Makalu Base Camp Trek

Mastery in High Himalaya Expeditions
Durations 21 Days
Mastery in High Himalaya Expeditions
Max. Elevation 4870 m
Mastery in High Himalaya Expeditions
Trip Difficulty Difficult

Trip Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding treks, offering an unparalleled adventure into the remote and pristine wilderness of the Makalu-Barun National Park. This trek takes you to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest peak in the world, and immerses you in a region of breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this trek so special

Trip Highlights

Mount Makalu and Stunning Mountain Views

  • The trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
  • You’ll also see other towering peaks, including Baruntse (7,129m), Chamlang (7,319m), and Lhotse (8,516m).
  • The panoramic vistas from Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) and the Shipton La Pass (4,127m) are truly awe-inspiring.

Remote and Untouched Wilderness

  • The Makalu-Barun National Park is one of the most remote and least-explored regions in Nepal.
  • The trek takes you through pristine forests, glacial valleys, and high-altitude landscapes, far from the crowds of more popular routes.

Rich Biodiversity

  • The Makalu-Barun National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare and endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.
  • The park also boasts a variety of flora, including rhododendron forests, alpine flowers, and medicinal plants.

Challenging High Passes

  • The trek includes the crossing of the Shipton La Pass (4,127m), a challenging but rewarding section of the route.
  • The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a highlight of the trek.

Cultural Immersion

  • The trek passes through traditional villages inhabited by Sherpa, Rai, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) communities.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to experience their unique cultures, traditions, and hospitality.

Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)

  • Reaching Makalu Base Camp is the ultimate goal of the trek. Located at the foot of Mount Makalu, the base camp offers a sense of accomplishment and unparalleled views of the mountain and its surrounding glaciers.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where you arrive and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll have a briefing about the trek and time to explore the city’s cultural landmarks, such as Swayambhunath Stupa or Boudhanath. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Diner and Hotel

Day 02
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (920m) and Drive to Chichira (1,830m)

Take a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, a small town in eastern Nepal. From here, drive to Chichira, a charming village surrounded by lush hills and terraced fields. Overnight in Chichira.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 03
Trek from Chichira to Num (1,560m)

The trek begins with a descent through forests and terraced fields, offering stunning views of the Arun Valley. Reach Num, a small village perched on a ridge. Overnight in Num.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 04
Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,500m)

Descend steeply to the Arun River and cross a suspension bridge. From here, ascend through forests and terraced fields to reach Seduwa, a village in the Makalu-Barun National Park. Overnight in Seduwa.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 05
Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m)

The trail ascends through lush forests and traditional villages, offering glimpses of the local way of life. Tashigaon is the last major village before entering the remote wilderness. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 06
Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m)

Today’s trek is challenging, with a steep ascent through rhododendron and pine forests. Reach Khongma Danda, a ridge with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 07
Acclimatization Day at Khongma Danda

Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the area. You can hike to nearby viewpoints for panoramic mountain views. This rest day is crucial for adjusting to the altitude. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

 

Day 08
Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3,700m)

Cross the Shipton La Pass (4,127m), the highest point of the day, and descend through forests and rocky trails to reach Dobate. Overnight in Dobate.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 09
Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,600m)

The trail follows the Barun River, passing through lush forests and alpine meadows. Yangri Kharka is a beautiful grazing area with stunning mountain views. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 10
Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)

Continue along the Barun River, with the landscape becoming more rugged and dramatic. Langmale Kharka offers breathtaking views of Makalu and other peaks. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 11
Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)

The trail ascends through a glacial valley, with stunning views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks. Reach Makalu Base Camp, a remote and awe-inspiring location. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 12
Exploration Day at Makalu Base Camp

Spend the day exploring the area around Makalu Base Camp. You can hike to nearby viewpoints for closer views of Makalu and the Barun Glacier. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 13
Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka (3,600m)

Descend back to Yangri Kharka, retracing your steps through the glacial valley. Enjoy the changing landscapes and mountain views. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 14
Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate (3,700m)

Continue descending through forests and alpine meadows, following the Barun River. Overnight in Dobate.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 15
Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda (3,500m)

Ascend back to Khongma Danda, crossing the Shipton La Pass once again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 16
Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon (2,100m)

Descend through forests and traditional villages to reach Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 17
Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa (1,500m)

Continue descending through lush forests and terraced fields to reach Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 18
Trek from Seduwa to Num (1,560m)

Descend to the Arun River and cross the suspension bridge before ascending to Num. Overnight in Num.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 19
Trek from Num to Chichira (1,830m)

Retrace your steps back to Chichira, enjoying the scenic views of the Arun Valley. Overnight in Chichira.

Breakfast, lunch & Diner, Guest House/ Lodge

Day 20
Drive from Chichira to Tumlingtar (920m) and Fly to Kathmandu

Drive back to Tumlingtar and take a flight to Kathmandu. Celebrate the completion of your trek in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Breakfast and Diner- Hotel

Day 21
Departure from Kathmandu

Your adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Breakfast

What's Included

  • 2 Way flight- Kathmandu Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
  • all meals as mentioned in program
  • guide
  • porter
  • hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast
  • All permits
  • All necessary transportation by Private jeep or car
  • medical kits

What's Excluded

  • Tips
  • Health Insurance and Rescue Insurance
  • lunch and diner in Kathmandu
  • visa
  • beverages and drinks

Fixed Departure

Start Date End Date Price Availability
Fri, 5th Mar 2027
Thu, 25th Mar 2027
from USD 2450
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Thu, 1st Apr 2027
Wed, 21st Apr 2027
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Sun, 20th Sep 2026
Sat, 10th Oct 2026
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Mon, 20th Sep 2027
Sun, 10th Oct 2027
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Fri, 16th Oct 2026
Thu, 5th Nov 2026
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Sat, 16th Oct 2027
Fri, 5th Nov 2027
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Thu, 12th Nov 2026
Wed, 2nd Dec 2026
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Fri, 12th Nov 2027
Thu, 2nd Dec 2027
from USD 2450
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Additional Information

It is one of the moderate types trekking, because you are going above the 4156 meters at high. That’s why before you decide to do this trek you have to do some training. You will be walking 5 to 8 hrs a day; you need to have very good shoes. As you are going every day 500 to 1000 meters of altitude, you have to drinks lots of Water. During your trek you might get altitude sickness. Please read the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have symptoms of ATS please tell our guide, so that he can take care of you.

List of things you need to bring: Dawn Jacket-1, Wind Proof-1, Gore-Tex-1, T-Shirt-4/6, Socks-4/6, Hat-1, Woolen Hat-1, Gloves-1pair, Trekking Boot-1Pair, Hiking shoe or Plipflop-1Pair, Raincoat-1, Water Bottle(1/2ltrs), Sunglass-1, Sun lotion, Towel, Thormel Trouser-2 pairs, Pool over-1, Sleeping Bag-1.

Best Months  to do this trek: Middle of September – November, Feb- April.

Rhododendron: Middle of March – April.

Google Reviews

5.0 Stars ★★★★★ 687 reviews
F
Flo Nusselder
★★★★★

I did the 14-day EBC trek with Ace and my experience was nothing short of incredible. This was my first high altitude trek and as a female solo traveller competing this trek in the...

J
Jyoti Sachania
★★★★★

Ace The Himalaya was an excellent choice for our Everest Base Camp trek. From the initial planning stages to the completion of the trek, the coordination was seamless and extremely well organized. Everything was...

Hamel Bakrania
Hamel Bakrania
★★★★★

We just completed the Everest Base Camp trek with Ace the Himalaya and had an absolutely incredible and unforgettable experience!!! Our lead guide, Nimesh, was outstanding. His English was excellent, which made everything so...

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