Makalu Base Camp Trek

Nepal
Off the Beaten
Duration

21 Days

Group Size
Grade

Difficult

Max. Altitude

4870 m

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding treks, offering an unparalleled adventure into the remote and pristine wilderness of the Makalu-Barun National Park. This trek takes you to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest peak in the world, and immerses you in a region of breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this trek so special

Places you'll See

Highlights

Mount Makalu and Stunning Mountain Views

  • The trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
  • You’ll also see other towering peaks, including Baruntse (7,129m), Chamlang (7,319m), and Lhotse (8,516m).
  • The panoramic vistas from Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) and the Shipton La Pass (4,127m) are truly awe-inspiring.

Remote and Untouched Wilderness

  • The Makalu-Barun National Park is one of the most remote and least-explored regions in Nepal.
  • The trek takes you through pristine forests, glacial valleys, and high-altitude landscapes, far from the crowds of more popular routes.

Rich Biodiversity

  • The Makalu-Barun National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare and endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.
  • The park also boasts a variety of flora, including rhododendron forests, alpine flowers, and medicinal plants.

Challenging High Passes

  • The trek includes the crossing of the Shipton La Pass (4,127m), a challenging but rewarding section of the route.
  • The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a highlight of the trek.

Cultural Immersion

  • The trek passes through traditional villages inhabited by Sherpa, Rai, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) communities.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to experience their unique cultures, traditions, and hospitality.

Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)

  • Reaching Makalu Base Camp is the ultimate goal of the trek. Located at the foot of Mount Makalu, the base camp offers a sense of accomplishment and unparalleled views of the mountain and its surrounding glaciers.

Map & Itinerary

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where you arrive and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll have a briefing about the trek and time to explore the city’s cultural landmarks, such as Swayambhunath Stupa or Boudhanath. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Diner and Hotel
Take a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, a small town in eastern Nepal. From here, drive to Chichira, a charming village surrounded by lush hills and terraced fields. Overnight in Chichira.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
The trek begins with a descent through forests and terraced fields, offering stunning views of the Arun Valley. Reach Num, a small village perched on a ridge. Overnight in Num.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Descend steeply to the Arun River and cross a suspension bridge. From here, ascend through forests and terraced fields to reach Seduwa, a village in the Makalu-Barun National Park. Overnight in Seduwa.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
The trail ascends through lush forests and traditional villages, offering glimpses of the local way of life. Tashigaon is the last major village before entering the remote wilderness. Overnight in Tashigaon.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Today’s trek is challenging, with a steep ascent through rhododendron and pine forests. Reach Khongma Danda, a ridge with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the area. You can hike to nearby viewpoints for panoramic mountain views. This rest day is crucial for adjusting to the altitude. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Cross the Shipton La Pass (4,127m), the highest point of the day, and descend through forests and rocky trails to reach Dobate. Overnight in Dobate.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
The trail follows the Barun River, passing through lush forests and alpine meadows. Yangri Kharka is a beautiful grazing area with stunning mountain views. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Continue along the Barun River, with the landscape becoming more rugged and dramatic. Langmale Kharka offers breathtaking views of Makalu and other peaks. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
The trail ascends through a glacial valley, with stunning views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks. Reach Makalu Base Camp, a remote and awe-inspiring location. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Spend the day exploring the area around Makalu Base Camp. You can hike to nearby viewpoints for closer views of Makalu and the Barun Glacier. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Descend back to Yangri Kharka, retracing your steps through the glacial valley. Enjoy the changing landscapes and mountain views. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Continue descending through forests and alpine meadows, following the Barun River. Overnight in Dobate.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Ascend back to Khongma Danda, crossing the Shipton La Pass once again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Descend through forests and traditional villages to reach Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Continue descending through lush forests and terraced fields to reach Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Descend to the Arun River and cross the suspension bridge before ascending to Num. Overnight in Num.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Retrace your steps back to Chichira, enjoying the scenic views of the Arun Valley. Overnight in Chichira.
Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge
Drive back to Tumlingtar and take a flight to Kathmandu. Celebrate the completion of your trek in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Breakfast and Diner- Hotel
Your adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Breakfast

What's included

2 Way flight- Kathmandu Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
all meals as mentioned in program
guide
porter
hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast
All permits
All necessary transportation by Private jeep or car
medical kits

What's not included

Tips
Health Insurance and Rescue Insurance
lunch and diner in Kathmandu
visa
beverages and drinks

Dates & Availability

Start Date
Price
Availability
05.03.2026- 26.03.2026
from 2.350 USD €
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01.04.2026-21.04.2026
from 2.350 USD €
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20.09.2026-10.10.2026
from 2.350 USD €
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16.10.2026-05.11.2026
from 2.350 USD €
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12.11.2026-02.12.2026
from 2.350 USD €
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05.03.2027- 26.03.2027
from 2.450 USD €
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01.04.2027-21.04.2027
from 2.450 USD €
Book Now >
20.09.2027-10.10.2027
from 2.450 USD €
Book Now >
16.10.2027-05.11.2027
from 2.450 USD €
Book Now >
12.11.2027-02.12.2027
from 2.450 USD €
Book Now >

Travel Notes

It is one of the moderate types trekking, because you are going above the 4156 meters at high. That’s why before you decide to do this trek you have to do some training. You will be walking 5 to 8 hrs a day; you need to have very good shoes. As you are going every day 500 to 1000 meters of altitude, you have to drinks lots of Water. During your trek you might get altitude sickness. Please read the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have symptoms of ATS please tell our guide, so that he can take care of you.

List of things you need to bring: Dawn Jacket-1, Wind Proof-1, Gore-Tex-1, T-Shirt-4/6, Socks-4/6, Hat-1, Woolen Hat-1, Gloves-1pair, Trekking Boot-1Pair, Hiking shoe or Plipflop-1Pair, Raincoat-1, Water Bottle(1/2ltrs), Sunglass-1, Sun lotion, Towel, Thormel Trouser-2 pairs, Pool over-1, Sleeping Bag-1.

Best Months  to do this trek: Middle of September – November, Feb- April.

Rhododendron: Middle of March – April.

Contact us for any kind of information

Contact Information

Sher Bahadur Pariyar
Managing Director
+977 9851074484
Any questions about this trip? Call us and let’s plan your tour together!
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