Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu base camp trek is an off beat but full of natural wonders trek in Nepal. One can experience the spectacular view of mountains and panoramic view of nature during a 16 days Makalu base camp trek.

Trip Facts

duration Duration 16 days
trip-difficulty Trip Difficulty Difficult
trip-difficulty Highest Point 5250 m.
Average Group Size 2-12
trip-code Trip Code MBCT
trip-code Start Point Kathmandu
trip-start-point Trip End Point Kathmandu
trip-accomodation Accomodation As per the itinerary
trip-meals Meals As Mentioned
transportation Transportation On Private Basis

Trip Highlights

  • Makalu Barun National Park.
  • Adventurous trek to Makalu Base Camp.
  • Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Gurung, Rai and Sherpa cultures.
  • Spot some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda and snow leopard.
  • Explore the pristine eight-thousanders and other high peaks. 
  • Trek through river gorges, sheer cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, high-altitude lakes etc.

Trip Overview

The Makalu Base Camp is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km (12mi) southwest of Mt. Everest (8,849m) on the border of Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China. One of the eight-thousanders, Makalu is an isolated peak whose shape is a four-sided pyramid. Makalu is one of the most difficult eight-thousanders and is considered one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb. The mountain is notorious for its steep pitches and knife-edge ridges.

Makalu Barun Valley is a glacier valley situated at the base of Makalu situated in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal (8,463 m). This valley entirely lies inside the Makalu Barun National  Park. Makalu Barun National Park provides stunning contrasts, where high waterfalls cascade into a deep gorge, rough rocks rise from the lush green forest and colourful wildflowers bloom beneath white snow peaks.

The unique landscape is a sanctuary to some of the last pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. Rare species of animals (Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and Snow Leopard) and vegetation can be found here. It's known for its unspoiled nature as it is situated in one of the rural areas of  Nepal and not many people can travel there due to its remote trail.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking takes about two weeks. The fifth highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu lies at an elevation of 8463 m. It is situated in the Makalu Barun National Park, which covers an area of 2330 sq. km extending around the Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts of Nepal. And, the panorama of the highest mountain in the world such as Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Chamlang, Makalu and other mountains greets you. Makalu base camp trek can be fairly challenging in some parts depending upon your level of physical fitness. The outstanding scenery of Makalu Base Camp Trek’s route significantly provides unique cultural heritage and incredible views of mountain peaks. From Makalu Base Camp there are spectacular views of the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far east.

Gurung, Rai, Sherpa, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) are the main habitats in this area. The trails follow the beautiful Barun river valley in the Makalu Barun National Park, crossing Shiptons Pass before arriving at Makalu Base Camp, from here views of the south face of Makalu, as well as Everest and Lhotse, are amazing. Also, you will have an unbelievable view of mountains, glacier lake and Hungu valley. 

The Makalu Barun National Park is home to 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies, and 75 species of mammals including the snow leopard (Heung Chituwa), red panda (Habre), musk deer ( Kasturi Mirga), wild boar, wild yak (Ban Chauri) and the Himalayan Thar. With the possibility of spotting wildlife at lower altitudes, green pastures and fields, villages, and forests, combined with snow-capped mountains, glaciers and rocky trails, this is also ideal photography territory deeper into the mountains, past the Barun River Valley, you will pass steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls. At the higher elevations live the Sherpa people, an ethnically Tibetan group who predominantly reside near Everest. 

Best Time to Visit

March-May and September-November are the best times for Makalu Base Camp trek, as the weather is likely to be the finest and the temperatures good (particularly at low and mid-elevations). It is possible to do this trek in the winter months, but the cold temperatures might be a drawback, especially as the lodges in this region aren’t especially well equipped.

Route Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival at Kathmandu

Your arrival time (?) Our office representative will meet you and greet you at Kathmandu airport and transport you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

At 06:00 PM: Today in the evening we will meet for a coffee talk at the hotel and will brief you in detail about your onward trek program.

duration 30 Minutes
duration 10 Km
ascent 1350 m.
trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals N/A
transportation On Private Basis
Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

At 09:00 AM: Have your breakfast and be ready for today's guided Kathmandu cultural sightseeing. You will be exploring some of the UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Nepal, located within Kathmandu valley.

At. 09:30 AM: Visit Pashupatinath temple.

At. 11:30 PM: Visit the Boudhanath stupa, you can have your lunch around the Boudhanath, there are several local and continental restaurants and cafes within the Boudhanath square to have lunch and see the stupa view from the rooftop.

At. 02:00 PM: Visit Swayambhunath Stupa.

At. 04:00 PM: At the end visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the famous local market area of old Kathmandu.

At. 06:00 PM: You will be dropped back to your hotel, you can do some trek related shopping during or after the sightseeing at nearby market. 

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 40 Km
ascent 1350 m
trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals B
transportation On Private Basis
Day 03

Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Num Village

At 07:00 AM: After breakfast, you will fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. During the flight you may witness snow-capped peaks ranging from Ganesh Himal to Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. After reaching in Tumlingtar your drive journey begins towards Num village passing through Khandbari and Hururu. We begin the trek with a steep climb from Dobato to Mumbuk also known as (Nambuk) and cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton's Pass) and Kauma La en route, then we descend to Khongma Danda.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 60 Km
ascent 1560 m.
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation On Private Basis
Day 04

Trek to Seduwa

At 07:00 AM: A steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun River. You will cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest in 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, you can make a long, steep, rough climb to Seduwa. The trek follow through a dense forests of juniper and rhododendron passing a few villages.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 6 Km
ascent 1700m
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 05

Trek to Tashi Gaun

At 07:00 AM: You will cross meadows and several streams and then climb to the Sherpa village. Crossing the hillside through the quiet valley and passing by small paddy fields, you will reach the exotic village of Sherpa (Tashi Gaun). Once there, you are surrounded by spectacular mountains.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 8 Km
ascent 2100 m
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 06

Trek to Khong Danda

At 07:00 AM: Today will be a bit of a challenge for you as you walk through the Steep trail at a high elevation. You will ascend through the forest to a stream and then onto a ridge. Upon reaching Unshisa, you enter Makalu Barun national park. From here it's a short way to Khongma Danda.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 6 Km
ascent 3500 m.
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 07

Trek to Dobato

At 07:00 AM: Start climbing 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 4,170 m. You can see marvellous views of Chamling, Peak 4 and Peak 7 After crossing the Keke La pass, then descend through the beautiful Barun valley through Dobato.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 8 Km
ascent 4170 m
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 08

Trek to Yangri Kharka (Yangle Kharka)

At 07:00 AM: After breakfast, you will pass through the Rhododendron forest, which leads to Barun River and the upper region of the valley. Yangle Kharka is your overnight staying point for tonight. 

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 9 Km
ascent 3557 m
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 09

Trek to Langmale Kharkha

At 07:00 AM: Following the modern walk to the valley, you will pass through the yak pastures, lush forest and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposing above us during the start of the trek. You will pass Merek as we make our way further up to witness the outstanding rise of the picturesque Himalayan view. Chasing the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, you will continue your trek walking on moraines and passing a small Himalayan village to reach Langmale Kharka.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 8 Km
ascent 4410 m.
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 10

Trek to Makalu Base Camp (MBC)

At 07:00 AM: From Langmale Kharka you make your way to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow-capped mountains accompanying us. Mt. Makalu becomes spectacular as we approach Shershong. As you make your way to the camp, you will get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 8.4 Km
ascent 5250 m
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 11

Makalu Base Camp (MBC) Exploration

At 07:00 AM: Makalu base camp is a barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it. From here you can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. You can also explore the surrounding lakes, and glaciers and go for a short trek up. 

The more rewarding endpoint of the trek unfurls with a climb to a 5,250 m ridge northeast on the Shershong on the lower slope of peak 3. From this high vantage point, we can see Lotshe in the northwest, Lotshe Shar, and Everest. Here you can witness the spectacular mountain panoramas and stretched valleys.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 5 Km
ascent 5250 m.
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 12

Trek to Yangle Kharka

At 07:00 AM: You will decent down from the Makalu base camp and take one last glimpse of Makalu before turning to the corner and heading back. On your way down, we pass through the Shershong and Langmale Kharka. 

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 16 Km
descent 4170 m.
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 13

Trek to Khongma Danda

At 07:00 AM: Today you will trekking down along the free-flowing Barun river we pass through alpine forests, rocky ridges and a few small streams to finally reach Khongma Danda. During the trek you will pass by a steep climb from Dobato to Mumbuk also known as (Nambuk) and cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton's Pass) and Kauma La en route, then descend to Khongma Danda.

On our way, we may come across some yaks, snow pigeons and blue sheep.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 16 Km
descent 3500 m.
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 14

Trek to Num

At. 07:00 AM: Today's trail leads you through a thick forest and takes us to Sherpa village (Tashi Gaun).  As we exit the Makalu Barun National Park we descend to the Barun River and then come across villages and settlements. At the end you will reach Num village for your overnight stay. 

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 19 Km
descent 2100 m.
trip-accomodation Tea House
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 15

Drive to Tumlingtar and Fly to Kathmandu

At 07:00 AM: You will drive from Num to Tumlingtar on a private jeep, where you can savour the glorious vista of Mt. Makalu for the last time. You can rest and relax once you reach your hotel in Kathmandu or get in touch with your loved ones. You will get shopping time in Kathmandu and in the late evening we will have a farewell Nepali dinner together.

duration 5-6 Hours
duration 60 Km
descent 1350 m.
trip-accomodation Arts Kathmandu
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation On Private Basis
Day 16

Departure

(Have a safe home return!) : You will have leisure time in Kathmandu after breakfast at your hotel. Our office representative will escort you to the Kathmandu airport 3 hours before on time to board your flight. It may take 30 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel.

duration 30 Minutes
duration 10 Km
trip-meals B
transportation On Private Basis

Trip Guide

The information about the Makalu Base Camp Trek is in-depth; feel free to contact us 24/7. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit your vacation schedule and requirements. Altitude Himalaya aims to offer the best possible travel experience to the customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the group size, we customize each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Services Includes

  •  

  • All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.

  • Private transfer or flight (Kathmandu/Tumlingtar/Kathmandu) as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • A 3-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 paperwork. (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.

  • 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.

  •  

Services Excludes

  • 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 the including section.

Fixed Departure Dates

View all departures
Start Date
End Date
Price
Availability
01 Apr, 2023
16 Apr, 2023
US $ 1995 save 45 US $ 1950
10 seats reamaining

Reviews

Best Trekking Experience in Makalu Region
Kiran Neupane Kathmandu, Nepal

I have found Altitude Himalaya on online and booked a customized 15 days trek to Makalu Base Camp, have found them very professional and supportive throughout the booking process and trip experience, highly recommended them to book Nepal trekking trips.

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16 Days USD 1995 / Person

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