- Expeditions
- Trekking
- Makalu Base Camp Trek
Destination
Makalu Region
Max. Elevation
4870 m
Duration
19 Days
Activity
Trekking
Trip Grade
Moderate to strenuous
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Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of those special treks in Nepal that still feels wild and undiscovered. It takes you deep into the quiet Barun Valley, right up to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. You walk through thick subtropical jungles, pretty terraced fields, friendly Rai and Sherpa villages, beautiful rhododendron forests, open alpine meadows, and high yak pastures all with incredible close-up views of Makalu itself, Chamlang, Baruntse, and the massive, rugged Barun Glacier.
It’s a real wilderness trek with peaceful, remote, and quiet, with hardly anyone else around. You get that authentic feeling of local mountain life and nature without the crowds of Everest or Annapurna. If you’re looking for something different, something more off-the-beaten-path, this one really delivers.
Detailed itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, take time to rest and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, light exploration of the city or a short walk nearby is possible. Overnight at a comfortable hotel.
This day is dedicated to final trek preparations. You will attend a detailed briefing covering the route, altitude profile, safety protocols, and acclimatization strategy. A thorough gear and equipment check will be conducted, and any missing items can be arranged in Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the city. Overnight at hotel.
Enjoy a scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering beautiful aerial views of eastern Nepal’s hills and river valleys. Upon arrival, you are transferred to a local lodge or guesthouse. The warm, low-altitude environment provides a pleasant contrast to the higher elevations ahead. Overnight in Tumlingtar.
After breakfast, drive through winding mountain roads to Num, a hilltop village with dramatic valley views. From here, the trek officially begins. Descend steeply to the Arun River before climbing through terraced fields and forested trails to Seduwa, the gateway village to the Makalu region. Overnight at a teahouse.
The trail ascends gradually through lush forests, small farms, and traditional Rai and Sherpa villages. Passing Manigaon, you continue uphill toward Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley. This culturally rich village sits beneath towering ridges and marks the true entrance into the high alpine terrain. Overnight at lodge.
A challenging but rewarding day as the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and bamboo forests. The vegetation thins as you gain altitude, and panoramic mountain views begin to emerge. Khongma Danda is a high ridge campsite offering expansive vistas and crisp mountain air. Overnight at lodge or tented camp.
A vital acclimatization day to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Short hikes to nearby ridges are encouraged following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The day is spent resting, hydrating, and enjoying the solitude and dramatic scenery of the upper valley. Overnight at Khongma Danda.
Today involves crossing high alpine terrain with breathtaking scenery. The trail traverses remote passes and ridgelines, often offering views of Chamlang, Peak 6, and distant Makalu. After crossing the Khongma La area, descend slightly to Dobato, a small settlement surrounded by rugged wilderness. Overnight at lodge.
Descend through alpine meadows and glacial valleys as the landscape opens wide. The trail follows the Barun River, with towering rock walls and cascading waterfalls on either side. Yangle Kharka lies in a broad valley once used as seasonal grazing land. Overnight at lodge.
The trail gradually ascends deeper into the Barun Valley. The terrain becomes increasingly stark and glaciated, with fewer signs of vegetation. Snow-covered peaks and massive moraines dominate the landscape. Langmale Kharka is a high alpine campsite offering incredible views and a true expedition feel. Overnight at lodge or tent.
A relatively short but spectacular trek brings you to Makalu Base Camp. As you approach, the immense south face of Mount Makalu rises dramatically above you. The Base Camp is set amid glaciers and icefalls, offering awe-inspiring views of Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse. Overnight at Base Camp lodge or tented accommodation.
A full day to rest, acclimatize, and explore the surroundings of Makalu Base Camp. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints provide stunning perspectives of the Makalu Glacier and surrounding peaks. This day allows the body to recover and fully absorb the raw beauty of one of Nepal’s most remote base camps. Overnight at Base Camp.
Begin the return journey, retracing your steps through the Barun Valley. Descending to lower altitude brings noticeable comfort and renewed energy. The dramatic scenery remains just as impressive on the way down. Overnight at Yangle Kharka.
Climb gradually back toward Dobato, crossing familiar alpine terrain and ridgelines. The return journey offers different light and perspectives on the surrounding peaks. Overnight at lodge.
Continue descending across high passes and forested slopes. The trail becomes easier as altitude decreases, and vegetation slowly reappears. Overnight at Khongma Danda.
A long but rewarding descent through dense forests back to the warmth of lower elevations. Return to the welcoming village of Tashi Gaon, where you can enjoy local hospitality and reflect on the high-altitude journey. Overnight at lodge.
Retrace the route through terraced farmland and villages, descending steadily toward Seduwa and Num. This marks the final trekking day of the expedition. Overnight at lodge.
After breakfast, drive back to Tumlingtar and board a scenic flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for rest, shopping, or celebration. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey to Makalu Base Camp.
Includes:
- Airport pick up and drop off (Kathmandu airport ↔ hotel)
- Trekking permits & TIMS card
- National park fees (Makalu Barun National Park entry)
- Licensed, experienced English speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (one porter for every two trekkers)
- Tea house accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
- Meals on trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – three meals daily)
- Ground transportation (to/from trek start & end, including drives and domestic flights as per itinerary)
- First-aid kit & emergency support
- Company service charge & all government taxes
Excludes:
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
- Drinks, snacks & alcohol
- Hot shower, Wi-Fi & battery charging
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide & crews (recommended)
- Extra costs due to delays or emergencies
Fixed Departures
Start Dates | End Date | GROUP SIZE | REMARKS | AVAILABILITY | TRIP ENQUIRY |
Jan 1, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Open | |||
Jun 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2026 | Closed | |||
Sep 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | On Request | Open |