Makalu Base Camp Trek

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    20 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Trekking
  • Accommodation
    Teahouses
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    March - May and Sept - Nov

Explore the valleys in the eastern region of Nepal and savour the beauty that lies in the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Makalu Base Camp Trek is a beautiful journey that lets you taste the real adventure of walking inside the Makalu Barun National Park to the Makalu Base Camp.

The region offers magnificent views of mountains like Mt. Makalu with other peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Baruntse. The lush scenery of Arun valley is probably the most beautiful thing that will keep you going throughout your journey. Though many people keep their interest in this trek, the Makalu region attracts only a few travelers during a year due to its remote accessibility and off-the-beaten trekking trail.

Makalu Base Camp Trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, we drive to Num, from where our real trekking journey initiates. You follow the Barun river valley in Makalu Barun National Park and cross several high passes like Shipton La and Keke La on the route to Makalu Base Camp.

Talking about the difficulty on the way and trail, the trail to Makalu Base Camp is never flat. You will either ascend up or descend down, making the trek difficult and tiring. But the difficulty you face along your way is nothing compared to the magnificence of nature you will enjoy. The rhododendron forests, beautiful cliffs, glaciers, and stunning waterfalls you encounter on the way will make your trek full of wonders and excitement. As you stand tall in the Makalu Base Camp, all you can do is let your eye wander from one peak to another with the majestic Mt. Makalu rising tall right in front of your eyes.

If you are curious about the altitude variation throughout your trek, then your trek initiates at an altitude of 400 meters in Tumlingtar and rises up to 5500 meters in the southeastern ridge of Mt. Makalu. The spectacular views of the mountains from the base camp are a reward for all our hard efforts made during our trek.

Covering the Makalu Barun National Park, Makalu Base Camp is rich in biodiversity. You can encounter rare birds and animals on your journey if you are lucky. Similarly, interaction with local people on the way will give us insights into their culture, lifestyle, and tradition. People here are engaged in agriculture for livelihood. You can see beautiful fields as you pass through villages. The people are friendly, which makes your journey more lively and homely.

Still undecided? Check out 15 perfect reasons to choose the Makalu Trek on your next adventure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

You are welcomed by a hospitable meeting, and then you will be transferred to the hotel. Our airport representative will explain the program briefly upon arrival. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

Sightseeing of world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley, including Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple.

Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu -Tumlingtar (460m) & drive to Num (1490) by private jeep

We take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar; we then take a jeep to Num, passing through Hururu.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 04: Trek to Sedua (1460m) Duration: 5 hrs

We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the corn fields of Lumbang. Below the village, the trail drops steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m).

From the bridge, we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 05: Trek to Tashigaou (2070m) Duration: 6-7 hrs

Leaving Sedua, we do a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m).

Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village and Rupisa. En route, we cross meadows and several streams and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 06: Trek to Kauma Danda (3470m) Duration: 6 hrs

We climb over the ridge and ascend through forests to a stream and onto a ridge where there is a small campsite. The trail levels out and then climb to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We climb past two small streams, then switch back up the ridge in forests to a kharka at 2900 meters and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx. 330 meters.

Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. The slope gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow atop the ridge. We then move over a hillock and descend a bit to reach Kauma.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 07: Trek to Dobato (3800m) Duration: 7 hrs

Today leaving Kauma, we climb on steep switchbacks for a while. We climb less steeply through rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge, with a large mani wall adorned with prayer flags.

From here, we get superb views of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Following the ridge for a while, we ascend a stone staircase. After a few false summits, the trail veers off the crest to a small lake.

We climb gently up a shallow rocky gully to the Kekela Pass (4127 m). From the pass, we descend to another lake, then ascend steeply through large boulders to the Shipton La, a 4230-meter pass. We continue descending about 150 meters into sparse rhododendron forests to a level area. The final descent is through a forest of firs and rhododendrons, then reach Dobato overnight.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 08: Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m) Duration: 7 hrs

We descend a steep gully with a stream of about 500 meters. We then move left through fir forests along the flank of the Barun Valley.

Moving along an ill-defined trail, we cross a 200-meter-long slide area and then follow the river to a Kharka. Moving through forests of birch and scrub rhododendron, we reach Yangle Kharka.

We Climb from Yangle Kharka, finally crossing to the north side of the Barun Khola to reach Nhe Kharka.

There is a small Gompa on the south side of the valley that offers great mountain views.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 09: Acclimatization day

Today is our acclimatization day, and on this day, we hike Shiva and Parvati Cave, where we can observe the brilliant view of the Barun Valley as well as the stunning view of Peak 3 and Peak 7, etc. 

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 10: Trek to Langma Le (4400 M) Duration: 6 hrs

Beyond the Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun Khola for a while. We then cross a small wooden bridge before the river turns northward.

The Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve, and the walls rise almost vertically 1500 to 2000 meters above the river, but the trail climbs gently as we approach Ripok Kharka. Still, on the north side of the Barun, the trail turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for the alpine tundra.

Above Ripok Kharka, the route crosses a rocky crest with a few goths and then ascends alongside a moraine formed by the Barun Glacier. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3, and Peak 5, but Makalu is not yet visible.

As we pass a ridge, the glacier turns slightly north. We enter an alluvial valley, then continue to walk to the Langma Le for the night halt.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 11: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (5000m) and explore Hillary Camp, Duration: 7 hrs

From Langma-le, we trek to the Sherson Kharka; we stay to the right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is a gradual ascent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp.

We then descend to a stream, cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river.

From here, we get terrific views of the south face of Makalu. The large buttress of the south face rises across from the base camp. An ascent of this buttress yields views of Peaks 6, 7, and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama.

After lunch, we hike to the Hillary camp and return.

Day 12: Hike to Makalu View Point (5700m) and return to base camp, 6-7 hours 

Today, early breakfast and hike to the Makalu View Point, where we can see the great views of Mt. Makalu, Barunste, Lhoste, Mount Everest, and many more. And also, the Makalu Glacier is completely visible.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 13: Trek back to Nhe Kharka (3000m). Duration: 6-7 hrs

Today we retrace our steps down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 14: Trek back to Dobato (3800m) Duration: 5 hrs

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 15: Trek to Dhad Kharka (2200m) Duration: 7 hrs

Today we hike to the Dhad Kharka, passing through Shipton La, 4230 Pass, and the Kekela Pass (4127 m). 

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 16: Trek to Sedua (1460m) Duration: 6-7 hrs

Trek to Seduwa village via Tashi Gaun. Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 17: Back to Tumlingtar (460m) Duration: 4 hours walk and 6 hours drive 

We trek down to the Arun River and climb to Cham-la Kharka, then drive to Timlintar. We drive by private jeep for 61 Kilometers.

Overnight at Guesthouses, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu

Amazing scenic flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

Day 19: Leisure day

Spend the day in Kathmandu to rest or explore, as per your inclination.

Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

Day 20: Farewell/Departure

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
  • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, including tour guide, entry fees, and vehicle
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek.
  • An experienced guide required a number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment. We provide 1 porter between two trekkers.
  • Teahouses for the accommodation during the trek. The teahouses are simple but neat and clean.
  • Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag during the trek
  • Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, including departure taxes
  • First aid medical kit bag including oximeter to monitor oxygen level and heartbeat.
  • All necessary permits for trek
  • All government and local taxes
  • Office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill etc.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking crews

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Makalu base camp trek

    I recently completed the amazing experience of trekking to Makalu Base Camp with the Nepal Hiking Team. Our guide, Sangkar was exceptionally knowledgeable and looked after us at every stage of the journey. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal and the comfort provided by the tea houses all along the route.

    Although we faced challenging weather conditions and transport concerns due to monsoon flooding, all arrangements were managed punctually. This trek left me with unforgettable memories and eye-catching views. I would highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team to anyone, as their very professionalism and attentive care truly stood out.

    - Guided by Sankhar Rai

    Simon Alexandro
    - Excellent

    Mr. Simon Alexandro

    13th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
US$ 2950Per Person
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