Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representative of Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition and you will be shifted to your hotel. The employees in the hotel will manage your accommodation and check-in. In the evening, you may visit Thamel or some souvenir shops.

Included: Bed & Breakfast

Day 02: Rest & preparation day in Kathmandu

On the rest day, you are allowed to rest before making preparations for the upcoming venture. Swagat Holiday Treks and Expedition will provide you an elaborate presentation regarding the upcoming trip. You can even go shopping and meet friends. If you are interested, you can go sight-seeing inside the Kathmandu Valley. The company will arrange a private vehicle for the same.

Included: Bed & Breakfast

Day 03: fly to Tumlingtar (448m) then drive to Num(1560m/5119ft), Duration: 40 minutes flight & 5 hour drive

After having early breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, we drive to Kathmandu airport and take an early morning flight to Tumlingtar which is about 40 minutes. During air panorama of snowcapped peaks with Everest and Makalu at Tumlingtar overnight in a nice local lodge, a rural farm area of warm semi-tropical climate located above Arun River.

After landing at Tumlingtar we will take local jeep for Num village for about 5 hours, we drive on a rough road through rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes fields. After 1 hour drive, we stop for lunch in Khandbari where small lodge and teahouses available then we start overdrive again to the small ridge-top village of Chichila and continue to drive to Num. Chichila is a big Gurung village; on the way to here you will see the green landscape filled with crops and forest. We will stay overnight at Num.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1500m/4922ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek and our day begins with nice views of our campsite at Seduwa, on the opposite side of the valley, this can only mean one thing; a steep descent down through the forest and terraced plots of lands all the way to the Arun Khola (River).

We then hike up a winding ascent up the other side; we generally experience more heat at these low altitudes, so the forest on the valley sides offers a bit of shade on his somewhat challenging day. This is the boundary of the Makalu National Park, so we must register our permits with the local rangers, descending steeply from the western end of the Num ridge the trail reaches Lumbang, from where the path becomes exceptionally steep as it reaches the suspension bridge over the Arun Koshi at 620m, from where we make a rough climb to Seduwa.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon (2100m/6890ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek, and from Seduwa to reach Tashigaon, we pass through Manigaon, where the trail turns west and makes a gradual climb above the Kasuwa Khola and reaches Chyaksadanda from there to Hindrungma Village and on to Ropesa.

Finally, we climb 500m to reach the busier village of Tashigaon (2065m), in the course of our hike, we pass a local school that was built by funding from the British Services Makalu expedition in 2008 and the route crossing the meadows and several streams finally gets us to Tashigaon.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma La (3500m/11483ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek and it’s an interesting walk today as we say bye to the lovely green forests that we don’t see for some time, these are replaced with the more remote scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains.

We first climb over the ridge & ascend through forests to a stream, then onto a ridge. We climb through two small streams, and then get connected to Kharka and further up to Unshisha, from where the trail joins the ridge that separates two drainages, a short distance from there will lead us to Khongma.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Rest and Acclimatization day

To be fit in the Himalayas you have to acclimate to such high altitude. You can visit some monasteries near the village and learn about the Sherpa culture and Buddhist religions of the area.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08: Trek from Khongma La to Dobato (3620m/11871ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Today is a challenging day because there are 4 passes to do, to reach our final destination for tonight. The first pass is Kauma La pass which is 3603m then you directly head to the Keke La pass (4127m), these are the first two passes. Now we have to go for the third pass which is known as Shipton La pass (4170m). This third pass is not difficult but it takes time to climb. After doing the third pass we see Kalo Pokhari (Black Lake). Now you need to be ready for the fourth and final pass that is Tutu La Pass to reach Dobato. From Dobato you may see the spectacular view of Chamlang (7319m), Peak 6 (3521m), Peak 7 (6758m), and many other peaks.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09:  Dobato to Yangri Kharka (3620m/11877ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek and today and continue our trail westward through fir forests at the bottom of the Barun Valley. We cross several streams and then cross the Barun on a wooden bridge to Yangri Kharka, Yangle Kharka is a part little village situated in a meadow at the base of the valley, it’s a relaxing palace to haul up for the night.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4410m/14468ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek, and today, the trail ascends through grasslands and forest, we will take pleasure in the majestic peaks such as Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) 6739m, peak 7 (6185m), Isuwa La (5340m) and many other unnamed mountains and peaks that lay spread out before us. Yak Kharka is a grazing field.

You will have bushes and lush Himalayan forests along the way to Langmale Kharka. After crossing a couple of wooden bridges over small streams from the mountain, then you will arrive at Merek. You will get the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas from here. Now you will trek through moraines and passes and small settlements to reach Langmale Kharka.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (5100m/16732ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start to climb the steep hiking trail which goes through the Barun River. Today, the trek passes through a flat trail and will descend to a Perennial River, as we reach Makalu Base Camp; we are literally mesmerized by the views of Mt. Makalu at (7463m), Baruntse (7152m), and Kali Himal (6985m), Chamlang (7390m) along with Makalu II (7640m).

You will further walk through the glaciers to arrive at Shersong; a small homestay. From here you need to trek further 2 hours to reach the Makalu base camp. After reach the base camp our Sherpa crew will set up the camps and start to check our health conditions and climbing gears.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12-45: Climbing period of Mt. Makalu (8463/27758ft) & back to Base Camp

We will spend several days doing climbing training practices with adequate days for proper acclimatization. Our Sherpa crew will do all the hard works of setting up additional camps at higher altitudes. Fully equipped with all the climbing equipment and with proper acclimatization we will follow the guidance and instructions of experienced climbing experts. We will tackle several technical climbing sections and taking weather conditions into consideration we head towards the summit of Mount Makalu; the fifth highest mountain of the world. Once at the summit, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the world’s towering mountains including Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Baruntse, and several other high peaks in the Mahalangur region. We will spend some quality time at the summit and start our descend journey following the same route back to base camp. The climbing period has no fixed day to day itinerary as it will be decided by the expedition leader and the guide. They will decide the day to day routine including the time to be spent on the advanced base camp and the higher camps, based on the physical fitness, health, and the condition of the climbers. So before we attempt to summit Mt. Makalu we acclimatize setting up four camps excluding the advanced base camp. There will be a total of four Camps set up on the ascent to the summit as follows:

Makalu South East Ridge:

Makalu Advance Base Camp (5600m/18372ft)

Makalu advanced base camp is located on a rocky moraine with amazing views of the Himalaya. On an 8000m expedition climbers spend most of their time at base camp so naturally on any long expedition base camp becomes a home away from home. We establish our camp at a walking distance between different groups and with a strategic view of the Makalu massif. Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition will provide a personal tent that becomes your private retreat, a dining tent that is the common area, a shower tent, and a toilet tent. When you arrive at base camp it will already be fully established with hot beverages and snacks available immediately. Waiting for you there will be your base camp staff and high altitude climbing Sherpa. Prior to your climbing period, you will have a Puja ceremony at the base camp for good luck. This is one Nepalese tradition not to miss; it represents a safe climbing passage for everyone involved in the expedition.

Makalu Camp I (6400m/21000ft), Duration: 3-4 Hrs

Once you have reviewed basic and advanced training by your climbing Sherpa guide, you will be ready for your attempt to climb to Camp I, which is at a height of 6400m. Prior to the first section of the glacier, you will encounter grassy slopes, rock slabs, and moraine. Once on the glacier, you will encounter mixed terrain including a few crevasses and 200m of blue ice. In the first section of a climbing pint at the mouth of the glacier, the glacier portion takes about 2 hours. For average climbers, it takes about 3-4 hours. Camp I is divided into two sections, lover camp I and upper camp I, the distance between the two is 100m, so camp I can fix between 6400m-6500m.

Makalu Camp II (6800m/22310ft), Duration: 2-3 Hrs

The climbing from camp I to camp II is considered the moderate technical section on Mt. Makalu. During this section, you encounter the heart of ice and snow. The first section is slogging over snow for about an hour, and then you encounter several steep sections of ice; there are small sections of ice fall that do not require a ladder. These sections can be crossed with the support of fixed ropes, a few big steps, and some steep snow climbing. For most people, this is the crux of the route. This section will take slow climbers about 2-3 hours. Camp II is situated above the snowy terrace.

Makalu Camp III (7450m/24445ft), Duration: 4 Hrs

The distance from camp II to camp III is the longest section of the route, it extends 600m. It does not require any ladder crossings but there are a few crevasses that are roughly a half meter long that need to be jumped. The main ropes are fixed by a climbing Sherpa team. This section for most climbers feels easier, but still, it is not to be taken lightly. The climbing is on sustained slopes and there is exposure to cold and wind. Although in spring there have been reports of direct sun hitting this section making it feel very warm. This is the camp that 40% of climbers plan to do their summit push from. However, Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition always fix camp IV before the summit so that clients can get a half-night rest. This section takes about 4 hours for normal climbers and 5 hours for slower and first time 8000m climbers.

Makalu Camp IV (7900m/25918ft), Duration:

Climbing from camp III to camp IV feels like a short day, the distance is short but now you are nearing the death zone. The oxygen levels are very low at this altitude so it is expected that any effort no matter how minimal or trivial will feel arduous. In this section, you have to climb for 3 hours on steep snow that is on a 50°- 55° slope. This section is a little dangerous in the autumn season because the snow slope is covering a layer of ice which makes the section avalanche prone. This is the reason Swagat Holiday Treks only operates in the spring season. Many consider the crux of the route to be above right above Makalu La. Swagat Holiday Treks team makes an easy traverse to camp IV at 7900m which allows you to have a shorter summit day.

Makalu Summit (8485m/27838ft), Duration: 16-17 Hrs

The main goal during the climbing period is the summit. Most climbers begin their summit bid at 11:00 pm. If all goes well they reach the summit between 7-10 am. Below the main summit is a false summit, the main summit is reached via an exposed ridge. It takes about 5 hours to return to camp IV from the summit and another 2 hours to get to camp III for an overnight stay. The climbing is not technical in the early part as you ascend through several basing with short snow headwalls. The climb passes the false summit and finishes on an exposed ridge to the true summit for a spectacular view of the mighty Himalaya s. Swagat Holiday Treks Sherpa guides will fix ropes, break trail, and make every effort to assist the group to reach the summit of the 5^th highest mountain in the world.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 46: Cleanliness program in Makalu Base Camp and return to Yangri Kharka (3620m/11877ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

When all team members are at Base Camp for final re-grouping, include guides and staff, to assist packing equipment and checking each member's health condition after the great climb of a lifetime experience. We will clear the mess that we have created at the base camp as we believe in eco-friendly and responsible tourism. And we start packing all climbing gears and disposing of garbage in proper sites. After having breakfast, we start our trek back and after ascending for a few hours, the trail moves along a flat level path and in the end it descends to reach our previous rest point of Yangri Kharka. We will stay overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 47: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobato (3620m/11871ft), Duration:

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek today. You descend to Dobato along with the rapidly flowing Barun River. The rocky trails and ridges are normal to reach Dobato. The Yaks and Sheep pastures increase the beauty of trekking down.

The trail ascends for almost three hours through the same landscape and with the possibility of landslides. Then we will have to trek uphill passing through jungles with dense foliage all the way to Dobato.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 48:  Trek from Dobato to Khongma La (3500m/11483ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trek, and today, the trail will descend steeply to Kongma La via Kali Pokhari through a dense forest.

This is quite a hard day because you have to pass the 4 small passes today, Trekking through the rhododendron, juniper, and fir forest along the way. Up and down today is very normal and the maximum pass you will have to cross is Shipton La pass 4170m to reach the Khongma La.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 49: Trek back from Khongma La to Tashi Gaon (2100m/6890ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Today we have our breakfast and trek to make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. Ascending a little up to the hill at first we descend down then through the ridge, during which we pass by the streams. Forests and green meadows and reach at Tashi Gaon. Reaching Tashi Gaon we spend the rest of the day relaxing in order to recover from the high altitude. We will stay overnight at Tashi Gaon.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 50: Trek from Tashi Gaon to Seduwa (1500m/4922ft), Duration: 4-5 Hrs

You trek through small streams and pass a small settlement in the Barun river valley. With Isuwa River at both sides, you head towards Seduwa. You cross the hillside and come across small villages and settlements as you move further down towards Seduwa. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Seduwa.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 51: Trek from Seduwa to Num (1560m/5119ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

After breakfast, we will start our trail for today. As the end of the trek gets near, you walk through dense forests and the trails and smooth. The trails go up and down and you pass few Sherpa villages. You also cross the Arun River and finally stop at Num for overnight.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 52: Trek from Num to Chichila and drive to Tumlingtar (410m/1345ft): Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Today is the last day of the trek and you head towards Tumlingtar from Num. you start your trek from Num and head to Gurung village, Chichila. You rest at Chichila and then drive to Tumlingtar watching beautiful scenes of hills and mountains. When you reach Tumlingtar, you can visit the markets and rest. We will stay overnight at Tumlingtar.

Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 53: Fly back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, Duration: 40 minutes

Finally, you’ll take a flight to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar early in the morning. You’ll be guided to the hotel and if time is available, you may go for sightseeing in Thamel, Kathmandu

Included: Bed & Breakfast

Day 54: In Kathmandu free day for individual activities

A spare and contingency day in Kathmandu we have reserved two days in case of flight delay and cancellation at Lukla due to unavoidable conditions like unfavorable bad weather conditions, which in some part of the adventure being in the Himalayan region. Well as per the plan with normal flight time, this day to be used for your own individual activities and shopping souvenirs or join in for another exciting tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur for a delightful sightseeing tour around world heritage sites and seeing more of Nepalese culture. On this day you can explore some landmarks of Kathmandu valley and free day for souvenir shopping to friends and family members. You will go on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after breakfast. The many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu make it a beautiful place for an excellent sightseeing tour.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple lies on the bank of the Bagmati River, is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The main temple is two-storeyed. It also has smaller monuments as well as places for pilgrimage surrounding it.

Baudhanath and Swayambhunath:

Baudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most famous Buddhist temples you will go to on this trip. The feel of the Buddhist culture as well as the peaceful setting of these two monasteries is made for a wonderful visit to these places.

You will also get to two Durbar Squares- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Square- during this trip. Historical temples like Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Dhoka, museums, and other smaller temples make these two squares some of the most delightful in this trip. You can see the perfect representations of the medieval architecture of Nepal in these two squares.

In the evening you will be taken to the Nepali Kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained with an exciting cultural dance performed by the locals. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the Swagat Holiday Treks. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Included: Bed, Breakfast & Dinner

Day 55: Final departure

This will be your final day in this awesome country of the Himalayas Nepal. We will drop you at the airport a couple of hours before your scheduled flight. Before leaving for the airport, you need to confirm that you have secured a tour air ticket as well as other travel-related documents. We wish you have a wonderful departure back home. We can also arrange for another trip to Nepal in case you want to.

Included: Bed & Breakfast

COST INCLUDE

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (For both international and domestic flights).

• Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.

• 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.

• Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.

• Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.

• A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.

• We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.

• National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).

• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)

• Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.

• Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.

• Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.

• Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).

• All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.

 COST EXCLUDE

• Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)

• All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)

• Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu

• Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation

• In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.

• Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)

• Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.

• Medical expenses and trip cancellation.

• Any other extended trips and accommodation.

• Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.

     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.

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Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.

Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

In case the flight delays/cancellation happens at the start of the trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guest house in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

Member Personal Gears and Equipment’s

• Down suits (Dangri)- 1 peace

• Summit shoes – 1

• Walking shoe- 1

• Crampon -1

• Summit Glove (Mitten)- 1

• Normal Gloves -2

• Summit snow googles-1

• Glacier glasses-1

• Ice Axe-1

• Harness- 1

• Jumer-1

• Carabineers (normal)-3

• Sleeping Bag (-40C)-1

• Down-filled Mattress-1

• Summit socks-2

• Normal socks-3

• Climbing Bag (40 Liter)-1

• Helmet -1

• Down jacket-1

• Down trouser-1

• 8 finger /descender 1

• Headlamp (Icon or Spot)-1

• Gore-Tex Jacket-1

• Gore-Tex Trouser-1

• Fleece Jacket-1

• Fleece Liner Gloves-3

• Fleece Liner Carabineer -1

• Balaclava (wind stopper)-1

• Thermos bottle -1

• Base layer (woolen)-2 set

• Water bottle normal -1

Climbing Gears

• Ice Crews

• Fix rope

• Snow bars

• EPI gas

• Rock piton

• Carabineers (normal

• High tent

• Summit rope

• Cooking pot

• Snow shovel

• Ice hammer / edge (set)

• Member high food

• Oxygen

• Mask & regulator

• Quick Draws