Makalu base camp trek
Makalu base camp trek
Wilderness Trekking
Trip Facts
Duration : 16 Days
Max-Altitude : 5250
Program Type : tea house
Best Season : March-May, sep-nov
Per Day Walking : 5/6 h
Trek Grade :
Grade 3:
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should expect to trek above 5416m/17872ft.
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Overview
Detail Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a scenic morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering aerial views of rolling hills, river valleys, and distant Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, meet your trekking crew and begin a 4–5 hour jeep ride toward Num village.
The road climbs steeply along ridges above the Arun River Valley, passing small settlements, terraced farmland, and dense forested slopes. Num sits dramatically on a hillside ridge, offering your first real glimpse of the remote Makalu region.
Overnight: Tea house in Num village
After breakfast, begin your descent toward the Arun River Valley. The trail is steep in sections, dropping through lush forests and stone stairways before reaching the river basin.
Cross suspension bridges and follow the riverside trail through small Rai settlements, terraced fields, and subtropical vegetation. The climate becomes warmer and more humid as you descend.
Sedua is a quiet hillside village surrounded by green hills and traditional farmland.
Overnight: Tea house in Sedua
Today’s trek is a steady ascent of 5–6 hours into the Makalu Barun National Park, one of Nepal’s most pristine protected areas. The trail climbs through dense rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests, rich in biodiversity.
You may encounter wildlife such as Himalayan black bears, langurs, and colorful pheasants along the way. Tashigaon is the last permanent settlement on the route and is inhabited mainly by the Sherpa community.
Overnight: Tea house in Tashigaon
A challenging day of steep ascent through dense forest and stone staircases leads you toward Khongma Danda. The trail climbs rapidly, offering increasingly dramatic views of valleys below.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation changes from forest to alpine shrubs. Khongma Danda is a high ridge settlement used as an acclimatization stop before crossing high passes.
Overnight: Tea house at Khongma Danda
Today is one of the most demanding yet rewarding days of the trek. You cross the legendary Shipton La Pass (4,210m), surrounded by rugged Himalayan terrain and breathtaking views of Makalu, Chamlang, and surrounding peaks.
After the pass, descend into the upper Barun Valley, a remote alpine wilderness filled with glaciers, rocky landscapes, and pristine rivers.
Dobate is a small resting point surrounded by high mountain scenery.
Overnight: Tea house in Dobate
Descend gradually through alpine meadows and yak grazing fields along the Barun River. The valley opens up with spectacular views of cliffs, waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks.
Yangle Kharka is a peaceful grazing area used by yak herders during the summer months.
Overnight: Tea house in Yangle Kharka
Continue deeper into the Barun Valley, gradually gaining altitude again. The trail becomes more remote and rugged, surrounded by glacial landscapes and towering peaks.
This region is part of the core conservation zone of Makalu Barun National Park and offers a true wilderness experience.
Overnight: Tea house in Langmale Kharka
Today you reach the spectacular Makalu Base Camp, located beneath the world’s fifth-highest mountain, Mt. Makalu (8,481m). The trail follows glacial moraine and rocky terrain with constant views of surrounding peaks.
The base camp offers a dramatic amphitheater of snow, ice, and towering Himalayan walls.
Overnight: Tented camp at Makalu Base Camp
A full acclimatization and exploration day. You can hike around the base camp area, enjoy close-up glacier views, and witness the dramatic north face of Makalu.
This is also an important rest day for altitude adaptation and photography.
Overnight: Tented camp
Begin your return journey, descending through the Barun Valley. The return offers new perspectives of the landscapes and ecosystems you passed earlier.
Overnight: Tea house in Yangle Kharka
Continue retracing your route through alpine valleys and rocky terrain. Enjoy the changing light and mountain scenery from a different angle.
Overnight: Tea house in Dobate
Ascend once again to Shipton La Pass before descending to Khongma Danda. The views of Makalu, Chamlang, and the surrounding peaks remain stunning throughout the crossing.
Overnight: Tea house in Khongma Danda
Descend through rhododendron and bamboo forests back to Tashigaon, returning to warmer and greener landscapes.
Overnight: Tea house in Tashigaon
Continue descending through terraced hillsides, suspension bridges, and traditional settlements until reaching Num village.
Overnight: Tea house in Num
Drive back from Num to Tumlingtar via scenic mountain roads, reflecting on your high Himalayan journey.
Overnight: Lodge in Tumlingtar
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The trek concludes with unforgettable memories of the remote Makalu region.
Cost Included
- Round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, including both onward and return journeys.
- Shared jeep transportation between Tumlingtar and Noum.
- Meals: Italian, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and various European dishes are available three times a day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One main course is provided per meal during the trek.
- Comfortable lodge accommodation throughout the trek.
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide knowledgeable about the region.
- One porter for every two to three participants; additional cost for solo clients requiring a porter.
- Guide and porter's expenses covered, including food, lodging, salary, insurance, transportation, flight tickets, and equipment.
- Barun National Park permit and TIMC (Trekkers Information Management System) permit.
- A comprehensive first aid kit is available during the trek.
- Trekking gear is provided, such as sleeping bags and down jackets, if you do not have your own.
Cost Excluded
- Kathmandu hotel
- All beverages, Hard and soft table drinks such as tea, coffee, Coke, Fanta, mineral water, hot shower, dessert, etc.
- Personal insurance.
- Rescue operation charge.
- Tips for the guide and pthe orter
- Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes."
- Inclusion of costs or delays beyond the control of the management, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Makalu base camp trek is a moderate trekking route.
Yes, you can do it privately, but better to have at least 2 pax in the group.
March, April, May to Sep Oct early Nov.
Makalu national park permit and TIMS permit
Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) lies in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, within the Makalu Barun National Park, close to the fifth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu (8,485m).
The trek usually takes 18–22 days, depending on the route, side trips, and acclimatization days.
Mobile reception is very limited. Some villages may have NTC/Ncell coverage. There is no reliable internet in most of the higher regions, making this a true off-the-grid adventure.
Spring (March–May): Clear skies, wildflowers, and stable weather.
Autumn (September–November): Best visibility, moderate temperatures, and reliable weather.
Winter (December–February): Possible but very cold, heavy snow can block passes.
Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended due to leeches, rain, and slippery trails.
The Makalu Base Camp trail is one of Nepal’s most remote treks. Fewer trekkers visit compared to Everest or Annapurna, making it an excellent choice for solitude but also requiring self-sufficiency and flexibility.
Typical Nepali meals like dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables), noodles, potatoes, eggs, and seasonal greens are served in teahouses. Options are basic and limited compared to more commercial trekking routes.
Stunning close-up views of Mount Makalu (8,485m)
Crossing Shipton La Pass (4,200m) and Khongma La (3,562m)
The remote wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park
Rich biodiversity with rhododendron forests, rare orchids, and chances to spot red pandas or Himalayan tahr
Authentic local culture of Rai, Sherpa, and other ethnic communities
Essential items include:
Warm layers & down jacket
Sleeping bag (rated -15°C or lower)
Sturdy trekking boots
Trekking poles
Microspikes (sometimes needed for snowy passes)
Headlamp, water filter, and personal first aid kit
