After leaving Chichili, we walk past forests, the Mani wall, and a dirty pond. We continue to walk along the ridge past a small stream to a single Sherpa house and tea shop. This is Mure, a spread-out village at 1980 meters inhabited by Sherpas and Rais.

Below Mure, the route cuts across the ridge, then make a treacherous descent to a rocky trail down to some stone steps and a final walk to Num (1490m). Num is situated on the ridge above an S-shaped bend in the River Arun, a picturesque village with lush vegetation. On the opposite side of the Arun is the village of Sedua.

After a warm breakfast, we cross the River Arun (660 m). From the bridge, we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop and then walk through the corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and small terraced fields of corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua (1460m).

We leave Sedua behind and walk along the River Rasuwa from Khola to Gyang (1770m). The trail goes through the terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village and onto a new path. After lunch, we start towards Tashi Gaon; a 6 hours walk from the town of Sedua.

The trail levels out and then climb to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We cross over two small streams, then switch back up the hill in forests to a Kharka at 2900 meters. We then reach Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx 330 meters. Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. The slope gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow atop the cliff. We then move over a hillock and descend a bit to reach Kauma (3500 m).

Since we are doing a camping trek, we will take the extra day to help us clean ourselves, wash clothes, and explore the surrounding places and natural beauty. Moreover, we need to acclimatize to the climate and altitude. 

Our bodies will adapt to the environment in a day, and we can also explore the area.

We leave Kauma to head towards Mumbuk. On the way to our next destination, we can view the famous twin peaks of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Treading on the ridge for a while, we ascend a stone staircase. After a time, the trail veers left off the crest to a small lake. We climb gently up a shallow rocky gully to the Kike La (4127 m). We walk past the Tutu la and continue descending for about 150 meters into the Rhododendron forests to flat land. A short walk past the dense forest leads to the village of Mumbuk.

We walk along the stream and then follow the Barun River to a Kharka. Passing through Birch and Scrub Rhododendron forest, we reach Yangle Kharka. We climb up from Yangle Kharka, crossing to the north of the Barun Khola, and reach Nhe Kharka (3000 m). A small Gompa (Monastery) on the south side of the valley offers a panoramic view of the majestic snowcapped mountain from all sides.

We are almost halfway through our trek, and today will be a long one as we have to walk for nearly 8 hours. We continue the walk through the northern bank of the Barun Khola for a while. After a short walk, The Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve, and the walls rise vertically up to 1500 to 2000 meters above the river. But the trail turns easier as we approach Ripok Kharka. From here, the trek to Sherson is a magical and mesmerizing experience as you can see Pyramid Peak, Chamlang Peak 3,4, and 5. Further on reaching an alluvial valley, you can sight the Fifth highest mountain Makalu just as you are about to get Sherson (4615 m) which makes all the day’s efforts worthwhile and refreshes you.

This is the day you would look forward to as we reach the Makalu Basecamp, the highest base camp on earth. From Sherson, we start walking, and the trail is left to our east. We climb down to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We further go down, crossing over the boulders to reach the base camp on the river’s west bank. We can see the southern part of Makalu. A climb as tedious and exhilarating as this also yields the same kinds of rewards. From here, you can see the Mighty Himalayan peaks of Everest, Baruntse, Peaks 6 & 7, and also the Lhotse.

The base camp is barren land with the Barun Glacier away from it. From the spot, we can see the stunning south face of Makalu and the magnificent view of Everest and Lhotse. Similarly, we can explore the surrounding areas with lakes, glaciers and capture photographs and enjoy the remaining time.

Today we trek back to Nhe Kharka following the same trail that we had taken to reach the Makalu Base Camp.

After a hearty and warm breakfast, we walk back to Mumbuk. Traversing through the Pine and Rhododendron forests, we will reach Mumbuk in the late afternoon to witness the beautiful sunset.

Leaving Mumbuk, we trek across the Shipton La pass and start our descent towards Kauma. You will enjoy spectacular views at the pass with scenic landscapes. Once we reach Kauma, you can relax and sleep for the night.

Today we climb down Tashi Gaon. Here we spend the rest of the day relaxing to catch up with the energy used to trek at the high altitude. You might be pretty exhausted, but we’re almost alive.

From Tashi Gaon we go down to Sedua, and then follow the trails to further go down to Mulgaon. Leaving Mulgaon behind, we start walking down the steep rocky trail through fields of corn and barley until we reach the Ipsuwa Khola. Here we have to cross the suspension bridge and stop for lunch. This is the place from where we have entered the Arun Valley. The area is used as a temporary settlement by the farmers living up in the hills. Further down the trail and we reach Balung (760 m).

We start a bit late today as the trail is short to the village of Pukuwa. We walk past the Walung (880m) town predominated by the Rai community and then cross the Apsawa Khola. After a small climb, we will reach Chhayang village, a settlement of the Rai community. The trail then crosses a stream at 590m and makes some ups and downs to reach Parangbu, a delightful camping spot among rice fields on the banks of the Arun River. We walk through forests and pass several small streams to get to Pukuwa (550m).

Passing some rocky terrain and green fields on the trail, we reach the village of Tome (520 m). Makalu Barun base camp trekking is famous for the mountains and their cultivation in such a remote and challenging terrain. Below Tome, the Arun Valley becomes broader and more U-shaped. The trail ascends over another ridge on a steep, narrow stairway cut out of rocks. From the top of the hill at 530m, the trail descends to a charming camp on the banks of the Sankhuwa Khola (370m), across from the Chhetri village of Bumling.

Today is the last day of the trek, and we go down, following the river downstream to its confluence with the Arun River. Further on, we cross the Arun River and start walking on the east bank of the Arun, past the village of Chyawabesi, before climbing back to the Tumlingtar plateau. We walk on flat land to the hotel near the airport.

We take a flight back to Kathmandu which lasts for an hour.You can extend your trip by exploring the natural and cultural beauty of Kathmandu or rests of the day enjoy yourself.