This is an outstanding trek in the eastern region of Nepal which offers a combination of rich culture heritage, unsurpassed beauty and biological diversity. The trail takes you from the steamy lowlands of Tumlingtar on the Arun River, through one of the least frequented areas of Nepal, to the base camp of Makalu [8475m]. The trail follows the beautiful Barun river valley in the Makalu Barun National Park, crossing Shipton pass at 4127 meter before arriving at Makalu Base Camp [5000m], from here views of the south face of Makalu, as well as Everest and Lhotse are truly spectacular. The Arun valley is also a home of rare species of various Birds which are now only found in Nepal.

Anyone in good shape and has previous experience of trekking can make this fairly challenging trek anytime in March to May and September to early December.

The majestic view from the Singla Top of massif Manaslu , with Manaslu (8163m.) poking up from behind the Ganesh Himal appears before you. To the northwest is the Ganesh Himal and at other side looms Langtang Himal. Ganesh (7406m.) and her sisters jut up from the valley below like large crystals thrust out of the earth, creating a stunning panorama of glaciers, peaks, rock, snow, and ice.

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (510m) which takes about 45 minutes.

Day 02: Trek from Tumlingtar to Maney Bhanjyang which takes about five and half hours. The trail ascends all the way through forest of rhododendrons and sal trees. En route, you pass few villages. Maney Bhanjyang is a ridge inhabited by some people. It is quite surrounded by forest and this is grazing filed for local people.

Day 03: Trek from Maney Bhanjyang to Chilchile (1830m) which takes about five hours. The trail ascends through forest of rhododendrons and sal trees for about three hours and you will ultimately walk over a flat trail and you approach Chilchile. This is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurungs and other communities as well. There is a government school where locals send their children. You will find some good tea houses.

Day 04: Trek from Chilchile to Num (1500 m) which takes about four and half hours. The trail ascends for about 2 hours and then descends by a small perennial river and the walk on a flat trail for about 1 hour and reach Num. Num is a beautiful village which is enriched with many tea houses and telephone facilities.

Day 05: Trek from Num to Navagaon (2140m) which takes about five and half hours. You trek somewhere mixed path and at some point trail appear quite flat through jungle and beautiful traditional villages. While walking, you can interact with the local sherpa, Tamang people. There is a small primary school. The main occupations of villagers are agriculture. They grow crops like maize, pototo, beans, as per the season. You can also taste chhyang (local wine).

Day 06: Trek from Navagaon to Tashigaon (2250m) and it takes about three hours. To reach Tashigoan, you follow a flat and easy trail passing through colorful villages, terraces, small forest and you cross a small river.

Day 07: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma la (3560 m) which takes about six hours. The trail ascends throughout the day and you will walk through forest of Rhododendrons and Sal trees until you reach destination. Kongma la is a ridge and there is only one tea house here. This is also perfect place for camping. There falls snow during March and April.

Day 08: Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk (3815m) via  Shipton la (4216m) and it takes about six hours.
It takes three and half hours to get Shipton la pass following steep ascent path. Crossing Shipton la you have to trek through flat path until you meet a ridge and from here the trail ultimately goes downhill all the way to Mumbuk. The trekking path moves through dry land with some bushes on both sides.

Day 09: Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka (3620m) and it takes about four and half hours. The rocky trail moves between forests all the way to Nehe Kharka. You trek along mixed path. While walking, you can see huge stones and few mountain peaks.

Day 10: Trek from Nehe Kharka to Langma Le (4410m) which takes about four and half hours. The trail is flat all the way to Langma Le. En route, you will be captivated by the mountain views like Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), etc.

Day 11: Trek from Langma Le to Hillary Base Camp (4920m) and it takes about six hours. You trek gentle ascent path all the way to Hillary Base Camp. You can hardly find some bushes along the trail as your are at more than 4000 m. To mention about the majestic views, they are Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), etc.

Day 12: Trek from Hillary Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp (4812 m) which takes about five hours. You trek over gradual descent path until you reach Makalu Base Camp. You will have a spectacular views of different mountains and peaks like  Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), etc. You can also hike to Baruntse Base Camp.

Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to High Camp (5300 m.) and it takes about three and half hours. You trek almost steep path till High Camp. Here too, you will fall in love with panoramic views of Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), peak 3, and Pyramid peak etc.

Day 14: Trek from High Camp to Sherpani Col (6110m) which takes about seven hours. This day is quite difficult and adventurous as you need to do rock climbing. The rocky trail is full of snow.

Day 15: Trek from Sherpani Col to West Col (6135m) and it takes about seven hours.  This rocky route is also full of snow. This is very adventurous as on this day too you go for rock climbing.

Day 16: Trek from West Col to Amphu Laptsha Pass (5845m) which takes about eight hours. On this day, you again follow the same kind of path and do rock climbing.

Day 17: Trek from Amphu Laptsha Pass to Below Pass (4988m)
 
Day 18: Trek from Below Pass to Chukkung (4900m)

Day 19: Trek from Chukkung to Tyangboche (3860) and it takes about five hours.
You trek along gentle descent path for almost four and half hours and finally you trek uphill until you reach Tyangboche. En route, you pass sparse forest and Dingboche among other villages where you can visit monastery. While walking, you will feel exhilarating by the views of Ama Dablam peak, Thamserku Himal, Tawache peak, Lhotse and many more.

Day 20: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m.) which takes about four and half hours. From Tyangboche, the trail descends steeply and slightly towards Phunki Tenga (3250m.) crossing the Dudh Koshi. Now you have a glimpse of panoramic views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Passing by several villages and numerous teashops, the trail ascends steeply to Sanasa where local Sherpa people sell the Tibetan goods. The way from Sanasa to Namche has small ups and downs with view of forests, scenery and mountains.

Day 21: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m.) and it takes about six hours. The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for few short uphill climbs and then down to the Bhote- Koshi River crossing it three times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay.

Day 22: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.

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