Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle & Flight
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
  • Group Size: 16
  • Max Elevation: Makalu Base Camp (5000m)

Highlights

  • View of Mt. Makalu,  a unique view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Baruntse and other Himalayan ranges
  • Trek route passes through Makalu Barun National Park
  • Beautiful landscape of Varun Green Valley
  • Acquaintance with rarest wildlife creatures – Red Panda, Snow leopard, and Blue Sheep
  • Dense Forests of Rhododendron, Pine, Oak, Birch, Magnolia, and Fir
  • Experience the rural life of Rai, Limbu and Sherpa community

Description

Makalu Base Camp Trek is situated in the Eastern part of Nepal. Major trekking routes lie in the area of Makalu Barun National Park. The major highlights of this trek is the view of Mt. Makalu (8485m), is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is also the fourth highest mountain in Nepal. 

Our Makalu Trek starts from Tumlingtar airport. It is the only the trek that will take you from low altitude (Tumlingtar – 518m) to high altitude (Makalu Base Camp – 5000m) in 18 days. Trek to Makalu Base camp will offer an off-the-beaten trekking experience – meet with local people (Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Chhetri), experience the rural life, amazing Himalayan landscape and many more. 

18 Days Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

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Early morning flight to Tumlingtar (45 minutes). You can enjoy the scenic view of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga. Also, the view of both Arun and Varun valley. After landing in Tumlingtar, we will meet with our other crew member – Porter. Now, we will drive to Num by private vehicle. A 4-5 hours Drive to Num will take us to small villages and dense forests. Overnight in Num.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 1490m

Today, we will start our first day of the trek. Trekking path descends through forests and terraced farms which leads to Barun river. Crossing the river and following the steep up will take us to the entry of Makalu Barun National Park. The guide will help to register the trekking permit in check-post. The landscape is quite rocky, the agricultural land where they grow corn, barley, and vegetables. To reach Seduwa, we will need to climb steep up. Overnight in Seduwa.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 1460m

After having breakfast, we will ascend to the ridge which was naturally created by two major rivers – Kasuwa Khola and Ipsuwa Khola. Now, we will cross the villages where they have a small paddy field, grassland, and various small rivers. Then, we will ascend towards the Sherpa village named Tashigaon. This is only the village that you will find in Makalu Trek for overnight.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2070m

Waking up with the view of surrounded Himalayas, we will start our difficult journey to Kauma. The trail will begin to steep up through a forest, numerous streams, pasture land, and ridge. Continually following the stone stairs, small lakes ascending to a narrow hilltop and lastly descend to Kauma. Overnight in Kauma.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3470m

Today’s trekking path is mostly steep up through rhododendron forests to the top of the narrow hilltop. Reaching to the top, we can see the breathtaking view of Mt. Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7. After that, we will walk down through a rhododendron and firs forest. Overnight in Mumbuk.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3570m

Having breakfast with a view of snow-capped mountains is simply amazing. In today’s trek, we will descend 500m below passing fir forests along the side of Barun valley. Now, the route passes through the non-defined path. Following the river to a Kharka through birch and rhododendron forests take us to Yangle Kharka. After crossing the Barun river, we will climb steeply up until we reach to Nehe Kharka. Exploring around Nehe Kharka offers a view of Monastery and amazing Himalayan landscape. Overnight in Nehe Kharka.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3000m

After having breakfast, we will follow the bank of Barun River then cross a bridge made-up of wooden. Continually following the north bank side of Barun river and gently ascends to Riipok Kharka. Direction changes from North to west passing through a rhododendron and pine forests. Now, the trek route ascends alongside a moraine build by a Barun glacier. From this point, you can view of Pyramid peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3 and Peak 5. Before reaching to Sherson, we will get the first glimpse of Mt. Makalu. Overnight in Sherson.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 4615m

Today, we will reach our final destination – Makalu Base Camp. After having breakfast, we will gradually descend to the west bank of the river. From there, we will see the south face of Mt. Makalu. Ascending to the stone wall offers a view of Peak 6, 7 and Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and other Himalayan ranges. Overnight in Makalu Base Camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 5000m

Today we will explore around Makalu Base Camp for acclimatization so that your body can adjust with the change in altitude, temperature, and humidity,

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 5000m

After having a hot breakfast, we will follow the same route back to Nehe Kharka. The trail descends down to Barun river valley. Overnight in Nehe Kharka.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3000m

We again descend down through the dense forests until we reach to Mumbuk. From Mumbuk, we can view the sunrise and sunset pouring over Mt. Makalu. Overnight in Mumbuk.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3570m

Today, we will pass the route through Shipton La (4170m) and trek down to Kauma. Overnight in Kauma.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 3470m

After having breakfast, we will start to trek down to Tashi Gaon following a steep downward path. Rest of the day will be spent around Sherpa village to heal up from the altitude. Overnight in Tashi Gaon.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 2070m

The trail begins by descending towards the Kasuwa River then down to the west of Arun River. Now, we will reach to Seduwa. Following the descent path, will take us to Mulgaon which passes through the farmland of corn and barley. Crossing the suspension bridge will take us to Balung. You will mostly find the settlements of Rai, Sherpa and Chhetri community. Overnight in Balung.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 760m

After having breakfast, we will follow the trail descend to Apsara Khola. Crossing the suspension bridge will take us to the village of Rai community. Route changes from gently up and down until we reach to Parangbu on the bank of Arun river. Continuing through lush forests and several small rivers which then lead to Pukuwa. Overnight in Pukuwa.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 550m

In today’s trek, the narrow route begins through forests and rocky ridge. Following the same path, will take us to an Arun valley which becomes wider and U-shaped. Reaching to the top of the ridge, the trail descends down to the bank of Sankhuwa Khola until we reach to Bumling. Overnight in Bumling.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 370m

We will start the trek by ascending over a ridge and descending to the Inkhuwa Khola then crossing the cantilever bridge made-up of wooden. The path follows the junction where two rivers meet at one place. After that, the route passes through a large suspension bridge over the Arun river. Before reaching to Tumlingtar, we will pass through Chyawabesi. Overnight in Tumlingtar.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Altitude: 460m

After breakfast, we will catch up a morning flight to Kathmandu. 

  • Altitude: 1320m

What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickups and Drops 
  • Round Trip Flight Tickets (Kathmandu and Tumlingtar)
  • All Trekking permits (Barun National Park entry permits, Makalu Restricted Area, TIMS)
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek 
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner 
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude) 
  • All Government and Local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers

Useful Information

Best Season for Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • Spring (March to May): You can see the national flower of Nepal rhododendron, green forest, best mountain view
  • Autumn (September to November): You can view the green forest as well as the best mountain view

Trekking Permit Cost for Makalu Base Camp Trekking

  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person 
  • Makalu Barun National Park Permit: USD 34 per person

For a customized itinerary of Manaslu Base Camp Trek, kindly leave us your requirements in the inquiry form. Our customer support team will get back to you shortly. 

FAQs

1. Where is Mt. Makalu located?

Mt. Makalu (8485m), is located in the southeast of Mt. Everest on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is the world’s fifth highest mountain in the world. 

2. Can we trek the Makalu Base Camp Trek solo? 

Yes, you can do the Makalu trek without a guide or solo. But, you have to care about your food and accommodation. Due to lack of trekking route mark or signboard, you may find difficult to track the trail. Also, you will find less traveler trekking to Makalu. 

Sometimes the weather may go against our plan, in that situation it may hard to cope-up with. Hence, it’s better to trek with one of your friend or colleagues or experience trekking guide. It will help to make a trip successful.   

3. How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek? 

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a strenuous or difficult trek. If you have trekked to above 4000m and physically fit then you can succeed the trek. 

You need to walk for 5-6 hours on an average per day. The trail consists of crossing numerous rivers, suspension bridge, wooden cantilever bridge, stone stairs, dense forests, sudden change of altitude and weather. 

If you think, you can overcome all those difficulties and start adventurous trekking in Nepal then Makalu Base Camp Trek is made for you.  

4. What is the maximum altitude that we can reach in Makalu Base Camp Trek?  

The maximum altitude that you can reach in Makalu Trek is Makalu Base Camp (5000m). 

5. How is transportation from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar start point?  

You can reach the Tumlingtar – the starting point of Makalu Base Camp Trek via two modes of transportation. One is by taking flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which is of 45-minutes flight.

The second option is to go with a local bus or private jeep which is of 500KM far from the city – Kathmandu. Total driving hours is 12 hours. 

6. Is Makalu Base Camp Trek camping or teahouse? 

Makalu Base Camp trek can be organized as both camping and teahouse for accommodation. It also depends on your group size. 

If you are planning with a group size of 1-5 person, then basic teahouse will suitable in terms of cost. But, for big group size (more than 5 people), then camping will be the best options.

7. What kind of food can be found in Makalu Base Camp Trek? 

You can find the fresh basic local food Nepali Dhal Bhat, Noodles, Fry rice, and Potatoes. You can bring the snacks yourself because it will be very expensive to buy on trekking routes. 

Important Tips: Don’t forget to bring tablets or filter to save the drinking water cost. You can also refill the safe drinking water (private expenses) from every teahouse situated in the Makalu region. 

8. What sort of trekking clothing and equipment do we need for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

We have listed the trekking clothing and equipment you need for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Find here! 

9. Can we customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary?  

Absolutely Yes! you can customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary according to your available duration, cost, and group size. Kindly, contact us to custom design the itinerary.