Makalu Base Camp Trek

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Trip Overview
  • Duration 21 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate or Grade B (**)
  • DestinationNepal
  • Meals & AccommodationBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Trip Start & EndKathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip TypeCamping and Adventure Trek
  • Major AttractionMakalu Base Camp
  • Maximum Altitude5,250 m/17,224 ft
  • Best TimeSpring & Autumn

Highlights

  • Arun valley and Barun valley 
  •  hydroelectric projects are well preserved.
  • Waterfalls, Granite cliffs, and glaciers in the upper regions of the trek are enchanting.
  • Makalu Barun National park
  • Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Himalayan Thar
  • Local culture from communities of Sherpa, Limbu, and Rai

Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey in the heart of eastern Nepal. The trek will particularly lead you to Makalu Barun National Park and Makalu Conservation Area, where you will get to see numerous flora & fauna, including rare ones. Trekking in the Makalu region comes under a restricted area, which needs a special permit from the government of Nepal. During the "Makalu Base Camp Trek," you will trek through five major ecological zones where the lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests of rhododendron & fir, and alpine meadows also appear. As most trail involves remote and isolated parts, the entire journey will be a super adventurous, wild, and off-the-beaten trail experience.

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will experience a wide range of climatic variations and altitude differences. Spring and Autumn are major seasons for the Makalu base camp trek. You will trek through the lush forest, where you can encounter wildlife like Red Panda, Snow-Leopard, and Musk Deer. Similarly, while passing through numerous small villages, you will get to observe the locals' rich culture and unique lifestyle. People from Sherpa, Rai, and Shingsawa reside in this part of Nepal. Even though the region is economically weak, you will get to see a tangible cultural heritage. Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an ideal journey for any travel enthusiasts looking for a less crowded trip in the Himalayas.

Trekking in the Makalu region will bless you with the spectacular beauty of the Himalayan landscape and panoramic views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319), Mt. Baruntse (7,220m), Peak 7 (6,185m), Peak 6 (6,739m), and many other mountains. You will also witness stunning views of glacial lakes, massive glaciers, and picturesque valleys. We, Mountain Rock Treks & Expedition, professionally designed our Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary to present you with a perfect journey. For any further information, feel free to contact us anytime.

Facts about Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • Destination: Makalu region, Nepal
  • Group Size: 1-12 people
  • Max-Altitude: 5,250 m/17,224 ft
  • Difficulty Level: Difficult
  • Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Departure From Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Accommodation: Hotel, teahouses, and camps (tents)
  • Best Time: Spring & Autumn

Our Success Trips

We summited the summit and traveled to Nepal with thousands of people. Still, our true victory is to get your destination that brings us to the top with our complete service of trekking, mountaineering, and adventure tours.

Know before you book

Itinerary

Lodge or Tented camp Means

  • if you are in the regular program it is Lodge.
  • If your special request for camping it will be for Tent.

Day to Day Info

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Arrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A drop at the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detailed arrangement of the Trek.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Free Day
  • 1320m

After breakfast, you will be introduced to the trek leader/guide at the hotel. This pre-trip meeting is for briefings on the trek and other necessary details. Please bring along your passport and three passport-sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance policy. You can use your free time to rest or explore around for some last-minute shopping. A visit to the world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Swayambhu, Boudha, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc is also arranged as per request.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Free Day
  • 1320Meters

An early morning flight to Tumlingtar takes around 45 minutes. warm areas of Arun valley at Tumlingtar, during 45 minutes flight grand panorama of mountains with Everest and Makalu, on reaching Tumlingtar where you will join with our other crew members and porters for this wonderful adventure to Makalu base camp.
over nights in Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar starting with a scenic interesting drive heading to the mid-hills passing many farm villages and the large town of Khandbari, drive continues on the hill ridge rough dirt road leading higher to Chinchela village from here a long descent to Num village slowly turning into a town with the motor reaching this village a few years back, at Num overnight in lodge or in tents with grand views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Jalajala Himal and Makalu.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6-7 Hours
  • 1560m

The trail takes a steep descent along with terraced fields to Lumbang and further passes through forest area to Arun River. After passing the suspension bridge, we take a zigzag climb all the way to Seduwa. We register at the National Park office and sleep at Seduwa.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5/6 hrs of hiking
  • 1500m

With Ipsuwa and Kasuwa River bounding our trail, we ascend through a ridge and cross the hill along with silent Buddhist villages. The trail passes through rice and paddy fields and forested areas and passes Hindrungma village. Terraced fields signify yet another settlement, as soon we pass TashiGaon school from where a short walk along the hilly trail takes us to TashiGaon. This Sherpa settlement is the last habitation in the valley and our stay for the night.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5 hrs hiking
  • 2100m

Today, we gain a lot of altitudes as we move towards Kauma. The trail first ascends through forests to a ridge. We pass Chipla, a small hut belonging to the shepherds and higher on, get to grazing ground. Stone stairs ascend the ridge and just on the other side lies Kauma.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6 hrs hiking
  • 3470m

After a long climb, this day deserves a rest. It’s also necessary that we acclimatize well to the increasing altitude. Staying idle is not a suggestion, so you can explore around Kauma and prepare for the next day.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Full Day
  • 3470m

The trail takes an early climb to a ridge at 3840m, an ideal viewpoint embellished with prayer flags and mani walls. Along the ridge, rhododendron forests scatter around the trail till Ghungru La (4050m). Further ahead, we descend to a beautiful lake. Leaving the turquoise beauty behind, the trail then ascends to Shipton Pass and further on, crosses the third pass Keke La. We pass along rhododendron forests to reach Mumbak, and overnight here.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5 hrs hiking
  • 3540m

Through rhododendron and fir forests, the trail descends to BarunKhola. We pass a cave while moving along the ups and downs to reach a wide clearing where views of Peak 7 are magnificent. To the Barun River, the valley widens and frolicking streams are a plenty. Across the bridge, we pass YangleKharka to reach NehaKharka, a large grazing land.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6 hrs hiking
  • 3706m

Today, we move along the Barun valley passing PiphukKharka (3930m) and ascending along a waterfall to a stream. At JhakKharka (4210m) the trail passes a house and crosses the meadows of Yak Kharka. Further on, moving beside a moraine, the trail leads to Sherson (4615m), with wonderful views of Peak 4, Peak 5, Peak 3 and the Makalu itself. One can easily notice the vegetation change to alpine with the altitude. Overnight stay at Sherson.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 7 hrs hiking
  • 4630m

The gradual ascent from Sherson continues to a minor pass just above the base camp. The trail then takes a descent to a stream and leads to the Makalu Base Camp (5000m). With no vegetation or shelter, the only company here is the outstanding views of southern Makalu.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4/5 hrs of hiking
  • 4870m

The day is set aside for exploration of the periphery of Makalu Base Camp and enjoying scenic views of the giant. Overnight stay in a base camp.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Free Day
  • 4870m

It’s a big descent, as we move back to NehaKharka through the same route. Quite consoling after spending days in the chilling heights.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3706m

The trail further moves down along rhododendron and fir forests to Mumbuk with the backdrop of the snow peaks.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3540m

Today’s walk crosses the three passes, Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Views of Mount Makalu above and Barun River below form an outstanding combination. It’s a formidable walk, with steep ascents and descents. Overnight stay at Kauma.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3540m

The descent to TashiGaon is steep at some points, moving down along the hilly terrain. It’s a long walk that ends at the Sherpa habitation of TashiGaon.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2100m

At these lower altitudes, farming villages can be seen in plenty. Today’s walk passes through Rai settlements and along forests and streams to reach Pakuwa where we stay overnight.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1520m

The trail continues through forests and climbs a spectacular ridgeline. We further drop down to the Chettri Village at Bumling where we stay for the night.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1160m

Following the banks of the Arun River, the trail passes along Chyawabesi and further ascends to reach Tumlingtar. Overnight stay in Tumlingtar.

  • Lodge/Tented Camps
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1040m

The short morning flight to Kathmandu is a scenic one. Upon reaching the capital, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the evening, Mountain Rock Treks has scheduled a farewell dinner which is also a celebration of the successful completion of the journey. You can use your free time strolling around the city or getting souvenirs for your family and friends back home.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1320m

Departure from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle. You can also opt for another package with Mountain Rock Treks.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1320m

We are pleased to offer the flexibility of tailoring your journey to your desired duration and places, whether extended or shortened, as our proficient team of locals-cum-guides, porters, and accompanying staff have an in-depth understanding of every location traveled.

customize my trip

Trip Map

Makalu Base Camp Trek map

Cost Details

Includes

  • 2 nights Deluxe Kathmandu hotel in Kathmandu on B/B, Before and After the trek. Hotel Florid Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
  • Airport pick-up and drop services
  • Ticketing, trekking permit, and all needed document.
  • A professional English-speaking Trekking guide, License Holder, including all his expenses with full insurance cover.
  • A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two-member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
  • All surface transportation to the starting point and from the ending point of the trek as per the itinerary.
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Basic tea house arrangement during the trek as accommodation.
  • Necessary insurance for trekking staff.
  • First Aid kit, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
  • A sleeping bag and down Jacket, To be returned after the trip.
  • emergency Rescue assistance pay by your travel insurance.
  • A trekking route map.

Excludes

  • Nature of personal expense
  • All meals and hotels in Kathmandu.
  • Activities and extra night hotel in Kathmandu like a sightseeing tour.
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  •  Extra porter if needed.
  • Satellite Phone.

Dates & Price

Essential Info

The major attraction of Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • Off-the-beaten trekking experience
  • Trek through Makalu Barun National Park, where you will get to see diverse flora & fauna
  • Get to experience the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of ethnic settlements.
  • Explore Makalu Base Camp
  • Witness panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and numerous other mountains

Makalu Base Camp Trek route

Makalu Base Camp trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, you will start trekking towards Khadbari and then to Chichila. Leaving Chichila behind, you will head to Tashi Gaon via Num and Sedua. The trail passes by several small villages and leads you to Kauma where you will take a day off for acclimatization. Then, you will gradually ascend the rugged and forested trail to reach Makalu Base Camp. Before reaching the base camp, you will also pass by Mumbuk, Neha Khadka, and Sherson. You will spend a day exploring the base camp and descend back to Tashi Gaon, following the same trail as before. Further, the trail will lead you to the beautiful village, Pakuwa, where you will drop down to Bumling and then to Tumlingtar and fly back to Kathmandu. 

Permits are needed to do Makalu Base Camp Trek

To go on Makalu Base Camp Trek, you need to get the following permits:

Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit: USD 30 per person

Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person

Makalu Base Camp Trek difficulty

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a long trek that usually lasts more than 20 days. Likewise, you will gain more than 5,000 meters in elevation during the trek, and the trail is also challenging. If not done correctly, there are also chances of altitude sickness. Therefore, by looking at all these factors, you can say Makalu Base Camp Trekking is a difficult journey in the Himalayas. However, with our carefully designed Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary and proper guidance, you can complete the trek without having any problems. 

Makalu Base Camp Trek cost

Makalu Base Camp Trek's cost depends on the company you are traveling with. The price includes your lodging and fooding during the trek, accommodation in Kathmandu, all necessary permits, and expenses of guides & porters. You can check our cost including and excluding parts for further information. With us, you will get the best price and service. 

Food & Accommodation during Makalu Base Camp Trek

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you won't be dining on anything fancy as this is one of the most remote parts of Nepal, plus the ones available will cost you a fortune. There is no roadway in the trekking region, so men and mules carry them. You can expect it to be a lot of hard work. During your stay in teahouses, you will eat dal bhat and dhido. Non-vegetarian items are rare and expensive. Therefore, it is better that you eat vegetarian. If you have cravings, then you can carry food along with you.

As you trek on the lower parts of the Makalu region, you will be staying in the teahouses and lodges as they are abundant in those areas. As you move further, the elevation also increases. You won't find any houses and lodges in the higher parts of the Himalayas as people do not stay in those parts. Those parts are icy. While at the base camp, and before crossing major passes, you will be spending the night in a camp. The porters will build the center and cook food for you.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Equipment List

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will need essential trekking equipment. Below is the list of things that you should carry during Makalu Base Camp Trekking:

  1. T-shirts

  2. Underwear

  3. Thermal underwear

  4. Shorts

  5. Trousers

  6. down Jacket

  7. Fleece Jacket

  8. Waterproof jacket with a hood 

  9. Waterproof pants

  10. Trekking pants

  11. Pair of gloves/mittens & Lightweight gloves

  12. Sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket

  13. Lightweight walking boots

  14. Spare laces

  15. Thick woolen socks & Thin socks

  16. One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp

  17. Sunglasses

  18. Warm hat/Bandana

  19. Toiletries (sunscreen with a very high SPF, lip balm with a high SPF, quick-drying towel, toothbrush & paste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face & body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror, tissue paper, toilet paper, etc.)

  20. First Aid Kit (bandage for sprains, band-aids, antiseptic ointment for cuts, aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller, diarrhea stopper, Diamox, etc.)

  21. Iodine or water filters

  22. An emergency light

  23. Reusable water bottle

  24. Trekking Pole

  25. Sleeping bag

  26. Miscellaneous (binoculars, book, map, journal & pens, cards, camera, extra batteries, snacks, etc.)

MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK COST

MonthsCost in US$Book Now
January2150Book Now
Febabury2150Book Now
March2150Book Now
April2150Book Now
May2150Book Now
June2150Book Now
July2150Book Now
August2150Book Now
September2150Book Now
October2150Book Now
November2150Book Now
December2150Book Now

 

Last Minute Booking / inquires for  Makalu Base Camp Trek.
You can call us ( +9779849023179 - Dipak Pande) and WhatsApp, WeChat, and line available @ 24 hrs or email [email protected].

FAQs

  • Q1. Where is Makalu base camp?

    The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins at Tumlingtar and travels up the Arun river valley to Sedua and Num before crossing Shipton La Pass (4210 m) into the upper Barun river valley for a close-up view of Makalu and Chamlang Himal. This trek takes you to one of Nepal's most isolated and unexplored locations.

  • The Makalu Base Camp journey begins with a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a small airport 500 kilometers east of the capital.

  • The optimum seasons for the Makalu Base Camp hike are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather is still pleasant, and the temperature is still mild (particularly at low and mid-elevations). The Makalu circuit trek can also be done during the winter months, however the low temperatures may not be ideal because the lodges in this location aren't particularly well equipped.

  • TIMS and Makalu base camp trek permit

  • From this viewpoint, you may see Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6, and Peak 4, as well as close-up, dramatic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. When you've had your fill of mountain drama, return the same way you came to base camp. It should take about 4-5 hours to travel round trip.

  • Makalu Base Camp trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, you will begin trekking towards Khadbari and then to Chichila. Leaving Chichila behind you will head to Tashi Gaon via Num and Sedua. The trail passes by several small villages and leads you to Kauma where you will take a day off for acclimatization. From here onwards, you will gradually ascend the rugged and forested trail to reach Makalu Base Camp. Before reaching the base camp, you will also pass by Mumbuk, Neha Khadka, and Sherson. You will spend a day exploring the base camp and descend back to Tashi Gaon following the same trail as before. Further, the trail will lead you to the beautiful village, Pakuwa from where you will drop down to Bumling and then to Tumlingtar, and fly back to Kathmandu. 

  • To go on Makalu Base Camp Trek, you need to get the following permits:

    Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit: USD 30 per person

    Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person

  • Makalu Base Camp Trek is a long trek that lasts for more than 20 days usually. Likewise, during the trek, you will gain more than 5,000 meters in elevation and the trail is also challenging. If not done properly there are also chances of altitude sickness. Therefore, by looking at all these factors, you can say Makalu Base Camp Trekking is a difficult journey in the Himalayas. However, with our carefully designed Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary and proper guidance, you will be able to complete the trek without having any problems. 

  • During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you won’t be dining on anything fancy as this is one of the most remote parts of Nepal, plus the ones available will cost you a fortune. As there is no roadway in the trekking region, they are carried by men and mules. You can expect it to be a lot of hard work. During your stay in teahouses, you will eat dal bhat and dhido. Non-vegetarian items are rare and expensive. It is better that you eat vegetarian. If you have cravings, then you can carry food along with you.

    As you trek on the lower parts of the Makalu region, you will be staying in the teahouses and lodges as they are abundant in those areas. As you move further, the elevation also increases. In the higher parts of the Himalayas, you won’t find any houses and lodges as people do not stay in those parts. Those parts are very cold. While at the base camp, and before crossing major passes, you will be spending the night in a camp. The camp will be built by the porters, and they’ll cook food for you.

  • During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will need basic trekking equipment. Below is the list of things that you should carry during Makalu Base Camp Trekking:

    • T-shirts
    • Underwear
    • Thermal underwear
    • Shorts
    • Trousers
    • down Jacket
    • Fleece Jacket
    • Waterproof jacket with a hood 
    • Waterproof pants
    • Trekking pants
    • Pair of gloves/mittens & Lightweight gloves
    • Sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket
    • Lightweight walking boots
    • Spare laces
    • Thick woollen socks & Thin socks
    • One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
    • Sunglasses
    • Warm hat/Bandana
    • Toiletries (sunscreen with a very high SPF, lip balm with a high SPF, quick-drying towel, toothbrush & paste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face & body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror, tissue paper, toilet paper, etc)
    • First Aid Kit (bandage for sprains, band-aids, antiseptic ointment for cuts, aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller, diarrhoea stopper, Diamox, etc)
    • Iodine or water filters
    • An emergency light
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Trekking Pole
    • Sleeping bag
    • Miscellaneous (binoculars, book, map, journal & pens, cards, camera, extra batteries, snacks, etc)
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  • Best Trek

    I did trek around Nepal six times, and Makalu base camp is my seventh trek. I love to have such a peaceful in Nepal, and Makalu is one of that. I recommend the Makalu base camp trek and the mountain rich trek to organize such a beautiful trek.

    D
    DainelSpainJune 06, 2022

  • Exceptional organization

    I've never enjoyed trekking so much as I have here: Exceptional organization is provided by this trekking agency. I highly suggest it to everyone.

    J
    Joshua BoschNetherlandsMarch 29, 2022
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