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Peter M

2022-12-07

A highly recommended trek This was my tenth trek in Nepal and my fourth trek this year as I am making up for lost time during Covid. In October 2002 I trekked in Dolpo with a group for a month and then wanted to do a shorter and cheaper trek in November 2002 before returning to the UK. The Makalu Base Camp trek seemed ideal as I wanted to have close up views of the mountains and trek somewhere that wasn’t too commercialised or busy.Makalu Arun Social Treks (MAST) was mentioned in the Lonely Planet guide book and, after looking at their website and reading the good Tripadvisor reviews, I decided that the service they were offering was what I wanted. What I wanted was a good porter/guide at a reasonable rate and for someone to organise the required transportation and other aspects of the trek like the TIMS card.MAST was set up to help fund an orphanage but no longer does this as the government has taken over this responsibility. MAST is run by Tejanath who is a retired English school teacher who lives in Khandbari. This year they haven’t organised many treks and mine was their fourth trek for the year. Tejanath was extremely helpful from the moment I contacted him and always promptly replied. He prefers Whatsapp so we soon switched to that and he is happy to talk on Whatsapp also.Tejanath allocated me a porter/guide called Suk (aka Strong Man) who was very good and friendly, strong enough to carry all my gear and spoke some English. He also lives in Seduwa, which is at the start of the trek, so he knew the trek and the local people very well. I didn’t expect him to speak English and the only problem was that he thought his English was better than it was. As a result it was sometimes a bit difficult and frustrating trying to understand him.Tejanath personally met me at Tumlingtar airport and brought me by tuk tuk to my hotel in Khandbari and also took me back to the airport. He and his wife were both very hospitable and looked after me very well whilst I was in Khandbari. The trek was very well organised and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending MAST for the Makalu Base Camp trek. It is much better and cheaper to use MAST than a Kathmandu based trekking agency. I also think that the Makalu trek is excellent and one gets very close up to so many 6,000 to 8,000 metre peaks. You can fairly easily get up to 5,738 metres on this trek, which is higher than on a lot of other treks in Nepal.I have posted a trip report on the Tripadvisor travel forum:https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293889-i9243-k14193957-Lower_Dolpo_and_Makalu_Base_Camp_Treks_Trip_Report-Nepal.html

ELCAMINENTE

2022-11-16

Makalu basecamp yrek I returned to Nepal for the 8th time, to do Makalu basecamp trek in October 2022, starting from Phaplu to the Arun river and up the high passes to the Barun river towards the basecamp and back the same way to Tumlingtar. I used the services of Makalu-Arun social trek (MAST) because it fits my budget supplying a porter/guide only (a porter who knows the trail). The walk was great and Tejanath of MAST took care of all the details. Really there was no need for a guide as the trail was clear all the way and it was nice to walk alone in the nature as my porter was most of the time well ahead or behind. Here follows some notes for other travellers :1- For the first time i noticed a lot of Nepali trekkers on the trail, this will definitely make the experience richer and change the old image of trekking in the Himalayas forever.2- The trail is a lodge trek with new and big lodges all the way, there are even smaller lodges halfway for lunch or a less crowded experience. Note that prices here are higher than elsewhere in Nepal (rooms from 500 to 700 per person and same for a Dahlbat). The smaller lodges tend to charge more than the big ones.3- the big "draw back" for this trek is the terrible jeep ride from Khandbari to Num, really 4 to 5 hours of non stop shaking through deep muddy trenches and big rocks. I hope that the national park authority will really try to find a walking alternative adding 2 more days to the trek.

splixer

2022-10-20

Scenic and strenuous hike in the Himalays I completed the Makalu Base Camp trek early October and had a great experience. The trek itself is a pretty hard one. Harder than Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Cicuit trek which I did back in 2016. But it is more rewarding. Still a pristine off-the-beaten path trail. Especially the Barun valley is heaven on earth. During 14 days I just met one foreign tourist. Besides him just friendly locals on the trail. On the lower section of the trail you will see mainly Hindu people. The higher you go the more Bhuddist people you will meet. This gives the trek a nice contrast. Accommodations and food a pretty basic on this trek (don’t expect deep fried chocolate bars). I recommend vegetarian food while hiking in order to prevent food poisoning.With MAST you pay for the porter guide and transportation in advance. Your personal expenses on the trek you pay as you go. This consists mainly of food and accommodation. Sometimes I experienced some bigger price differences between the accommodations/food places. I recommend you confirm the price in advance at these places. In short this is a more cost-effective way to hike. If you go for a Kathmandu based agencies you could easily spend double the price.My guide was a local from Seduwa village on the trail. He was very strong and helpful person. However I experienced a culture-shock sometimes 😉.While hiking I recommend to get up as early as possible to experience clear conditions. Yes, it still rains a lot even during mid-September. Also you should bring good hiking sticks hence the trek can be quite technical at some points. Expect landslide areas and rough river crossings.In a nutshell I recommend this trek to the experienced hiker. This is not a hike for rookies. But it is definitely worth the struggle. Your reward will be higher than on other treks in Nepal.

hugo m

2022-10-05

Very beautiful trek Very beautiful trek, very wildBut you need to be prepared for quite basic food and accommodation, and be aware of the hard path of the trek

Sham Tatkare

2019-12-16

Brief Trek Report and Feedback about Makalu Arun Social Trek (MAST) Makalu (27,820 ft.) is worlds 5th highest mountain. It is located at 20 km southeast of Mount Everest, Nepal. Our journey and trek route was, Pune - Delhi - Kathmandu - Biratnagar – Dharan – Khandbari - Num – Seduwa – Tashigaon - Danda kharka – Khongma – Dobato - Yangle kharka - Shiv Dhara - Langmale Kharka - Makalu Base Camp. Trek route is initially through Arun valley and then we enter in to Barun Valley. Due to lack of basic facilities & development, this region of Himalaya has been preserved in its best form. Quality of air, water and vast variety of fauna & flora are really exceptional. Barun valley has many Rudraksha trees and medical plants (Jadi-Buti). As per local belief, people living in Barun valley never have any disease and look much younger than their age. Recently (April 2019) Yati foot prints were reported by Indian army expedition team near Langmale Kharka. Tashigaon is the famous village of high altitude specialist mountaineers i.e. “The Sherpas”. At Danda Kharka, near Tashigaon, we had a tea break. The hotel owner Sherpa Mr. Lakpa Gylzen, 22 years age, casually told us that he had climbed Mount Everest twice and few more peaks. I felt ashamed that Everest climber was serving tea to an ordinary trekker like me. . . Shiv Dhara is a 500 feet tall waterfall, on the mouth of a huge dome shape cave. It is believed that God Shiva using his Trishul made a hole in the cave (top side) to solve water scarcity problem in this region. Guide asked me to stand at about 8 feet away from main stream of water fall and then we started praying God Shiva. After about 5 minutes, the water fall changed its position and water started falling on our heads. Guide informed that we are blessed by the God. Of course, there is a scientific reason for this natural phenomenon. However, such incidents help to strengthen one’s belief in God and inspire us to follow the path of righteousness & virtues. . . No words will be enough to Thanks my brave guide Mr. Shuka Bahadur Ghimre & the respected school teacher, Mr. Tejanath Pokharel, Chairperson, Makalu Arun Social Trek (MAST) & his family for organizing such a wonderful trek and all the help. We are also thankful to Mr. Mohan Kumar Kafle, Chairman (MAST) for the coordination & arranging necessary trek documents.

gillgill999

2019-11-25

Well organised trek We did the Makalu Base Camp trek in November 2017. This was our ninth trek, organised through different agents in Nepal. For this trek we chose a local agent rather than one based in Kathmandu because the route is still relatively undeveloped and we wanted the benefit of local knowledge and contacts. We have no hesitation in recommending Tejanath. He always answered our email queries promptly and fully, gave us wonderful hospitality before and after the trek, found us an excellent porter and guide, and efficiently organised all the paperwork and land transport before and after the trek. Our guide was related to the extended family that runs all the guest houses on the trek, which enriched our experience. Makalu Base Camp is a beautiful and relatively uncrowded trek, well worth the extra hassle and expense of the flight into Tumlingtar. But you need to be prepared for quite basic food and accommodation, and be aware that once over the Shipton La communications (and hence rescue, should it be necessary) are difficult. Best for trekkers who have some experience.

Alex W

2019-11-25

Makalu BC Trek Nov. 2016 Tejaneth of MAST organized a porter/guide (Suk Bhadur Ghimibre) and porter (Raskamar Ghimibre) from the village of Seduwa for our teahouse trek to Makalu Base Camp in November 2016. What an amazing experience! The route and teahouses along it were relatively uncrowded, the natural landscape was epic, the cultural tapestry overlaying all of it was fascinating. Our guide and porter were fantastic and everyone we met along the way was friendly. I would definitely recommend this trek and MAST. I would love to return someday to do this same trek again, and/or one of MAST's Social Treks. Tejaneth and his wife were very gracious and welcoming at the beginning and end of our journey. Namaste, Dhanyavaad, and Feri Betonlah!

Ejeebee

2019-11-23

Makalu base camp April 2019 I did the trek in April 2019. MAST was very helpful in helping organizing the trek in general. Tejanath coordinated a porter guide for my solo trip and also arranged accomodation in Khandbari. He also helped me get a seat on a plane back to KTM, thank you again! My guide Suk Bahadur was very knowledgeable about the trail and did speak some english. I also stayed at his house and his family was very welcoming. He helped arrange accommodation in tea houses and was regularly asking other sherpas for trail updates along the way. I would just recommend anyone who does this trek in general to bring lots of snacks - past Shipton La expect a diet of rice and potatoes. I got really hungry on the way down. If you do the trek with MAST specifically, be aware that not all porter guides are equipped equally. All i had for my guide was a duffle bag, which he ended up carrying in a very uncomfortable way for 16 days because he didn't like to use straps or baskets like most porters across Nepal. So i would recommend that you ask in advance who your guide will be and what kind of equipment they have or don't have. In doubt, bring a backpack for you and for your porter.The trail conditions were unexpectedly snowy last April (several meters of snow and warm T up and down Shipton La). Nepalese people have no training/awareness of avalanche risks. Use your best judgement and speak up if you feel uncomfortable.

Jamie G

2019-11-20

Makalu BC trek My 7th trip to Nepal and I am so pleased to have MAST on hand to help organise and deliver it. Tejanath is organised and eloquent, he answered all questions clearly in the months leading up to the visit and the trek (for all 8 of us) went without a hitch - very well put together.Our main guide was Suk and he was attentive and helpful throughout. At times he seemed to disappear under the rucksacks as he helped people over the cols. We also stayed at his house and met his lovely family.

Patrick C

2019-11-19

Makalu Base Camp trek I did the trek in September/October of 2018 and after 10 previous treks in Nepal I can say that it was one of my best trekking experiences in Nepal. Tejanath organised the trek well, and he and his wife were most welcoming. My guide Pasang Sherpa made the trek a rich cultural experience by welcoming me to all his wonderful relatives along the trail, and looking after me the way that he did. Because of what I had understood to be big altitude changes between teahouses and that I am prone to altitude sickness, I had planned to camp for 2 nights, however a teahouse between TasiGaun and Khongma meant that I only had to camp for 1 night, and even this would now not be necessary because a new teahouse has been built between Yangri Kharka and Langmale.....so camping is no longer required on this trek even if you are prone to altitude sickness. This is a remote trek and there are very few trekkers, but it is serviced by flights from Kathmandu. So if you want to do a trek that combines fantastic scenery with a true cultural experience, then this may the best in Nepal.

Sabha Pokhari Pilgrimage Trek

Sabha Pokhari Pilgrimage Trek takes you to a natural pond located at 4,200 meters above sea level with cultural and religious significance. Measuring about 200 meters in length and 100 meters in width, it is believed that in Dwapar Yug, a sage named “Byas Rishi” gathered 8800 sages in the middle of the pond to deliver a speech about wisdom and morality, giving rise to its name “Sabha Pokhari” (meaning “meeting pond” in Nepali). The pond is said to be a holy place where bathing can fulfill one’s wishes, and newly married couples come to pray for a baby. The site is a popular pilgrimage destination from Nag Panchami to Janai Purnima (August 1 to August 15) every year.

Additionally, it is a great trekking destination, with the route starting from Khandbari and ending there, passing through Phakuwa, Selele, Dharma Dwar, and Sabha Pokhari. The spot offers a panoramic view of Mt. Makalu to the North and Mt. Kanchenjunga to the East. One can also access the site by trekking through Chauki, Gufa Pokhari, and Milke Danda from Tehrathum.

Sabha Pokhari Pilgrimage Trek

Total Program days: 13 Days.
Total Trekking days: 12 with porter guide.
Total trekking hours per day:4-6 hours.
Trek Grade: Fairly Strenuous
Altitude: Sabha Pokhari, Dharma Dhoka( Gate) (4278 m.)
Accommodation: Local tea houses. tent, Hut, Den.
Best Trekking time: July, August
Permits: No
Transportation: Reserved jeep/ Regular jeep/ Plane/public bus
Activity: Trekking/ sightseeing/volunteering. Pilgrimage

Itinerary

Day 1 Khandbari

Upon arriving at Tumling Tar port around 10:30, take a 20-minute jeep ride to reach Khandbari, where you can check into a hotel and explore the town. This is a great opportunity to prepare for the upcoming trek by gathering any necessary supplies. Alternatively, you can take a six-hour bus ride from Dharan to Khandbari and spend the night in a hotel to prepare for the trek.

Day 2 Khandbari to Barabise

Take a break at your hotel in Khandbari before heading to the bus station to find a jeep for your journey to Barabise, which should take around 2 hours. If you have a group of 10 people or more, you can reserve a jeep. Once you arrive in Barabise, check into one of the area’s best hotels and explore the local area. Take the opportunity to find a porter and guide for your pilgrimage trek and enjoy a traditional Nepali meal of Daal Bhat. Spend the night at the hotel and prepare for the trek.

Day 3Barabise to Phakuwa

To avoid the midday heat, wake up early and order breakfast for yourself and your porter guide before packing your luggage. It’s important to pack carefully for the day ahead. Since today’s trek is not too steep or too high, it’s a good idea to start early and carry plenty of water in your bottle. You should arrive at Phakuwa village (1696m) around 4-5 pm, and you can stay overnight at a tea house there. Enjoy a well-deserved rest after a relatively easy day of trekking.

Day 4Phakuwa to Mathillo Handung

Enjoy breakfast at the tea house before starting your trek. It’s best to bring dry food with you on the route, as preparing food on the way can be challenging. This is a difficult part of the trek, as you’ll be climbing up the hill for about 4-6 hours. Once you reach a hut at Mathillo Handung (2847m), you can prepare your food and stay overnight there with your sleeping bag and mattress. Rest well and replenish your energy for the next day’s trek.

Day 5Mathillo Hangdung to Phelele

Wake up early and fuel up with breakfast before starting the trek. Day three is the most challenging part of the journey. The steep climb up Coeletro Bhir (3535 m) requires a lot of energy. After crossing Bikhbari (3709 m), you will reach a hut for an overnight stay. Bring enough food and water as there are no water sources along the way..

Day 6Phelele To Sabha Pokhari

Wake up early and have breakfast before starting the trek. Hike through Balaute Danda (3847 m) and reach Selele (4178 m) with water availability and good weather for food preparation. After 7 hours of hiking, reach Sabha Pokhari and clean and prepare a hut for an overnight stay.

Day 7Sabha Pokhari to Pancha Pokhari to Sabha Pokhari

Wake up early, have breakfast, pack light and start your trek to Panch Pokhari with a knowledgeable guide. The trek will take about 5-6 hours. After visiting the area, return to Sabha Pokhari in the evening.

Day 8Sabha Pokhari exploration Day

Explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Sabha Pokhari. Take a refreshing bath and offer prayers for blessings. Capture the picturesque views and prepare your meals. Spend the night at the same hut.

Day 9Sabha Pokhari to Mathillo Handung

On this day, start your trek early after having breakfast and packing your luggage. You will pass through Dharma Dhoka (4278 m), Rato Wodar (4022 m), and reach Selele (4178 m) before finally arriving at Mathillo Handung (2847 m). Stay overnight at a hut there.

Day 10Mathillo Handung to Phakuwa

Prepare and have breakfast at the hut, then pack your luggage and start descending the hill for approximately 4-6 hours until you reach the Phakuwa tea house.

Day 11 Phakuwa to Barabise

Have breakfast at the tea house, then begin your descent and cross a stream. Trek for approximately 4-6 hours until you reach Barabise, where you can have your meal and spend the night.

Day 12Barabise to Khandbari

After having some tea at the tea house, wait for the jeep to pick you up and travel for about 2 hours to Khandbari.

Day 13Flight or Bus to Dharan

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Sabha Pokhari Pilgrimage Trek

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Tour Lists

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