19 Days
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The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an immersive journey through one of Nepal's most remote, authentic, and pristine Himalayan trails in the eastern Himalayas. This 19-day adventure takes you through the remote wilderness of the Makalu Barun National Park and reaches the base of Mount Makalu I.
The trip begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering an aerial view of the Himalayan range. The trek starts from a small riverside village, Seduwa, at 1,500 m and gradually reaches the highest point, the base camp, at 4,870 m.
Throughout the trek, adventurers will traverse farmlands, traditional Nepali villages, and cross two high passes known as Shipton La and Keke La Pass. The trail passes through the Makalu Barun National Park, home to rare wildlife like the Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
The trek is considered strenuous, with long stair pathways, multi-day walking, steep climbing, and high mountain passes over 4,000 m. With a slow and steady pace, a well-organized itinerary, proper acclimatization, and reasonable fitness, the Makalu Base Camp Trek can be completed with confidence.
The best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is during autumn and spring when the skies are clear with safe and dry trails. Trekkers need the Makalu Barun National Park Permit to legally traverse the protected national park, as the walking trail is within the conservation area.
Traversing through varied landscapes and terrain and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, hikers can get an authentic Himalayan trekking experience.
The trip starts with a 45-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive to Seduwa, a small riverside settlement. The drive covers 60 to 62 km (37.28 to 38.53 miles) and takes about 5 to 6 hours, passing through Khandbari, Bhotebas, Chinchila, Mundhe, and Num.
The trekking portion of the journey starts from Seduwa and heads towards Tashigaon, a small Sherpa village. The village is the final staging point for trekkers before the high-altitude and rugged wilderness of the Makalu region.
Walking through forest areas, stone staircases, riverside trails, and uneven paths, hikers pass settlements such as Khongma Danda and cross the first high pass, Shipton La Pass (around 4,100 m), before reaching Dobate.
Moving on, the route passes through Yangle Kharka, Langmale Kharka, and eventually reaches Makalu Base Camp. From the base camp, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Makalu I, Baruntse, Chamlang, Chomo Lonzo, Lhotse, and distant views of Mt. Everest.
The return journey follows the same route, retracing the steps towards Yangle Kharka, Dobate, crossing Keke La and Shipton La passes, before reaching Danda Kharka. You will eventually reach Seduwa, which marks the end of the walking portion of the trek. The journey concludes with a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
The overall distance covered during the Makalu Base Camp Trek, starting from Seduwa, is approximately 150 to 160 km (93 to 100 miles) for the round trip. Likewise, it takes about 15 days of trekking within the 19-day itinerary. Accommodation throughout the trek is in locally run teahouses with basic twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, and warm meals.
Along with the untouched and authentic Makalu Base Camp Trek, Nepal Hiking Team also offers several off-the-beaten-path trekking adventures that provide unique and unforgettable Himalayan experiences.
| Trip | Duration | Difficulty | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek | 22-day | Strenuous | $2350 | An unforgettable journey to the foothills of the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, crossing high passes such as Sele La and Mirgin La. |
| Manaslu Circuit Trek | 14-day | Moderate to Strenuous | $1295 | Cross the legendary Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m while experiencing rich Tibetan Buddhist culture in the lower region. |
| Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek | 20-day | Strenuous | $1850 | Takes you through the heart of Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass in one adventurous journey. |
Book the Makalu Base Camp Trek with Nepal Hiking Team for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable journey to one of Nepal's most remote trekking trails. Experience top-class services, including air or ground transportation, permit processing, accommodation, and complete trek logistics while enjoying an authentic Himalayan adventure.
Our professionally trained government-licensed guides ensure your safety throughout the varied landscapes and handle daily logistics while providing valuable insights into local customs and culture.
NHT's itineraries are designed with proper acclimatization, balanced walking hours, comfortable pacing, and efficient logistics, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Whether you're planning a solo adventure or trekking with family and friends, our team ensures a well-organized, immersive, and unforgettable Makalu Base Camp Trek experience.
On your arrival day, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will receive you at the airport and warmly welcome you to Nepal. They will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel and assist with check-in.
After resting for a while, we will have a short pre-trek briefing and discuss the destination, trail conditions, travel routes, and any weather updates. In addition, we will provide you with essential trekking gear during this meeting.
Note: For a late-night flight, the meeting will be scheduled for the second day.
After breakfast, you can start your last-minute preparation, such as a gear check for trekking poles and shoes, and start packing, separating your duffel bag with heavier items and a daypack with essentials only.
Likewise, you can visit local shops around the Thamel area for last-minute shopping for necessary items like sunglasses, toiletries, and other items before leaving.
Today, you will fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu, enjoying a 45-minute flight over the eastern Himalayan range.
After arriving in Tumlingtar, your overland journey towards Seduwa begins in a private vehicle. Seduwa, a small riverside village at an elevation of 1,500 m, is our trailhead for the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Leaving Seduwa, the trekking part of the Makalu Base Camp Trek officially starts today. The journey starts on a traditional Nepali flat section with gradual ups and downs.
Today’s trail is mixed, where some parts merge with vehicle roads and some being trekking routes only. The route traverses through the subtropical forests, rhododendron groves, and traditional Sherpa settlements.
After having a warm breakfast, you will continue your trek over a gradual flat, cross the river, and climb steeply uphill on stone staircases through the lush jungle.
Trekkers usually stop for lunch at Danda Kharka. After lunch, the uphill journey on stone pathways continues until Khongma Danda. Along the trail, you will visit the Khongma View Point and enjoy the views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Today’s journey starts with an hour-long uphill section via Khongma View Point, offering views of the Kanchenjunga range, Makalu, and other surround range.
Moving on, you will cross the famous Shiption La Pass at 4,100 m, walk for 1 hour in the downhill section, and reach Kal Pokhari. After a brief rest, you will climb uphill towards the second pass, Keke La Pass at 4,250 m. From here, you will descend towards Dobate via stone pathways.
Today’s hike can feel a little challenging due to crossing the two passes and continuous uphill and downhill sections.
You will start walking downhill through pine and rhododendron groves for about 2 hours before arriving at the Barun River. Following the riverside trail, you will cross the landslide-prone areas with a risk of falling stones, especially during the monsoon. This part is also known as Yak Kharka by the locals.
After having lunch at Nhe Kharka, you will follow the trail on the Nepali flat and reach your overnight stop, Yangle Kharka. Yangle Kharka is a riverside settlement nestled at 3,600.
Trekkers will visit the Shiva Dhara and Parvati Cave today for an acclimatization hike. The hike starts with a 2-hour hike on a gradual flat, crosses the Barun River, and climbs towards the cave section.
The final section before reaching the cave is difficult, requiring proper footing, pace, and balance while walking along the ropeways. While the hike is optional, the Shiva Dhara and Parvati Cave are mostly visited by pilgrims who claim that the water flowing from Shiva Dhara cleanses one’s sins.
Leaving Yangle Kharka, the trail winds through forest areas, with gradual uphill and downhill sections for about 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on one’s pace), and reaches Merak. Most trekkers often stop at Merak for lunch.
From here, the trail moves towards Langmale Kharka, crossing landslide-prone areas, rivers, and a straight 45-minute uphill before arriving at the destination.
The first hour is an uphill, followed by a traditional Nepali flat section, and reaches Sherson. In addition, trekkers can take a left turn before reaching Sherson for a side trip to a glacial lake. This round trip takes an hour, to and from the turning point.
From Sherson, the trek continues on Nepali flat terrain, crosses a small river, and arrives at the base camp. After lunch at the base camp, you can rest or go for a side hike to Swiss Camp and enjoy views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6, Mt. Everest, and Lhotse.
From the Makalu Base Camp, you can take a left, climb uphill on rocky paths, and head towards the Makalu View Point at 5,700 m.
Trekkers will arrive at the viewpoint around noon and enjoy packed with the panoramic views of Mt Makalu, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Chomo Lonzo, Mt Baruntse, Mt Chamlang, Kangchungtse (Makalu II), Peak 6, and Peak 7.
Leaving the Makalu Base Camp, hikers will head towards Yangle Kharka through varied terrain, i.e., gradual flat and mostly steep downhill. Throughout the trail, you can enjoy up-close views of the surrounding range.
By noon, you will reach Langmale Kharka, have lunch, and rest for a while. Moving on, the path continues for 2 hours with gradual downhill, and traditional Nepali flat, before arriving at Yangle Kharka for the night.
From Yangle Kharka, the trail starts with a short flat section, followed by 1.5 hours of gradual downhill on stone pathways towards Nhe Kharka. Continuing, you will cross the landslide-prone area and continue for an hour on gradual flat terrain before starting an uphill section.
The final uphill stretch takes more than 2 hours to reach Dobate for an overnight stay. This day can feel challenging due to the long uphill section and late lunch at Dobate.
After having breakfast, your day starts with a 2-hour uphill section towards the Keke La Pass. From here, the route heads towards Kal Pokhari with a short 30-minute downhill pathway and gradually climbs towards Shiption La Pass.
Trekkers will hike down for another 2 to 3 hours and reach Khungma View Point and enjoy views of Mt Makalu, Baruntse Himal, Chamlang, Peak 6, and Kanchenjunga. After having a late lunch at Khungma Danga, the trail continues towards Danda Kharka, our overnight stop for the day.
Today, you will descend towards Seduwa with a 2 to 3-hour downhill and reach Tashigaon. Trekkers will enjoy a warm lunch and rest for a while at Tashigaon before continuing downhill, transitioning from high-altitude mountain ridges to river valleys.
Along the way, you will pass local Sherpa, Rai, and Gurung villages, terraced farmlands, gompas, and dense rhododendron and bamboo groves. By evening, you will arrive at Seduwa, the crucial base for the Makalau Base Camp trek.
After having breakfast, you will head towards Tumlingtar with a 5 to 6 hours ride on a private vehicle. The first half of the road is offroad and unpaved, especially near villages such as Num and Khandbari.
The final stretch from Khandbari to Tumlingtar is flat and pitched. Along the road, you can enjoy scenic views of the lush Arun and Sabha valleys and traditional villages, offering one final glimpse of the Himalayan life in the Makalu region.
Today, you will bid farewell to the eastern Nepal with a scenic flight back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. The flight are usually scheduled around 10:00 AM as no early flights take off from the Tumlingtar Airport.
During the 45-minute flight, travellers can enjoy aerial views of the Arun River valley, the eastern Himalayas, and witness the transition from rugged terrains to the bustling Kathmandu Valley.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, trekkers can spend the final day in Kathmandu exploring the vibrant city and its rich cultural heritage sites.
In addition, trekkers can book an immersive guided city tour with an additional cost and explore Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, and Patan Durber Sqaure.
Simialrly, you can book a spa sessions as a relaxing post-trek treat. Lastly, hikers can stroll around the market area in Thamel for souvenir shopping, experience local cuisine, and spend the evening relaxing at the hotel.
On the departure day, our representative will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast or three hours before your scheduled flight. This helps avoid road traffic and give ample time to clear security checking, baggage clearance, and immigration processing.
Carrying hundreds of photos, vidoes, and unforgettable memories of the Himalayas, you will bid farewell to Nepal with hopes of returning for another adventurous journey with the NHT team.
Choosing Nepal Hiking Team for the Makalu Base Camp Trek gets you a smooth and memorable journey, safety, expert guidance, and authentic local experiences. Every detail, from high passes like Shipton La and Kekela Pass to the stunning views of Mt. Makalu and Barun Valley will make your adventure one you won't forget.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
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
+
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
Nepal Hiking Team has decades of on-trail experience through the remote and untouched regions of the Makalu-Barun National Park. Similarly, our professionally trained guides ensure safety, comfort, and immersion throughout the journey by providing insights into local culture, lifestyle, and rich biodiversity.
Overall, our operations team handles transportation, accommodation, permits, and emergency medical response, allowing you to enjoy the journey.
In each trail, safety remains our top priority, and we plan our itineraries based on our guests’ fitness level, pacing, and proper acclimatization. This allows our team to safely complete the journey with minimal risk of altitude-related risks.
In addition, our guides monitor your oxygen levels daily using an oximeter and keep track or monitor your health in case you are showing signs of altitude sickness.
With over two decades of experience in the trekking industry, our team has earned five-star ratings on platforms such as Google, TripAdvisor, and Trustpilot. This reflects our services, safety, and reliability throughout the trek.
During the pre-trek briefing, Nepal Hiking Team provides essential gear such as a 70 L capacity duffel bag, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, and a detailed Makalu region map. In addition, a licensed guide and a porter (one for every 2 trekkers), all meals (on trek), accommodations, permits, and transportation are included in our package cost.
On your arrival day, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will greet you at the airport and warmly welcome you. After that, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel, where our representative will check you in.
Later on, we will have a short pre-trek briefing and introduce you to your guide, discuss the weather updates, trekking routes, transportation, and clear any of your queries.
Most foreign trekkers can obtain their Nepalese visa upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will need a valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity, a passport-sized photo, and cash to pay the visa fee.
No, the Nepal visa cost is not included in the Makalu Base Camp trek package price. Guests are required to budget separately for the visa processing fees upon arrival. You can pay either by cash or card at the airport.
You can easily book your next Makalu Base Camp Trek by filling out a booking form on our Booking page on the website. After that, you can make a 20% deposit to secure your spot, which will be confirmed once our team confirms your booking request and the payment.
The private 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek is priced around USD $2,950 per person. The cost includes accommodations, 3-time meals during the trek, licensed guides, porters, permits, ground transfer, domestic flights, and airport pickup and drop-offs.
Our Makalu Base Camp Trek package cost includes all ground transportation via private vehicle, a 3-star hotel stay in Kathmandu, full board meals during the trek, permits, teahouse accommodation on the trek, trekking gear (duffel bag, sleeping bag, and a down jacket), domestic flights, medical kit bag, office service charge, and government and local taxes.
The cost excludes meals not specified in the itinerary, extra snacks and cold drinks, travel insurance, international airfare, Nepal entry visa fee, personal trekking equipment, personal shopping, and trips for the trekking staff.
Guests should budget an additional NPR 30,000 to 35,000 besides the package cost for personal expenses such as snacks, hot water, boiled drinking water, internet services, charging bills, and tips.
Our Makalu Base Camp Trek includes to and from scenic flight between Kathmandu and Tumlingtar. The flight duration is 45 minutes and offers aerial views of the eastern Himalayan range, lush greenery, and Arun valley (while approaching Tumlingtar).
After arriving at Tumlingtar, trekkers will head towards Seduwa village, the official trailhead of the Makalu Base Camp Trek via a private jeep ride. The drive takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on the road conditions, and passes through small roadside settlements, terraced farmlands, and the towns of Num and Khandbari.
Yes, all ground transportation, such as airport pick-up and drop-offs in Kathmandu, jeep ride to and from Seduwa and Tumlingtar, are included in the trek cost package. Likewise, the domestic flight between Kathmandu and Tumlingtar is also included for a smooth and hassle-free trekking experience.
The Shipton La and Keke La Passes during the Makalu Base Camp Trek are two of the highlights, offering majestic views of the surroundings. From Shipton La, hikers can get close-up views of Makalu’s south face, Chamlang, and on a clear day Everest and Lhotse.
Likewise, from Keke La, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Barun Valley, Chamlang, and Peaks 6 and 7.
Crossing Shipton La and Keke La passes is considered demanding and strenuous due to the repetitive steep uphill and downhill sections between these passes. Also, the trail is narrow, requiring proper guided assistance, a steady pace, and careful footing.
From Keke La and Shipton La Passes, trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the open Barun Valley, lush forest areas, and surrounding peaks such as Chamlang, Peaks 6 and 7, Makalu, and distant views of Lhotse and Everest.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered challenging due to its remote trekking trail that covers roughly 150-160 km through varied terrain. The route starts from lush subtropical forest areas, covers steep ascents and descents, river valleys, and high passes before reaching the base camp and the Makalu View Point at 5,700 m.
The terrain on the Makalu Base Camp Trek is diverse, varied, and challenging. The trail starts with terraced farmlands, local village areas, and lush forests to rugged high-altitude landscapes, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is usually not recommended for beginners as the route is remote, strenuous, and involves two high passes. The trek demands a reasonable level of fitness with prior high-altitude trekking experience, proper pacing, and acclimatization.
Our 19-day Makalu Base Camp itinerary is designed with safety in mind. We have included an acclimatization stop at Yangle Kharka with a side trip to Shiva and Parvati Cave (optional) and a rest day at the base camp to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Our guides are professionally trained in high-altitude first aid services. Also, they carry a medical kit bag with necessary altitude sickness medication, oximeter, and bandages for emergency use. In case of serious injury or sickness, we provide helicopter rescue or evacuation services.
During a medical emergency on the trail, our guides will check your oxygen level and heart rate. They will monitor your health and start descending to a lower elevation if your health doesn’t improve.
Also, they will promptly coordinate with the local authorities for a quick helicopter rescue at the earliest.
While preparing for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, guests are recommended to include cardio exercises like running, cycling, and swimming, with strength training for endurance. As the trek involves multi-day walking, going on a practice hike with a light backpack is helpful.
While packing for the Makalu Base Camp trek, pack essential items like layered clothing (base, fleece, and waterproof outer shell), waterproof and comfy trekking boots, sun hat, gloves, trekking poles, and headlamps.
Nepal Hiking Team provides a duffel bag with a capacity of 70 L to each trekker, a down jacket, and a sleeping bag rated up to -15°C for extra warmth. Similarly, we will also provide an NHT t-shirt, cap, and a detailed map of the Makalu region.
During the 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek, accommodations are locally-run teahouse-based with basic facilities such as clean beds, shared bathrooms, and warm meals. Whereas, in Kathmandu, you will stay at a 3-star category hotel.
As the Makalu region is remote, connectivity and internet access are very limited. Mobile network are lost as you gain altitude, usually beyond Khungma Danda and Wi-Fi is also unavaliable in the higher regions.
Yes, you will have access to electricity in the lower regions, whereas in the higher regions, beyond Seduwa village, the teahouses are solar-based. Trekkers are required to pay a certain amount to charge their devices, such as their phones and cameras.
Our Makalu Base Camp Trek package includes full board meals during the trip. Trekkers will be provided with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, such as Tibetan bread, traditional dal bhat, soups, noodles, and porridge with tea and coffee.
Yes, while staying in Kathmandu, breakfast will be included in the package cost. However, lunch and dinner on the preparation or leisure day are not included and will be considered a personal expense.
Trekkers can purchase bottled water or boiled drinking water from the teahouses along the trail. This can get expensive, so as a cost-effective option, travellers are advised to carry a reusable or filtered water bottle and use water purification tablets, as natural water sources are easily available on the trail.
Yes, trekkers can complete the Makalu Base Camp Trek as solo travelers. Although our package lists a minimum group size of 2, you can book a private trek for an additional cost or pair up with a fellow solo traveler for a more personalized trekking experience.
Yes, our trekking itineraries are fully customizable and can be planned according to your service level, preferences, and specifications. You can let our team know in advance about the required changes, and we will accommodate you accordingly.
Tipping is customary to show appreciation for the service and hard work of your guides and porters. While it is not mandatory, you can tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek with the amount that reflects your satisfaction with the service.
