Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an incredible adventure that drops you off at the base of Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak. Situated in the eastern region of Nepal, this journey presents a distinctive blend of natural and cultural splendor, rendering it a perfect experience for both adventure seekers and those who enjoy the outdoors. The opportunity to explore the Makalu Barun National Park is one of the attractions of the Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary. A vast range of plants and animals, including uncommon and endangered species like the red panda and the snow leopard, may be found within the 2,330 square kilometer park, which was established in 1992. Apart from its abundant fauna, the park is known for its breathtaking scenery consisting of glaciers, waterfalls, and unspoiled woods.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a strenuous hike that calls for a high level of physical preparedness. At times, the trek can be challenging, particularly in high altitudes, but the rewards of arriving at base camp make the effort worthwhile. The ideal seasons to complete the walk are spring (April–May) and fall (September–November), when the skies are bright and the weather is moderate. As you continue up the Trail, the surrounding area abruptly turns to rocky and desolate terrain. The Makalu Base Camp Trekking Trail then goes across Keke La Pass and Shipton La Pass, providing sweeping vistas of the Makalu region's peaks. The last part of the trek will lead you to the Makalu Base Camp, which is 4,870 meters above sea level, via Yangri Kharka, Langmale Kharka, and Shershong. Gaining knowledge of the distinctive customs and culture of the Sherpa people is possible as the journey goes through multiple traditional Sherpa communities. Discover the way of life in these isolated mountain settlements, engage with the friendly residents, and taste some of their delicious cuisine.

Trip Details

  • Itinerary
  • Detail Itinerary
  • Trip Info
  • Weather
  • Equipment
  • Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel. (Car).

Day 02: Sightseeing tour around Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. “B”. (Hotel).

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar [410m] (50min) & Drive to Num [1,505m] (3 hrs). "B,L,D". (Lodge).

Day 04: Trek to Sedua [1,460m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 05: Trek to Tashi gaon [2,070m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 06: Trek to Kauma [3470m] "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 07: Rest day at Kauma [3470m] "B,L,D".

Day 08: Trek to Dobate "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).

Day 09: Trek to Yangri Kharka [4150m] "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka [4615m] "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 11: Trek to Makalu Base camp [5000m] "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).

Day 12: Trek to Yangri Kharka [3000m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 13: Trek to Dobate. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 14: Trek to Kauma [3,562m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 15: Trek to Sedua [1,530m] "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).

Day 16: Trek to Num [1,505] . "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).

Day 17: Drive to Tumlingtar [460m] (3 hrs drive). "B,L,D". (03-04 Hrs).

Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu. [1,338m]. "B".

Day 19: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".

 


Note:
If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Nepal [1,330 m]: A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport according to your flight time who will transfer you to the hotel. Briefing will be done once you have settled down. Please do let us know if you have any queries. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley - Trek Preparation [1,330 m] - (B):  After Breakfast we Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatpola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest. Lunch Time: 1300hrs-14:00hrs PM: Visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar [410m] (50min) and Drive to Num [1,505m] - (B,L,D): We officially started our trekking adventure today. You will experience a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar as part of the Makalu Base Camp Trekking trek. As soon as you take the airplane from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar at the Tribhuvan International Airport, your trekking adventure begins.It takes roughly fifty minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. There are stunning vistas of the countryside and cityscapes throughout this picturesque flight. From the aircraft, you can also see the stunning Himalayan range. (Flight 01 hour and drive 03-04 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 04: Trek to Sedua [1,460m] - "B,L,D": The track we'll be following has both ascents and descents. Stroll down a broad, sharply dropping trail that descends to the Arun Water, which has sizable stone embankments leading to the river. Enjoy the breathtaking countryside scenery as you go. Walk across the suspension bridge, over the Arun River, and along a meandering trail before continuing on an uphill trail to Seduwa. Along the route, we will pass massive bamboo trees, communities in the downtown area with traditional residences, and tea houses strewn all over the slope. In Makalu Barun National Park, which we will also be visiting, there is a checkpoint where the permits are registered. Overnight stay at Tea House. (Trekking 06-07 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 05: Trek to Tashi gaon [2,070m]. "B,L,D": The trek will be easier and more rolling than it was yesterday. We'll be climbing stone stairs and passing by many Mani walls. Along the way, we'll pass through bamboo-filled forests, rhododendron, and farmlands. You may hear birds chatting while strolling through a dense forest. The forest is home to birds including singing thrushes, barbets, and cuckoos. Travel through the little town of Chyaksa Danda and continue downhill to a bridge. We have a few stone stairs to climb before we can reach Tashigaon. Overnight stay at Tea House. (Trekking 06-07 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 06: Trek to Kauma [3470m] "B,L,D": Our walk will start with an ascent of a few stone stairs and a bridge crossing, followed by a bending track that takes us through a woodland of rhododendron. The woodland seems vibrant in the spring when rhododendron blossoms bloom. After a wonderful ride through a forest, we will arrive in Dhara, where we will halt for lunch and refreshments. We will hike along a path that passes by a massive rock before arriving at Unshisa. We travel through a forest of rhododendrons and up stone stairs to reach Khongma Danda. (Trekking 06-07 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 07: Rest day at Kauma [3470m] "B,L,D": This day is dedicated to acclimatization. There is a significant risk of high altitude sickness as we ascend. We stay in Kauma for a day to prevent that. We're going to take a quick hike through the village during the day. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 08: Trek to Dobate "B,L,D": The trek's most exciting part will be traveling to Dobate, where we'll cross high passes and take in the gorgeous scenery. We'll be ascending a path surrounded by rhododendron trees before reaching Khongma La, which is 3873 meters high. After ascending Khongma La, we are greeted with a stunning view of majestic peaks like Makalu and Chamlang. We will trek upward and along a ridge till we reach Ghungru La (Tutu La), which is located at 4055 meters, after briefly descending. After hiking up a stony, ascent-only path, one reaches Shipton La, which is located at an elevation of 4220 meters. There are prayer flags flapping in the breeze and main walls adorned with mantras along the route of the passes. We will continue downhill in the direction of 4022-meter Kalo Pokhari Lake. At the Janai Purnima festival, pilgrims visit a sacred lake. Proceed with your climb to Keke La, at 4152 meters, for a view of the mountain ranges coated in snow. Take a path that winds down through a stunning valley to reach Dobate. (Trekking 07-08 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 09: Trek to Yangle Kharka [4150m] "B,L,D": Take a leisurely stroll along a descending route that winds through a forest of pine, rhododendron, redstart, and minivet. If it's snowing, we should exercise extra caution because the path in the forest descends sharply toward the Barun River. Savor the view of the Tutse and Chamlang mountains covered in snow. We hike up a rising slope to Themathang Kharka. On the way, we'll see a breathtaking waterfall. In addition, we will hike across rough terrain and cross a wooden bridge before reaching Yangle Kharka. (Trekking 06-07 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka [4615m] "B,L,D": We will be strolling along the path, going by a little monastery and a river. Stroll through the shrubbery while taking in the breathtaking view of the rugged cliffs on the opposite side. There will also be stunning views of the peaks of the mountains. It's going to be a pleasant and rather flat hike. While passing the Mani walls, see prayer flags swaying in the breeze and arrive at Yak Kharka. (Trekking 06-07 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 11: Trek to Makalu Base camp [5,000m] "B,L,D": Our destination is Makalu Base Camp, and we plan to depart early in the morning. Makalu Base Camp, situated at 4870 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of Everest, Makalu, Nepal's fifth-highest peak, and other nearby peaks.

We will also see Makalu, with its majestic face adorned with seracs, icefalls, and crevasses. There will be multiple curves on the path we travel. The trail descends further and we cross a river before reaching the Makalu Base Camp (4870m). Makalu dominates the skyline here, and we might see Tibetan snowcocks, black redstarts, hill pigeons, and other species. (Trekking 04-05 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 12: Trek to Yangle Kharka [3000m]. "B,L,D": We will hike the same route to Yangle Kharka today. We stroll through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek before reaching Yangle Kharka. In addition, we will hike through a dense pine forest while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. (Trekking 05-06 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 13: Trek to Dobate. "B,L,D" : Unwind and take pleasure in a stroll alongside the winding river to Themathang. We will travel across a bridge with prayer flags strung across it and along a path lined with rhododendron bushes before reaching Themathang Kharka. If we continue through the landslide area with extra caution, we will come to an area with a narrow path. Hike through a rhododendron forest on a hard climb and take in the spectacular mountain panorama. We'll hike across a valley and through a gorgeous, verdant forest on steep terrain to get to Dobate. (Trekking 05-06 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 14: Trek to Kauma [3,562m]. "B,L,D" : At the Tea House, we will resume our descent after breakfast. The route we took today is the same as the one we used to climb, so while the views of the Himalayas may not astound you, they will undoubtedly make you feel good and serve as a reminder that these mountains are saying farewell. We will arrive at Kauma to spend the night. (Trekking 05-06 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 15: Trek to Sedua [1,530m] "B,L,D" : We will stroll directly in the direction of the lovely community of Sedhuwa while taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas. When you eventually descend to Sedhuwa, you will gradually be able to observe the verdant rhododendron forest.(Trekking 06-07 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 16: Trek to Num [1,505] . "B,L,D": After enjoying a delicious breakfast at Sedhuwa, we will travel to Num today. We're going to come back the same way we came. You'll pass through the stunning Num Valley on the descent via vast bamboo forests and a busy hamlet. We travel on a winding trail till we reach the Arun River. We will be treated to a stunning view of rural Nepal after we cross the suspension bridge. We'll also be taking big stone steps to descend a river. (Trekking 05-06 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 17: Drive to Tumlingtar [460m] "B,L,D": Travel over Nepal's winding mountain roads in a spectacular manner toward Tumlingtar. In addition to the breathtaking view of verdant surroundings and snow-capped mountains, we will also be able to see terrace farms and hillside communities. (Drive 03-04 hours) Overnight stay at Tea House / Hotel.

Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu. [1,338m]. "B" : Breakfast will be served at your Tea House in Tumlingtar. Today we will be ending our trek as we fly back to Kathmandu. The 50 minutes flight provides panoramic views of the Himalayas which will be an opportunity to have a one last look until next time. After arriving at Kathmandu, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 19: Departure  Trip ends!  "B": A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport.


Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

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Trip Cost Includes:

  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
  • Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house while trekking.
  • Kathmandu - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu Flight.
  • Tumlingtar-Num-Tumlingtar Drive.
  • Trekking porters with insurance.
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Region map.
  • Tims and entery permits fees.
  • Government taxes.
  • Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) you should get visa Upon your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

  • Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
  • A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
  • Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
  • A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
  • Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
  • A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
  • Thermal underwear.
  • A tracksuit.
  • 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
  • Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
  • At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
  • A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
  • A pair of gloves.
  • A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
  • Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
  • Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
  • Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

  • Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
  • Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
  • Water bottle.
  • Snow glasses and sunglasses.
  • 2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
  • Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
  • Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
  • Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
  • Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
  • Walking poles. (If you like to have).
  • Camera with spare batteries and films
  • Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
  • passport photograph
  • First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM: This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

  TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.


Eastern Himalaya Trekking