Makalu base camp

Nepal

Makalu Base Camp Trek 20 days

  • Price From: $ 2400.16

Tour Overview

trip code

DE-0021

Starting Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Max Altitude

4,800m/15,748ft

Duration

20 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Demanding

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

The Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the adventurous and scenic trekking routes located in the mid-eastern region of Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 4,800m above sea level and takes you to the base of Mount Makalu (8,481 m), the 5th highest mountain in the world. The Makalu Base Camp gives you stunning scenery and an immersive experience.

Trekking at Makalu Base Camp lets you experience its diverse landscape and the unique Himalayan cultures of Sherpa communities. It takes a 20 days journey which includes 15 days of trekking towards Makalu Base Camp from Kathmandu, including the rest and travel days. Meanwhile, the actual trek takes about 15 days, where you pass through the lower landscape of beautiful, lush rhododendron forest, local villages, river valleys, and Makalu Barun National Park. The Makalu Base Camp trek is comparatively isolated than treks such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna region. Its isolation offers trekkers an opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of the Makalu region.

Explore the amazing landscape and breathtaking mountain view of Makalu Base Camp and experience the rich culture, traditions, and hospitality of the Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa communities. Destiny Excursions provides the complete trek itinerary to trek in the Makalu Base Camp to make your journey unforgettable while ensuring exceptional adventure and safety. Additionally, Destiny Excursion provides you with the option to customize the itinerary according to your preference and schedule.

Details

The Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the challenging trek locations in the remote mid-eastern region of Nepal. It is known for its difficult terrain, high-altitude trails, and untouched natural beauty. Due to its remoteness, high altitude, and challenging trails, the trek is graded as challenging and physically demanding. The Makalu Base Camp trek is great for well-experienced trekkers who are looking to push their limits.

Regardless of difficulties, the Makalu Base Camp trek rewards you with breathtaking views. You can explore local tradition, monasteries, lush forests, and river valleys. Also, you get a beautiful view of mountains such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang. This trek will lead you to an altitude of 4,800m at Makalu Base Camp. If you are interested, you can hike up to the viewpoint from the base camp, which is at an altitude of 5,300 meters.

The Makalu Base Camp trek by Destiny Excursion starts and ends in Kathmandu. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to trek in this beautiful location. These seasons offer suitable weather, clear skies, and a clean view of breathtaking mountain ranges. Also, you can witness a soothing view of Rhododendron and flower blossoms throughout the trails in the spring season.

Tour highlights

  • Walk through Makalu Barun National Park, well known for its rich wildlife

  • Experience the remote local village culture, tradition, and way of living

  • Walk past dense forests and villages, and cross stunning river valleys

  • Explore Makalu Base Camp, which offers breathtaking mountain views

  • Cross high-altitude mountain passes

  • Explore the rich cultural heritage, including the Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa communities

points of attraction

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is among the remote and adventurous trekking routes in the mid-eastern region of Nepal. This trek leads you to the heart of the eastern Himalayas within the Makalu-Barun National Park region. The Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the isolated and raw trekking routes, where you pass through rugged terrain, high-altitude passes, and untouched natural beauty. Though the trek is physically demanding, this trekking route offers various cultural and heritage attractions, Scenic and Natural Attractions, while providing you with a unique experience. From cultural and heritage exposure to the panoramic view of the Himalayas, this trek provides you with a lifelong memory of your Himalayan adventure.

Cultural and Heritage Attraction

  • Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sites: Visit Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur durbar squares to learn Nepali history. Know about the religious and spiritual significance of Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath temple.

  • Traditional Sherpa Villages: Learn the unique culture, traditions, and customs of Sherpa communities in villages like Seduwa and Tashigaun. Tashigaun is the last permanent settlement on the Makalu Base Camp trail, famous for its monasteries, prayer walls, and Sherpa heritages.

  • Local Farming Culture: Learn about the traditional farming culture of black cardamom fields on the way to Seduwa. This farming culture shows the way of living of locals in the Makalu-Barun region.

Scenic and Natural Attractions

  • High Himalayan Views: Take a glance at the panoramic views of the high Himalaya ranges such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other surrounding peaks. 

  • Barun Valley and Yangle Kharka: The Barun Valley offers a beautiful view of the Barun River, rocky cliffs, alpine meadows, and waterfalls. Meanwhile, Yangle Kharka is a grazing land where you can see pastures grazing against a mountain backdrop.

  • Spring Rhododendron Blooms: Enjoy the colorful view of Rhododendron blossoms throughout the Makalu Base Camp trek if you are visiting in the spring season. Rhododendron is also the national flower of Nepal.

 Adventure and Trekking Highlights

  • High Altitude trekking: Trekking across high altitudes above 4,000 m from sea level in the Himalayas through diverse landscapes. The thin air and remote landscape might test your endurance, but it surely offers rewarding summit-like panoramas.

  • Challenging terrains: The Makalu Base Camp tests you with challenging terrains with uphill steep climbing from Barun Khola to Seduwa, Tashigaun, and Shepton La Pass.  

  • Remote and isolated trails: Trek in the isolated and uncrowded trails, unlike other trekking routes such as ABC and EBC. Limited teahouses, settlements, and the presence of trekkers on the trail increase the sense of wilderness adventure.

Stay and Experience

  • Tea Houses and Local Lodges: Stay overnight in teahouses and local family-operated guest houses in villages such as Seduwa, Tashigaun, and other areas. Experience the Sherpa friendly ambience and traditional food such as dal-bhat and other local dishes.

  • Hotels in Kathmandu: Experience the warm hospitality of a luxurious hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek. Enjoy the delicious, authentic, traditional, and cultural foods while staying comfortably.

  • High-altitude stay: Spend nights at high-altitude Makalu Base Camp at an altitude of 4,800m above sea level. Experience freezing nights while being surrounded by the Himalayan glaciers with towering mountain peaks and serene Himalayan panoramas.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu arrival

Welcome to the Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and drive you to the hotel. After you reach your hotel, check in, unpack, and rest to stay relaxed and refreshed. If you are interested, you can explore the nearby market and attractions. There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and places of attraction near your hotel. You may also join the conversation with fellow trekkers and have a conversation about the upcoming journey and adventure. In the evening, join the dinner at the hotel and enjoy the unique and delicious taste of Nepalese traditional cuisine. Following your dinner, you may take a rest, prepare for the next day, or you can explore the nearby streets.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Welcome Dinner 

 

Day 2: Trek briefing + Permit Day

Following the early morning breakfast, join the trek briefing session with your guide. If you have any questions or queries regarding the trek, you can express them to your guide. Ensure you prepare properly for the trek. After the briefing session, you head towards the Nepal Tourism Board to get the permits for the trek ahead. While it may seem a bit complicated, the process is rather simple, and you should have all the permits within an hour or two if there are no complications. Following this, you can spend the day at your own pace and take proper rest at night to get ready for the next day's flight.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Flight to Tumlingtar (410m) + Drive to Num(1,560m) via Chichira(1,980)

The Makalu Base Camp trek commences today with the flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. Have an early breakfast and prepare for the flight in the morning. The flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar takes around 35 minutes. From the flight, you can get stunning views of the Himalayas, including a glimpse of Mount Everest and other mountain peaks. Throughout the flight, you can also take a glimpse of lush forests and valleys formed by the Arun and the Sabha valleys. As we reach Tumlingtar, we take an off-road vehicle from Tumlingtar to Num village(1560m) via Chichira(1980), which will take around 4-5 hours. Expect a bumpy off-road and adventurous journey with the beautiful scenery of hills and mountains until you reach Num.  

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 4: Trek to Seduwa(1,500m)

Today, our Makalu Base Camp trek officially begins from Num village to Seduwa(1500m). The trail today is mostly downhill until we reach Barun Khola(river). After Barun Khola, the trails are mostly uphill until you reach Seduwa. The total walking hours to reach Seduwa from Num are around 4-5 hours. We can find a few tea houses in between for short tea breaks. After we reach Seduwa, we will have lunch at the tea house. You can witness Black cardamom farming fields, dense forest trails, and pass by huge Utis(Alder) tree forests. There is a check post at Seduwa village for permit check, where the Makalu Barun National Park permit is checked.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  •  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 5: Trek to Tashigaun(2,100m)

After breakfast in the morning, prepare for the uphill trek towards the Tashigaun(2100m). The trail to reach Tashigaun is steeply uphill, where you pass through lush rhododendron and Utis (Nepal Alder) forest. On the way, you can stop for short tea breaks in a tea house. Following a 3-4 hour walk from Seduwal, we reach Tashigaun, where we have our lunch. Tashigaun is a popular Sherpa village famous for its Sherpa guides to climbing Mount Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse. It is the last village or settlement where you can access a hospital, a school, and a guest house. Tashigaun will be the place we spend our night in a local guest house. In the evening, join for the traditional dinner and take proper rest while preparing for the next day's adventure.

  •  Overnight: Tea house

  •  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 6: Trek to Khongma Danda (3,500m)

Wake up early in the morning and get ready for the trek to Khongma Danda, situated at an altitude of 3,500m. The trails are steep ascents uphill as you need to gain an elevation of around 1400m from Tashigaun. On the way to Khongma Danda, you can witness different species of rhododendron forest. Once we reach Danda Kharka, we have a quick snack or lunch there and take a short break. You will walk for a total of 4-5 hours on this day to reach Khongma danda. After reaching Khongma Danda, we check into the teahouse and take appropriate rest. In the evening, have dinner at the teahouse and prepare for the next day's journey.  

  • Overnight: Tea house 

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 7: Trek to Dobato (3,100m) via Shipton La Pass(4,216m)

Today, we trek towards Dobato(3100m) from Khongma Danda via Shipton La pass (4,216m). The trail to reach Shipton La Pass is a 3–4-hour steep ascent and a gradual walk. There are no tea houses in between, so it is recommended to carry enough water and quick snacks. Throughout the way, we cross beautiful ponds and landscapes in the region. Once we start gaining altitude, the tree line fades away. After we reach the Shipton La Pass, you can witness the beautiful view of Mount Makalu and other mountain ranges like Peak 6(6,524m), Tu Tse(6,760m), and Sherson north and west (6,432m). There are small tea houses at the pass where you can stop for tea, noodles, or soup. After the break on the pass, we descend toward the Dobato crossing, beautiful Kalo Pokhari(pond), and lush green forests on the way.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 8: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,557m)

After an early morning breakfast, we start our trek with a 2-3 hour descent downhill towards Barun Khola(River). From Barun Khola, the trails are slightly uphill to Yangle. We walk beside the roaring Barun nadi through a huge landslide area for about 1 hour until we reach Neha Kharka. We take a short break at Neha Kharka, and after the break, we continue our 45-minute to 1-hour walk to reach Yangle Kharka. After arriving at Yangle Kharka, we check into the tea house and have lunch. Prepare for the next day's trek and take enough rest. If you are interested, you can explore Yangle Kharka, a beautiful village located beside the Barun nadi with widespread grazing ground for yaks and mountain goats.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 9: Trek to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)

Today, we ascend towards the Langmale kharka following a gradual uphill climb. After having breakfast in the morning, we walk for 3-4 hours to reach Langmale Kharka. We have lunch in the tea house on the way. After we reach Langmale Kharka, you can witness a beautiful view of peaks like Sherson peak (6,432m), Yaupa peak (6,422m), Saldim west (6,388m), and many other peaks from here. Check in to the tea house at Langmale Kharka and join for dinner in the evening. Stay warm, drink plenty of water, and take proper rest for the afternoon.

  •  Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,800m)

Following an early morning breakfast, we will depart towards Makalu Base camp(4800m) from Langmale Kharka, which will take around 5 hours. The trails are gradual uphill with rocky terrains and small juniper bushes along the way. You will also pass through Sunpati incense bushes that are native to high altitudes in Nepal. On the way, you can witness the stunning view of the Barun glacier and the southern face of Mount Makalu. Also, you can get the panoramic view of Mount Everest and Lhotse. You will spend the night today at Makalu base camp.

  •  Overnight: Tea house

  •  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 11: Explore Makalu Base Camp and Hike to View Point (5,300m)

Start your morning with a warm breakfast and prepare for 4-5 hours of hiking towards the viewpoint located at an altitude of 5,300m. We reach View Point after 3 hours of total walk from where you can get the majestic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Mera Peak, and other stunning mountain peaks. You can also witness the stunning view of the Makalu glaciers. On the route, you may get a chance to spot mountain goats and blue sheep if you are lucky. After spending a few hours on the viewpoint, we descend for 2 hours back towards the Makalu Base Camp and have lunch there. You may rest for the afternoon and join us for dinner in the evening. After the dinner, prepare for the next day's adventure and get proper sleep.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Diner

 

Day 12: Trek back to Yangle Kharka (3,557m)

From this day, we begin our return journey following the same way back with a gradual downhill for about 4-5 hours of walk to reach Yangle Kharka. We walk through flat land with fewer tree lines and Juniper bushes, rhododendron, and pine forest trails. Once we reach Yangle Kharka, we check into our accommodation and have lunch there. For the rest of the day, you can relax and prepare for the next day. 

  •  Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 13: Trek back to Dobato(3,100m)

Start your morning with a warm breakfast and prepare for a walk to Dobato. Today’s total walk will be around 5 hours, which mostly consists of descending to Barun Khola. After Barun Khola, the walk will be a steep ascent until we reach Dobato. As there are no teahouses nearby, don’t forget to carry lunch and snacks. Once we reach Dobato, check into the place of accommodation and relax. Join for dinner in the evening and get proper sleep.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

 

Day 14: Trek back to Khongma Danda (3,500m)

On this day, we walk towards Khongma Danda following an early morning breakfast. The total walking hours today will be around 5 hours, where we ascend uphill passing Shipton La Pass. Once you reach Khongma Dada, check in at Khongma Tea House and have lunch there. After lunch, you can take a proper rest or explore the areas that provide a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Join for dinner in the evening and get proper sleep to prepare for the next day's trek.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 15: Trek back to Seduwa (1,500m)

The goal of the 15th day is to descend downhill towards Seduwa from Khongma Danda. We will walk for approximately 5 hours today. We will stop for lunch at Tashigaun. Tashigaun is a beautiful Sherpa village with the best Sherpa hospitality. There you can explore several monasteries, stone mani-walls, and prayer flags. You can also interact with locals and interact with them to know about their culture, traditions, and way of life. Your overnight stay today will be at Seduwa, where you will spend your night.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 16: Trek to Num (1,560m)

On this day, we trek to Num village from Seduwa, which will take around 5 hours. After having breakfast in the morning, we descend downhill to Barun Khola for 2 hours and ascend towards Num village for 3 hours. On the way, there are tea houses where you can stop for a light snack or a tea break. We will end the day by spending the night in the Num village.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 17: Drive to Tumlingtar(410m) via Chichira(1,980)

After an early morning breakfast, today we drive back to Tumlingtar via Chichira in an off-road vehicle, which takes around 4-5 hours. We will take a lunch break at Khadbari, a district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha. After reaching Tumlingtar, rest and relax at the guest house there. If you are interested, you can explore the local market. In the evening, get back to your place of accommodation, have dinner, and get proper sleep.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 18: Flight to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we catch our flight back to Kathmandu. It takes about 35 minutes of flight time. After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, check in, refresh, and relax for the day. Like in early flight, you can witness the beautiful view of the Himalayas, lush green forests, and river valleys through the flight. Join us for dinner in the evening and have a good night.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 19: Relax day in Kathmandu

Today is your free day in Kathmandu city. After breakfast, you can explore the Kathmandu valley. Visit historical, cultural, and architecturally rich UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur. Visit historical durbar squares, temples, and ancient heritage places. You can explore the local market and shop for souvenirs to mark as a memory of your adventure in the Makalu region of Nepal. Also, you may try visiting a local food café for lunch and dinner. Nepal offers unique varieties of delicacies and cuisine that you can enjoy.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  •  Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Departure

The Makalu Base Camp Trek officially ends today. Get ready for the flight according to your flight schedule. Our team will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport. We wish you a happy journey with a heart full of memories and experiences at Makalu Base Camp. Destiny Excursion hopes to meet you again in Nepal for another adventure.

  •  Meals: Breakfast

 

Trek Route

makalu base camp trek route map

What's included

  • Welcome dinner upon arrival in Kathmandu.

  • Standard hotel stays in cities on a B&B basis.

  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during trekking.

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.

  • Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Private vehicle transfers for all included travel.

  • Licensed guide and porters with meals, lodging, insurance, and flights.

  • All permits and entry fees required.

  • First aid kit suitable for the route (specific requests accepted).

  • Single Room Supplement shared equally among the group.

What's excluded

  • International flights, Nepal visa, and airport costs.

  • Travel insurance with medical and rescue coverage.

  • Any activities not listed in the program.

  • Personal gear (available for rent).

  • Personal costs like bottled water, snacks, or bar bills.

  • Charges for hot showers or attached bathrooms.

  • Tips for staff and drivers.

  • Unexpected expenses caused by weather or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficult?

Yes, the Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the challenging treks located in the mid-eastern region of Nepal. It is categorized as a demanding grade in terms of difficulty due to remote and isolated trails, high altitude trek, steep uphills, and downhills.

Is the Makalu Base Camp trek harder than the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Yes, the Makalu Base Camp trek is considered more difficult than the Everest Base Camp trek.  It is because of its remoteness in comparison to the Everest Base Camp trek. While the Everest Base Camp trek is crowded and offers stay and accommodation facilities, the Makalu Base Camp trek has limited facilities and options.

Are permits required for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Yes, permits are mandatory for the Makalu Base Camp trek. Trekkers are required to obtain the Makalu Barun National Park Permit, the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit, and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. Trekking without permits may lead to penalties and denial of entry to the region.