Makalu Base Camp Trek
Duration: 15 Days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Accomodation: Hotel/ Lodge/ Tea House
Meal: B-L-D
Max. Altitude: 4870m
Best Seasons: Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)Makalu Base Camp Trek
Mt.Makalu base camp trek is the fifth-highest peak in the world, with a height of 8463 meters. Likewise, Makalu Base Camp Trek will take you up to the range of 5250 meters. People also know this trek as the trek to the Makalu Barun National Park and its conservation area.
Overview
The scenic features of the Makalu Base Camp Trek Route are the high-altitude landscapes and snow-covered, innocent Himalayan cultural richness. The most distant trails of this route have the most lovely things they would offer you. You will feel the good energy coursing through your veins as you walk peaceful, calm routes that transport your soul beyond this realm of worldly possessions.
The terraced farms, the thick forest of colorful rhododendrons, and the famous 8000-meter-plus mountains that greet you along the way will capture your heart. The nostalgic environment will never make you and your legs fatigue. You will experience lifetime bliss, believe us! But know that this excursion is a tough walking path. Your physical fitness comes into play as you explore the rustic sceneries and high-altitude terrains.
Hiring a local agency like us is always the best option because this trekking route is the least traveled. You will enjoy an amazing Makalu Base Camp Trek experience with our professional advice and carefully chosen itinerary.
The Makalu Base Camp trip is a distant route that offers some of Nepal’s best features, including beautiful routes, fascinating terraced fields, rural cultures, rhododendron forests, uncommon species, and many peaks rising to elevations of more than 8,000 meters. For experienced trekkers who pleasure an encounter, this is a terrific journey with adequate plunders.
Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, Everest, Lhotse, and Chamlang are just a few of the world’s highest peaks that can be seen from the walk. The trail travels through a variety of environments, including high passes, glacier valleys, alpine meadows, and lush forests.
This walk takes you through the pristine wilderness of the Makalu-Barun National Park, which is home to a diverse diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and more than 400 kinds of birds.
Highlights of the trip
- View Everest’s eastern Kangshung face from a unique perspective.
- Gain views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kangchenjunga
- Go from verdant, terraced agriculture to waterfalls and glaciers.
- Experience the unique Rai and Sherpa culture of rural Nepal.
- See some of Nepal’s rarest animals, such as the Red Panda.
Detailed Itinerary - Makalu Base Camp Trek (15 Days)
After breakfast in Kathmandu, you;ll take a flight from Kathmandu airport to Tumlingtar airport for 35 minutes. You can see Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Ganesh Himal from this picturesque flight. Once reaching Tumlingtar, you’ll take a jeep journey to Num via Khandbari and Hururu. Also, the roads travel past picturesque communities, farmlands, and forests. Overnight at the tea house in Num.
You will get ready for the walk to Sedua after breakfast at the tea house in Num. First, you;ll travel a hard drop to the Barun River through the terrace farmlands of Num. You’ll get away from the heat once you cross the river and start hiking in the forest’s shade. But the climb to Sedua is tough. You;ll approach Makalu Barun National Park by hiking along the villages and grasslands. Your Makalu Trek Permits will be examined here. You;ll be staying at the tea house in Sedua.
Unlike the trip to Sedua, the journey to Tashigaon from Num is more slow and tranquil. The walk runs past farmlands, bamboo forests, and colorful rhododendron forests. The chirps of birds keep you entertained during the journey through the bush.
You will get at Chyaksa Danda after an additional hike on a cliff surrounded by Ipsuwa and Kasuwa Khola. From Chyaksa Danda, another hour’s walk leads you to Tashi Gaon. The tea house in Tashi Gaon will accommodate you.
You stroll through a picturesque and tranquil rhododendron forest on the fourth day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary. As the walk route progresses, you;ll pass multiple suspension bridges and mountains.
You will hike for three hours from Tashi Gaon to Dhara, where you will halt for lunch. After some break and lunch, you;ll start the trip, but it becomes steeper as you hike close to Kharka (pasture fields).
You will go through Unisha, walk on stone-paved trails through the rhododendron forest, and see some hidden lakes before arriving in Khongma. You;ll stop for overnight accommodation and meals at the tea house in Khongma.
As you hike from Khongma to Dobate, the real Makalu Base Camp journey begins. You;ll walk to Keke La Pass at 4,170 meters on this day. However, you must first pass the stunning 3,873-meter Khongma La Pass before reaching Keke La.
You;ll witness the beautiful Makalu and Chamlang Himal from Khong Ma La Pass. You will once more begin rising to Ghurung La Pass after making a few descents from this pass. You;ll also walk to Shipton La at 4,220 meters from Ghurung La. From here, you;ll head to Kalo Pokhari Lake, dropping about 200 meters from Shipton La Pass.
Dobate is 3,550 meters high, so after crossing Keke La Pass, you’ll descend on a trail through a lovely valley.
You’ll get ready for the hike to Yangle Kharka, which is a difficult descent that takes many hours, after breakfast at Dobate. However, you;ll trek through the vivid and serene rainbow rhododendron woodland. You;ll reach the Barun River coast after two hours of severe descent from Dobate.
While relaxing on the Barun River coast, you;ll enjoy a lovely vista of Tutse Himal at 6,758meters and Chamlang at 7,321 meters. Following that, you will have a leisurely climb to Yangle Kharka, gradually gaining height. Yangle Kharka, where you will spend the night, looks majestic at the bottom of the valley.
Today the trek begins with a comfortable hike along the river, streams, and tiny Buddhist monasteries. Moreover, a s you hike over 4,000 meters from this day, you;ll notice the thick juniper bushes on the landscapes.
As you hike near Langmale Kharka, leaving behind Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek, the picturesque mountain prospects become more apparent. More pasture lands and boulder faces begin to appear along the towering mountain peaks.
You will climb to Makalu Base Camp, the base camp of the fifth-tallest peak in the world, today, the eighth day. Additionally, spend the night at the base camp’s tea house. After leaving Langmale Kharka, the terrain is fairly steep.
After departing Langmale Kharka with a decent breakfast, you;ll climb to Shershong. And from Shershong, you;ll further gain height and reach Makalu Base Camp. As you are close the Makalu Base Camp, you;ll observe icefalls, crevasses, seracs, glaciers, and sheer sides of Makalu. Also, you;ll witness Kali Himal, Makalu II, Chamlang, and Baruntse alongside Makalu. Overnight at the tea house in Makalu Base Camp.
Discovering Makalu Base Camp offers you more than just the breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Your trip guide leads you to Barun Glacier, a massive glacier past Makalu Base Camp. From here, you;ll get a complete vista of Everest and Lhotse down the south face of Makalu.
The most thrilling event at Makalu Base Camp is hiking a 5,250-meter tall ridge northeast of Sharshong Peak. From this vantage point, you;ll see the northwest face of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar. The lovely valley, as seen from this peak, keeps you spellbound. Overnight at a tea house in Makalu Base Camp.
After a great day finishes at Makalu Base Camp, you;ll climb back to Yangle Kharka for 7 hours. You can feel exhausted in the evening because it’s a long day trek with a descent.
While hiking back, you;ll travel by Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek. Also, you;ll stroll into the pine forest, leaving the juniper shrubs and thorns behind. Spend the night at a Yangle Kharka tea house.
The walking trail to Dobate gets intriguing as youll hike along the Barun River Shore, crossing wooden bridges and strolling through the vivid rhododendron woodland. Six-hour descent takes you to Dobate, where you;ll halt at a tea house for overnight accommodation.
Your day begins with a long and scenic descent from Dobate, passing through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests. The trail involves several steep downhill sections, wooden bridges, and occasional ascents as you follow winding forest paths. You’ll gradually leave the high-altitude environment and enter warmer, greener terrain. As you get closer to Tashigaon, the views open up to terraced fields and traditional Sherpa villages. Tashigaon is a beautiful settlement and the last major village before the higher Makalu valleys. Enjoy a restful evening in this peaceful mountain setting.
After breakfast, begin your trek downhill from Tashigaon through lush forests and terraced farmlands. The trail drops steadily to the rushing Arun River, with several steep and narrow sections. After crossing a suspension bridge over the river, you’ll begin a final ascent to reach Num, a ridge-top village with beautiful views of the valley. The climb is challenging but rewarding, and Num offers a lively settlement with teahouses and warm hospitality.
Today you’ll board a jeep for a scenic drive from Num to Tumlingtar. The gravel mountain road winds through dense forests, small villages, and terraced hillsides. The route provides excellent views of valleys, rivers, and rural life along the Arun Corridor. The drive can be bumpy at times, but it is pleasant and offers a refreshing transition from trekking trails to lower landscapes. By afternoon, you’ll reach Tumlingtar, a small town with an airstrip and basic facilities.
You’ll take the early flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. As you’ll grow exhausted from the walk, taking an 18-hour bus drive will be uncomfortable.
After reaching Kathmandu airport, our representative will pick you up from the airport.
What's Included
- Airport Transfers
- Private airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Assistance at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Domestic Transportation
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and return.
- Private or local jeep transfers from Tumlingtar to the trek starting/ending points as per itinerary.
- Meals During the Trek
- Full-board meals during trekking days: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation During the Trek
- Teahouse accommodation where available.
- Camping accommodation in remote sections (tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent included).
- Professional Trekking Team
- All Required Trekking Permits
- Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
- Restricted Area Permit (as applicable)
- Local conservation and government fees
- Camping & Group Equipment
- Safety & Medical Support
- First-aid medical kit carried by the guide.
- Basic altitude monitoring and daily health checks.
- Taxes & Service Charges
- All government taxes, park fees, and company service charges included.
What's Not Included
- International Travel & Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Trekking Gear
- Personal Expenses
- Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, laundry services (where available).
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Tips for Trekking Staff
- Emergency Evacuation Costs
- Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation if required
(covered by insurance if proper coverage is arranged).
- Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation if required
- Any Other Costs
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the What’s Included section.
Departure Dates
Frequently Asked Questions - Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp is located in eastern Nepal, inside the Makalu Barun National Park, at the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m) — the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered challenging. It involves remote trails, long walking days, high altitude, and limited facilities, making it suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness.
A standard itinerary takes 15 to 22 days, including acclimatization days and travel to and from the trekking region.
The best seasons are:
- Spring (April–May) – Rhododendron forests, stable weather
- Autumn (September–October) – Clear skies and excellent mountain views
Winter and monsoon seasons are not recommended due to harsh weather and landslides.
Yes. Required permits include:
- Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
- Restricted Area Permit (if applicable based on route)
All permits are usually arranged by the trekking agency.
Yes. The trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, so altitude sickness is a real risk. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual ascent are essential.
Accommodation includes a mix of basic teahouses and camping. In remote sections, camping is required due to the lack of lodges.
No. This trek is not suitable for beginners. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended due to remoteness and physical demands.
Yes. Hiring a licensed trekking guide is highly recommended for navigation, safety, logistics, and emergency support in this remote region.
Safe drinking water is available at lodges or by boiling/treating water. Charging, internet, and mobile network coverage are very limited or unavailable in most parts of the trek.
You can see stunning views of:
- Mount Makalu (8,485m)
- Chamlang, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding Himalayan peaks
Yes. The itinerary can be customized with additional acclimatization days, side trips, or combined routes depending on your fitness, schedule, and interests.
Useful Info
Meals and accommodation
As the hike to Makalu Base Camp is less advanced than Everest and Annapurna zones, the meals and accommodation you’ll have during your walk will be vital. You’ll get a standard twin-sharing room with blankets, mattresses, and pillows. Additionally, the tea houses do not have associated restrooms. You won’t have many alternatives for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But the ones you’ll receive will complement sufficient energy. Dal Bhat is the most popular lunch on this hike. However, you will also have options such as noodle soups, Tibetan breads, spaghetti, and pasta. Tea, hot lemon, and coffee are available at every tea establishment here.
Best time for the trek
Autumn and Spring are the two greatest periods in a year to climb to Makalu Base Camp however, expert trekkers hike here during the winter. The Makalu Base Camp route’s autumn and spring days are marked by the best visibility, warm daytime temperatures, and pleasant environment. Moreover, the greenery and rhododendron flower of Spring and post-monsoon month make it a perfect time to climb here. The mild autumn days see a daytime temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and a nighttime temperature of 1 degree Celsius. At Makalu Base Camp, the daytime temperature decreases to 6 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature to -4 degrees Celsius.
Guided and porters
As you can’t trek solo in Nepal, hiring guides and porters is the only alternative if you don’t want to engage a local organization. You will receive a trekking guide and porter for the duration of the journey if you reserve this trek with us. If you want to hire a trekking guide and porter, we also offer you the option of hiring a guide in Nepal.
With years of experience, our porters and trekking guides have successfully climbed to Makalu Base Camp multiple times. If you hire an expert trek guide, it’ll cost you USD 30 a day. Additionally, you must pay USD 25 per day for a porter if you wish to employ one.
Book Makalu Base Camp Trek with Confidence
Join Top Trail Nepal, your trusted local trekking agency in Kathmandu, for the journey of a lifetime. Our experienced guides, strong safety record, and personal service make your Everest dream come true.
- $2785 2 people
- $2585 4-6 people