Makalu Base Camp Trek

21 Days 20 Nights
Trip Region:
Highest Altitude:
  • mount-makalu-base-camp


Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of those treks which are an exquisite experience and takes you into the Himalayan realm of Makalu, eventually culminating at the base camp of the fifth highest peak in the world. All this and you will be in one of the most isolated regions of Nepal. Reveling in the culture of the local people, you will be able to explore the nature in its rawest form. Makalu Base Camp Trek, with the Himalayan panorama, rugged landscapes, and roaring rivers is a gem of a trek.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you fly to Tumlingtar and start trekking. The lower trail starts through the remote alpine plain and takes you through the beautiful farmlands, dense forests and delightful villages. On this trek route, you get to observe the rare flora and fauna, vibrant terraced fields and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. The upper trail comprises of polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers. After Khongma Danda, you steeply ascend to Shipton La (4,170m) and trek towards the Makalu Base Camp. From the camp, you can see breathtaking views of Makalu (8,463 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,414 m) and many other mountain peaks. During the latter stages of the trek, you walk through some of the last remaining areas of the alpine meadows and lush forests and retrace your steps back to Tumlingtar. This is a trek for those who seek adventure but want to avoid crowds of people. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are considered the best time for trek to Makalu Base Camp as the weather is nice during this period.

Alpine Adventure Team prepares travel itineraries according to your time frame and provides you with all the support you need for the trek. We have expert trek guides who can handle any difficult situation and make sure that you have an unforgettable experience. You will be staying in the finest tenting camps.


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
The trip begins with your at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Our company representative will welcome you at the airport and then, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichila (1,980m): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours’ drive
From Kathmandu, you fly to Tumlingtar and meet the rest of the team members. The flight goes to the northern region of the country with scenic views of the landscapes below you. After lunch, you take a private vehicle drive through paved road to Khandbari. Then the drive continues along the coarse path passing the terraced fields and forest to reach the Gurung settlement of Chichila. Overnight stay at Chichila.

Day 03: Trek from Chichila to Num (1,560m): 6-7 hours
You begin today’s trek early and walk through beautiful villages and rhododendron forest to Num. You will trek to Hururu and cross Dauj La pass to head towards Mudhe. The forest looks spectacular during the blooming season.Num is a small village with very few houses and a primary school at the hilltop. Overnight stay at Num.

Day 04: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,500m): 6-7 hours
The trail descends steeply through the forests and terraced farms and takes you to Barun River.You cross the Arun River and make a steep ascent before entering the Makalu Barun National Park. After getting the permits checked you make a final climb to Seduwa. The path is along the forests and offers a variety of flora and fauna. Overnight stay at Seduwa.

Day 05: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m): 4-5 hours
The trek continues by climbing out of the valley all the way through the blanketed forest of rhododendron and bamboo and reach Murmidanda. Then, you pass through the rice paddy fields to Narbugaon. Later, the trail goes through the wooded area and farmland before taking you to Tashigaon. You can explore the village upon arrival. Overnight stay at Tashigaon.

Day 06: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m): 6-7 hours
You begin the trek with a steep ascent through the rhododendron forests and oak forests. After trekking for some time,the trail gradually starts to opens up and takes you to Sadema village. Further ahead lies Dhara Kharka followed by Unshisa. You march ahead along the ridge and make your way to Khongma Danda. Overnight stay at Khongma Danda.

Day 07: Acclimatization Day
Today is the acclimatization day for your body to get rest before climbing Shipton La (4,170m). You can spend the day strolling around the territory and exploring the biodiversity of the region. You can also view the landscapes surrounding the village and also offers distant views of Isuwa River to the west and Hingsa River to the east. Overnight stay at Khongma Danda.

Day 08: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours
From Khongma, you ascend on a steep trail along glimpse with the marvelous backdrop of Kanchenjunga to the east (8,586 m). First on the trek today, you cross Keke La pass (4127m) with the view of Kalo Pokhari along the trail. You keep walking through the rhododendron forests and reach Shipton La (4,170m).Up ahead, you ascend and pass over Tutu La (4,080m) before dropping to Dobate. Overnight stay at Dobate.

Day 09: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m): 6-7 hours
You walk through the rhododendron forests and head towards Barun River.Then, you take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until you arrive at Yangri Kharka which is located at the base of the valley. The lush pasturelands take you to Yangri Kharka via Temathang Kharka. Once arriving here, you can rest or explore the area. Overnight stay at Yangri Kharka.

Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m): 5-6 hours
Today, you take a moderate walk and pass through the yak pastures and lush forests.You slowly start the ascent and make sure that your body is adjusted with the climb. Upon arrival at LangmaleKharka, you camp at the pastureland. The entire trek goes through pasturelands and small settlements on the way. Overnight stay at Langmale Kharka.

Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours
The trek begins early today as you head for Makalu Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka, you ascend to Shershon and eventually to the base camp. The trail is filled with icy glaciers and with beautiful snowcapped mountains accompanying you. You follow the Barun River to Barun Pokhari shortly before reaching Makalu Base Camp. The trek offers sublime views of Makalu Himalayas and the base camp too provides panoramic views of mountains like Makalu (8463m), Peak 6 (6524m), Peak 3 (6432m), Hunku Chuli (6833m), and numerous another mountain in Makalu massif. Overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp
You take a walk at the eastern side of the campsite. This will help your acclimatization and you can see the south face of Makalu (8,463 m) and panoramic views of Everest (8,848 m) and Lhotse (8,414 m).You can also explore the surrounding lakes and glaciers. The slippery paths reveal mesmerizing views on each step and you return to the base camp after a day of exploration. Overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours
You slide down the base camp and take a final look at Makalu before heading back. On the way, you,go through Shershon, Langmale Kharka, Merek and plummet down the valley before making the final stop at Yangri Kharka. Like before when you made the ascent, you will retrace your paths along the familiar landscapes. Overnight stay at Yangri Kharka.

Day 14: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours
From Yangri Kharka, you descend through rock falls, green forests, and valley. Passing Riphok Kharka and Nehe Kharka, you begin the final walk. You cross Barun River and landslide area and then make a steep ascend to reach Dobate. You can rest upon arriving at Dobate and can opt to explore the surrounding.

Day 15: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Dobate to Mumbukand takes you through the rhododendron and fir forests.You ascend to Tutu La (4,080m) and make an ascent to Shipton La (4,170m). After that, you make a steep descent to KhongmaDanda. Walking on trails in the hillsides, you pass Kauma La and reach Khongma Danda. Overnight stay at Khongma Danda.

Day 16: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours
The trail makes a long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. Exiting the Makalu Barun National Park and cross the Barun River. You pass through the thick forests and follow the trail to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. You can feel free to explore the village and observe the lifestyle of the people there. Overnight stay at Tashigaon.

Day 17: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours
Leaving Tashigaon behind, you head out the village on a winding path. Later, you crossthe hillside and pass through the villages and rural settlements and move further down before reaching Seduwa. The trail on the trek on this day descends for almost its entirety and goes through forests and variety of wildlife. Overnight stay at Seduwa.

Day 18: Trek from Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours
You retrace as you exit Makalu Barun Conservation Area and descend down the Barun River. You leave Seduwa and make a steep descent followed by an ascent all the way to Num.The trail takes you through the thick woods and Sherpa towns as you move downwards. Crossing Mulgaon, the trail heads to Pheksinda followed by Num. Overnight stay at Num.

Day 19: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours
Today is the final day of trekking. You head towards Chichila and then trek through the settlements at the foothills and hillsides all the way to the hill town of Tumlingtar. Passing Satbaini, Bhotebas, and Mane Bhanjyang, you continue to Tumlingtar. Upon arrival,you can celebrate the completion of the trek. Overnight stay at Tumlingtar.

Day 20: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight
From Tumlingtar, you take the flight back to Kathmandu. The flight will be a scenic one and offers delightful sceneries on the journey back to Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the capital city and doing some souvenir shopping. In the evening, you join the crew for a farewell dinner hosted by the company. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 21: Final Departure from Kathmandu
The 21-day trip comes to an end today. After breakfast, a company representative will accompany you to the airport.


Cost Details

Our Trek Package Cost includes;
* Round trip domestic flight ticket from Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu and airport tax.
* Tented accommodation during the trek.
* All camping equipment (Tents, Mattresses and Kitchen Utensils).
* All ground transportation by private vehicle.
* Makalu-Barun Conservation Area Permit.
* All necessary other permits.
* First Aid Medical Kit box.
* Office Service charge
* All Government Tax.

Our Trek Package Cost does not include;
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Kathmandu, Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Personal Trekking Equipment.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver…

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