Birat Anupam/RSS
Itahari: The trek to the fifth
tallest peak in the planet Mt. Makalu is not an easy idea. The approximate two-week
long trek, Makalu Base Camp (MBC) is one of the least trekked Himalayan base
camps in Nepal. MBC is equipped with good teahouses and hotels. There is good
availability of accommodation and fooding along MBC route. There are mainly 12
venues for accommodation along the trekking route. These teahouses have average
quality for both food and accommodation for trekkers.
1. Num
Num is the gateway to
the Makalu Base Camp. The road connecting district headquarters of
Sankhuwasabha, Khandbari to Num is the ultimate road that exists along the way
to MBC trek. It is located at an altitude of around 1500 meters. There are
plenty of hotels and teahouses in Num. Kopila Hotel and Sherpa Guest House are
some noted teahouses in the bazaar. The bazaar is also the entry point to two
other important areas like the working site of Arun-3 and Kimathanka border
crossing. Num is the headquarters of local government named Makalu Rural
Municipality and the ward headquarters of ward number five. The walking starts
from Num. Before Num, trekkers would have to trek from Khandbari via Chichila
and Deurali.
2. Seduwa
Seduwa is the first
camp after a half-day walk from Num. It has also an altitude of around 1500
meter from the sea level. Seduwa hosts an entry point of Makalu Barun National
Part for climbers and trekkers of MBC. It has some good local home-stays and
other accommodation facilities. There are six registered home-stays giving good
accommodation and meals. Solar power is the only available electricity facility
in Seduwa. In times of foggy days or heavy downpour, there might be woes of
electricity just to charge mobile phone.
3. Tashi Gaun
This Himalayan hamlet
is the last available village along the MBC route. It is reached after a day
walk from Seduwa, some fast-paced walker can come directly from Num. Its
altitude is 2200 meter from the sea level. Having enveloped with Sherpa culture
and traditions, Tashi Gaun has touristic magnet to attract all visitors. There
are six registered home-stays in the hamlet. Tashi Gaun is the best Sherpa
hamlet for firsthand experience of the typical Sherpa community.
4. Danda Kharka
Danda Kharka for
general trekkers is the venue to have lunch after a morning walk from Tashi
Gaun. Some trekkers stay overnight also. It is located at an altitude of around
2800 meters from the sea level. Two teahouses offer services to the trekkers.
5. Khongma
Located at 3500 meter
height from the sea level, Khongma, is the first major stop after the nearest
hamlet of Tashi Gaun. There are three teahouses in Khongma. Many trekkers
having high altitude issue start feeling some symptoms of High-altitude
Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) feel it here.
6. Thulo Danda (Shipton Pass)
This venue is located
at an altitude of 4200 meter from sea level. Local call it Thulo Danda but
foreigners call it Shipton La pass. Shipton La pass is named after famous
climber Eric Shipton. There are two teahouses in Thulo Danda. Trekkers do stay
here for their daytime meal.
7. Dobato
Dobato is located at
around 3400-meter height. There is the only teahouse in Dobato. Trekkers
generally come to stay here after a daylong trek from Khongma.
8. Fematang
Fematang is located at
an altitude of 3483 meter from the sea level. Barun river flows through the
edge of this location. There is only teahouse in Fematang.
9. Yangle Kharka
Yangle Kharka is not
just the venue for MBC trek; it is also the base camp of famous Shiva shrine of
Shiva Dhara. It is located at an altitude of 3600 meter. There are three
teahouses in Yangle Kharka. Like Fematang, Yangle Kharka is also located on the
bank of Barun river.
10.
Tadosa
Three-hour walk from
Yangle Kharka, Tadosa is the lunchtime venue of MBC trek. There is only
teahouse in this area. It is located at an altitude of 3800 meters.
11.
Langmale
It is the second last
camp along the MBC trek route from Num. There is only teahouse at this area
located at an altitude of 4410 meter from the sea level. Trekkers return to
this venue after reaching the MBC.
12.
Makalu
Base Camp
Makalu Base Camp is
located at an altitude of 4870 meter. However, trekkers have to descend to the
base camp from around 5000-meter altitude. There are three teahouses in the
base camp. The Mt. Makalu is clearly visible from the base camp. The Everest
base camp does not have peak views. However, Makalu Base Camp does have clear
views of the the summit of the Mt. Makalu.