Makalu Base Camp Trek

"A Beautiful Himalayan Tea House Trek Through Shipton La to Reach To Foot of the Fifth Highest Mountain in the World"
Duration
22 Days
Activities
  • Trekking & Hiking
  • City Sightseeing
Accommodation
  • 03 Nights at Deluxe Hotel
  • 18 Nights Tea House Lodge
Meals
  • 21 Breakfast
  • 18 Lunch
  • 18 Dinner

Price starts from

US$ 1800

10% Discount for Group

Overview & Highlights

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Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

Makalu Base Camp Trek is famous for nature walks in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Mount Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world among the other 14 peaks over 8000 meters. Less-frequented trek to Makalu Base Camp takes you to high altitudes, snowy landscapes, and the ethnic Himalayan lifestyle on a lonely trek, now it is designated as Makalu Barun National Park and Nature Reserve.

Main Highlights

             ·            Unique flora and fauna in Makalu Barun National Park

             ·            Located on the walls of the fifth highest mountain in the world

             ·            Drive from arable land on green terraces to glaciers and waterfalls

             ·            Discover some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the red panda

             ·            Experience the rural life of the various Rai and Sherpa cultures in Nepal

             ·            Unparalleled panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and countless other peaks

             ·            The fascinating and unspoiled culture of the different ethnic groups that populate the region.

Itinerary Highlights

Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary cannot be customized according to your choice. Please write to us for the individual travel Itinerary. The price varies depending on hotel category, transportation, private vehicle, and flight service.

Day 01: Welcome to Nepal

Day 02: Trekking Preparation and city tour of Kathmandu valley:

Day 03: Flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichira:

Day 04: Trekking from Chichira to Num: Walking distance 6-7 hours

Day 05: Trek Num to Seduwa: Walking distance 6-7 hours

Day 06: Trekking Seduwa to Tashigaon:  Walking Distance 5-6 hours

Day 07: Trekking Tashigaon to Khongma Danda: Walking distance 6-7 hours

Day 08: Acclimatization day:

Day 09: Trekking Khongma Danda to Dobate via Shipton’s La pass: Walking 6-7 hours

Day 10: Trekking Dobate to Yangri Kharka: Walking distance 6-7 hours

Day 11: Trekking Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: Walking distance 6-7 hours

Day 12: Trekking Langmale Kharka to Makalu base camp: Walking 6 – 7 hours

Day 13: Exploring Makalu Base Camp:

Day 14: Trekking Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka:

Day 15: Trekking Yangri Kharka to Dobate:

Day 16: Trekking Dobate to Khongma Danda:

Day 17: Trekking Khongma Danda to Tashigaon:

Day 18: Trekking Tashigaon to Seduwa:

Day 19: Trek Seduwa to Num:

Day 21: Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu:

Day 22: Drop to Kathmandu international airport

Overview of Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal among lonely travelers. It offers travelers an incredible opportunity to explore the Himalayan Mountains and culture. As the fifth highest mountain in the world, the Makalu Mountains consist of several peaks in the Himalayas. Makalu National Peak is located in Makalu Barun National Park. Makalu Trek is a fantastic long trip to Nepal, where you can experience the incredible natural beauty of Makalu Barun National Park and adventure in the Himalayan Desert of Nepal. The lush Arun Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal that is sure to leave travelers breathless. Breathtaking views of Makalu Peak and the Himalayan mountain ranges like Mount Everest, Mt. Baruntse, and Lhotse. The Makalu Trekking Path is a form of trekking path that is unusual in Nepal and gives travelers the joy of being in the presence of nature and immersing themselves in the beauty and solitude of beautiful nature.

Your trip to Makalu Base Camp begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. From there drive to the town of Num, from where your trek to the Makalu base camp begins. Trekking in the Makalu Himalayas is famous for its lush rhododendron forest with increasing altitude; the path consists of polished granite rocks, incredible waterfalls, and glaciers. The track also leads us through the high mountain pass of Nepal, such as the Shipton la Pass and the Keke La Pass. During our walk, the altitude of Makalu varies as you start your journey from Tumlingtar, which is 400 meters high and reaches 5,500 meters on the southeast ridge of the mountain. Makalu Barun National Park is also very rich in biodiversity, as this national park in Nepal is home to rare fauna. Travelers will experience the Himalayan culture and lifestyle of the Himalayan people.

Makalu base camp is a bit challenging because the route goes up and down all the time. Some parts of the hike can even be complicated and technical, especially when crossing the high pass. However, our experience staffs are always at your side to support you every step of the way. All equipment and camping facilities on the Makalu trekking trip, such as mattresses, mats, kitchen and even bathroom tents, are installed where you will spend the night in a camp. Our guide and our cooks also prepare all the necessary food for you. Makalu Base camp trek lies in a restricted area. Therefore, travelers need a special permit for the Makalu Trek. The Makalu base camp trekking permit can be obtained after applying to the government.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

According to your arrival schedule, we will be at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to welcome you to our country for a beautiful trip. After exchanging warm greetings in the arrival area, we take you to our vehicle and drop to the reserved hotel. It's a day off; you will be alone and can do whatever you want to cool off, but we will be happy to guide you through the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

We will interact with each other on the second day of arrival. After early breakfast, all guests must come to our office to review their trip and buy and manage the necessary items for their trips. After a discussion about your trip, you will start your cultural tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Sights include Swoyambhunath, the oldest monument in the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, and other medieval architectural wonders, Pashupatinath to immerse in Hindu death rites, bank of a sacred river and Boudhanath. A substantial Buddhist shrine considered the largest in the world.

Meals included: Breakfast


Today you fly to Tumlingtar after having breakfast in the morning. After breakfast, you meet our other crew members who accompany you on your trip. As soon as you reach Tumlinghtar, you will take a short trip to Chichira, a small but beautiful Gurung settlement. It is rich in Gurung culture. You can explore this beautiful place after you arrive in Chichira. You will rest for the day in Chichira and prepare for the walk the next day. You will spend the night at Chichira

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


You start your first-day trekking early in the morning, right after a hot breakfast. Since this is the first day, you will proceed slowly and gradually increase our pace as you move towards Num Village. On the way to the village of Num, you will meet the beautiful picturesque villages and the lush mountain forests. After a moderate follow-up examination of 6-7 hours, you will reach to Num Village. Num Village is on a ridge with magnificent views from both sides and elevated at the end. Today, you will take a break on the trails and stay in this beautiful city for the night. You will spend the night in Num Village. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After early morning breakfast, you follow a steep and decent path through forests and terraced farms before reaching the Barun River. You have to cross the Barun River. After crossing the river, our way now increases. This valley is quite hot, and the forest here offers some shade. Makalu Barun National Park also starts from here. Before you get to your destination, you need to register your permits. Once everyone expresses their permission, you go an hour or two further to reach the village of Seduwa. Our staff will build the camp to spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today's trekking path leads through the ridge that is bordered by Ipsuwa Khola in the west and by Kasuwa Khola in the east. Before you reach the exotic village of TashiGaon, you have to cross the slope through a quiet village and walk through small rice fields. Tashi Gaon is the pleasant settlement village of Gurung, surrounded by the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas. The people in this area are amicable and helpful. You will get to know the Gurung culture in this village.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


Today will be a stressful day as you have to walk a steep path at a higher altitude. After Tashigaon, you leave the human settlement and climb through the beautiful shadow of the rhododendron and oak forest to a brook and then to a ridge. After walking through a dense forest, you reach summer pastures with traces of temporary shepherd's huts. From here, the path becomes even more gradual and leads through Kharka and follows a series of stone stairs that lead to a small lake on top of the ridge. Our current destination Khongma Danda is a little further away from here. You will set up our camp here with the picturesque mountains in the moonlight to spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today is the day of rest. You can rest in the camp before starting our next trek, or visit an exciting place and viewpoint to explore. From the campsite, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the beautiful Himalayan areas and gather energy for the next day.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


You start your trek with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes and the snow-capped mountains. Today's path follows a gradual trail with few ups and downs. Our path leads through Thulo Pokhari and Small Pokhari and then to the summit of Shipton La pass. In times of heavy snow, the trail can be quite tricky and challenging to find. When you continue, you will get to Kalo Pokhari Lake. After the lake, you pass the KeKe La. From here, you can enjoy the fantastic view of Chamlang Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7. After crossing Chorten of Tutu la, you walk downhill to reach the beautiful Dobate valley.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


Our day begins with a steep descent through a narrow wooded valley that leads through the rhododendron forest and leads us directly to the Barun River, beyond Tamatan Kharka. If you cross the Barun River, you will reach the upper part of the valley. Beyond this point, the path is steep and arduous with numerous stone chips. So be very careful in the first two hours. As soon as you have passed the steep path, you will take a pleasant walk and gradually gain altitude until you enrich the seasonal settlement of Yangri Kharka at the foot of the valley. You will spend the night in Yangri Kharka.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


Today's walk begins with crossing the bridge over the Barun River and then walking on the rocks where you can see a large prayer wall. You take a reasonable step towards the valley, past yak pastures and lush forests. After 2-3 hours of walking, the vegetation begins to thin out. However, rhododendron, barberry, cotoneaster, and juniper bushes persist for some time. A nice walk brings us near Sherson. From Sherson, you can see the lowest glacier in Barun and the imposing Mount Makalu. It is also known as the lower base camp of Mount Makalu. Then you will make a new way to pass Merek. You may notice a significant increase in panoramic views of the Himalayas. You will spend the night in Langmale Kharka.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


Today you arrive at the base camp. From Langmale Kharka, we slowly walk uphill to Shershong and finally walk to the Makalu base camp. Mount Makalu appears on a flat path with icy glaciers and snow-capped mountains. With an ascent of 6-7 towards the camp, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent exhibition of the Himalayas that surround us. You will spend the night in Makalu base camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Makalu Base Camp is a rocky wasteland with the magnificent Barun Glacier behind it. Today you will rest to explore the Makalu base camp. When you stand at Makalu Base Camp, you can see the brilliant south face of Makalu and the full panorama of Everest and Lhotse. If you see the magnificent view of this pristine Himalayas, your trip is worth it. In addition to the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas, some beautiful lakes and glaciers are worth exploring. You can take a short walk to Makalu base camp, where you can celebrate the success of our trip. You will spend the night in Makalu base camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner


After the beautiful exploration at Makalu base camp, you descend from the base camp. With a last look at the mighty Makalu, you take the same path you took to reach Makalu base camp. You walk down, Merek, and finally, stop at Yangri Kharka to spend the night. You will spend the night in Yangri Kharka.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, you continue your journey from Yangri Kharka. Our way leads through rock falls, green forests, and valleys to Dobate. You return on your way along the banks of the Barun River.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today's trek will be easier because today's walk follows a quiet path through a spruce and rhododendron forest. Before you go down to Khongma Danda, you need to cross Keke La, Tutu La, and Kauma La on the way.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today you are returning to Tashigaon. For another 2-3 hours, your way leads through the cool shadows of the dense forest area, reaches the courtyard terrace, and finally the Sherpa village Tashigaon.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We take our steps back and follow the path downhill for an hour or two through the cultivated fields. When you leave Makalu Barun National Park, descend to the Barun River. If you go downhill, cross the slope and drive through many towns and settlements, you will reach Seduwa again. You will spend the night in the village of  Seduwa.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, you leave the beautiful village of Seduwa. Before you reach the village of Num, you have to cross the lush forest. The path goes downhill, uphill and downhill through culturally rich Sherpa villages and dense forest. It will take you back to Num. Overnight in Num.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today is the last day of your trek in this region. You continue our return journey and will trace our steps back to Chichira. From Chichira, you can enjoy the fantastic view of Mount Makalu for the last time. From this point, you take a pleasant walk until you reach Tumlingtar for the night. You will spend the night in Tumlingtar.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today is the last day in the Makalu region! Wake up early for a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, You board the plane to fly back to Kathmandu after our long hike in the mountains. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will have time to explore the city on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

On the last day of this trip, we will take you to the airport according to your flight schedule.

We hope you enjoyed the trip to Makalu Base Camp and hope to see you on another adventure soon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Includes/Excludes

  • Collection and return at the airport in a private vehicle

    Accommodation in a three-star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu

    Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the walk

    Best accommodation for two people available as accommodation during the hike

    Kathmandu city tours with an experience tour guide on private vehicle

    A very experienced, helpful, and friendly guide.

    food, shelter, salary, and equipment for Porter

    Accident insurance for all employees.

    First aid kit, oximeter for monitoring heart rate, heart rate, and oxygen

    Fee TIMS card fee - Wanderer information management system

    Taxes and fees for office services

  • Personal travel insurance

    International airfare

    Entry visa for Nepal. You can quickly get a visa on arrival at the airport

    Snacks/drinks and other personal expenses

    Hot showers while walking

    Personal trekking equipment

    Tips and tricks for trekking staff and drivers.

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Fixed Departure

All our published fixed departure dates are guaranteed. If the date does not suit your travel plans, the cost and duration of the trip, please contact us for your individual private trip, itinerary and price. Since we are a local travel and trekking company based in Kathmandu, we try to find a small private group that fits your travel needs. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help you plan your customized trip to your dream destination. Thank you and Namaste!

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Makalu Base Camp Trek Accommodation

You will stay in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and camping during the trek. All accommodations are on the twin sharing basis. An individual supplement is available on request collecting the extra charge. We organize rooms with attached toilet in Kathmandu. Also note that single supplements are available in the city area and the lower trekking area, but are difficult to get at higher altitudes. During your walk, you will enjoy real Nepalese cuisine, as well as international cuisine such as Tibetan, Italian, Continental, Indian, etc. Breakfast and dinner are served in the tea house where we stay overnight, while lunch is served on the way to the next destination. All meals during the trek and only breakfast while in Kathmandu.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Route Map

Makalu Base Camp Trek Map

Makalu Base Camp Trek Video

Essential Information

Trekking Guide and other staff arrangements

The most important thing is that it makes this trip pleasant and unforgettable are the trained, experienced, polite, and helpful leaders and crew members who can easily spend your days in the mountains. The best and most professional leaders lead our journey. All of our executives are carefully selected based on their conscious experience, leadership skills, and personal talent. To support local people, we choose only local people as employees who have adequate knowledge of the culture, geography, flora, fauna, and history of their local regions.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance for each itinerary of our company is a prerequisite for booking a holiday. You must have at least one emergency and repatriation insurance, which should include the cost of rescue on the mountain. Please carefully read the terms of your insurers, in particular, make sure that the following is covered: 1) activity (i.e., tourism, trekking or mountaineering) 2) maximum altitude reached in walking 3) evacuation of the helicopter in case of emergency. You must understand that you are ultimately responsible for all costs associated with the evacuation and return procedures and that it is your responsibility to bear the costs of the abandonment or medical treatment. You should be fully aware of the effects of organizing your travel insurance and understand the limitations and exclusions of your policy. Please note that in certain circumstances, our business manager may carry out a helicopter rescue (or other necessary means) in the event of a medical emergency without first seeking approval from your insurance company.

Physical condition and experience requirements

Manaslu Trek is a challenging trek, and it is suitable only for passionate hikers who can walk at least 6-7 hours a day. On some days you may even have to walk 8 to 9 hours. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower elevations. However, if you are in excellent health, average physical condition, positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can complete the trip. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few months before the trip is a good idea as it improves your strength and stability. Prior knowledge of hiking is preferred, but you do not require technical expertise. It is essential to check with your doctor before booking this trek.

Proposed preparation

  • Exercises Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and pull-ups for approx. 4-5 days a week for three months before your trip are beneficial.
  • You should also participate in developing core strength and muscle endurance during strength training.
  • Hiking on the hills in different weather conditions is proper preparation for this trip.
  • If you have access, kayaking and swimming can be a handy way to develop the strength and stamina required for this trip.
  • Acclimatization

The Makalu Base Camp Trek route is planned with a high level of knowledge of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Climbing high up too quickly leads to an illness that is serious enough to cause death. Oxygen level will be lower as you reach in higher altitudes. At an altitude of more than 5000 m, for example, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs more days to adapt to an atmosphere with less oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is reserved for acclimatization.

The best time to travel

March to May and September to November are the best months for this trip. Although you can make this trip in winter, the cold temperature may not be suitable for everyone.

FAQs

The trek to Makalu Base Camp is a difficult trek. If you've done another hike of over 4,000 meters and are in good physical shape, you can successfully complete this hike.

You have to walk an average of 6-7 hours a day. The hike consists of crossing many rivers, cantilevered wooden bridge, suspension bridge, dense forest, stone steps, sudden changes in altitude and time.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Reviews

Total Reviews: 1
2020-08-18

by Markel, USA

One of the best remote trek:- Makalu Trek Review

It is quite simply one of the best, most spectacular and rewarding trek in the world. The landscape approaching the base camp is fascinating in its size and vastness. Makalu will gradually reveal itself to you as you climb the slope on your day trip to base camp, and the views from your lodge at MBC are breathtaking. Another highlight is the crossing of the four high passes from Khongma to Dobate, which offers beautiful scenery and a challenging hike on the way back to base camp. For the fit and adventurous hiker looking for the most remote places and the most challenging treks, this is definitely a must. The stay in the teahouses was also a big advantage for me. What they lack in comfort and sophistication, they gain in charm and character, with warm and friendly hosts and good, simple and nutritious food.

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