Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a thrilling adventure that takes trekkers deep into the unspoiled landscapes of Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. This remarkable journey offers an […]

14 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Tea House
Start from Kathmandu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 10 Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
strenuous

Highlights

  • Trek through the stunning Arun Valley, one of Nepal’s most beautiful regions.
  • Pass through terraced farmlands and dramatic cliffs amidst the untouched Himalayan beauty
  • Marvel at towering peaks like Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga.
  • Spot endangered wildlife such as Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and Musk Deer.
  • Discover the wonders of Makalu Barun National Park.

 

 

Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a thrilling adventure that takes trekkers deep into the unspoiled landscapes of Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal.

This remarkable journey offers an intimate encounter with the Himalayas, where towering peaks, dense forests, and vibrant cultural heritage create an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, stands as the centerpiece of this breathtaking region, renowned for its pristine beauty and rich traditions. The trek unfolds across diverse terrains, from lush rhododendron forests to high-altitude meadows, revealing awe-inspiring views of Makalu and its neighboring peaks.

Along the way, trekkers have the chance to connect with local Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities, gaining insight into their unique customs and way of life. More than just a physical challenge, this trek is a profound cultural and spiritual journey.

This guide provides essential details on preparing for the trek, key highlights, safety considerations, and responsible trekking practices—equipping you for an adventure that promises lasting memories of the majestic Himalayas.

Itinerary

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Day 01

Flight to Tumlingtar and drive/ trek to Num

Day one begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Upon arrival, we will arrange a local jeep for the journey to Num. The drive takes us along the scenic ridges of Khandbari, passing through numerous small villages along the way. If the weather is clear, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Makalu from a vantage point along the route.
Day 02

Trek to Seduwa

Seduwa village lies parallel to Num, with the Arun River separating these two checkpoints. Our journey begins with a descent to the river at 760m, passing through lush jungles and vibrant vegetation. This stretch takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, leading us to the first suspension bridge of our trek. After crossing the river, we begin a steady ascent, which takes about two hours. Finally, we arrive in Seduwa, where we settle into a teahouse for the night and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 03

Trek to Tashigaou

Following the natural vegetation, we walk past numerous scattered houses, immersing ourselves in the local landscape. The trail winds through denser sections of forest, leading us across streams and rivers along the way. Eventually, we arrive in Tashigaou, a charming Sherpa village known for its welcoming guesthouses and excellent camping spots. After enjoying a hearty dinner, we rest and recharge for the journey ahead.
Day 04

Trek to Khongma

Today, we bid farewell to the last village on our trek and continue through a variety of vegetation, gradually making our way into denser, lush forests. The richness of the region’s flora and fauna becomes ever more apparent as we walk. The trail meanders toward a stream, with wooden paths guiding us along the way. After a challenging two-hour hike, we reach Danda Kharka, a popular spot with a few teahouses, where we take a well-deserved lunch break. Refreshed, we press on, ascending steadily until we reach Kongma Danda. Our campsite is just a short climb away from here. After a long and rewarding day, we finally arrive at the teahouse and enjoy a delicious dinner, resting for the night.
Day 05

Acclimatization Day

We have now ascended to a remarkable height of approximately 3500 meters, which is already above the usual altitude. In the next few days, we will reach the summit at 5200 meters, so it's crucial that we prepare our bodies for these extreme conditions. Proper acclimatization is key, and we will ensure our bodies adjust adequately. This process is vital for a high-altitude trek, and we will prioritize health and safety at all times. However, this doesn't mean we'll be resting the entire day. We'll make the most of it, embarking on a short hike around the valley and reaching locations like Dobato at 3862 meters.
Day 06

Yangle Kharka

After an acclimatization day, we continue with the same excitement as Day 1. The trail descends toward Barun Khola, passing through lush rhododendron forests and expansive meadows. Expect steep ascents as we make our way to the river. Once we reach Barun Khola, we will walk along the riverbank, passing through an area prone to landslides. With the guidance of our expert team, we will safely navigate this section. Our next stop is a teahouse, a perfect spot for a well-deserved lunch, where we'll enjoy views of the snowy Chamlang peak. After a satisfying break, we continue on the trail, pushing forward for another two hours before reaching Yangle Kharka, where we'll spend the night at a teahouse.
Day 07

Trek to Langmale

We begin the day beside the Barun River, following its course as the trail steeply winds through rhododendron and pine forests. Along the way, we encounter numerous waterfalls and reach a checkpoint known as Ripuk. Ripuk is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views of several mountain peaks, including Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Peak 6, Chamlang, and Peak 5. Continuing our journey, the trail becomes steeper as we make our way toward Jack Kharka. Here, we find a few teahouses, offering a perfect spot for a short break. After recharging, we push onward, and a final short climb leads us to our camp for the night at Langmale. We will rest here in a teahouse for the evening.
Day 08

Trek to Makalu Base Camp

The long-awaited day has arrived for you to experience the awe-inspiring Makalu Base Camp. We begin our journey alongside the Barun River, and after about 1.5 hours, we arrive at Shersong (4630m). Known for its breathtaking mountain views, Shersong offers a glimpse of the grandeur to come. As we gradually ascend, the mighty Mt. Makalu comes into full view, standing majestically ahead of us. Continuing along the trail, we spot the teahouses at Makalu Base Camp, with just a few hundred meters of ascent separating us from this magnificent destination. After a final push of about 3 hours, we will reach Makalu Base Camp. We will spend the night in this incredible place, surrounded by the towering peaks.
Day 09

Trek to Advanced Base Camp and return to Langmale.

We begin our day early in the morning, with our sights set on the Advanced Base Camp. The trail is a steady climb, with steep ascents and hours of hiking ahead. We should reach the camp around 1 PM. After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll begin our descent. Our journey takes us back to Langmale for the night, where we can relax, enjoy a hearty dinner, and get a restful sleep before continuing on our adventure tomorrow.
Day 10

Return to Yangle Kharka

The same path that once led us to base camp now bids us farewell. We’ll retrace our steps along this trail, descending all the way from Langmale to Yangle Kharka. It promises to be a challenging day, but we’ll rest for the night in Yangle Kharka.
Day 11

Return to Dobato

As we reach Dobato, we'll immerse ourselves in the familiar beauty of lush forests, streams, and the renowned Makalu Barun National Park one final time. We’ll pause here for the day.
Day 12

Return to Seduwa

We continue along the trail, following the Arun River as it winds through the Arun valleys, until we finally make our way back to Seduwa. We'll spend the night there.
Day 13

Return to Num

Today marks our final day in the mountains, and we are filled with gratitude for this incredible region that has gifted us such a rich experience. The rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and villages stand as our witnesses one last time. We began our journey here, and now, as we return to this very point, the weight of all the memories we've gathered makes this moment truly emotional. We head back to Num for our final night, reflecting on the adventure we've shared.
Day 14

Return to Kathmandu

From Num, we'll take a jeep to Tumlingtar, followed by a short flight to Kathmandu. There, we'll gather one last time to share our experiences and memories from the journey. This Day 14 officially marks the conclusion of our adventure.

Inclusions

What's included

  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers in a tourist vehicle
  • Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu, including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost)
  • Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek for 11 nights in the Everest Region, with attached toilets in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche
  • All standard meals during the trek (11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners), including one hot drink and seasonal fruits
  • Experienced, first-aid-trained, government-licensed, English-speaking, and locally recruited Sherpa Adventure trekking guide (2 guides for groups of more than 7 people)
  • Permits for Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
  • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
  • Purified drinking water during the trek using a water filter or water purification tablets
  • Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla
  • Kathmandu–Manthali–Kathmandu transportation by shared tourist vehicle
  • 1 Sherpa Adventure duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (neck gaiter), and trip completion certificate
  • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes

What's not included

  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • International flight fare and airport departure tax
  • Any beverages, including bottled and boiled water
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver
  • Nepal Entry Visa (can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for a fee of USD 30 for a 15-day visa, USD 50 for a 30-day visa, and USD 125 for a 90-day visa)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Any expenses not included in the "Price Includes" section

Departure Dates

Frequently Asked Questions about Makalu Base Camp Trek

1)  How difficult is the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

This trek is considered challenging due to its steep ascents, high altitude, and remote terrain. Previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

2) What is the best time to do the trek?

The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is stable, and the views are clear.

3) What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Makalu Base Camp at 5,250m (17,224 ft).

4) Do I need a permit for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you need two permits:

  • Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
  • Makalu Rural Municipality Permit

These can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entry point.