Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Red Dragon Travel Bureau will pick  up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Red Dragon Travel Bureau’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Red Dragon Travel Bureau. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country's food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours drive

We fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast and meet the rest of the crew members who will also be joining us for the trek. Next, we drive to Chichira, a small Gurung settlement. We take a rest at Chichira as we need to be prepared for the next day’s trek. Overnight in Chichira.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours

We start early in the morning and head towards Num right after a warm breakfast. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in Num.

Day 05: Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours

A steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun River. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins and where we register our permits. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight in Seduwa.

Day 06: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 4-5 hours

Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Day 07: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours

This will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher elevation. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma Danda. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Day 08: Acclimatization/Rest

The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the nearby surrounding can walk around the area. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Day 09: Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours

Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m.  We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate. Overnight in Dobate.

Day 10: Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours

From Dobate, we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of trek as the trail is steep and arduous. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft): 5-6 hours

Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek.  We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.

Day 12: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours

Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp

The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 14: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours

We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Day 15: Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours

From Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, green forests and valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail. Overnight at Dobate.

Day 16: Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours

We begin the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours

The trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours

We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again. Overnight at Seduwa.

Day 19: Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours

We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards. Overnight at Num.

Day 20: Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours

Again we retrace our footsteps to Chichira from where we can savor the glorious vista of Mount Makalu for the last time. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight at Tumlingtar.

Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones. In the evening we celebrate our successful jouney to the Makalu base camp and back with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 22: Final departure

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Red Dragon Travel Bureau representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.