Makalu Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts
Overview
Makalu Base Camp Trek Introduction
Makalu Base Camp is one of Nepal's quietest high-altitude treks. Over 22 days you pass through Makalu Barun National Park, from subtropical forest and rhododendron valleys to the glacial moraine beneath Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest mountain. The route is remote, with few trekkers, basic teahouses and big mountain scenery. You get Everest, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga views without the crowds.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a 22-day journey into one of Nepal's most remote and least-visited mountain regions. It starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive and a trek through Makalu Barun National Park. Over about 15 days of walking, you pass through terraced farmland, rhododendron and bamboo forest, high ridgelines and the wide Barun Valley, finishing at Makalu Base Camp (about 4,870 m) at the foot of the world's fifth-highest peak, Makalu (8,485 m).
The trek is physically demanding. Steep climbs to Khongma Danda, the crossing of Shipton La (about 4,127 m) and long days in the Barun Valley make this a route for trekkers with previous multi-day experience. In return, you get quiet trails, genuine village hospitality and close views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse and Peak 6, with Everest and Lhotse visible in the distance. Because few trekkers come here, the teahouses are simple and the atmosphere is far more peaceful than on the Everest or Annapurna routes.
The itinerary includes a rest day at base camp for acclimatization and a spare day at the end to absorb weather-related flight delays. The best seasons are March to May and October to November, when skies are clearest and the weather is most stable.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Scenic flight to Tumlingtar over the eastern Himalaya
- Walking through Makalu Barun National Park and its rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Crossing Shipton La Pass (about 4,127 m) and Khongma Danda ridge views
- The Barun Valley, with waterfalls, glacial lakes and wild river canyons
- Sunrise over Makalu from base camp
- Views of Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse and Chamlang
- Authentic local culture in villages like Tashigaon and Num
Makalu Base Camp Trek Route
The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then a drive to Chichira. From there you descend to the Arun River at Num and climb through Seduwa and Tashigaon to Khongma Danda. You cross Shipton La to Dobate, then follow the Barun River upstream through Yangri Kharka and Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp. The return follows the same corridor back to Tumlingtar, with spare days for flight delays.
Why Trek to Makalu Base Camp?
- Solitude. The trail sees a fraction of the traffic of Everest or Annapurna.
- Biodiversity. The park spans tropical to alpine zones in one trek, with rare wildlife such as red pandas and Himalayan tahr.
- Close-up mountain views. Makalu's pyramid, Chamlang, Baruntse and Peak 6 rise right above the trail.
- Culture. You pass Rai, Sherpa and Bhotia villages, where hospitality is genuine and tourism is still small-scale.
- A real challenge. It suits trekkers who want a demanding, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the classics.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty
This is a strenuous trek. The challenges are remote terrain, steep ascents and descents (especially Khongma Danda and Shipton La), basic facilities and the altitude of up to 4,870 m. You don't need technical climbing skills, but you do need good cardiovascular fitness and previous multi-day trekking experience. Start training 2–3 months ahead with hill walking, cardio and strength work.
Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons bloom, temperatures are moderate and the views are clear. This is the most popular season.
- Autumn (October–November): Stable weather, crisp air and excellent visibility.
- Winter (December–February): Very cold, with snow possible on high sections. Experienced trekkers only.
- Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rain, leeches and landslides. Not recommended.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Permits
You will typically need:
- Makalu Barun National Park permit
- Local area permit (issued by the local rural municipality in Sankhuwasabha)
Makalu Base Camp Trekking Permits will arranged by Nepal Unique Treks registered trekking company in Kathmandu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Altitude:1,400 m / 4,593 ft, 6 km , 30minutes
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal Unique Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and taking some time to rest, you can explore the surrounding area or relax at the hotel.
In the evening, your trekking guide will conduct a detailed trip briefing. You will receive important information about the Makalu Base Camp Trek, including the itinerary, trekking conditions, altitude, safety procedures and equipment requirements.
You will then enjoy a traditional Nepalese welcome dinner with the Nepal Unique Treks team.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu, 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, Time 5–7 hours
Today is dedicated to exploring some of Kathmandu's important cultural and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Depending on the schedule, you will visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
After sightseeing, you will return to the hotel and prepare for the trek. Your guide will check your trekking equipment and help you identify any missing items that need to be purchased or rented.
You will also complete the necessary trekking preparations and permits before beginning your journey toward the Makalu region.
Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar and Drive to Chichira, Altitude 1,980 m / 6,496 ft, Flight Time 35 minutes, Drive Time 4–5 hours, 80–90 km by road
After breakfast, you will travel to the airport for your flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, the gateway to the Makalu region. The flight provides an opportunity to enjoy aerial views of the hills and Himalayan landscape.
After landing at Tumlingtar, you will meet the local transportation team and begin the drive toward Chichira. The road gradually leaves the lower Arun Valley and climbs toward the foothills. You will spend the night at Chichira and prepare for the first full day of trekking. Because mountain-region flights can sometimes be affected by weather, your schedule should remain flexible.
Day 4: Chichira to Num 1,980 m / 6,496 ft, Trekking Distance 13 km, Trekking Time 5–6 hours
Your Makalu Base Camp Trek officially begins today. After breakfast, you leave Chichira and follow a trail through terraced farmland, small settlements and forest.
The trail passes through the beautiful middle-hill landscape of eastern Nepal. You will experience several ascents and descents before eventually reaching Num.
Num is situated above the Arun River valley and serves as one of the important gateways to the Makalu trekking route.
Day 5: Num to Seduwa, Altitude 1,500 m / 4,921 ft, Trekking Distance 8 km, Trekking Time 5–6 hours
After breakfast, you descend toward the Arun River and cross the river before beginning a sustained climb toward Seduwa.
The trail passes through forests, terraced fields and scattered mountain settlements. Although today's altitude is not particularly high, the continuous ups and downs make this an active trekking day.
Seduwa is one of the larger settlements on the route and is an important stopping point before entering the more remote sections of Makalu-Barun National Park.
Day 6: Seduwa to Tashigaon, Altitude 2,100 m / 6,890 ft, Trekking Distance 8 km, Trekking Time 5–6 hours
Today the trail climbs gradually through lush forests and traditional hillside landscapes. You will pass through rhododendron and mixed forests while gradually gaining elevation.
As you approach Tashigaon, the landscape begins to feel more alpine. In clear weather, you may catch views toward the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Tashigaon is one of the last major permanent settlements before the route becomes increasingly remote and mountainous.
Day 7: Tashigaon to Khongma DandaAltitude 3,500 m / 11,483 ft, Trekking Distance 7–8 km, Trekking Time 6–7 hours
Today is one of the more demanding days of the Makalu Base Camp Trek as the trail climbs significantly from Tashigaon toward Khongma Danda. The route passes through dense forest and steep sections before reaching higher alpine terrain.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes thinner and the mountain landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. Because you gain considerable elevation today, your guide will maintain a steady pace and encourage regular breaks and adequate hydration.
Day 8: Khongma Danda to Dobate via Shipton La, Altitude 4,127 m / 13,540 ft, Trekking Distance 8–9 km Trekking Time 6–7 hours
Today you cross one of the most spectacular sections of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. From Khongma Danda, the trail climbs toward the high passes of the Shipton La area before descending toward Dobate.
The route involves steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain and changing mountain landscapes. From the higher sections, you can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys when weather conditions are clear.
After crossing the high pass, you descend toward Dobate, where you spend the night.
Day 9: Dobate to Yangri Kharka, Altitude 3,600 m / 11,811 ft, Trekking Distance 11 km, Trekking Time 5–6 hours
Leaving Dobate behind, the trail descends through forest before joining the spectacular Barun Valley.
You follow the Barun River upstream through a remote mountain environment. The landscape gradually changes from dense forest to alpine vegetation as you move deeper into the Makalu-Barun region.
Yangri Kharka is an important overnight stop before continuing toward the higher elevations of the valley.
Day 10: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka, Maximum 4,400 m / 14,436 ft, Trekking Distance 9 km, Trekking Time 5–6 hours
Today's trail climbs steadily through the upper Barun Valley. The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with alpine meadows, rocky slopes and spectacular mountain scenery.
As you approach Langmale Kharka, the effects of altitude become more noticeable. Your guide will monitor your pace and condition, and you should drink plenty of water and avoid rushing.
Langmale Kharka is an important overnight stop before the final approach to Makalu Base Camp.
Day 11: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka
Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: 4,410m 5-6 hours
Day 12: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: 4,870m 6-7 hours
Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 14: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours
Day 15: Yangri Kharka to Dobate
Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours
Day 16: Dobate to Khongma Danda
Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours
Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon:
Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours
Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa
Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours
Day 19: Seduwa to Num
Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours
Day 20: Num to Tumlingtar
Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours
Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight
Day 22: Final departure
Final departure