Trip Duration
24 Days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2-16 pax
Nature of Trip
Trekking
Max. Altitude
5,050m. /16,568 ft.
Transportation
Bus , Flight
Activity per day
Tour
Start/End
KathmanduTrip Overview
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is set within the Makalu-Barun National Park in the eastern part of Nepal. Mostly, the central part of Nepal receives visitors from faraway lands and nearby regions, but people are really missing out on the beautiful eastern region of Nepal. Despite being one of the least visited trekking destinations in Nepal, this trek is one of the ideal journeys for someone who prefers a raw experience in the countryside of Nepal.
You will get to experience many unfiltered things, such as the traditional life of the locals in the countryside, their customs, and the untouched nature that surrounds the villages we will visit. The uncommercialized route we will explore is one of the best aspects of this trek that takes you to the base camp of the 5th-highest peak in the world.
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Makalu Barun National Park, we might just encounter a couple of wild animals in their natural habitat. One thing is for sure: you will get to see a plethora of different bird species throughout the trek, with over 400 different types of birds living in the national park. In addition to that, Red Pandas, Himalayan Tahr, Deer, Snow Leopards, wild cats, etc., are the main attractions of the park.
This trek starts at subtropical jungles, has us climb to alpine meadows, and ultimately reaches glacial terrains at the Makalu Base Camp. From there, a 360-degree view of the surroundings, including the Makalu Himalaya Range, Lhotse peak, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Everest, can be seen. This is one of the best features of this Makalu Base Camp Trek.
In addition to the gorgeous nature, the tradition and culture of the remote communities are worth the trek. You will get to experience the culture of Rai, Gurung, Sherpa, Limbu, and Tamang communities. Most of the village communities also perform a cultural show for visitors from foreign lands. Here are more things you should know about this amazing journey to eastern Nepal.
Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Cross the Khongma La Pass (3890 m), followed by Shipton La Pass (4125 m) and Keke La Pass (4170 m).
- Visit the Black Lake, sitting at 3900 meters above sea level, and enter the Shiva Dhara Cave near Yangle Kharka.
- Visit a bunch of viewpoints to experience a majestic view of the nearby peaks and the surrounding valley.
- Visit a number of gompas and religious sites, experiencing the religious customs of the locals.
- Experience the warm welcome of the remote communities, and get a taste of their local dishes.
Itinerary of Makalu Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your very first day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is the day you set foot in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. But before you are allowed to leave the airport, you must obtain your tourist visa, which you can get at the immigration section. First, you must fill out the visa application form; second, you must pay your visa fees; and lastly, you need to submit all the required documents, along with the visa application and visa fees receipt. This process should be over within an hour, but peak travel times might have you wait a little longer.
After you get your visa, you can leave through the terminal, where one of our reps will call you out and take you to your accommodation for the night. You can ask the rep some general questions about Nepal, and he will do his best to answer you. Before you head to bed, we will have a short introductory meeting with the porters, guides, and drivers, without whom this Makalu Base Camp Trek is simply not possible.
Activity: 45 mins drive
Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu has many attractions, mainly because it used to be the center of all affairs for most of Nepal’s history. Being a historic capital, there are many religious and ancient buildings in Kathmandu that are worth a visit. Starting the day tour, we will first visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square complex. There are many buildings within this complex, including some temples with gorgeous architecture.
Following that, we will visit Kritipur, a historic and traditional Newari town offering a great view of traditional houses. This town is seldom visited by tourists, making it less crowded than other popular hotspots. During your time there, you should try some local Newari dishes and visit the Bhairab Temple and the Maheshwar Temple. After this, we will visit Bouddhanath Stupa, followed by a relaxing time at the Taragaon Museum.
Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, and trek to Chichili
On the 3rd day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, we will fly out to Tumlingtar. This early morning flight lasts around 35 minutes, followed by a drive to Chichili, the starting point of this trek. From Tumlingtar, we will have to drive about 4 to 5 hours to get to Chichili, covering a total distance of 60 km in the process.
The road to Chichili follows the ridge over the Shoba River, passing by terrace farmlands and tiny villages dominated by Gurung, Magar, and Rai communities. The gravel road remains very unmaintained and features many steep descents. Passing by Khadbari, we will get to enjoy the view of Chamlang peak and the Makalu range.
Activity: Flight and trek
Max. Altitude: 1980m./6,496ft. (Chichili)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 04: Trek from Chichili to Num
Today’s trek requires covering over 15 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. The elevation loss of the day is 420 meters. The day starts with breakfast, followed by trekking towards a forested ridgeline. Following this ridge, we will transition into a forest of bamboo and rhododendron.
After about 1.5 hours, we will reach the Sherpa village of Muray. We will rest there for a bit before descending to Num village, sitting beside the Arun River. This final part of the trek follows the ridgeline and descends into a valley basin.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 1560m./5,118ft. (Num)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa via Arun Khola
Day 5 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is going to be a tiring day as we have to descend over 900 meters and ascend 880 meters to get to Seduwa. The net elevation change remains minimal with a trek distance of 8 km and an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours.
First of all, we will descend steeply from Num village, losing around 800 meters of elevation over stone stairs. This path passes by cardamom fields and leads us down to the Arun River gorge. Crossing a suspension bridge starts the 880-meter ascent all the way to Seduwa. The trail is forested, featuring Juniper, Rhododendron, and Oak trees. We will also pass the Makalu Barun National Park checkpoint, where our permits will be validated.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 1500m./4,921ft. (Seduwa)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon
Trekking to Tashigaon features an elevation gain of 600 meters, a trek distance of 8 km, and an estimated trek duration of 4 to 5 hours. After a filling breakfast, we will get on a gradual ascent, transitioning to lush forests from wide open farms. As we cover more distance, the trail becomes steeper, having us pass by many walls.
The final part of today’s trek is a steep ascent accompanied by panoramic scenes of the Arun River valley, along with Chamlan peak and the Makalu Himalayan Range. Before long, the trail drops into Tashigaon, our destination of the day. This small Sherpa village offers basic lodging options with communal dining space, solar electricity, shared bathrooms, and cold showers.
Activity: 4 to 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2100m./6,890ft. (Tashigaon)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 07: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
Featuring a staggering 1400-meter elevation gain, day 7 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is going to be a difficult one. The total trek distance is 8 km, which can be covered in 6 to 7 hours. Following a filling breakfast in Tashigaon, we will start the trek with a gentle ascent through a lush forest of bamboo and rhododendron.
As we go deeper within the valley, the trail becomes steeper and has us cross many streams over small bridges. Following that, we will be climbing a series of stone steps leading us to open grazing fields. Passing by these meadows, the final ascent is sharp with stone steps.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3500m./11,483ft. (Khongma Danda )
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 08: Rest/Acclimatization day in Khongma Danda
Acclimatization days are very important for the Makalu Base Camp Trek; without proper acclimatization, we will not make it through the journey. The best thing one can do to avoid altitude sickness is to climb high and sleep low. The best acclimatization hike option from Khongma Danda is the hike to Khongma La Pass, reaching 3890 meters above sea level. This short hike takes about 2 hours to complete round-trip, covering about 3 km of distance.
Alternatively, you can go on short walks to nearby viewpoints and ridgelines. There are many meadows that you can explore, and also a nearby lake that you can visit. After all our exploration, we will spend the night at Khongma Danda.
Max. Altitude: 3500m./11,483ft. (Khongma Danda )
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 09: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate via Shipton La
Day 9 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is another tiring day as we will gain quite some elevation, crossing the 4230-meter-high Shipton La Pass. We will be on our feet for 6 to 7 hours, cover a total distance of 8 km, and gain about 730 meters of total elevation with a descent of 580 meters. The net elevation gain remains 150 meters only.
The trek starts with a steep switchback, leaving Khongma Danda. This path leads us to the base of Shipton La Pass. Crossing this pass will be physically difficult, but it is doable, regardless. Descending from the mountain pass leads us directly to another. The Keke La Pass reaches 4170 meters above sea level and offers a great view of the surrounding peaks.
Leaving Keke La Pass, the trail descends sharply over narrow ledges. This downhill trail requires careful footing; we recommend using trekking poles. Continuing along the path, we will eventually reach the village of Dobate.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3650m./11,975ft. (Dobate )
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 10: Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka
On the 10th day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, we will trek for about 5 to 6 hours, cover a total distance of 7 km, with an elevation loss of about a hundred meters. However, the ascents and descents throughout today’s trek reach 700 meters and 800 meters, respectively.
Our trek starts with a steep descent over a rocky trail leading us to the upper Barun River valley. Following a narrow trail alongside the Barun River, this path leads to a landslide zone with towering cliffs on one side. At about mid-point, we will reach Pemathang tea house, where we will rest a bit before moving on. The final part of the day features crossing streams and reaching Yangle Kharka.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3557m./11,670ft. (Yangle Kharka)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 11: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale
Today’s Makalu Base Camp trek spans over 10 km and gains us a net elevation of 853 meters, which takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trek starts by following the Barun River upstream alongside wide open meadows. We will shortly pass by a monastery and reach a plain section that lasts about 45 minutes.
After about 2.5 hours of trekking, we will reach a large meadow, a combination of Merek, Yak Kharka, and Jhak Kharka. “Kharka” refers to meadows in Nepali. We will have an energizing lunch at Merek and hit the final climb to Langmale. This steep ascent takes about 2 hours to complete.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4410m./14,469ft. (Langmale )
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 12: Acclimatization day at Langmale
This is yet another acclimatization day on the Makalu Base Camp itinerary. However, today is a little different, as we will reach 5000 meters for the first time. Today’s acclimatization trek has us cover 6 km, over a period of 3 hours, to gain 600 meters of net elevation, reaching 5000 meters above sea level. There are no technical sections on this hike, and it offers a panoramic scene of the Everest range, the Makalu range, Baruntse, and the Barun Lake.
Max. Altitude: 4410m./14,469ft. (Langmale)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 13: Trek from Langmale to Sherson
Featuring 220 meters of elevation gain, today’s Makalu Base Camp trek stretches about 5 km, which can be covered in just about 3 hours. Leaving Langmale, the trail gently goes over a ridgeline, passing by yak meadows. After this, we will reach the glacial moraine ridge and pass by mani walls and chortens. Soon enough, we will approach Shersong, traversing over rocky trails and occasional stone stairs. It will take us an additional hour to reach our destination for the day.
Activity: 3 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4630m./15,190ft. (Sherson)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 14: Trek from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp
Day 14 is an exciting day as we will finally set foot on the Makalu Base Camp. The elevation gain of the day is 240 meters, and the trek distance is 12 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. The trek begins with a gentle ascent over a ridgeline over loose rocks. Trekking alongside the Lower Barun Glacier, we will traverse icy patches and huge rock slabs to get to the final ascent to the base camp. This last climb features a gradual ascent, taking about 2 hours to complete.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4870m./15,978ft. (Makalu Base Camp)
Day 15: Exploration Day in Makalu Base Camp
This is yet another acclimatization or exploration day on the Makalu Base Camp itinerary. Our acclimatization hike of the day is not as long as other days, because we are at a considerable elevation now. Our only options are hiking to a nearby ridge or viewpoint, reaching over 5000 meters of elevation. This hike will cover about 5 km with an estimated duration of 3 to 4 hours. After a day full of activities, we will spend the night at the base camp in a tent. We recommend trekkers bring along a sleeping bag that will keep them warm even in sub-zero temperatures.
Max. Altitude: 4870m./15,978ft. (Makalu Base Camp)
Day 16: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
The 16th day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is our first descending day on the itinerary. This day features a net elevation loss of 1313 meters with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours, covering over 12 km of distance. The trek starts with a descent over a rocky trail, followed by a series of stone stairs. About halfway through the trek, the landscape changes to more greenery, and we will stop at Langmale Kharka for a quick tea break. Descending along the meadows, we will reach Yangle Kharka shortly.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3557m./11,670ft. (Yangle Kharka)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 17: Trek to Dobate
Yet another descending day on the Makalu Base Camp itinerary, today we will cover around 10 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. The net elevation loss of the day is almost 500 meters. After a lovely breakfast at Yangle Kharka, we will first gently ascend to a grazing field with a couple of mani walls en route. From the meadow, we will descend steeply towards the Barun River.
Crossing the river, we will reach a landslide-prone area and enter a lush forest. After days of not seeing much greenery, this scene comes as a relief. The final part of the trek is a steep descent winding down to Dobate.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3068m./10,066ft. (Dobate)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 18: Trek to Khongma Danda
Our descending streak is broken with this trek to Khongma Danda. The elevation gain of the day is 432 meters with a trek distance of 10 km, which can be covered in 6 to 7 hours. En route, we will go over many ascents and descents, totalling 500 to 600 meters of elevation change.
The trek begins with an uphill section through a lush pine and rhododendron forest. After this initial forest ascent, we will go over a dirt track and cross many small streams. About midway through the trek, we will leave the treeline behind and climb a series of stone stairs to get a great view of the Makalu peak. This marks the approach of the final climb to Khongma Danda, a gentle ridge ascent with some switchbacks.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3500m./11,483ft. (Khongma Danda)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 19: Trek to Tashigaoun
The descending days are back again; today’s Makalu Base Camp Trek features a net descent of 1400 meters. The trek distance is about 9 km with an estimated trek duration of 5 to 6 hours. Leaving Khongma Danda, the trail features a narrow set of stone stairs taking us all the way down the ridgeline. We will continue descending for about 2 hours, pass by many forests, and cross many streams to reach the halfway point.
After the midpoint, the trail turns somewhat plain with a few small ascents scattered here and there. The forests give way to farmlands and dirt paths that lead us to our destination of the day.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2100m./6,890ft. (Tashigaoun)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 20: Trek to Num
Day 20 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek takes us all the way down to Num village. This trek stretches over 8 km, has an estimated trek duration of 5 to 6 hours, and a net elevation loss of 540 meters. Leaving Tashigaon, the trail initially descends over a set of stone stairs, taking us to a forest of rhododendron and oak. This part of the trek features the first track and moss-covered surroundings.
After crossing many small streams, we will take a break at one of the tea houses halfway through. After some rest, we will follow a dirt track, passing by small forested sections, and arrive at the village of Num.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 1560m./5,118ft. (Num)
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 21: Trek to Tumlingtar
Today’s trek has us lose over 1000 meters of elevation with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours, covering about 11 km of total distance. The day starts with breakfast at Num, while the trek begins with a forested ridge, featuring stone stairs. After passing this section and trekking for about an hour, we will reach a rhododendron forest with small streams.
At the midpoint, we will stop at a tea house and rest a little before continuing downhill through farmlands, witnessing the local countryside lifestyle. Before long, we will reach the Tumlingtar airport after passing a zigzag gravel road. We will spend the night at a nearby hotel.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu
On the 22nd day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, we will fly back to Kathmandu and end the trekking days. After we land in Kathmandu, the driver will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your accommodation.
Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 23: Contingency Day in Kathmandu
A contingency day is reserved for unforeseen circumstances that can have us lose an entire day of progress or keep us from progressing any further into the itinerary. Natural disasters like landslides and avalanches might hinder our progress, while other factors include political unrest.
Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 24: Depart Kathmandu
This is the ultimate day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. We will meet at the office after breakfast and go over the final procedures and drop you off at the airport as per your flight schedule.
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- All arrival, departure transfers as per the itineary by car, van or coach.
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English speaking guide, transport and entry fees.
- Domestic airfares and road transportation according to your choice.
- All hotel accommodation with breakfast.
- All meals (3 meals each day) during camping or tea-house trek.
- Full service from our guides, cooks, and porters.
- All camping and kitchen equipments and camp site fees.
- Staff salary, transport and insurance.
- Makalu National Park entry permit.
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management) fee.
- Necessery government taxes.
- Company ground handling charges.
What is not included?
- International flights to Nepal.
- Meals not mentioned above or in the itinerary.
- Travel and medical insurance including evacuation.
- Nepal entry Visa fee.
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc and tips for staff.
- Any additional activities not in the itinerary.
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Trip Information
Add-Ons
Upgrade Your Accommodation in Kathmandu
The standard Makalu Base Camp Trek package offers a comfortable stay at 3-star hotels during your time in Kathmandu. However, we understand that some people might want to experience the luxury of a high-end establishment, which is why we offer the flexibility of upgrades. You are free to choose from any of the 4-star and 5-star hotels and resorts in the city, and we will arrange a stay for you there, given that rooms are available. This service is not inclusive in the standard package and comes at a price.
How does our trip start?
The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts with a sightseeing tour around the city of Kathmandu. You will visit a bunch of interesting, aesthetic, and ancient places throughout the day, a great way to start your journey in Nepal. The following day, we will fly out to Tumlingtar, via a 35-minute flight. This flight is followed by a 4 to 5-hour drive to Chichili. This is the starting point of our trek.
Difficulty
One of the things that makes the journey challenging is the rough, snow-covered trails. You risk getting lost if you are not accompanied by a knowledgeable trek leader. The air’s oxygen level drops as you ascend the cold terrain, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. However, your Makalu Base Camp Trek will not just be difficult; you will also witness magnificent natural settings that have hardly been touched by human society.
Best seasons
Seasons with greater dryness and minimal rain are ideal for trekking to Makalu Base Camp. Since they provide the finest views and mild temperatures throughout the day, periods like fall and spring are usually seen to be the most favorable. Mild daytime temperatures are available in the spring (March to May), when the rivers come alive, the hills’ greenery surroundings become more lively, and the flowers bloom brilliantly as the winter snow melts.
Nepal’s autumn season, which runs from September to November, is widely favored due to its bright skies, excellent visibility, and absence of precipitation. Compared to other seasons, the weather is more consistent and avoids trek problems.
Altitude Sickness
This trek is on the safe side of altitude sickness since we will not be reaching extreme elevations for the most part. In general, we will spend our nights below 4000 meters of elevation, while some nights are spent above 4500 meters. Altitude sickness at such a level of elevation is not that extreme; you can get rid of it by taking a single Diamox pill.
Accommodation, Food and Drink
After day 5 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, there are no tea houses; therefore, lodging is restricted to camping tents for a large part of the trekking days. We are going to rest on cozy beds inside the lodge, shielded from the cold, when there are accommodation alternatives available. You only begin to value even the simplest amenities in the mountains when you are forced to spend days sleeping in a tent.
To keep hikers away from the chilly, icy grounds, teahouses are located close to the base camp. The itinerary’s few tea houses provide both regional dishes and Dal Bhat, the country’s national dish. Note that every accommodation we arrange for you is based on a twin-sharing basis. If you want a private room for yourself, we will arrange it at a price.
Transportation
We handle all necessary land and air transportation in accordance with the itinerary that we have created, and the trek package includes the cost of that transportation. This covers travel by plane to and from Tumlingtar, by road to Chichili, and by the same route back at the conclusion of the journey. We also offer complimentary airport transportation at the start and end of the trek.
Permit
The Makalu Rural Municipality Permit and the Makalu Barun National Park permit are the only two permits required for this trek. Our standard trek package will cover the expenses related to these permits.
Trip preparation and fitness
We recommend a training period of 14 to 16 weeks to make sure that you are physically ready to take on the challenges the route throws at you. There are no technical or tricky sections on the trail, but the route itself is very long and demands high physical endurance. Building your stamina and strengthening your leg muscles are the only things you should focus on while training for the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Cost & Budget
Our Makalu Base Camp Trek package is priced at USD ______ per person, which is a reasonable amount as it covers of of your expenses throughout the trek. Things like daily wages of the porters and guides, daily accommodation expenses, permit fees, local taxes, transportation costs, daily meals during the trekking days, etc., are a part of our standard package. You do not have to pay extra for these services.
Gadgets charging & Internet
You might have a below-average internet connection available at most of the tea houses along the way, but they are not reliable at all. In addition to that, you do not have the luxury of mobile network coverage. Charging your gadgets might also be an issue since power outages are frequent in the highland regions.
Your Extra expenses
Expenses such as laundry bill, hot shower fees, WiFi fees, emergency evacuation services, additional meals, upgraded accommodations, etc., are your extra expenses.
Things to Remember Before Trekking the Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Do not forget to pack micro spikes, crampons, and a handful of water purification tablets to last the whole trekking days.
- After we pass Tashigaon, grid electricity is very unreliable, which calls for relying on power banks in moments of urgent charging.
- Most of your nights will be spent in tents, so make sure your sleeping bag can keep you warm even when the temperature drops way below zero degrees.
- Hydration is key to a successful Makalu Base Camp Trek; if you neglect this, your chances of getting altitude sickness increase.
- Follow the pace of the trek guide and the preventive measures that he mentions during the briefing session.
Frequently Asked Questions
You are simply contactless at such locations, but you will find internet at most of the nightly stops we make along the way. This trek is very remote and secluded, so take this time to get away from the internet for a few days and enjoy nature.
No, there aren’t any major risks during this trek. However, we will cross some landslide-prone areas, which are typically dormant in the spring and autumn seasons. The monsoon season usually features landslides as the rain sweeps away the loose soil layer.
Yes, you can omit the porters if you are confident that you can carry your own luggage for the entirety of the Makalu Base Camp itinerary. However, you can not do this trek without the guides since you are legally required to be accompanied by a licensed guide while visiting any conservation area, such as a national park.
We brief our trekkers on the things they will need during this trek, but one thing they regret not doing is downloading songs and videos in case they have to kill some time during the acclimatization days. The internet connection at such places is not good enough to stream movies or music.
