The Makalu Base Camp Trek offers a challenging yet rewarding journey to the foot of the world's fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu. This 15-day trek traverses stunning landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to high-altitude terrains, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayas and diverse wildlife. Experience rich cultural interactions with local communities while crossing high mountain passes and exploring pristine valleys. Perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking both natural beauty and cultural enrichment in a remote, UNESCO-recognized region of Nepal.
- Duration: 15 days of trekking through the Makalu-Barun National Park
- Group size: Minimum of 2 participants, ideal for fit adventurers
- Accommodation: Comfortable tea house stays with three meals daily
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Makalu and other peaks, and interaction with Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities
We have pickup services from anywhere in Kathmandu.
On the first day of the trip the representatives from the agency will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. We will be there with a vehicle to pick you up from the Airport to the Hotel in Kathmandu. The drive will take us around 25-30 minutes depending on the traffic condition. On our way we will also witness one of the most important temple for Hindus built in 300 BC, Pashupatinath Temple. Rest of the day will be on your own, as the hotel is in the heart of Thamel area it will be easy to kill time doing various activities like pubbing, clubbing, shopping, or just strolling around the touristic Thamel area.
On this Day, you’ll begin your journey with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which takes approximately 35–45 minutes. This flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including glimpses of some of the world's highest peaks on clear days. Upon arriving in Tumlingtar, you will embark on a drive to the village of Num, located about 40 kilometers away. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, winding through rugged mountain terrain, passing through small villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Num, a small settlement perched on a ridge, will be your first stop, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and serving as the gateway to the Makalu-Barun National Park.
Today, the trek begins from Num, following a trail that takes you deeper into the heart of the Makalu-Barun National Park. The journey to Seduwa, a small Sherpa village, typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail descends through lush forests and terraced fields, gradually entering the beautiful Barun Valley. As you walk, you'll pass through remote villages, with the sound of the Arun River accompanying your steps. The path involves a moderate ascent and descent, crossing bridges over fast-flowing streams. The stunning landscapes include views of towering peaks, dense forests, and the occasional wildlife sighting. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Seduwa, a picturesque village that offers a peaceful resting place with amazing views of the surrounding mountains, marking the end of your day's trek.
n Day 04, you will continue your trek from Seduwa to Tashigau, a journey that typically takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins by gently climbing through terraced fields and dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. As you ascend, you'll start to notice the landscape becoming more dramatic, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The path gradually rises along the Arun River, passing through remote villages and small monasteries. Tashigau, a charming Sherpa village located at a higher altitude, serves as a beautiful and serene stop for the day. Upon arrival, you'll be surrounded by incredible views of the mountains, and the peaceful atmosphere of Tashigau, that offers the perfect setting for rest and acclimatization before the next stage of the trek.
On Day 05, your trek from Tashigau to Khongma is a challenging but rewarding journey, taking approximately 6 to 7 hours. The trail begins with a steady ascent through dense forests of rhododendron and juniper, gradually gaining altitude as you move towards the higher reaches of the Barun Valley. Along the way, you’ll cross several streams and suspension bridges, with the sound of rushing water accompanying your steps. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more rugged, with the towering peaks of the Makalu region providing a stunning backdrop. The trek to Khongma involves several steep climbs and switchbacks, but the effort is well worth it as you approach the village, which sits at an elevation of about 3,500 meters.
This day involves a steady climb and descent, as the trail continues through a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to more open, alpine terrain. After leaving Khongma, you will ascend further, crossing over the Mumbuk Kharka Pass, Sano Pokhari (Small Pond), Shipton La, Thulo Pokhari (Big Pond) and Keke La, offering stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The trail then descends gently through thick rhododendron and pine forests, making your way to Dobate. Dobate, situated at an altitude of around 3,800 meters, is a small, peaceful location that serves as a great spot to rest and acclimatize. This section of the trek offers impressive views of Mount Makalu and other nearby peaks. The day’s trek can be physically demanding due to the fluctuating elevations, but the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the tranquility of Dobate make it an ideal place to unwind and prepare for the challenges ahead.
On Day 07, the trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka takes about 5 to 6 hours and is a steady climb into the upper reaches of the Makalu-Barun Valley. After leaving Dobate, you will continue to ascend through a beautiful forested landscape, rich with rhododendrons and alpine vegetation. The trail gradually narrows as you approach the higher altitudes, and the views become even more dramatic, with towering peaks like Mount Makalu and others in the distance. As you move towards Yangle Kharka, the landscape opens up to more expansive alpine meadows. Yangle Kharka, located at an altitude of around 3,700 meters, is a small, tranquil area known for its grassy slopes and clear streams. The area is surrounded by magnificent mountain views, and it's common to spot grazing yaks or local wildlife.
On Day 08, the trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. This day’s journey involves a steady climb through more rugged terrain as you move higher into the Makalu-Barun National Park. The trail begins with an ascent through alpine meadows and scrubby forests, gradually approaching a more exposed landscape as you leave the tree line behind. Along the way, you will cross small streams, pass through rocky sections, and navigate a series of switchbacks, all while gaining elevation towards Langmale Kharka. As you ascend, you’ll begin to notice the air thinning and the landscapes becoming more dramatic, with sweeping views of the surrounding high peaks. Langmale Kharka, situated at around 4,400 meters, is a quiet, remote area, often used as a stopping point for trekkers making their way to the higher camps or toward Makalu Base Camp. The surroundings offer spectacular views of the nearby mountains, including glimpses of the imposing Makalu.
The journey today will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. The trail is a not so challenging ascent through a rugged, high-altitude landscape, with several steep sections and rocky paths that require careful footing. As you leave Langmale Kharka, the path continues to climb gradually, passing through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. The scenery becomes even more spectacular as you approach the base camp, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Makalu (8,485 meters) along with other towering mountains in the region. As you gain altitude, the air grows thinner, and the views of the massive glaciers, jagged ridgelines, and snow-capped peaks intensify, making the strenuous trek well worth the effort. Upon reaching Makalu Base Camp, situated at around 4,800 meters, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking, up-close view of Makalu and its surrounding mountain ranges. The camp area is often quiet and pristine, offering a sense of peace and awe amidst the towering giants.
After the previous day's strenuous trek, this day offers a much-needed rest, giving you the chance to fully absorb the stunning surroundings and adjust to the higher altitude. At around 4,800 meters, the air is thin, so it's essential to take things slowly to ensure proper acclimatization. You can spend the day exploring the area around base camp, which offers some of the most awe-inspiring views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks. You can hike to nearby points for better views of the mountain, glaciers, and valleys below. Depending on your energy levels, you can venture towards the Makalu glacier or the nearby high-altitude meadows for an even more dramatic perspective of the region. This day also provides an opportunity to observe the stark beauty of the environment—rugged, remote, and peaceful. You may encounter the hardy wildlife of the region, such as Himalayan tahr or blue sheep, and enjoy the solitude of this pristine wilderness.
On Day 11, you will begin your return journey from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka. The trek typically takes around 6 to 7 hours, following the same trail as you descend from the high altitudes back into the lower reaches of the valley. The descent from base camp is a gradual and steady one, and while it may be easier on the body, it still requires caution due to the rocky and uneven terrain. As you make your way down, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, rocky sections, and dense forests, all offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. The scenery is still stunning, but with a different perspective, as you move away from the high-altitude landscapes toward the lush green areas below. This stop provides an excellent opportunity to rest and recover from the demanding days at base camp, allowing you to acclimatize back to lower altitudes before continuing your trek.
On Day 12, you will trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobate, which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours. The trail begins with a gradual descent through alpine meadows, crossing streams and passing through rocky terrain as you make your way down the Barun Valley. As you descend, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning from the rugged, high-altitude environment to lush forests of rhododendron and pine. The air becomes denser, and the surroundings grow greener as you approach lower elevations. Along the way, you’ll pass small settlements, local farms, and forested areas, with the sound of the Barun River accompanying your journey. The trek is relatively straightforward, though it may involve some steeper sections as you descend
On Day 13, you will trek from Dobate to Khongma, a journey that typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail begins with a descent through lush forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and pine, and continues along the Barun River. As you move through the forests, you’ll cross several streams and pass through small villages, witnessing the changing landscape as you descend toward lower elevations. The path is relatively gentle, with some moderate climbs and descents, making for a pleasant day of trekking. Along the way, you’ll have views of the surrounding mountains and the peaceful villages nestled in the valley. The route takes you through terraced fields and local farming areas, offering a glimpse of rural life in this remote part of Nepal. Upon reaching Khongma we will further descend to Tashigau.
On Day 14, you will trek from Tashigau to Seduwa, the trail begins with a gradual descent, leading you through lush forests and terraced fields as you make your way back down the Barun Valley. Along the way, you'll pass small villages, and the landscape transitions from the alpine environment to subtropical forests, with an abundance of greenery and vibrant wildlife. The path follows a series of moderate ascents and descents, crossing streams and bridges, with occasional views of the surrounding peaks. As you continue your trek, the trail becomes easier and more relaxed, offering a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings. It’s an ideal place to rest after several days of high-altitude trekking, and a great place to reflect on your journey through the Makalu-Barun National Park
On Day 15, your journey continues with a trek from Seduwa to Arun Khola, followed by a drive to Khandbari. The trek from Seduwa to Arun Khola typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The trail begins with a descent through lush forests and terraced fields, gradually making your way to the Arun Khola, a river that runs through the valley. Along the way, you'll pass through small villages and get a glimpse of the local rural life, with terraced farming and traditional houses. Once you reach Arun Khola, you'll cross a bridge and begin your journey towards Khandbari.
On Day 16, you will drive from Khandbari to Tumlingtar, and then take a flight back to Kathmandu. The drive from Khandbari to Tumlingtar takes around 2 to 3 hours, winding through scenic mountain roads with stunning views of the valleys, rivers, and terraced fields as you descend toward Tumlingtar. Upon arriving in Tumlingtar, you will board a domestic flight back to Kathmandu. The flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes, offering one last chance to enjoy aerial views of the eastern Himalayas before returning to the capital. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, your trek concludes, and you can take some time to rest, reflect on the incredible journey, and explore the vibrant city before heading back home or continuing your travels. This marks the end of your adventure through the stunning Makalu-Barun National Park and the Makalu Base Camp.
The last day of the trip will begin with a delicious breakfast in the Hotel. Following the breakfast it will be some leisure time before we head off to the airport for the final departure. During the leisure time you can go for some souvenir shopping in the Thamel area. After the completion of leisure time, we will be heading towards the airport for the goodbyes with a heavy heart but armed with warm memories.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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