Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Barun National Parkratingbased on 1 review
  • Duration21 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 4870 meter
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season March to May and September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$1890
2 - 6 paxUS$1690
7 - 10 paxUS$1590
11 - 15 paxUS$1545
16 - 20 paxUS$1495
Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights
  • Makalu Barun National Park and its wealth of unique flora and fauna
  • The intriguing and untouched culture of the various ethnic groups that populate the region
  • Touching down on the ramparts of the world’s fifth-highest mountain and its base camp
  • Unmatched panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and countless other peaks in the area

Makalu Barun National Park

Established in 1992, Makalu Barun is one of Nepal’s newest national parks. The park represents the world’s only protected area with an elevation gain of more than 8000 meters, with Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, at its core. It encloses a diverse assortment of flora and fauna that ranges from tropical forests in the south to the soaring snow-capped backdrop of the Himalayas in the north.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a less frequented route due to its relative isolation and remote setting, offering an ideal opportunity for hardier or more experienced trekkers to explore a pristine region of wide-ranging natural beauty and glorious scenery, including Everest, all while in the quiet comfort and solitude that comes from being well away from the madding crowds.

Journey From Kathmandu To Makalu Base Camp

The Makalu trek begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, from where we’ll head out toward the village of Num (1560 m) the following day. Along the way, we’ll encounter a ridgeline with a steeply undulating trail snaking along its length that affords some of the finest panoramic views you’re ever likely to come across in the Himalayas. From there, we’ll make our way to Seduwa (1500  m), where we’ll call in at the local outpost of the national park to register and obtain the necessary permits before moving on again towards Tashi Gaun (2100 m), the last permanent settlement in the valley.

The trail continues onward and upward to the next goal, the high pass of Shipton La, named after famed British alpinist Eric Shipton, who used the route with Edmund Hillary in 1952 to make a survey of Everest for the following year’s successful expedition to the mountain. Finally, comes the trek’s ultimate goal, Makalu Base Camp itself, from where you’ll be presented with spectacular views of the southern face of the mountain, as well as a glorious panorama of Everest and Lhotse reaching toward the heavens. After spending an appropriate amount of time breathing in and memorizing every last memorable aspect of the view, it will be time to reluctantly head back to Tumlingtar, with fresh aspects and experiences to bring new perspectives to the journey.

Useful Information

Respect the privacy of local people and kindly ask for permission before photographing them or their children.

Appreciate and respect the local culture and customs.

For your own personal safety, always stay on the uphill side of a trail when being passed by donkeys.

In landslide zones, either traverse them quickly or climb over and around them if at all feasible.

Smoking and drinking alcohol at altitudes above 3000 meters are not recommended.

Drink a minimum of three liters of water per day.

Remain aware of symptoms related to altitude sickness and be honest about any signs with yourself and your guide.

Even when not mandated, there are always benefits to using the invaluable services of a guide on a trek.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and culture of Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Free day for final trekking preparation and sightseeing.

  • Max. Altitude:1560m/5118ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Scenic morning flight to Tumlingtar with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. A four-hour drive through the beautiful Arun Valley leads to the trek's starting point at the village of Num.

  • Max. Altitude:1500m/4921ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The first day of trekking is spent descending through terraced fields and the scenic region of Lumbang. The trail then begins an arduous climb to Seduwa for the first night's rest.

  • Max. Altitude:2100m/6890ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A day spent roaming through pasturelands, terraced fields, and over numerous brooks and streams, with a final push to Tashi Gaon.

  • Max. Altitude:3500m/11483ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek's first real challenge is spent hiking to an elevation of 1400 meters. It's a rewarding day though as the trail leads through forests and picturesque Lakelands to a series of roughly hewn steps that lead up to Khongma Danda and the Barun Valley.

  • Max. Altitude:3500m/11483ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A perfectly timed day to rest and let the body acclimate from the gain in altitude.

  • Max. Altitude:3650m/11975ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trail to the pass of Shipton La (4125m) presents another challenging and rewarding day, with stunning views of the surrounding ranges.  Passing the pretty lake of Kalo Pokhari, the trail leads over the next pass of Keke La (4170m) and descends to the village of Dobate.

  • Max. Altitude:3557m/11670ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trail leads through the Barun Valley, following a strenuous pathway that eventually levels out and winds at a more comfortable pace to Yangri Kharka.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/14469ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another day of steep hiking, tramping between the valley's sheer walls on either side and on towards Merek and its scenic outlook. The wildlife is abundant, including yak herds dotting the landscape. The day concludes with another steep climb to Langmale and a well-earned rest for the night.

  • Max. Altitude:4630m/15190ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The forests of rhododendron and pine gradually cede to the alpine terrain of the highlands as the trail continues to climb. The views along the trail are among the best on the trek.

  • Max. Altitude:4870m/15978ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Today the trek reaches its chief destination, Makalu Base Camp, with its superb views of the mountain looming high above, as well as incredible views across to Everest and Lhotse.

  • Max. Altitude:4870m/15978ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Unlike many tour operators who offer just a fleeting base camp experience, the day at Makalu is a full one that incorporates a cautious visit to Barun Glacier as well as the opportunity to sit back and bask in some of the most incomparable mountain views anywhere in the Himalayas.

  • Max. Altitude:3557m/11670ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A rapid descent through Sherson, Langmale, and Merek to Yangi Kharka, covering in a day's march the same amount of territory that took two days on the way up - the benefits of going downhill!

  • Max. Altitude:3650m/11975ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another day of steady trekking as the trail leads back down, offering entirely new perspectives of the increasingly green landscapes and scenery.

  • Max. Altitude:3500m/11483ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A day of passes, first the climb over Keke La, then Shipton La as the trail gradually descends into the forested regions of the valley, complete with rhododendrons which, if in bloom, showcase Nepal's national flower.

  • Max. Altitude:1500m/4921ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Steep descents wait along precipitous trails and forested pathways that repay the effort with beautiful views of the surrounding valley.

  • Max. Altitude:1560m/5118ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

On the final day of the journey, hiking through the imposing walls of the valley, with a last view of the familiar villages, streams, and forests from the outward journey. A final night at Num allows time to relax and reflect, appreciating your well-earned accomplishment.

  • Max. Altitude:520m1706ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A morning drive by jeep takes us on the return leg to Tumlingtar and the opportunity for another day of rest to allow the body to recuperate from the trek.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

Time to savor Kathmandu one last time and perhaps have a farewell dinner with friends before departure.

    Pickup from the hotel and drop-off at Kathmandu Airport.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night stay in Kathmandu, including breakfast (twin share).
    • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Makalu Barun National Park permit, the TIMS card, etc.
    • All accommodation during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • A cup of tea or coffee with the meal
    • If and when available, fresh fruit should be provided every day.
    • Complimentary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and sleeping bag
    • Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid trained local guide
    • First-aid kit
    • Return flights between Kathmandu and Tumlingtar
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
    • Certificate of Achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, WiFi, etc.
    • Tip for staff
    Dates & Availability
    Start:MondayMar 25, 2024
    End:SundayApr 14, 2024
    PriceUS$1890
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the group departure dates? Aside from that, we organize private trips or any special dates you prefer. Let's talk to our local specialist now.

    Photos & Videos
    1Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Makalu Base Camp trek

      In May 2019, I organized solo trek to Makalu Base Camp and again 4th time used the services of the Nepal Trekking Experts. The less explored and challenging trekking route required a lot of effort due to bad weather. However with an enormous help of the Nepal Trekking Experts, the trek did not affected. While the agency owner Rajesh keep checking weather forecast and updating us and providing us professional advice, we had more confident and positive. Without their massif help the trip won't be possible. You will never regret choosing them for your adventure in Nepal and for sure I am using their service soon

      E
      ElenaSep 09, 2019Russia
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