Makalu Base Camp Trek

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • Exploring Makalu Barun National Park.
  • Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Gurung, Rai and Sherpa culture.
  • Witness the mighty Mt. Everest from a unique angle.
  • Pass river gorges, sheer cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, high-altitude lakes, etc.
  • Spot some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda.
  • Exploring around Arun valley and riversides.
  • Pass from green terraced farmland to glaciers and waterfalls.
  • Enjoy the remote Himalayas and unspoiled nature.
  • Gain views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kangchenjunga.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview

Makalu Base Camp Trek is wonderful trekking to the base camp of the fifth highest mountain in the world. Situated at an altitude of 8463 m. above sea level, Mount Makalu is a wonderful mountain in the eastern part of Nepal. Mount Makalu lies in the Makalu National Park with an area of 2330 m. stretched to some parts of Solukhumbu and Shankhuwasabha districts of Nepal. The greatest panorama of the Himalayan including the highest mountains can be seen while trekking to the Makalu Base Camp. Some of the major mountain panoramas you can explore in Makalu Base Camp trek are Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Chamlang, Makalu and other neighboring mountains. 

The 15 days trek to the Makalu Base Camp facilitates you with the mindblowing Barun valley including the diverse species of flora and fauna, ecological zones and amazing mountain spectrums. The culture and traditions of the local inhabitants is also an interesting part to explore in this trek. The wonderful Landscapes with wide range of altitudes and climatic variations make this trek an ideal choice for the avid trekkers. The best part of this trek is you will get to explore a lot of things and experience the diverse climate in a single trail. Beautiful rhododendron forests, Himalayan beauty, deep valleys, amazing flora and fauna including some of the endangered species can be explored in Makalu Base Camp Trek.

The soothing tranquil of the pristine natural settlement in the amazing ambiance of the Himalayas make this trek a perfect handpicked option. You may encounter some of the wonderful wildlife in the Makalu National Park while exploring the amazing beauty encompassing the entire region.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a three weeks long trek that has a lot of things to offer. You will explore the diverse climatic variations in this trek. The subalpine, alpine, temperate, tropical and subtropical ecology during the trek is a fascinating part of the trek. The Makalu Base Camp itself offers picturesque beauty of the mountains, rarely seen Kangshung face of Mount Everest including Mount Lhotse, Chamlang and Kanchenjunga. The spectacular beauty of the Himalayan ranges scattered from the beginning of the sight to the far end is truly a wonderful part of the trekking to Makalu Base Camp.

The Gurung, Sherpa and Rai people are the major inhabitants of the Makalu region. You can explore their culture and traditions, their religious practices, lifestyle and the warmth of hospitality. The awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, glacier lakes and wonderful Barun and Hungu valley are amazing.

The Makalu Base Camp trek is an ideal choice for the trekking enthusiasts who want to experience the diverse beauty in a short time. This trekking may be challenging to beginners as it requires to reach the high altitudes and it is a longer kind of trek. So, previous experience in High altitude trekking is preferred while trekking in the Makalu Base Camp.

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp starts with a flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu valley. From Tumlingtar, you will have a drive to Num village. You can witness the mindblowing views of the Ganesh Himal, Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, and the wonderful mount Kanchenjunga. The trekking begins from Num and the trail will take you to Seduwa. The shady valleys, Barun River and wonderful Makalu Barun National Park will facilitate you to explore the beauty of eastern Nepal from this day. The trekking further will take you to Tashi Gaun where you can see the breathtaking Himalayan panorama.

Trailing further, you will explore the Khongma Danda where you will be facilitated with the mindblowing Himalayan beauty and the Buddhist culture and traditions. You can explore the wonderful grazing lands, steeper passes, and amazing Makalu Barun National Park. From Kingma Danda, you will trek further to Dobate after crossing Shipton La pass and Keke La Pass at 4170 m. From Dobate, you will trek to Yangri Kharka and Langmale Kharka. These villages are beautiful and offer the wonderful Himalayan panorama and the lifestyle of the mountains. Finallay, you will be getting to the Makalu Base Camp. The icy glaciers, snowclad mountains alongside the wonderful sight of the Himalaya is a very wonderful part of the trekking here. The panoramic views of the eight-thousanders from the Makalu Base Camp is truly an astonishing part of the trek.

After exploring Makalu Base Camp, you will have a trek to Yangri Kharka and Dobate. The beauty of Khongma Danda village, Tashi Gaun, and Deduwa stretched in a series that adds the beauty to the trek. The trek further to Num and Tumlingtar will take you back to the Kathmandu valley via a short flight.

Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the best trekking routes that offer the diverse climate and altitude variations in the trek. The amazing culture and traditions of the people, spectacular views of the Himalayas, deep valleys and the amazing glaciers are the major attractions of the Makalu Base Camp trek.

Detailed Itinerary

  • DAY 1

    Arrival at Kathmandu, Transfer to hotel

    Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.

    At 06:00 PM: In the evening we will meet for a coffee and will brief you the details of your trek program. 
    Elevation: 1,350M

    Meal: Not Included.

  • DAY 2

    Sightseeing Around Kathmandu valley and Trek Preparation

    At 10:00 AM: You will visit for a full day sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Besides sightseeing, you can do the required shopping for your trek.
    Elevation: 1,350M

    Meal: Breakfast Included.

  • DAY 3

    Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num

    At 07:00 AM: We fly to Tumlingtar after breakfast. You will observe a range of snow-capped peaks from Ganesh Himal to Mt. Everest, Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga.  we then take a jeep to Num passing through Hururu.
    Elevation: 1,560M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 4

    Trek to Seduwa

    At 07:00 AM: A steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun River. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot – the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraced fields of corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Seduwa. We trek through dense forests of juniper and rhododendron passing few villages.
    Elevation: 1,500M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 5

    Trek to Tashigaon

    At 07:00 AM: We cross meadows and several streams and then climb to the Sherpa village. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan panorama.
    Elevation: 2,100M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 6

    Trek to Khongma Danda

    At 07:00 AM: This will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher elevation. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. Upon reaching Unshisa, we enter Makalu Barun National Park. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma Danda.
    Elevation: 3,500M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 7

    Acclimatization day

    At 07:00 AM: To acclimatize ourselves with high altitude, we take a break from trekking today. Later, we can visit some nearby Buddhist monasteries and learn about Sherpa culture and ways of life from the locals. The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day.
    Elevation: 3,500M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 8

    Trek to Dobate

    At 07:00 AM: Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari, pass over the Keke La at 4,170m.  We can see the marvellous views of Chamlang, Peak 6 and Peak 7. After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate.
    Elevation: 4,170M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 9

    Trek to Yangri Kharka

    At 07:00 AM: After Breakfast we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of the trek as the trail is steep and arduous. On our way, we may come across yaks grazing in the field. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
    Elevation: 3,557M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 10

    Trek to Langmale Kharka

    At 07:00 AM: Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek.  We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Chasing the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas, we continue our trek walking on moraines and pass small Himalayan villages to reach Langmale Kharka.
    Elevation: 4,410M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 11

    Trek to Makalu Base Camp

    At 07:00 AM: From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow-clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us.
    Elevation: 4,870M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 12

    Explore Makalu Base Camp

    At 07:00 AM: The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up. A more rewarding endpoint to the trek is to climb the 5250m ridge northeast of Shersong on the lower slopes of Peak 3. From this high vantage point, there are also views northwest to Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and Everest. When you are the tire of having your awe-inspired
    Elevation: 5,250M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 13

    Trek to Yangri Kharka

    At 07:00 AM: We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.
    Elevation: 3,557M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 14

    Trek to Dobate

    At 07:00 AM: Trekking along free-flowing Barun River, we pass alpine forests, rocky ridges, and few small streams to finally reach Dobate. We relish the beauty of nature while descending to Dobate. On our way, we may come across some yaks, snow pigeons, and blue sheep.
    Elevation: 4,170M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 15

    Trek to Khongma Danda

    At 07:00 AM: We begin the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again.
    Elevation: 3,500M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 16

    Trek to Tashigaon

    At 07:00 AM: The trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon.
    Elevation: 2,100M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 17

    Trek to Seduwa

    At 07:00 AM: We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements. As we move downwards we reach Seduwa.
    Elevation: 1,500M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 18

    Trek to Num

    At 07:00 AM: We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards.
    Elevation: 1,560M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 19

    Drive to Tumlingtar

    At 07:00 AM: Again we retrace our footsteps to Chichira from where we can savour the glorious vista of Mount Makalu for the last time. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following day.
    Elevation: 2850M

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 20

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

    At 07:00 AM: Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones. You will get shopping time in Kathmandu and we will have a farewell Nepali dinner together.
    Elevation: 1,350M

    Meal: Breakfast and Dinner Included.

  • DAY 21

    Departure.

    You will be free until your flight time; we will drop you at Kathmandu Airport 3 hour before your flight.

    Meal: Breakfast Included.

Cost Inclusion

  • All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.
  • Private transfer as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • 2-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per the trek itinerary.
  • Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
  • Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.
  • All necessary paper works. (National Park Entry Permits and TIMS Card)
  • English speaking licensed trek guide.
  • Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20KG Baggage of 2 people)
  • Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.
  • One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
  • Flight (Kathmandu/Tumlingtar/Kathmandu).
  • Drive (Tumlingtar/Num/Tumlingtar).
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveller’s insurance company.
  • Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.
  • Farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.

Cost Exclusion

  • Personal expenses.
  • Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport size photos and 30 USD)
  • International flight ticket.
  • Travel health insurance. (Recommended)
  • Tips for the guide, porter and driver.
  • Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in including section.

Starting Price: USD 2530 per person

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