This trek offers some of Nepal's most spectacular scenery. This is a trek of great contrast starting from the lowlands of terai fields just 200m above sea level climbing to 5000m to the base of Mt. Makalu.

The walking hours are generally 6 - 7 hrs per day, but in difficult snow conditions it may take 8 to 9 hrs. Walking hours also vary a great deal with each individual and depends entirely on your own pace and of course, how often you decide to stop for photographs etc. The route and campsites are at the discretion of the Group Leader and the itinerary below must be seen only as a guide.

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu 1330m

Day 2 In Kathmandu

Day 3 Kathmandu to Dharan by bus

Day 4 Dharan to Hille by bus 1850m

Day 5 Mangmaya Khola 200m

Day 6 Surti Bari 300m

Day 7 Tumlingtar 937m

Day 8 Khandbari 1040m

Day 9 Botehash 1740m

Day 10 Mure 1980m

Day 11 Num 1490m

Day 12 Seduwa 1460m

Day 13 Tashi Gaon 2070m

Day 14 Rest Day

Day 15 Kauma 3470m

Day 16 Mumbuk 3570m

Day 17 Nehe Kharka 3000m

Day 18 Sherson 4615m

Day 19 Makalu BC 5000m

Day 20 Excursion to Baruntse Glacier

Day 21 Nhe Kharka

Day 22 Mumbuk

Day 23 Navagaon

Day 24 Num

Day 25 Chichira

Day 26 Manebhhanjyang

Day 27 Tumlingtar

Day 28 Fly to Kathmandu

Day 29 In Kathmandu

Day 30 Depart Kathmandu

THE TREK

After a day of exploring Kathmandu, we depart by bus towards Hille in eastern Nepal. It's a long journey - taking the best part of two days - and you may at times find it tedious. However, it is also a good opportunity to see the terai (plains) of Nepal and experience an aspect of the country quite different from the mountains through which you will be trekking. We will make an overnight stop in Dharan before continuing to Hille - the starting point of our trek.

In Hille (1850m) we hire additional porters to carry all and the cook may well purchase additional fresh fruit and vegetables here. On the following day we will commence our trek northwards to the Makalu. and Barun region and ultimately to Makalu. BC. Our route takes us north along the banks of the Arun River, then northeast across three passes and numerous river valleys. This allows plenty of time for acclimatization, an important factor for the final week of the trek.

The first few days are spent walking up the Arun River valley. This is one of eastern Nepal's major rivers, originating in Tibet not far from Everest and flowing south to join the Sun Khosi. This is a beautiful and unspoilt part of Nepal - the river is wide at this point, its blue-grey waters flowing slowly between white sandy banks, mainly composed of glistening fragments of mica. There are many small settlements along its banks and here you will have your first opportunity to meet the Nepalese of the villages. The trails in these first few days are easy - there are few hills and the short days allow long lunch breaks for lazing in the sun and swimming in the rivers. In the early and late parts of the season (October/November and March/April) this area will be quite hot during the day and temperatures may reach up to 35 degrees C)

Above Arun river is Tumlingtar airstrip, an extensive plateau with many small settlements scattered around. From Tumlingtar, we head eastwards and make our ascent. The trail soon will turn to ridge route between Arun river and Sabha Khola. The trail climbs to Khandbari (1040m) where our trekking permit will be checked. We keep climbing till we reach the Tamang village of Bhotebash.

Beyond Bhotebash, the cultivated field will soon disappear and the fine scenery of Chamlang, Makalu and Jaljale Himal will appear. We start descending to the village of Mure at 1980m through rhododendron forest and the people here are Sherpas and Rais. After Mure, we make a long descent to Num at 1490m on a rocky eroded trail. From Num, the trail again descends through corn field and jungle to Arun river at 660m before making a long steep climb through along a rocky trail to Seduwa at 1490m. We pass terraced fields, meadows and arrive at the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon where we have a rest day. Beyond Tashi Gaon, our hard days begin. We gain an altitude of 1400m from Tashi Gaon to Kauma at 3470m. From Kuama we climb steeply through rhododendron forest to ridge tops and we come to the long Mani Wall with prayer flags on the top. The views of Makalu and Kanchanjungha can be seen from here. We also cross Shipton La pass and descend to Mumbuk - a forest camp. We descend through steep gullies and arrive at Barun valley. The trail here is mostly ill defined, rocky and with sloppy mud which leads up to the Glacial valley. We cross the north side of Barun Khola and arrive at Nhe Kharka. The trees are birch, scrub rhododendron and the valley is wider, offering great mountain views in all directions. Above Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun river. We leave the rhododendron forest and arrive at alpine level passing moraine created by the Barun glacier. The altitude gain is almost 1500m on this day as we do not have an alternative camp other than Sherson at 4615m. At Sherson the huge face of Makalu pops up before us. From Sherson, we take the trek to the Makalu Base Camp for incredible panoramic views of the South face of Makalu, Baruntse, Everest and Lhotse.

Internationally recognised for its rich biological diversity and cultural heritage, Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area (MBNPCA) was formally established in 1991 as Nepal's eight national park. Covering 2 330 sq km the park is a vital component of the greater Mount Everest Ecosystem which includes Nepal's 1 148 sq km Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park to the west and the adjoining 35 000 sq km Qomolangma Nature Preserve in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north. Unlike other national parks in Nepal, there are no trekkers lodges nor souvenir shops within Makalu-Barun National Park. There is one small tea house at Langmale (near the Base Camp) run by a third-generation native of the upper Barun Valley. In an effort to control and consolidate the impacts of camping, the pitching of tents is only allowed in designated campsites.

The Upper Arun and Barun valley's are among the the richest for birds in Nepal. Those in the Barun valley, a tributary of the Arun are of special interest as they are virtually untouched by man. Birdwatchers have rarely visited the region because it is not easily accessible.

From Makalu BC we retrace our steps back through the Barun valley to Tashi Gaon and finally on to the warm region to Tumlingtar and our flight back to Kathmandu.

THE KATHMANDU VALLEY

At an elevation of 1350 meters the valley is surrounded by hills of around 2400 meters. There are three important cities in the valley, the most significant being Kathmandu itself. Patan is the most Buddhist of the three and is across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu, but so close as to be almost an extension of the capital. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is the most "mediaeval" and is situated in the eastern part of the valley. While Kathmandu and Patan have undergone great changes in the two decades since Nepal ended its long isolation, Bhaktapur has changed very little and is still much as it was three decades ago.

Kathmandu, Machendra Nath Temple, a pagoda of high artistic beauty. Hanuman Dhoka, historic seat of Royalty with old temples and palaces. Temple of the Living Goddess (Kumari) with profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. Kasthamandap, an edifice constructed from wood of a single tree. The National Museum houses a splendid collection of ancient artefacts. Singh Durbar, an imposing stucco palace built in neo classical style as residence of the erstwhile Rana prime ministers now acts as State secretariat.

Patan, 5 kilometres southwest of Kathmandu, Patan is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples. It is also known as the city of artists. Visit Durbar Square, residential palace of Malla Kings. See Krishna Mandir with stone carvings from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabarata, statue of bird God Garuda, Big Bell Royal baths, Ashoke Stupa, Taleju Temple, Temples of Maha Buddha and Jagat Narian. Visit the Tibetan refugee centre to watch the spinning, dyeing and weaving of hand made carpets of intricate designs.

Bhadgoan, 13 kilometres west of Kathmandu, Bhadgoan was built in 889 A.D. and is home of medieval art and architecture. See Durbar square with the Lion gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of barking dogs, Nayatapola, Bhairava and Dattaraya Temples and monastery with carved Peacock windows.

Swayambu Nath, 6.5 kilometres west of Kathmandu, situated on a hillock, this 2000 years old stupa is the worlds most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Boudhnath, 8 kilometres east of Kathmandu, this colossal Buddhist stupa is built on a octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels and is surrounded by houses of Buddhist priests and Lama monks. It is 1500 years old and is the largest Lamaist shrine in the world.

Pashupati Nath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.

• All land and domestic air transfer as per itinerary

• Arrival and departure transfers and Internal flights as per itinerary

• Twin share accommodation in Kathmandu and b'fast as per itinerary 1/2 day sightseeing in Kathmandu

• All accommodation and 3 meals while on the trek

• Fully escorted trek with English speaking guide and porters

• Trekking permit and National Park Fees Wages, equipment, insurance and other facilities to staffs

• International Airfare

• Visas US$30

• Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges

• Other meals not stated (Lunch/Dinner in Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara) allow $20 per day

• Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc.

• Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)

• Medical evacuation in case of emergency

• Personal spending money