Makalu Base Camp Trek

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Duration

24 Days

Group Size

2 - 15

Difficulty

Moderate

Max. Altitude

5,120m. / 16,798ft.

Activities

Trekking

Price starts

US$ 2699

We offer group discounts

1 - 1 person
US$ 2799
2 - 5 person
US$ 2699
6 over 9999
US$ 2599

What is your group size?

Total Cost:

US$ 2799

Need Help? Ask Questions

Dipendra Dhakal

+977-9851093471 (Whatsapp)

Introduction of Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, with a height of 8485m. Situated in the Mahalangur Himalayan Range 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Mt. Everest, it lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.

Makalu Base Camp Trek has recently started to operate as a teahouse trek, making trekking easy, comfortable, and accessible. The trail passes heavily through Makalu Barun National Park. The Barun Valley is a part of a massive international protected area under the agreement between the governments of Nepal and China, which comprises 2330 sq. km of National Park and 830 sq. km of conservation area in Nepal alone. The Park is home to diverse flora, fauna, and many ethnic groups like Limbu, Rai, Newar, and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

This trek is one of the challenging off-beaten trails of Nepal. The trek allows the trekkers to explore the unspoiled region of wide-ranging natural beauty and glorious scenery, including Mt. Everest 8848m, all while in the quiet comfort and solitude of being well away from the madding crowds. The lower reaches of the trails are full of lush green rhododendron forests. In contrast, the upper reaches comprise polished granite cliffs topped by hanging glaciers overflowing with waterfalls.

This is the 24-day itinerary of the Makalu Base Camp Trekking Itinerary. However, we customise this trek according to your timeframe and requirements. This trek can be done year-round, but the best time for this trek is spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November).

Regarding the popularity, Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the most extensive, and most explored treks alongside Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. It is one of the most challenging treks, but many unique places and cultures exist to explore. After the end of the trek, you will think that all the money and time was worth it.

Hence, We at Adventure Walkway invite you to join us for this excellent destination trek.

Where is Makalu Mountain Located?

Standing at an altitude of 8,485 meters, Makalu is recorded as the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It is located southeast of Mount Everest on the Mahalangur Himalayas trail on the China-Nepal border. It shares the prestigious group among only 14 mountains in the world, which are called eight thousandners. Like Mount Everest, it also lies on the China-Nepal border, but most of the border gravitates towards Nepal.

You can climb Makalu mountain from any of the two peaks, the central peak, Makalu II, or Kangchungtse. The side peak lies in the northwest section, three kilometres from the main summit.

Among Makalu Mountain, you can explore several unique attractions during the Makalu Base Camp Trekking, so let’s get into it.

Main attractions of Makalu Base Camp Trekking

You will come across several attractions during Makalu Base Camp Trekking, which will become the highlights of your trek. So let’s get into it.

Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar is one of the first attractions that will make you scream wow. It is the first destination you will land after boarding the plane from Kathmandu. During the flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, you will see beautiful views of mountains, barren landscapes, and curvy and slippery trails. It takes up to 50 minutes to reach Tumlingtar via flight, and during this flight, you will see some of the beautiful mountain ranges, which will quickly make your trip well worth it.

After landing in Tumlingtar, you will explore the surroundings and board the jeep that will take you to the overnight destination in Seduwa. The Jeep ride from Tumlingtar to Seduwa is also excellent, which will make you pumped up for the rest of the trek.

Makalu Barun National Park

Makalu Barun National Park is another fantastic place you will visit while trekking towards Makalu Base Camp. It is one of the largest national parks in Nepal, as it spreads across an area of 1500 km2. The National Park was established in 1992 and has been one of the biggest tourist attractions worldwide. The national park mainly aims to conserve the region’s rare flora and fauna. The management of the park and local people work hand in hand to protect the park and the natural resources around it.

Barun Valley

Barun Valley is another beautiful place to explore for trekkers who are on the way to exploring Makalu Base Camp Trek. The entire valley resides inside the Makalu Barun National Park. It is located on the base of Mt Makalu in the Sankhuwasabha district.

Barun Valley is filled with impressive geographical structures like mountain peaks, deep gorges, high waterfalls, and a backdrop of stunning vistas, which you can also capture on your camera.

So these are some major attractions you can come across on Makalu Base Camp Trek, but a few more amazing places will tempt you to explore and create memories.

Trek Difficulty of Makalu Base Camp

Makalu Base Camp is regarded as one of Nepal’s most challenging treks, and the experts do not hide these facts. On a scale of 1-10, this trekking is considered a 9, which means this trek is recommended to experienced and veteran trekkers or those with excellent physical condition. So, let’s examine why the Makalu Base Camp Trek is so complex and the factors that make it so difficult.

Unpredictable Paths and Routes

One of the most significant factors that make Makalu Base Camp Trek difficult is the variety of paths or routes you have to follow to reach your destination. The trail goes through high-altitude curving paths, remote areas, and slippery slopes. It eventually gets snowcapped mountains where the temperature constantly drops along with dynamic weather; it will test the endurance level of any trekkers worldwide.

Limited Trekking Amenities

Another factor that creates difficulty during Makalu Base Camp Trekking is the need for more basic trekking services. The Makalu Base Camp is in the Sankhuwashaba region, one of Nepal’s most isolated places. There are only basic food and accommodation services, and combining it with relentless trekking for several hours in harsh terrains and extreme weather, the experience of some trekkers may become complicated and ruined.

Altitude Sickness

One of the most common but hazardous factors that affect any trekking is the probability of Altitude Sickness. Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness is the condition of suddenly falling ill after climbing toward a higher altitude. The symptoms of altitude sickness are shortness of breath, high fever, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, constant fatigue, etc.

It is essential to prevent altitude sickness even before looking forward to curing it. To avoid altitude sickness, you must always keep your body warm, so wearing heavy woollen clothes and drinking homemade drinks like ginger tea, honey tea, and lemon honey are vital to keeping your body warm. Moreover, you will also need to maintain adequate rest and acclimatise with the climate while climbing an altitude.

However, once your body starts showing signs of Altitude sickness, it is necessary to act quickly. Always keep medicine like Diamax and Nifedine, which will relax your body from the illness and give you enough time to lower your altitude.

So these are some of the essential but unavoidable trekkers might face during the Makalu base camp trek.

Acclimatization Day during Makalu Base Camp Trek

Acclimatisation day is significant for any Base Camp Trek to get used to the altitude and elevation and prevent altitude sickness. After reaching a specific elevation, the expert suggests resting in the same area for a day to get comfortable with the climate, weather, and oxygen base level.

The Acclimatization Day in Makalu Base Camp generally comes on the 8th or 9th day of the trek when we reach Mumbuk at 3450m. During the day of acclimatisation, you can either stroll around the area or hike to the nearest peaks but have to return later to Mumbuk to stay overnight. This will help get used to the height, climate, and weather and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

Situated between Sagarmatha and Makalu-Barun National Park.
Untouched culture, the plethora of vegetation, wildlife, and “off the beaten trail”.
Trail full of an ancient Buddhist monastery, Chorten, and Mane wall.
An amazing views including the top of the world Mt. Everest (8,848m), Makalu, and others.
Scenic flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and back to Kathmandu
Walkthrough rhododendron forests, granite cliffs, hanging glaciers, and waterfalls, along with the aspects of the Himalayan landscapes

Itinerary of Makalu Base Camp Trek

On the first day of this exciting journey, you will land in the capital of Nepal, a city of temples, Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative of Adventure Walkway will be there to welcome you and assist in your transfer to the pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu. After you are settled and refreshed, we’ll meet for a briefing and short rundown about the trip. During the evening, you’ll be invited for a Welcome dinner of typical Nepali cuisine as our warm welcome and overnight stay and rest at the hotel before the challenging journey that tomorrow brings.

Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)

Accommodation: Hotel

Kathmandu is an ancient city full of unique arts and artifacts, one day is not enough to cover the whole city. After Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, we will take you for a cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa and your tour will include visits to UNESCO declared world heritage sites as you get to see thrilling historic monuments where the echoes of royal conspiracies & tragedy still ring in the corridors of these ancient symbols of a once-upon-a-time thrilling history that still lives on to this day.

In the evening you will meet your trek leader and have a briefing on the whole course of the trip and you will have some time to shop for your trekking gear if you need it.

Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)

Accommodation: hotel

Our official trek starts today. We catch an early flight to Tumlingtar, which is a small town in eastern Nepal in the Sankhuwasabha district. We get to witness lush green hills, gorges, and the eastern Himalayas in this short flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. We spend the whole day exploring the town. Overnight at Tumlingtar. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 35min filght

Max. Altitude: 450m./1,476ft. (Tumlingtar)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We start our day with a warm breakfast and get ready for our first actual day of the trek. We ascend slowly from Tumlingtar to Khandbari, walking through the farms and subtropical forest. Khandbari is a suburb area, which is one of the major cities in this area. You can find almost everything here. It takes a few hours to reach Mani Bhanjyang from Khandbari, where we’ll stay for the night.

Activity: 5-6 hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today, we leave Mani Bhanjyang behind and head toward Chichila. The trail today is pretty much through farmlands and lush green forests. The walk is also pretty easy today as it is a straightway. After almost 5-6 hours of walking, we reach Chichila. There are a few hotels and lodges here, where we’ll be staying tonight. Get ready to be amazed at the view of Mount Makalu and Mount Kumbakarna from Chichila. Overnight at Chichila. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

We start our day with a warm breakfast and a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Our destination for today is Num village. We walk uphill passing through the rhododendron forest. During spring reason, this forest turns red and pink as the rhododendron blooms. Num is a small village with a small population. We can meet the local people and the children of the area and interact with them. Overnight at Num (Breakfast, Lunch Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today we descend to Arun River and the ascent to Seduwa. We will see plenty of cardamom crops as this region is famous for its cardamom. We walk through the forest, and villages and cross a few suspension bridges. We enter the Makalu-Barun National Park from Seduwa Checkpoint. Finally, we reach Seduwa and will check in to our teahouse. We can explore the Seduwa village in our free time. Overnight at Seduwa (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5 hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Our walk today is pleasant and short. We walk through the villages and farms today. If it’s a peak season of farming, we’ll be able to see farmers working on the farms. Following the path through meadows and streams, we finally reach Tashi Gaun. It is a small Sherpa village. We can explore the village in the evening time. Overnight at Tashi Gaun (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 3-4 hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

We start our day with a warm breakfast and prepare to leave Tashi Gaun behind. We walk through the dense forest of Rhododendron and Oak, in spring the forest turns monochrome red, pink, and orange with the bloom of rhododendron. We walk on the ridge and then walk uphill until we reach our tea house on Kahuma Danda. Overnight at Kahuma Danda in Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

We start our day by watching a beautiful sunrise. We leave for Mumbuk after having our breakfast. We walk downhill today. The walk is short and easy; however, the trail can get slippery. Overnight at Mumbuk in a teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

We start our day with a warm breakfast in Mumbuk. Today, our trail passes through one of the secluded, unexploited, and of most beautiful valleys of Nepal, Barun Valley. The valley has a plethora of flora and fauna. It is home to one of the most exquisite wildlife found in Nepal like red panda, musk deer, clouded leopard, etc. We then enter the alpine forest and ascend along the gorges of Barun River. We pass through various pasture lands before reaching Nehe Kharka. Overnight at Nehe Kharka in Teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 6-7 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House /Lodge

The trail today turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for the alpine tundra. We will have excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7168 m), Peak 4 (6720 m), etc. Shearson is at 4615 m; so, we walk slowly in the highlands as we gain altitude.

Activity: 6-7 Hrs Trek

Max. Altitude: 4600m./15,092ft. ( Shearson)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House /Lodge

Today, we explore the surroundings and get used to the altitude. We will get a closer view of Mt Makalu, Barun Pokhari, and even Mount Everest. We will hike up to the viewpoint and return to Shearson. Overnight at Shearson (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Max. Altitude: 4600m./15,092ft. ( Shearson)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Today is the day when we go to our topmost destination of this trek, Makalu Base camp. We start our day early and head towards the base camp early in the morning, as the weather in mountains changes rapidly. After spending a good time in the base camp, we return to Shearson for an overnight stay. Overnight on Shearson at teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we start descending to Yangri Kharka, which is named after pastureland. This place has an amazing view of snowcapped peaks and if get lucky, we can see hundreds of cattle grazing in the pastureland. It is one of the most beautiful sights. Overnight on Yangri Kharka at a Teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 6-7 hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

We start our day with a warm breakfast and prepare to head toward Mumbuk leaving the Barun valley behind. The trail to Mumbuk is slow and gradual. We first ascend and then walk downhill until reaching Mumbuk. Overnight at Mumbuk (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

Today we descend towards Kahuma via Ship ton La Pass 4200m. The route is often full of snow and can be slippery sometimes. We retrace via the same route to Kahuma from Mumbuk enjoying the spectacular views of mountain ranges. Overnight at Kahuma at a Teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

We start our day with a warm breakfast and start heading towards Navagaun passing through different villages. The trail isn’t too steep nor too downhill. We walk through the forest and follow the terraced field until reaching Navagaun. Overnight at Navagaun as a Teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 6-7 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

We start our day with a warm breakfast and prepare to head towards Num. we continue descending. The trail is downhill and easy. Overnight at Num at a teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 6-7 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

After having breakfast, we start to head towards Chichila. First, we ascend almost three hours to reach the ridge. Upon reaching the ridge we then trace the downhill trails until we reach Chichila. The walk is short and we’ll reach Chichila at around lunchtime. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the village. Overnight at Chichila (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 4-5 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

Today we will hike back to Khadbari. The walk is pleasant and relatively easier as we will walk downhill through the fine trail that passes through the farmlands. Khadbari is a big village with a large settlement. We can visit the local areas in the evening. Overnight at Khadbari at teahouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 5-6 Hrs Trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

Today is the last day of our trek. We hike to Tumlingtar. The walk is short and pleasant. Tumlingtar is a small town, where we will spend the last night of our Makalu Base Camp Trek. Overnight at Tumlingtar at a hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Activity: 3-4 Hrs Trek

Max. Altitude: 950m./3,117ft. ( Tumlingtar )

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House/ Lodge

We catch an early morning flight at Tumlingtar and leave for Kathmandu. It is a scenic flight as we can see glimpses of snowy mountains, hills, rivers, and valleys. We will transfer you to the hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the day. Or, you can stroll around the alleys of Thamel. In the evening, we will meet for the farewell dinner and talk about your experiences.

Max. Altitude: 1310m./4,298ft. (Kathmandu)

Accommodation: Hotel

The trip ends, and our Airport Representative will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

Pick-up & Drop from the airport on the day of your arrival & Departure
3 Night Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu
The Government Register’s English-Speaking Guide
If the group size exceeds 6 people, an assistance guide will be provided.
One porter for two clients
In trekking trails, accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.
Trekking map
Trekking Permit & TIMS Card
Transportation as per itinerary
Staff salaries, insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
Arrangements for emergency rescue services (Please make sure you have medical insurance from your country)
The agency service charge and the government tax/VAT
The certificate of achievement towards the Trip

What is excluded?

The cost of international airfare
Visa fees for Nepal
All drinks During the Trip (Tea, Coffee, Cola, Beer, Mineral Water)
Personal Costs
Smoke
Insurance for travel
If more than the 3-night hotel in Kathmandu
Kathmandu meals
Hot shower during the trekking
Batteries and cameras that are chargeable during the trek
Natural or political disturbances beyond our control result in additional costs.
The Extra cost of any case early return from the trip.
Tips for Trekking Staff

Trip Information

Permits and Documents needed for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp trekking is very popular with tourists all around the world. However, you need appropriate papers, documents, and permits to complete the trek without barriers. First, you will need all the documents that make you eligible to enter the country, like a Passport, Visa, and Travel Insurance. Every tourist and trekker must have a travel insurance passport and visa with them all the time.

Regarding permits, you must have two essential permits with you if you want to trek Makalu Base Camp. The two permits are TIMS or Tourist Information Management System Card and Makalu Barun National Park Conservative Area permits.

It is easy to issue these permits if all your documents and background checks are positive. The cost to give the licenses is $15 for trekkers from SAARC countries and $30 for trekkers from other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best seasons for Makalu Best Camp Trek are Spring and Autumn, and the worst seasons are Winter and Monsoon.

Since Makalu municipality is the home of Makalu Mountain and Makalu Barun National Park, it is in the conserved area authorised by the government.

The accommodation in Makalu Base Camp is generally basic, with a small but beautiful teahouse. The rooms are usually small, with two beds, blankets, mattresses, and pillows.

The highest elevation you get during the trek is Makalu Base Camp, which is located at 4870 meters.

Some beautiful mountains are visible from the base campsite, such as Everest, Chamlang, Lhotse, and Baruntse.