima-Castanopsis; terraced farmland. Wildlife includes clouded leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan black bear and Indian muntjac.
Temperate (2,500 - 3,500m) Forests of rhododendron, oak, laurel, maple, magnolia, and alder. Terraced farmland. Wildlife includes musk deer, red panda, wolf and Himalayan tahr.
Sub-Alpine (3,500 - 4,500m) Forests of birch, silver fir and rhododendron mingled with sub-alpine grassland. Wildlife includes Himalayan weasel, and marmot.
Alpine (4,500 - 6,000m) Alpine grassland and juniper/ rhododendron scrub at lower regions. Mostly rock and ice with little vegetation and wildlife above 5,000 meters. Snow leopard and red fox roam this zone.
Nival (Above 6,000m) There are 30 Himalayan peaks towering 6,000 meters or
higher around you at MBC.
Outline Itinerary Travel Advice
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu and settle into hotel.
Day 2 Free day in Kathmandu to visit the 7 world heritage sites.
Day 3 We take an internal flight to Tumlingtar and prepare for tomorrow.
Day 4 Tumlingtar (487m) to Khandbari / Manebhanjyang (1,160m). 4 hrs.
Day 5 Manebhanjyang to Chichila (1,920m). 5 hrs
Day 6 Chichila to Num (1,500m). 6-8 hours
Day 7 Num to Seduwa (Murmidanda) (1,510m). 5-7 hrs
Day 8 Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,060m). Last village before entering the uninhabited Makalu-Barun National Park. Lodging / camping, available. 3-4 hrs
Day 9 Rest at Tashigaon to acclimatise.
Day 10 Tashigaon to Khongma (3,500m). Sharp elevation gains heed altitude sickness symptoms. 6-8 hrs.
Day 11 Khongma to Dobato (3,500m). Cross Shipton Pass (4,216m),and Keke Pass (4,127 m). 5 hrs
Day 12 Dobato to Yangle Kharka (3,540m). We set off early to minimize landslide risks, through this rough section, that is uncharacteristic of Nepal. The trail leads down to the river and we progress slowly over boulders and in slippery gullies, below steep loose cliffs. 4-5 hrs
Day 13 Rest and acclimatise.
Day 14 Yangle Kharka to Langmale (4,100m). As we enter the inner sanctuary of Makalu there are sharp elevation gains and we remain aware for altitude sickness symptoms. Pass magnificent natural amphitheater at the base of Mt. Makalu. Camp a half hour further on at Merek . 6 hrs
Day 15 Langmale to Shersong (4,600 m). After about 3 hours with spectacular scenary we arrive at Makalu Base Camp (4,800m / 15,749ft) and then head up to the Upper Barun Glacier, for views of Everest and surrounding mountains. The spectacular sight of Makalu’s dramatic pink rock buttresses makes all the effort worthwhile.
Day 16 Shersong. A 2nd day to explore the the glaciers and higher elevations.
Day 17 Shersong to Yangle Kharka.
Day 18 Yangle Kharka to Dobato.
Day 19 Dobato to Khongma.
Day 20 Khongma to Norbuchaur.
Day 21 Norbuchaur to Dobatak. Blessed with abundant rainfull,
east Nepal
is alive with botanical wonders, from wild mushrooms and other
edibles, to
orchids and roses. The forests are draped in hanging moss and
vines,
streams cascade down rocky slopes. Dobatak is a small settlement
of
farmers, a pleasant stop for 2 nights while visiting the Khembalung
cave
and possibly Saisima (depending upon the nuns' and monks' retreat
schedule).
Day 22 Rest day: visit the sacred Khembalung cave, a refuge
site for
Tibetan Buddhists. Optional day hike up to Saisima Monastery,
a remote
study center for Buddhist nuns and monks.
Day 23 Dobatak to Dap Kharka: continue to parallel the Arun
River, from
high above. Climb up to Dap Kharka (a meadow cleared by grazing
livestock),
a lovely peaceful camp.
Day 24 Dap Kharka to Tamku: Tamku is an active farming community
and local government centre. The community takes responsibility
for managing its own
forests, which provide for their basic living needs.
Day 25 Tamku to Bumlingtar. Descend to and cross the Arun
River, and camp
by the river in flat fields, the first flat land you've seen in
a while!
Day 26 To Tumlingtar by foot, and to Kathmandu by plane.
Day 27 Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 28 Depart for home.
Dates: 4th October to 1st November 2007
Price Range per person:
if 4 – 6 in the group - GBP1500 - GBP1800 / USD2900
if 7 – 10 in the group - GBP1350 - GBP1600 / USD2700
if 11 – 12 in the group - GBP950 - GBP1100 / USD1950
Email for current price and availabililty
You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 4 for the trek to proceed at these prices. The final price you pay will depend upon the ultimate size of the group.
What is included
Our group equipment will include
a Portable Altitude Compression Chamber and a supply of oxygen.
A trained first aider will be part of the team. Fully supported
tented camping by our Sherpa crew, which includes all the food
you’ll need and non-alcoholic drinks. Internal airfare Kathmandu
/ Tumlingtar / Kathmandu and all other transport stated. Kathmandu
hotels with breakfast only and sightseeing tour.
What is not included
The price allows for joining
in Kathmandu and includes everything stated, except; international
airfare, lunch and evening meals while in Kathmandu, all food
and shelter while Teahouse Trekking, personal insurance, visa
fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all
items of a personal nature and all drinks.
Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international
airfare should be in the range £500 - £650 (high season)
for economy class.
Visas
A visa is required for Nepal and
this
will cost GBP30 / USD60. We
will send the form to you on receipt of your booking, if you
live in the UK.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is
required on this trip. (UK clients only)
We recommend the policies of the British
Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas
worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk We are unable to advise anyone
who lives outside of the UK about insurance matters.