Makalu Base Camp Trek
Walking & Trekking
Nepal, Wild Nepal | Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
-
?
Strenuous
Suitable for fit individuals who have regular experience of mountain walking.
Find out more...
Strenuous
-
?
- Duration: 22 days from the UK
- On trek: 16 days
- Private Departures Available
Flight inclusive from £3850, Land only from £2555
A truly magnificent Himalayan tea house trek crossing the Shipton La to reach the foot of the world's fifth highest mountain.
Highlights
- Complete the spectacular trek to Makalu Base Camp where few others have ventured
- Cross the Shipton La pass, and three other high passes, on a single day of sublime trekking
- Enjoy a full day of exploration at Makalu Base Camp
- Encounter varied scenery in different temperate zones as you progress from 700m to over 5,000m
- Stay in tea houses on trek to experience remote village life and contribute directly to the local economy.
The spectacular trek to Makalu Base Camp has long been one of Nepal’s best kept trekking secrets. Closed to the outside world until the 1950s, when Eric Shipton first trekked into the region, it has remained relatively inaccessible and little-known except to a handful of keen trekkers; camping en route. We are delighted to now be able to offer the trail to the foot of the world’s fifth highest peak as a tea house trek, and although accommodation is simpler than in more established trekking areas, the tea houses offer a welcome place to stay along the way.
The trail to the foot of the world’s fifth highest peak, takes you through the pristine wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park, recognised for its outstanding natural beauty and great diversity of flora and fauna. It also has great variety and contrast of scenery with every day bringing a rich selection of scenic rewards as you climb from 700m to over 5,000m.
The trekking is challenging but immensely rewarding. On a single day alone you cross four high passes, including the Shipton La (Eric Shipton’s original expedition route) three of which are over 4,000m – a truly stunning day’s trekking. And, if you do this trek in the spring when there may be lingering snow, crossing the passes is even more exciting. The final approach to Base Camp is undoubtedly one of the best and most scenically spectacular walk-ins anywhere in the world and, when you finally reach Base Camp, Mount Makalu utterly dominates with its majestic, monumental presence. It makes you realise how daunting it would be to climb this 8,416m beast. From a viewpoint above the base camp, you can enjoy an epic panorama of some of the Himalaya’s highest peaks including Everest, 8,848m, Lhotse, 8,516m, Chamlang, 7,319m, and Baruntse, 7,129m.
Although this is an out and back trek, the vistas are superb in both directions, and you have the key advantage that if your views were obscured by cloud on your way out, you have a second chance to see them on your return. In fact, this trek has all the ingredients to make a truly memorable and thrilling journey; high passes, soaring 8,000m peaks, incredible scenery, a rewarding objective and splendid isolation.
Private Departures
Makalu Base Camp Trek - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Strenuous
Duration: 22 days from the UK
On trek: 16 days
Max. Altitude: 5,300m, above Makalu Base Camp, Day 13
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Tea houses
Meal arrangements: All meals on trek. Breakfasts in Kathmandu.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Fly to Kathmandu. Fly to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num. |
| 4-5 | Trek to Seduwa and to Tashigaon. |
| 6-7 | Trek to Khongma Danda. Acclimatisation day. |
| 8 | Trek across the Khongma La, Shipton La and Keke La to reach Dobate. |
| 9-11 | Trek to Langmale via Yangle Kharka. Acclimatisation day. |
| 12-13 | Trek to Makalu Base Camp. Exploration day. |
| 14-19 | Return trek to Num. Drive to Khandbari. |
| 20-22 | Drive to Tumlingtar. Fly to Kathmandu. Fly to London. |
Leader: Local Leader, Nepal
Whether it's a cultural tour, gentle walking holiday or strenuous trek, our holidays in Nepal are led by professionally-trained English speaking leaders. They have an intimate and expert knowledge of the history, culture and nature of Nepal and will make your trip a memorable experience.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Kathmandu
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
After arriving at Kathmandu airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Fly to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num 1,560m - 3½ hours driving approximately.
You will be collected from your hotel and driven to Kathmandu airport for your domestic flight to Tumlingtar. The flight usually takes around 35 minutes and the views of the mountains are great if you are lucky enough not to have any cloud! You drive for about half an hour on a winding road uphill to Kandbari, a major town in the district which houses the government officials. There's plenty of rural life to observe as you head upwards with fields of corn, bamboo and sal trees. You continue on a winding, dirt road to the highest point at 1,960m before descending to Chicula at 1,900m, a small town with a police checkpoint where you have to present your trekking permit. There are pleasant views of the surrounding forested hillsides. The road deteriorates a bit from Chicula so it's a bumpy ride from here most of the way to Num. Don't be surprised if your vehicle gets temporarily stuck, either behind a grounded truck, or just stuck on the rocky, muddy road. Locals can usually be relied upon to help get you out of a tight spot!
Overnight: Tea House
Day 4 - Trek from Num to Seduwa, 1,560m - 800m descent / 800m ascent, 8km, 5-6 hours.
Today you have a big, steep descent to the Arun River, which takes around 2 hours, and a big climb to Seduwa, losing and regaining your height in one day. The walk down to the river is through cardamom crops (the largest cash crop in the area), and the path is on big stone steps all the way to the river at 770m. It's very hot, but the scenery is rural Nepal at its best. You cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River and begin the long, winding climb to Seduwa, passing groves of giant bamboo, and bustling village life. Your guide will need to visit the Makalu-Baron National Park checkpoint. There is a school in Seduwa, as well as many houses and small shops, and a few tea houses scattered across the hillside.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 5 - Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon, 2,100m - 700m ascent, 8km, 5-6 hours.
It's a lovely day's walk today without the brutal ascents and descents of yesterday. You begin climbing on a path with many stone steps and pass several mani walls as you head into Sherpa country. You walk through many small farms dotted across the hillside, cardamom plantations and bamboo and rhododendron forests. It's certainly a varied, undulating walk today. After approximately two hours you reach the small settlement of Chyaksa Danda at 1,900m. There's a tea shop, a school and several houses here. You may hear barbets, cuckoos, drongos, and laughing thrushes calling through the trees. In some places you are walking through dense forest and have to cross a few streams on good log bridges. You can see your destination, Tashigaon, on the hillside ahead, although it takes longer than you might think to arrive, as you contour on an undulating path. Eventually you descend to a log bridge just before your final push on stone steps to reach Tashigaon. The lodges are all perched on the top so you have a bit of climbing through the village to earn your dal bhat!
Overnight: Tea House
Day 6 - Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda, 3,637m - 1,400m ascent, 7.2km, 7 hours.
Be prepared for a lot of ascent today! You begin by ascending out of Tashigaon and head up on stone steps. After a while you cross a log bridge and continue ascending through stunning rhododendron forest. It's a steep climb but a lovely walk with verditer flycatchers, treepies and warblers tweeting through the trees, with sparrowhawks overhead. In April the rhododendrons and magnolia trees in bloom provide a colourful foreground with snow-capped summits to the east. As you look back you'll see Tashigaon way beneath you.
After approximately three hours you reach Dhara at 2,867m which has a tea shop, and you are likely to have your lunch here as it's your last chance to have a refreshment stop until you reach Khongma. Leaving Dhara it's a stiff climb of around one hour to Unshisa at 3,200m, where you pass a giant rock. There's a tea hut here (closed in April 2019) and prayer flags marking this pass. From Unshisa it's more relentless climbing on stone steps through rhododendron forest. In April 2019 where was quite a bit of snow on this section making the going somewhat trickier. Eventually after a couple of hours toiling upwards from Unshisha, you reach a stone rest stop with prayer flags, and another 15 minutes - ½ hour - brings you to Khongma Danda at 3,560m. There are three lodges at Khongma, and there may be quite a bit of snow here as well.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 7 - Acclimatisation walk to Khongma La.
It's essential to acclimatize properly, so we strongly recommend that you walk up to the Khongma La today. You leave your tea house and begin ascending on stone steps all the way to the pass at 3,890m through rhododendron bushes. It should take you an hour or so to reach the pass. You can go a little beyond if you are keen - your guide will advise. You then retrace your steps back to Khongma, fit and acclimatized ready to tackle the four passes tomorrow, the first one of course being the Khongma La.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 8 - Trek to Dobate 3,860m, over the Khongma La, Sano Pokhari Danda, Shipton La, and Keke La - 852m ascent / 599m descent, 7.6km, 6-8 hours.
Today is truly spectacular, crossing four high passes with airy traverses and dramatic ridge sections offering near-constant stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Be prepared for snow though if you are trekking in April. There is one lonely tea shop on the Shipton La, but it's likely that you won't have lunch until you reach Dobate so make sure you take plenty of snacks and water with you as it's a long, tough day (you may be given a packed lunch today). It takes around one hour of ascent through rhododendron bushes until you reach your first pass of the day - the Khongma La at 3,890m. From there, if it's clear, you'll see Makalu and Chamlang. You descend for a short while before ascending towards your second pass. There are views of Kangchenjunga to be had as you traverse an airy ridge. Some steep stone steps bring you to Sano Pokhari Danda at 4,105m with Sano Pokhari Lake below. To reach here from the Khongma La, takes around an hour, although it will be longer if negotiating your way through snow. More undulations bring you to the highest pass - the Shipton La at 4,200m. There's a tin shelter/tea shop here which serves thirsty, tired trekkers and pilgrims during the season. The pass is marked by a mani wall and cairn adorned with prayer flags near the shelter. It's quite a steep pull up to the Shipton La but not difficult.
You descend on less steep ground to Kalo Pokhari Lake at 4,080m. It's adorned with prayer flags and is visited by Hindu pilgrims during the Janai Purnima Festival. From the lake, it's an easier climb to your last pass of the day - the Keke La at 4,170m. Finally, a further 45 minutes or so of descent brings you to your lodge at Dobate - a very welcome sight after your four pass toils! There is a pretty good, clean lodge here with a friendly and welcoming owner. The dal bhat will taste especially good by way of reward for your exertions today.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 9 - Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka 3,630m - 430m ascent / 600m descent, 9.7km, 5-6 hours.
You have a really pleasant descent through rhododendron and pine forests this morning. Look out for Guldenstadts redstarts, minivets, tragopans and magpies in the trees. There is a steep descent towards the Barun River through the forest and this can be tricky with lingering snow. Eventually you reach the river and then begins your walk on a path underneath a substantial landslide area. You catch glimpses of Chanlang and Tutse en route this morning.
After a brief ascent you reach the tea shop at Themathang Kharka, 3,500m. It takes around four hours to reach this spot from Dobate. There is an impressive waterfall just before you reach Themathang. From here you walk for a short while until crossing the Baron Khola on a wooden bridge. The trail undulates, and you have the river now on your left. Quite a bit of work has been done to construct a stony path in places approaching Yangle Kharka. It takes about 1½ hours from the tea shop at Themathang to reach the meadows of Yangle Kharka and your lodge for the night. It's a wild, remote, windy spot.
There is a monastery (which is closed) just down from the lodge, providing an attractive foreground for photos with the snowy mountains behind.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 10 - Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale, 4,420m - 758 ascent, 10.5km 5 hours.
You descend from your hut to the river and small monastery. It's a pleasant, flatish start keeping the river on your left, with the arresting scent of juniper as you walk. You pass many colourful prayer flags lining the trail. The dramatic cliffs soar either side of you, and the views ahead are dominated by Peak 4, Peak 6, Peak 7 and Yaupa. It really is a fabulous day, with jagged snow-clad summits, vertical cliffs, waterfalls, and sacred caves as a visual feast.
The trail opens out as you walk past the pastures of Jhak Kharka, Yak Kharka and eventually Merek where a welcome tea shop appears after about 2½ hours of walking. You'll doubtless indulge in a cup of chai here before continuing upwards. Take it slow and steady here as you will no doubt be feeling the altitude as you toil upwards towards Langmale. It takes around 2 hours to reach your tea house at Langmale from Merek. The views here are sublime, with Peak 7 providing a breath-taking backdrop to the lodge rooms. A mani wall adorned by prayer flags sits just in front of the row of rooms. Black redstarts and choughs are quite commonplace here.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 11 - Acclimatisation walk from Langmale.
There are a few options for acclimatisation today. There's a good hill and viewing point behind the tea house and you can extend this walk as far as your guide suggests.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 12 - Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,800m - 473m ascent / 115m descent, 8.7km, 5-6 hours.
A truly sublime day on the trail today; Peak 7 is an almost constant companion whilst Peak 6 sits directly ahead, looking quite Ama-Dablam-esque. You begin ascending on a good path - the going feels tough at this altitude so take it very easy. You'll be keeping the river on your left as you snake your way around the valley. As you round each bend you'll have another dramatic aspect to marvel at. In parts you'll be hopping from boulder to boulder, but mostly you're on a reasonable, sandy trail. Obviously you are gaining 400m of height to your destination, but the trail undulates gently and there are only a few steeper sections to get you puffing.
Peak 4 comes into view as you progress. After a couple of hours walking, you reach a wide, flat area with a locked small stone hut - this is called Shershong, at 4,630m, making a good camping area. Eventually Makalu comes tantilisingly into view. Its formidable face with its icefalls, crevasses, jagged edges and seracs makes you gaze up in awe. As you round a few bends, you wonder when the base camp will reveal itself. Eventually you will see the lodges and (if in spring) a huddle of tents which mark the base camp. You descend, cross the river, and in five minutes you arrive at your long-awaited destination. As you would expect, the world's fifth highest mountain, Makalu, completely dominates the view. Many Tibetan snowcocks, hill pigeons, black redstarts and mountain finches may be seen around the base camp.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 13 - Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp.
One option today which assures the most glorious panoramic views is to climb to the ridge - around 5,300m - above the base camp. You cross the river on the log bridge and ascend on a vague, slightly indeterminate path for around 3 hours. From this viewpoint you can see Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse as well as close-up, dramatic views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6 and Peak 4. Re-trace your steps to the base camp when you've had your fill of mountain drama.The round trip should take around 4-5 hours. It's a strenuous undertaking as it's steep and the altitude will surely bite above 5,000m.
There are some softer options, which include following a path to view the lakes beyond base camp. There is also a much shorter ridge climb you can do just above base camp, and there's a small hill at the head of base camp marked with prayer flags which is around an hour's walk out and back. Your guide may also have other suggestions.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 14 - Return to Yangle Kharka - 122m ascent / 1,214m descent, 16km, 6-7 hours.
It's with a heavy heart that you leave behind the overwhelming spectacle that is Mount Makalu, and begin re-tracing your steps to Yangle Kharka. It takes around 1½ hours to reach the meadow of Shershong, marked with a hut with bright orange tarpaulin. A further hour or so brings you back to Langmale, where you may have tea and possibly lunch. About 1¼ hours walking downhill brings you next to the tea shop at Merek. It's good to chill here with a cup of chai before weaving your way through pine forests back to Yangle Kharka. It takes approximately 2-2½ hours to reach here from the tea shop at Merek. A welcome hot shower awaits if you pay 200 rupees!
Overnight: Tea House
Day 15 - Return to Dobate - 640m ascent / 412m descent, 9.3km, 6 hours.
It's a really pleasant gentle meander following the river down to the tea shop at Themathang, passing many rhododendron bushes as you approach. There's a wooden bridge adorned by prayer flags to cross just before Themathang. It'll take around 1½ hours to reach here.
After a short while you will have to negotiate the landslide area, which takes around 1½ hours. Take care on this as there are some narrow sections to pass. After an undulating stretch, you start climbing steeply through the rhododendron forest. If you're lucky you may see a Himalayan monal here - Nepal's national bird, resplendent in its rainbow colours. The going eventually eases and the ascent becomes more gradual as you approach the hut at Dobate. Take note that after the tea shop at Themathang, which comes early in your walk, there are no other refreshment stops until you reach Dobate, so make sure you take plenty of snacks.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 16 - Return to Khongma - 600m ascent / 852m descent, 7.6km, 6-7 hours.
Today is your last chance to get captivating views of the high mountains, including Kangchenjunga. You begin ascending to the Keke La at 4,170m, which should take around 1½ hours. It's a further 1½ hours to reach your highest point today - the Shipton La at 4,200m. Enjoy your stop here at the tea house. Another hour or so of contouring round the mountainside will bring you to the large cairn that marks Sano Pokhari Danda at 4,105m. A further hour of undulations brings you back to the final pass - the Khongma La at 3,890m, marked by a mani wall. Approximately 250m of descent, mainly on stone steps, brings you back to your lodge at Khongma. Look out for blood pheasant which can occasionally be seen wandering in the snow between the rhododendron bushes.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 17 - Return to Tashigaon - 80m ascent / 1,450m descent, 6.4km, 5 hours.
You descend from Khongma down to Dhara Kharka which takes around 2 hours. You'll no doubt stop for a cup of tea here. The descent to Tashigaon then takes a further 3 hours.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 18 - Return to Seduwa - 150m ascent / 700m descent, 8.9km, 4-5 hours.
Retracing your steps back to Seduwa today will take around 4-5 hours.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 19 - Trek to Num - 800m ascent / 800m descent, 8km, 5-6 hours. Drive to Khandbari.
It's a long, fairly steep climb, mainly on stone steps, all the way down to the Arun River at 770m. It will be feeling very warm now as you head deep into the forest lower down. You cross the river and endure the 800m climb all the way back to Num. It's a good idea to have lunch at the Nishan 'Hotel' - a tea house approximately 300m below Num. Now you can congratulate yourself on the successful completion of a challenging and rewarding trek!
Finally, you return by vehicle to Khandbari where you spend your last night in the mountains.
Overnight: Arati Hotel Or Similar, Khandbari
Day 20 - Drive to Tumlingtar. Fly to Kathmandu.
After breakfast you transfer back to Tumlingtar to make the return flight to Kathmandu airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recuperate from your exertions.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 21 - Day at leisure in Kathmandu. Transfer to airport. Depart for London.
You have a free day to explore some of the sights of Kathmandu, do some last-minute shopping or simply chill out at your hotel. Late afternoon or early evening there will be a transfer to the airport ready for your flight back to London.
Overnight: In flight
Day 22 - Arrive London.
Map
Map Key
-
Airport
-
Point of interest
-
Mountain Peak
-
Day walk in this area
-
Flights
-
Internal Transfers
-
Trek
Loading...
Hold your place
Not quite ready to book? Why not call us on +44 (0) 1453 844400 to hold a no obligation place while you make up your mind?
Optional supplements
-
Single Room Supplement Kathmandu
From £85
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
-
Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
Book now!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- An experienced, English-speaking Sherpa leader
- Domestic flights and transfers
- Free hire of a down jacket, 4 season sleeping bag and fleece liner (supplied in country)
- Good standard hotel in Kathmandu, twin share, bed and breakfast basis
- All meals on trek including tea and coffee
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Simple tea house accommodation on trek on a full board basis. Mainly twin share, but possibly some quad or dorm rooms
- A satellite phone will be carried by your guide in case of an emergency
- Morning bed-tea on trek and an evening fill up of your water bottle with drinking water
- Sherpas/porters properly insured and equipped
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- Single, timed group airport transfer arranged to coinicide with the timings of the group flights
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Optional trips
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 1 reviews)
Quite simply this is one of the best, most spectacular and rewarding treks in the world. The scenery as you approach the base camp in mesmerising in its grandeur and scale. Makalu gradually reveals itself to you as you weave your way round the hillside on your day walking to the base camp, and the view from your lodge at MBC is breath-taking. Crossing the four high passes from Khongma to Dobate is another highlight, providing scenic delights and challenging walking on both the approach and return from the base camp. For the fit, adventurous trekker who seeks out the remoter places and more challenging treks, this one definitely ticks all the boxes and more. Staying in the tea houses was for me, a big benefit too. What they may lack in amenities and sophistication, they gain in charm, character, with warm, friendly hosts and good, simple and nutritious food.
Extend your holiday
- Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
- See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
- Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!
- 5-day cultural tour or 8-day gentle walking options available
- See the main sights in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
- Bhutan is just a short flight from Kathmandu
Though only a short flight from Kathmandu, Bhutan offers a very different Himalayan experience to Nepal. Characterised by lush valleys, terraced hillsides and soaring peaks the landscape is endlessly picturesque, whilst the imposing dzongs (monastery/fortresses) and Swiss chalet style houses give each town or village a look that is distinctly Bhutanese. Here are just two options – if you would prefer something different please discuss with this office.
A taste of Bhutan - five-day cultural tour This five-day tour visits Bhutan’s key sights and cultural centres including magnificent Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the beautiful riverside dzong at Punakha and the fascinating treasures housed in the National Museum at Paro. The tour will be led by a knowledgeable Bhutanese guide and accommodation is in comfortable hotels with all meals included.
A short walk in Bhutan - eight-day gentle walking and cultural tour This eight-day gentle walking trip offers the perfect introduction to some of the cultural highlights and scenic delights of Bhutan. You begin with sightseeing om Thimphu and a walk to Cheri Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most historic temples before travelling over the Dochu La Pass to Punakha, the former winter capital. In Punakha you take a lovely valley walk and visit the beautiful riverside dzong. Driving back to Paro you take a pretty walk from the Dochu La through beautiful forest. You then drive up to the Chele La Pass and take the lovely walk to Kila Nunnery, before ending your trip with the walk up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s greatest cultural treasure and a fitting conclusion to a superb extension. You will stay in good quality, comfortable hotels throughout and all meals are included.
- Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
- Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.
- Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
- Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
- Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
- Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
- The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
- Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.
The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.
- Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.
If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.
- Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
- Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
- Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
- Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.
There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.
During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.
- Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
- Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
- Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.
- Visit one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites
- Stay in a comfortable hotel next to Lumbini
- Spend a full day touring the site with an expert local guide
- Flights and transfers to/from Kathmandu included
Enjoy a three day extension to the birthplace of Buddha, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Take the short flight from Kathmandu, and spend two nights in a comfortable 3* hotel, just steps from the Lumbini temple complex, with a full day to explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site in the company of an expert local guide.