Makalu Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Duration
18 days
Trip Difficulty
Challenging
Max. Altitude
4,870m
Destination
Makalu-Barun National Park, Sankhuwasabha, Nepal
Activity
Trekking & Hiking
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Region
Eastern Nepal
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu; breakfast, lunch & dinner on the trek
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Kathmandu; local teahouses and lodges on trek
Transportation
Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu), private jeep transfers
Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek
Stand at Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) beneath the world’s 5th-highest peak
Trek through the pristine wilderness of Makalu-Barun National Park
Cross the high Shipton La and other dramatic alpine passes
Experience authentic Rai and Sherpa villages far from crowded trails
Walk along the wild Barun River valley with waterfalls and cliffs
Rich biodiversity including rhododendron forests and high-altitude wildlife
Panoramic views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang and surrounding peaks
Balanced itinerary with acclimatization days for safer high-altitude trekking
Trip Overview
A Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas with Landscape Adventure
The Makalu Base Camp Trek with Landscape Adventure is an extraordinary expedition into one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine Himalayan regions, offering trekkers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural encounters, and thrilling mountain adventure. — a hidden gem in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas. Nestled in the shadow of the towering Makalu Peak, the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,463 meters, this base camp is more than just a destination; it’s a gateway into one of the most pristine and untouched regions of the Himalayas.
The trek to Makalu Base Camp is a perfect blend of nature’s raw beauty and rich local culture. As you journey with Landscape Adventure, you’ll pass through lush rhododendron forests and quiet Sherpa and Rai villages, where friendly locals warmly welcome you with their timeless traditions and genuine hospitality. This part of Nepal feels untouched by the rush of modern tourism, giving you a true sense of wilderness and discovery.
Arriving at Makalu Base Camp is an incredible moment. Situated at approximately 4,870 meters (16,000 feet), the camp offers panoramic views of Makalu’s massive snow-covered ridges and glaciers — sights that will leave you breathless. The landscape here is wild and dramatic, with rocky slopes, crisp mountain air, and a sense of peaceful isolation that few trekking routes can match.
At base camp, you’ll have time to relax, soak inurl_for_citation:https://myaidrive.com/spPARph3V8dWFwLezJDRh4/data_1.json?pdfPage=7 the majestic mountain views, and reflect on your journey so far. It’s a place where adventurers from around the world gather — climbers preparing for their summit push and trekkers like you soaking up the pure Himalayan spirit. The atmosphere is filled with excitement, respect for nature, and the camaraderie of those who love the mountains.
With Landscape Adventure, your trek to Makalu Base Camp is carefully planned to balance challenge and comfort. Our experienced guides ensure your safety and enrich your experience with fascinating stories about the region’s culture, wildlife, and mountaineering history. Whether you’re here to push your limits or simply enjoy the serene mountain beauty, this journey will stay with you forever.
Choosing to trek to Makalu Base Camp with Landscape Adventure means stepping off the beaten path and into a world where every step brings new wonders — from the colorful forests to the remote villages, to the grand peaks that touch the sky. It’s more than a trek; it’s a life-changing experience that connects you deeply with the heart of the Himalayas.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a Landscape Adventure representative greets you and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After time to rest and freshen up, you meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the Makalu Base Camp itinerary, altitude considerations and gear check. The rest of the day is free to explore Thamel’s lively streets or nearby cultural sites before an early night.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, take a scenic flight east from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, enjoying sweeping views of the Himalayan range including Everest and Makalu on clear days. From Tumlingtar, board a jeep for a rugged but picturesque 4–5 hour drive through terraced hillsides, forests and small villages to reach Num, a ridge-top settlement overlooking deep river valleys.
Trek/Travel: 35-minute flight + 4–5 hour drive.
Overnight: Basic lodge in Num.
Begin the trek with a steep descent from Num through dense subtropical forest, following a narrow zigzagging trail down to the Arun River. Cross the powerful river by suspension bridge, then tackle a long, steady ascent on the opposite side through bamboo groves, cardamom fields and scattered farmhouses as you climb to Seduwa. This village marks the entry to Makalu-Barun National Park.
Trek: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Seduwa.
Follow a gentler uphill trail as you leave Seduwa, walking through terraced farmland, cardamom and rice fields, and patches of forest. Pass mani walls, prayer flags and traditional stone houses as you make your way towards the Sherpa village of Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement on this route.
Trek: 5–6 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon.
Today is a demanding ascent as you leave the last permanent village behind. Climb steeply through lush rhododendron and oak forest, with the air gradually thinning as you gain altitude. The trail eventually emerges onto higher ridges with expanding views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks before reaching Khongma Danda.
Trek: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Basic lodge at Khongma Danda.
Spend a full day at Khongma Danda to aid acclimatization before crossing the high passes. You can take short acclimatization hikes along nearby ridges for wider mountain views while allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. Use the time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the peaceful alpine surroundings.
Activity: Rest and light hiking.
Overnight: Lodge at Khongma Danda.
A big mountain day as you cross several high passes, including Ghungru La, Shipton La and Keke La. The trail undulates over rocky, often windswept terrain decorated with prayer flags, offering superb views of Chamlang and Peaks 6 and 7. After the final pass, descend into the tranquil, forested valley of Dobate.
Trek: 7–8 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobate.
Descend from Dobate through rhododendron forest, eventually meeting the Barun River. Follow a scenic trail along the river, passing waterfalls, cliffs and wildflower-strewn slopes. The valley opens into broad alpine pastures as you approach Yangle Kharka, a beautiful meadow used by yak herders.
Trek: 5–6 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yangle Kharka.
Continue gradually uphill through yak pastures and open glacial valleys. Trees thin out and disappear, replaced by alpine tundra, moraine and rocky terrain. Surrounded by towering cliffs and hanging glaciers, you arrive at Langmale Kharka, a high pasture with expansive mountain scenery.
Trek: 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Langmale Kharka.
Make the final approach to Makalu Base Camp along a spectacular high-altitude trail. The landscape becomes increasingly glaciated and rugged, with views opening to Makalu’s massive south face and to Everest, Lhotse and Baruntse on the horizon. Arrive at Makalu Base Camp, set amid rock, ice and sweeping mountain vistas.
Trek: 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse at Makalu Base Camp.
Enjoy a full day at Makalu Base Camp to soak in the surrounding Himalayan grandeur. Optional side hikes lead to higher viewpoints overlooking glaciers, icefalls and surrounding peaks, or to nearby glacial lakes. Use the time to photograph the scenery, rest and celebrate reaching this remote base camp.
Activity: Rest and optional side hikes.
Overnight: Teahouse at Makalu Base Camp.
Begin your return journey by retracing the trail down the Barun Valley. As you descend, the air gets richer and the terrain gradually softens from stark rock and ice to greener valley slopes. Reach the familiar pastures of Yangle Kharka by afternoon.
Trek: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yangle Kharka.
Continue descending through alpine meadows back into thicker rhododendron forest and along rocky streams on your way to Dobate. The trail feels easier in reverse, and you can enjoy calmer pacing, revisiting favorite viewpoints and forest sections along the way.
Trek: 5–6 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobate.
Climb steadily back up through forest and onto the high ridges, re-crossing Shipton La and the neighboring passes. With acclimatization and experience from the first crossing, this final major ascent often feels more manageable, and you have another opportunity to savor the big mountain views before descending slightly to Khongma Danda.
Trek: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Lodge at Khongma Danda.
Descend long, forested trails from the high ridges back into warmer, thicker air. Rhododendron and oak forests give way to terraced fields and village life as you arrive once more in Tashigaon. Enjoy the comforts of lower altitude and the friendly atmosphere of the village.
Trek: 5–6 hours.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon.
Retrace your steps back towards Num, descending and climbing across the deep Arun River valley. Though familiar, the trail offers new perspectives as you complete the trekking loop and reflect on the journey to and from base camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Lodge in Num.
Board a jeep for the bumpy but scenic drive back through the hills to Tumlingtar. Enjoy your last close-up views of rural eastern Nepal, passing villages, forests and river valleys before reaching the lowland town.
Drive: 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Tumlingtar.
In the morning, fly from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for rest or souvenir shopping. In the evening, Landscape Adventure hosts a farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine, where you receive a Certificate of Journey and a small token to remember your Makalu adventure.
Flight: ~35 minutes.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Kathmandu before a representative from Landscape Adventure transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Bid farewell to Nepal with lasting memories of the remote Makalu region and your base camp achievement.
What's Included
- Accommodation: Comfortable 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basis
- Accommodation: Carefully selected eco-friendly lodges and teahouses during the trek
- Meals on trek: Breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring traditional Nepali and local cuisine using organic ingredients where possible
- Ground transportation: All private ground transfers as per itinerary
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu (as per itinerary)
- Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Permits: Makalu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
- Group safety equipment and basic safety gear for adventure activities
- All applicable government taxes and official service charges
- Group first aid kit and basic medical supplies
- Support staff: Professional trekking guide, porter support (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) and necessary support staff
- Farewell dinner with traditional Nepalese cuisine in Kathmandu
- Airport transfers for international arrivals and departures
What's Excluded
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees (payable on arrival or online via Nepal Immigration)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing (available for rent or purchase in Kathmandu)
- Travel and medical insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage
- Emergency evacuation or rescue costs, if required
- Costs for battery charging, Wi‑Fi and hot showers at teahouses
- Laundry services, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guide, porters and support staff
- Any extra nights in Kathmandu beyond the itinerary due to delays or schedule changes
- Any unforeseen expenses caused by flight delays, natural disasters, strikes, political unrest or other events beyond company control
Essential Trip Information
Trip Grade
Challenging, remote high-altitude trek with several long days and high passes
Max Altitude
4,870m at Makalu Base Camp
Best Season
March–May and September–November
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Kathmandu; basic teahouses and lodges along the trail
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu; full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
Transportation
Domestic flights Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu and private jeep transfers
Group Size
2–12 trekkers (private departures available on request)
Starts / Ends
Kathmandu, Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions
Makalu Base Camp is considered a challenging and remote trek. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day on steep, uneven trails at high altitude. Previous multi-day trekking experience above 3,000m is highly recommended, but you do not need to be a climber. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to help your body adapt.
The best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These periods usually offer stable weather, clearer mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures. Winter can be extremely cold with snow on the passes, and the monsoon months (June–August) bring heavy rain, leeches and a higher risk of landslides.
In Kathmandu, you stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis. On the trek, accommodation is in basic local teahouses and lodges, often with simple rooms and shared facilities. During the trek your package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, with typical options like dal bhat, noodles, rice dishes, potatoes, soups and some international meals, depending on the lodge.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk because you trek up to 4,870m and cross high passes. The itinerary is designed with gradual ascent and acclimatization days, particularly around Khongma Danda and Makalu Base Camp. Your guide will monitor your condition, and you should communicate any symptoms such as headache, nausea or dizziness immediately. Proper hydration, pacing and rest are very important.
For the Makalu Base Camp Trek you need a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and a Makalu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit. Both of these permits are arranged by Landscape Adventure and are included in the package cost, so you do not need to obtain them yourself.
Your main trekking bag is carried by porters, with one porter typically shared between two trekkers. We recommend keeping your personal duffel or backpack to a maximum of around 12–15 kg. You carry only a small daypack with water, extra layers, camera and essentials while walking each day.
Flights to and from Tumlingtar generally operate regularly in the main trekking seasons, but they are still subject to weather and air-traffic conditions. Short delays can occur, especially in poor visibility. We recommend keeping some flexibility in your international travel plans and allowing at least one buffer day at the end of your trip, if possible.
Yes. While we operate fixed departures with small groups, Makalu Base Camp can also be arranged as a private trek according to your preferred dates, pace and any additional services you may need. Please contact Landscape Adventure to discuss customization options.
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