Makalu Base Camp Trek

In conjunction with our volunteer project building a new dormitory/kitchen and teaching facility for the deaf student program at Mahendra school, ABIN is excited to be able to offer an outstanding opportunity for those interested in completing one of the classic Himalayan treks to the base camp of the fifth highest mountain in the world.

The Makalu base camp trek is in Makalu Barun National Park, the world’s only protected area with an elevation gain of over 26,000’. The trek starts at about 5000’ elevation in the village of Num in the Arun River valley – a short drive from our Khandbari school project. Beginning in sub-tropical forests, and climbing through temperate and sub-alpine regions to high mountain alpine over seven days, this trek offers incredible scenery including deep river gorges, hanging glaciers and waterfalls.

In the higher elevations, there are views of spectacular mountain peaks including the lesser seen east faces of Everest and Lhotse, and of course the 27,838’ Makalu. While our final destination at the base camp sits at about 16,732’, the relatively gradual elevation gain over six days of hiking plus an off day for rest and acclimatization will help hikers adjust to the high altitude.

After spending a second off day surrounded by snow covered Himalayan peaks at the base camp, we’ll retrace our route down the mountains back to Num over six days, then end our journey with a group celebration back in Khandbari.

As a lesser traveled trekking route, Makalu offers less crowded trails, authentic local accommodations, and a more genuine Nepal experience. Being in a National Park, a guide is mandatory, and we’ll also be using porters so trekkers will only be required to carry light packs. Accommodations will be in rustic local tea houses, though we will be carrying tents as a precaution, as there are limited accommodations along the trail. We’ll be eating mostly local food prepared by our tea house hosts, although we plan on bringing some extra meals for variation.

Perhaps the best part about this incredible trip is that we’re using a local Khandbari social enterprise to provide all guides, porters, and trekking logistics. All employees are local residents, and we’ll be paying the tea houses on route directly so that the money we spend will go directly to the local economy, with a reasonable commission retained by the non-profit to invest in educational opportunities to local orphans in the region.

The Sankhuwasabha Education Scholarship Foundation is a perfect fit with the goals of Another Brick in Nepal, and we’re so pleased to be able to enjoy the stunning scenery and culture of the Himalayas while supporting such a worthwhile organization.

The fourteen day Makalu base camp trek will begin in Khandbari on October 16. There are a maximum of twelve participants, with five spots already confirmed, and a number of others expressing interest. ABIN board members Rob and Kyle are among the committed participants. Estimated costs including domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar return and hotel for two nights in Khandbari on either side of the trek are $1,500.00.

For more information on logistics, costs, and the trek itself, please contact

Rob Tournour           rob@anotherbrickinnepal.com

David Black              david.black@northwestel.net