MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK

The Makalu region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, colorful wildflowers, and peaceful trails far from the crowded trekking routes. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a true Himalayan wilderness adventure with outstanding mountain scenery and authentic local culture.

Makalu Base Camp Trek (4,870 m) is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and least-visited trekking adventures, offering an unforgettable journey through the pristine wilderness of the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area. Mount Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world, dominates the landscape with its magnificent pyramid-shaped summit.This adventurous trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive to Num, the gateway to the Makalu region. The trail passes through beautiful Rai and Sherpa villages, dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, deep river gorges, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys before reaching the spectacular Makalu Base Camp. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Everest, Lhotse, and numerous snow-capped peaks.

The Makalu region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, colorful wildflowers, and peaceful trails far from the crowded trekking routes. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a true Himalayan wilderness adventure with outstanding mountain scenery and authentic local culture.

BESTS

  • Spectacular journey through the remote and unspoiled Makalu Barun National Park.
  • Breathtaking views of Mt. Makalu (8,485m), Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, Baruntse, and many other Himalayan peaks.
  • Cross the scenic Shipton La Pass (4,216m/13,832ft) and explore the beautiful Barun Valley.
  • Experience authentic Rai and Sherpa villages, rich local culture, and warm Himalayan hospitality.
  • A true off-the-beaten-path adventure with diverse landscapes, glaciers, alpine meadows, dense forests, and abundant wildlife.
  • Possibility of custom modification of the trip program with other activities or visits as well

 

COST

2,235 USD per person with 3 participants with local guide

Private trip possible every day. Contact us to receive a customized quote for 1 or 2 people. Contact us to receive a customized quote with european guide speaking english, french, italian.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 01. Arrive in Kathmandu
  • Day 02. Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (518 m/1,699ft) and drive to Num (1,560m/5,118ft),6-7 hours
  • Day 03.  Num (1,560m/5,118ft) to Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft) 5-6 hours
  • Day 04. Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft) to Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft) 4-5 hours
  • Day 05. Tashi Gaon (2,100 m/6,890 ft) to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft) 6-7 hours
  • Day 06. Acclimatization day at Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft)
  • Day 07. Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft) to Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) via Shipton La Pass (4,216 m/13,832ft), 6-7 hours
  • Day 08. Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft) , 6-7 hours
  • Day 09. Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft) to Langmale Kharka (4,410m/14,469ft) 5- 6 hours
  • Day 10. Langmale Kharka (4,410m/14,469ft) to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m/15,978ft) 4-5 hours
  • Day 11. Explore Makalu Base Camp (4,870m/15,978ft) and surrounding viewpoints.
  • Day 12. Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m/15,978ft) to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft), 7 hours
  • Day 13. Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft) to Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) 5-6 hours
  • Day 14. Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) to Khongma Danda (3,500m /11,483ft), 6-7 hours
  • Day 15. Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft) to Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft), 6 hours
  • Day 16.  Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft) to Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft) 4-5 hours,
  • Day 17. Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft) to Num (1,560m/5,118ft)5-6 hours,
  • Day 18. Drive from Num (1,560m /5,118ft) to Tumlingtar (518m/1,699ft),6-7 hours
  • Day 19. Fly from Tumlingtar (518m/1,699ft) to Kathmandu
  • Day 20. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping
  • Day 21. Final Departure

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from airport representative and transfer to hotel. Presentation of the staff, briefing with the guides and verification of the equipment. We will serve authentic nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.

Meals included: dinner. Overnight: Hotel.

Day 02. Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (518m/1,699ft) and drive to Num (1,560m/5,118ft),6-7 hours
After an early breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for a scenic 50-minute flight to Tumlingtar. During the flight, enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Himalayan range and lush hills of eastern Nepal. Upon arrival, meet the local trekking crew and begin a 4–5-hour drive to Num, a beautiful hillside village overlooking the Arun River Valley. The drive follows winding mountain roads through charming villages, terraced farmland, and forests before reaching Num, the gateway to the Makalu region.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 03. Num (1,560m/5,118ft) to Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft),5-6 hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek by descending through terraced fields to the Arun River and cross a suspension bridge. From here, the trail climbs steadily through beautiful forests, small villages, and cultivated farmland before reaching Seduwa, a picturesque village at the entrance of the Makalu Barun National Park. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of green hills, traditional villages, and the surrounding landscapes.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 04. Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft) to Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft), 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we follow a pleasant trail through forests, terraced farms, and several small streams before gradually climbing towards Tashi Gaon. This beautiful Sherpa village is the last permanent settlement on the Makalu Base Camp trekking route. The village offers excellent views of the surrounding hills and is an ideal place to experience the local culture and hospitality.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 05. Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft) to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft), 6-7 hours
Today is one of the most challenging days of the trek as we climb continuously through dense rhododendron and oak forests. The trail becomes steeper as we gain altitude, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After several hours of ascent, we reach Khongma Danda, a beautiful ridge that serves as an important acclimatization stop before crossing the high passes.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 06. Acclimatization day : at Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft),
Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude before crossing the high mountain passes. Rather than remaining inactive, we take a short hike to the nearby ridges and viewpoints above Khongma Danda, enjoying spectacular views of Makalu, Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. This hike follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.After returning to the lodge, you will have time to relax, enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings, and prepare for the challenging trek over Shipton La Pass on the following day. Overnight at Khongma Danda.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 07. Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft) to Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) via Shipton La Pass (4,216m / 13,832ft), 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek with a steady climb towards the famous Shipton La Pass. The trail crosses several high passes, including Keke La and Shipton La, offering magnificent views of Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and Makalu on a clear day. After enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery, we descend through beautiful rhododendron and fir forests to reach the peaceful settlement of Dobate, surrounded by alpine vegetation and dramatic landscapes.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 08. Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft) , 6-7 hours
Today’s trail descends through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo before entering the beautiful Barun Valley. We follow the Barun River, crossing wooden bridges and passing waterfalls, rocky trails, and open meadows. As we continue through this pristine wilderness, we reach Yangri Kharka, a beautiful alpine grazing area surrounded by towering mountains and peaceful landscapes.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 09. Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft) to Langmale Kharka (4,410m/14,469ft) 5- 6 hours
After breakfast, we continue trekking along the upper Barun Valley through alpine meadows and glacial terrain. As the vegetation becomes sparse, the surrounding Himalayan peaks become even more spectacular. Along the trail, we enjoy breathtaking views of Makalu, Peak 3, Peak 4, Peak 5, and the impressive Baruntse Himal. A gradual climb brings us to Langmale Kharka, where we spend the night surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 10. Langmale Kharka (4,410 m/14,469ft) to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m/15,978ft),4-5 hours
Today is one of the highlights of the trek as we make our way to the spectacular Makalu Base Camp. The trail follows the glacial valley with breathtaking views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and other snow-capped peaks. After a gradual ascent through rocky terrain and alpine landscapes, we arrive at Makalu Base Camp. From here, you will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the south face of Mt. Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan giants. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area and taking in the unforgettable scenery.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 11. Explore Makalu Base Camp (4,870m/15,978ft) and surrounding viewpoints.
Today is reserved for exploring the spectacular surroundings of Makalu Base Camp. After breakfast, we take a short hike to nearby viewpoints, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Makalu (8,485m), Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, and other snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The glacial landscapes, rocky moraines, and pristine alpine environment make this one of the most rewarding days of the trek. After spending time exploring and photographing the magnificent scenery, we return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 12. Makalu Base Camp (4,870m/15,978ft) to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft), 7 hours
After enjoying a final sunrise over Mt. Makalu, we begin our descent through the beautiful Barun Valley. Following the same scenic trail, we pass Langmale Kharka and continue through alpine meadows, glacial streams, and rocky landscapes. As we lose altitude, the trail becomes easier, and the surrounding vegetation gradually becomes greener. After a rewarding day’s walk, we arrive at Yangri Kharka, where we spend the night surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 13. Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670ft) to Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we continue retracing our route through the beautiful Barun Valley. The trail follows the Barun River, passing dense forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and pine, along with waterfalls, wooden bridges, and rocky paths. Enjoy the peaceful wilderness and spectacular mountain scenery before reaching the quiet settlement of Dobate, where we spend another comfortable night.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 14. Dobate (3,650m/11,975ft) to Khongma Danda (3,500 m/11,483ft), 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we leave Dobate and begin a steady ascent through beautiful rhododendron and fir forests. The trail climbs gradually before crossing the scenic Shipton La Pass and Keke La Pass once again, offering magnificent views of Makalu, Chamlang, Peak 6, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. After enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery, we descend slightly to Khongma Danda, where we spend the night preparing for the lower trails ahead.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 15. Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483ft) to Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft), 6 hours
Today we descend through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine as we leave the high alpine region behind. The trail passes beautiful hillsides and small resting points before reaching the charming Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon. Surrounded by terraced fields and traditional houses, this peaceful village offers an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of the mountain people.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 16. Tashi Gaon (2,100m/6,890ft) to Seduwa (1,500m/4,921ft) 4-5 hours,
After breakfast, we continue descending through lush forests, cultivated farmland, and several small streams. The trail offers pleasant views of the surrounding hills and traditional villages as we gradually make our way back to Seduwa. Upon arrival, you can relax and reflect on the incredible journey through the remote Makalu region while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful village.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 17. Seduwa (1,500 m/4,921ft) to Num (1,560m/5,118ft)5-6 hours,
After breakfast, we leave Seduwa and follow the trail through terraced farmland, traditional villages, and dense forests. We descend to the Arun River, cross a suspension bridge, and then make a final uphill climb to the hillside village of Num. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valleys, rivers, and rural landscapes before reaching Num, where we celebrate the completion of our trekking adventure.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 18. Drive from Num (1,560m/5,118ft) to Tumlingtar (518m/1,699ft),6-7 hours
After breakfast, we begin a scenic drive from Num to Tumlingtar. The journey follows winding mountain roads through picturesque villages, terraced fields, forests, and rolling hills. As we descend into the Arun Valley, enjoy the beautiful countryside and the final views of eastern Nepal’s landscapes before arriving in Tumlingtar for a relaxing evening.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Tea House.

Day 19. Fly from Tumlingtar (518m/1,699ft) to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying one last aerial view of the eastern Himalayas and the lush hills of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping, or exploring the vibrant streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of the trek with a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner. Overnight: Hotel.

Day 20. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
 After breakfast take an excursion visit. Today we will go for sightseeing Swyambhunath, Pasupatinath temple, Bouddhanath and Patan. World heritage site and freely shopping day. Evening there will be a typical nepali dinner organized for you in the typical nepali restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 21. Final departure
You will have breakfast and you will be free until your departure. A representative will take you airport for your final departure.

Meals included: breakfast.

INCLUDED

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
  • Overnight stays in common lodges during the trek, double room accommodation
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period in the lodges/restaurants
  • Surface transport to and from Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Twin sharing accommodation at the tea house lodges
  • An experienced certified guide and one trekking helper between 2 persons
  • Personal luggage transport during the trek with porters/yaks/ponies up to 12 kg
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
  • All required special trekking permits and conservation fees
  • Trekking permits (TIMS and ACAP)
  • All government taxes and our service charges
  • An English speaking experienced trekking guide recognized by Government of Nepal
  • Highly experienced trekking porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Assistance during the trek by qualified staff and 24 hr. telephone with our office staff
  • Food, transfers, insurance and equipment for accompanying staff

NOT INCLUDED

  • Visa fee for Nepal
  • International flight to and from Nepal
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Travel and medical insurance (if any rescue and evacuation needed)
  • Meals and extra night (more nights than stated in itinerary) accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Soft and hard drinks
  • Personal insurance and other personal expenses
  • Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)
  • Anything not specified under “INCLUDED”

ON REQUEST

  • Single room
  • Sleeping bag rental on site
  • European guide speaking English, French, Italian
  • Travel insurance
  • Superior hotel accommodations in town
  • Tour extensions