Makalu Base Camp Trek -21 Days
Trip Facts
Duration
21
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4,870 m
Group Size
2
Starts
Num
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
October /Nov/March/april and may
Overview
Off the Beaten Path to the Foot of Mount Makalu
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote Himalayan adventures. The trail leads into the pristine Makalu-Barun National Park, one of the country’s most beautiful wilderness areas, and takes you from subtropical forests and traditional mountain villages to high alpine landscapes, glaciers and the dramatic Barun Valley.
The ultimate destination is Makalu Base Camp at approximately 4,870 metres, directly beneath Mount Makalu (8,485 m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
This is an ideal trek for experienced hikers looking for a quieter and more adventurous alternative to Everest Base Camp.
Highlights
- 🏔️ Reach Makalu Base Camp – 4,870 m
- 🌄 Stunning views of Mt. Makalu (8,485 m)
- 🏞️ Explore the remote and spectacular Barun Valley
- 🌿 Trek through Makalu-Barun National Park
- 🌸 Beautiful rhododendron and alpine forests
- 🏔️ Cross challenging high mountain passes
- 🧊 Spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and rugged landscapes
- 🛖 Experience authentic Sherpa and Rai villages
- 🚶♂️ One of Nepal's less-crowded Himalayan treks
- 📸 Panoramic views of Makalu, Chamlang, Peak 4 and surrounding peaks
- 🌍 Experience one of Nepal's most remote and untouched wilderness areas
- ⭐ Perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience
Why Choose Us
Experienced Local Team
Our guides have extensive experience in remote Himalayan trekking.
Fully Supported Trek
We organize transportation, permits, accommodation, meals, guides and porters.
Safety First
Our guides carry first-aid equipment and monitor your condition throughout the trek.
Small Groups
We recommend small groups for a more comfortable and personalized experience.
Flexible Itinerary
The itinerary can be customized according to your fitness, available time and interests.
Local Experience
Travel with a Nepal-based trekking company and experience the region through local guides and communities.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – 1,400 m
Welcome to Nepal!
Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, we will organize a trek briefing where your guide will explain the route, accommodation, meals, safety procedures and equipment.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Welcome dinner
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today is dedicated to final preparation for the trek.
After breakfast, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting important cultural and historical attractions if time permits.
Later, your guide will check your trekking equipment and make sure everything required for the Makalu region is ready.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Drive to Num – 1,560 m
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Drive to Num – 1,560 m
Early morning transfer to the domestic airport for the scenic flight to Tumlingtar.
The flight takes approximately 40–45 minutes depending on the aircraft and conditions. After landing, meet the local transport team and begin the jeep journey toward Num.
The drive takes several hours and follows winding mountain roads through the eastern hills.
Driving: Approximately 3–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Num
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Num to Seduwa – 1,500 m
The real trekking adventure begins today.
From Num, the trail descends through forests and terraced farmland toward the Arun River. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail climbs steadily through forests and traditional villages toward Seduwa.
Seduwa is an important settlement and gateway into the Makalu-Barun wilderness.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Seduwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Seduwa to Tashigaon – 2,063 m
Today’s trail passes through beautiful forests, cultivated terraces and small mountain settlements.
The route gradually climbs toward Tashigaon, the last major permanent village before entering the higher alpine region.
Tashigaon is surrounded by forested hills and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda – 3,500 m
Today is one of the more demanding days of the trek.
The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and pine forests before reaching the high ridge of Khongma Danda.
As you gain altitude, the landscape changes dramatically from dense forests to alpine terrain.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Khongma Danda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Acclimatization at Khongma Danda – 3,500 m
A dedicated acclimatization day helps your body adjust to increasing altitude.
We take a short hike around the surrounding ridges and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views. Depending on conditions, you may see spectacular mountain scenery toward Makalu and the surrounding peaks.
Rest, hydrate and prepare for the high passes ahead.
Walking: 3–4 hours optional hike
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Khongma Danda to Dobato – Approximately 3,860 m
Today we cross several high passes collectively associated with the Shipton La section.
The trail passes through rugged alpine terrain, with dramatic views and steep ascents and descents.
Depending on weather and trail conditions, the route crosses passes around 4,000 m, making this a physically demanding day.
We descend toward Dobato for the night.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Dobato
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Dobato to Yangle Kharka – Approximately 3,600 m
The landscape becomes increasingly wild and spectacular.
The trail descends through alpine vegetation and eventually enters the magnificent Barun Valley.
You will notice a dramatic change in scenery as huge Himalayan cliffs, waterfalls and glaciers begin to dominate the landscape.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge at Yangle Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka – 4,410 m
We continue deeper into the Barun Valley.
The trail follows the Barun River through increasingly rugged alpine terrain. Snow-covered peaks and glaciers become more prominent as we approach the Makalu Base Camp area.
Today’s altitude gain is significant, so we maintain a slow and steady pace.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Langmale Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp – Approximately 4,870 m
The highlight of the entire trek!
Today we make our way toward Makalu Base Camp.
The trail passes through the upper Barun Valley with magnificent views of glaciers, rocky peaks and the enormous south face of Mount Makalu.
After several hours of trekking, we reach Makalu Base Camp, situated beneath the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
Take time to enjoy the incredible mountain panorama and celebrate reaching your destination.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,870 m
Overnight: Teahouse/Camp near Makalu Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp and Barun Glacier
Today is dedicated to exploring the Makalu Base Camp area.
Enjoy spectacular views of:
- Mount Makalu – 8,485 m
- Barun Glacier
- Makalu icefalls
- Chamlang
- Peak 4
- Barun Valley
- Surrounding Himalayan peaks
Depending on weather, fitness and trail conditions, your guide may take you on a short acclimatization hike to a nearby viewpoint.
Return to camp and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan surroundings.
Walking: 3–5 hours optional exploration
Overnight: Camp/Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Makalu Base Camp to Langmale Kharka
We begin our return journey.
The trail follows the same beautiful Barun Valley route, allowing you to appreciate the landscape from a different perspective.
We descend gradually to Langmale Kharka.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Langmale Kharka to Yangle Kharka
Continue descending through the Barun Valley.
The lower altitude brings warmer temperatures and more vegetation.
Enjoy the spectacular waterfalls, forests, cliffs and river scenery along the trail.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Yangle Kharka to Dobato
Retrace the trail toward Dobato.
The route gradually climbs back toward the higher section of the trek.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Dobato to Khongma Danda
Today we cross the high mountain section again.
The trail involves several steep climbs and descents before reaching Khongma Danda.
Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace and allow sufficient rest along the way.
Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon
We descend from the high alpine environment toward the forested landscape of Tashigaon.
The trail becomes greener and warmer as we lose altitude.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Tashigaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa
Continue descending through forests and mountain villages.
We return to Seduwa, where the landscape becomes noticeably warmer and greener.
Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Seduwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Seduwa to Num and Drive to Tumlingtar
After breakfast, trek back toward Num.
From Num, meet your jeep and drive toward Tumlingtar.
Depending on the road and transportation schedule, we spend the night in Tumlingtar or continue according to flight availability.
Walking: Approximately 5 hours
Driving: Approximately 3–5 hours
Overnight: Lodge/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Take the morning flight from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxing or exploring Kathmandu.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking team.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Day 21: final depature to your home
After Breakfast our staff will drop you to international airport for the final departure
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Private transportation in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu hotel accommodation
- Domestic flight Kathmanduu-Tumlingtaru-Kathmandu
- Tumlingtaru-Numu-Tumlingtar transportation
- Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide uf0b7Porter service
- Guide and porter salary, food, accommodation and insurance
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit
- TIMS/trekking registration as applicable ,ocal trekking/municipality permits and fees ,Trekking map
- ,Duffel bag for use during the trek ,Sleeping bag if required
- First-aid medical kit ,Pulse oximeter ,Government taxes Company service charges
- ,Farewell dinner ,Official trekking certificate
What's Excluded?
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Emergency helicopter evacuation, Personal expenses
- Drinks and bottled/mineral water ,Alcoholic beverages
- ,Snacks and chocolate ,Wi-Fi and telephone charges ,Battery charging ,
- Hot shower where charged separately ,Laundry
- Extra hotel in kathamandu early retrun from trek
- Lunch and Dinner in kathamandu
Packing List
Daily Wear
Recommended Equipment
Clothing
- Waterproof trekking jacket
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Thermal base layers
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm gloves
- Wool/fleece hat
- Sun hat
- Trekking socks
Footwear
- Good-quality trekking boots
- Camp shoes/sandals
- Gaiters
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
- Sleeping bag liner
Personal Equipment
- Backpack
- Duffel bag
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Personal first-aid supplies
- Personal medication
- Toiletries
Route Map
FAQs
How difficult is the Makalu Base Camp Trek?
It is a challenging trek suitable for physically fit and experienced trekkers. You should be comfortable walking 6u20138 hours a day on steep and rugged trails.
How many days does the Makalu Base Camp Trek take?
Our standard itinerary is 20 days, including arrival, trekking, transportation and departure
What is the highest point of the trek?
The trek reaches Makalu Base Camp at approximately 4,870 m (15,978 ft).
When is the best time to trek to Makalu Base Camp?
The best seasons are spring (Marchu2013May) and autumn (Septemberu2013November), when the weather is generally more stable and mountain views are excellent.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is recommended, although physically fit and well-prepared trekkers can also complete the trek with proper acclimatization.
Is Makalu Base Camp more difficult than Everest Base Camp?
Generally, yes. Makalu is more remote, less developed and physically demanding, with longer days, steep trails and fewer facilities.
What type of accommodation is available?
Accommodation is mainly in local teahouses and lodges. Facilities become more basic as you reach higher elevations
What food is available during the trek?
Teahouses normally provide Dal Bhat, noodles, pasta, rice, soup, vegetables, eggs, bread and other simple meals. Vegetarian options are available.
Do I need a guide and porter?
Yes. A licensed local guide and porter support are highly recommended for this remote trekking region.
What permits are required?
You need the required Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit and trekking permits/registrations applicable to your nationality and route.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. We can customize the itinerary based on your fitness, available time, group size and preferred trekking style.
Is travel insurance required?
Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.
Can beginners do the Makalu Base Camp Trek?
It is not recommended for completely inexperienced hikers. Good physical preparation and preferably some previous trekking experience are advised.
What happens if the weather affects the flight?
Domestic flights can be delayed or cancelled because of weather. We allow flexibility in the itinerary where possible and can make alternative arrangements when necessary.
