Makalu Base Camp Tea House Trek Itinerary 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging and rewarding trek that takes you to the base camp of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. The trek starts in Tumlingtar and takes you through the beautiful Arun Valley, lush forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, providing stunning views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, and other Himalayan peaks.

The Makalu base camp trek is a scenic adventure in Barun National Park which is on the main route to the Arun Valley of Makalu Himal. This trek is also known for crossing the three high passes of Sherpani col, West col, and Amphu Lapcha passes. These passes are some of the most challenging and delightful treks in Nepal. 

Makalu Himal is 8,481 m, A spectacular Makalu Base Camp tea house trek crossing the Shipton La to reach the world’s fifth-highest mountain. “Makalu Himal Expeditions” was first summited on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition team. But the Makalu Base Camp trek is a less-frequented route due to its relative inaccessibility, however, it’s not too hard to do. The trail leading to the foot of Makalu Barun National Park, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and great diversity of flora and fauna, leads to the foot of the world’s fifth-highest peak. In addition, it has a great variety and contrast of scenery with every day bringing a rich selection of scenic rewards as you ascend from 700m to over 5,000m.

Tea houses and Meals

You can enjoy basic tea house accommodations as well as Nepali meals on the menu from this remote and wilderness route. Moreover, you can also purchase Chinese, Indian, or Italian food, but you will not be able to find as much variety as on the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest base camp trek. 

Farming people’s crops

In the Makalu region Sherpa and Rai People, especially from Chechela and Num villages, have been involved in the cultivation of Cardamom Crops, which are the main source of income for Locals due to Cardamom Crops, and primary crops like Wheat, Barley, Millet, Maize, Potato, Sunflower, Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, and Bean are also the main crops.

The Makalu base camp trekking itinerary takes you through the terraced farmlands of Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa villages, along with the Arun valley snake river, natural beauty, and contrasting landscapes, as well as their local cultures. Beautiful alpine meadows, numerous wild animals, and domestic animals such as Himalayan yaks can be seen at the Mabalu base camp and Yangli Kharka.

Trekking up to the Makalu Base Camp is by flying to Tumgmins from Kathmandu, then driving to Num village by Jeep, then trekking up to Makalu base camp. After driving to Num village, you walk up the lush and beautiful Arun valley before crossing the Shipton La (4127 m) to reach the upper Barun Khola Valley. On your journey, you will encounter the ethnic groups of Limbu, Newar, and Rai at lower elevations and Tibetan Buddhists at higher elevations. There is a panoramic view of Mt. Makalu (8481 m), along with Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse Peak.

Want to experience Nepal’s remoteness and mostly untouched parts on a trek in the mountain region? With the Makalu Base Camp Trek for 18 days, you can have it all. Nepal wilderness trekking guides will lead the Makalu base camp tea house trek with a guide and porters’ team to ensure a wonderful journey to Makalu base camp at a reasonable cost listed on our blog for solo trekkers and small groups, and it is even the same price for a solo trekker. As natives of the Makalu region as well as our guides and porters, they are familiar with the local people and the trails of the area.

The ideal time to do this trek

We recommend that September through November and March through May are the best times to trek to the Makalu base camp trek. But early March is not the best time to do this trek because of the deep snow on the Makalu base camp (5,250 meters) and Jak Kharka (4615 meters).

How difficult is the trek to Makalu base camp?

There are moderate difficulties in the Makalu base camp route, Because of the number of high-altitude passes, Makalu is one of the toughest base camp treks, making it suitable for first-time trekkers as well. In order to hike successfully, you will need 5 to 6 hours of stamina per day.

It is a good idea to keep 2/3 additional days available during the Makalu base camp trek, as severe weather can sometimes cause the Tumlingtar flight to be delayed. Furthermore, if you plan on traveling during the end or the start of the monsoon season, the Tumlingtar to Noum road may be obstructed by landslides.

Trip Highlights

• There is no need to carry food or a tent on popular routes
• View of Mt.Makalu 8,463m 5th highest mountain in the world
• Explore remote valleys Eco nature trails rural area
• Arun valley River and waterfall
• Barun national park area
• One of the highest elevation base camps of Mt Makalu