Main Info
TRIP FACTS
It has been observed that the desire to be in a high existence like Makalu Base Camp Himalayas transcends the individual. Interest in passing through remote Himalayan existence, such as Mount Makalu Base Camp, is understood as transcended interest.
Take a closer look at the graceful Mount Makalu vistas and their fascinating existence. Your level of awareness helps you discover the inner strength of the surroundings as you pass through the remote villages and their unspoiled nature.
In local terms, Makalu denotes “the great (one) time.” The notion of Himalayan awareness is flexibly applied to evolve interest in you to be in Makalu’s existence toward joyful wholeness.
Makalu, known as the sided pyramid, is one of the harder eight-thousanders. Even the route is considered one of Nepal’s most difficult trekking routes. Guiding experience in the core of central Himalayan existence since 1990; it is experienced that rear interest in being in the Himalayas often realizes and transforms in you toward wholeness.
We lead you toward the Makalu Base Camp trail based on your deep, natural desire to be in the Himalayas. We completely aim for our guidance to support you in your passion for joy, bliss, and fulfillment.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Panoramic picture of numerous mountain peaks, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Mt Chamlang, Baruntse, and many more
- Encounter the fifth-highest peak in the world, Mount Makalu, surrounded by seven valleys, and visit its base camp
- Experience the welcoming Sherpas, Rai, and Shingsawa communities, having several different cultures, each with its traditions
- Enjoy the lovely Jungle while strolling through the Rhododendron woodland, rivers, and Georges in a lush valley
- Magnificent Makalu Barun National Park beauty with wildlife like Red Pandas and some of Nepal’s other rarest and most endangered animals
Makalu Base Camp Trek Route Map
After 25 minutes, we will fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila. This trek takes you through the scenic nature and settlements of Num, Tashigaon, Dobate, Yangri Kharka, and Makaly Base Camp. The trek will take you through beautiful mountain scenery and charming communities surrounded by Sherpa and Tibetan peoples. Around every edge is a fascinating glimpse of the high Himalayas, with entire horizons opening up to you as you reach the high points of your trek. We will return from the same route to Tumlingtar and fly back to Kathmandu. You can look at the infographic image of the map of Makalu Base Camp for a basic idea.
Is Makalu Base Camp Trek difficult?
Undoubtedly, the Makalu Base Camp trek is one of Nepal’s most technical and challenging trek. Since the area is one of Nepal’s most unexplored and remote areas, it is a challenging journey. Along with that, during this difficult walk, you will ascend over 5,000 meters. There is also a possibility of altitude sickness if done incorrectly.
You must be mentally and physically fit to take part in this trek. We suggest you jog, visit the gym, or go on a few short treks around the area. The trail is challenging. However, with our expertly prepared Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary, appropriate guidance, and months of tough preparation, you will receive an adventure of a lifetime and spectacular natural beauty.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit
Permit types required for the Makalu Base Camp trek are; Makalu Rural Municipality Permit and Makalu Barun National Park Entry.
These are all preserved areas, and all the fees paid for permits will be utilized to improve the area.
For more info; please visit: Trekking Route and Permit Fee
Note: In most cases, while preparing official paperwork, you will be required to submit passport-size photos and a copy of your passport. So, be sure to bring at least 8–10 passport-size photos. We will complete all legal requirements and acquire all required permits for your trip.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Cost Details
Price Includes
- Bus Fare during the trek as per itinerary
- Domestic Flights for KTM to Tumlingtar to KTM
- Permit Cards Expenses
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 19 days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for 17 days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for 18 nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary.
- Staff insurance
- 18 x set breakfast, 18 x set lunch and 18 x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
Price Excludes
- International Flight Fare
- Accommodation in Kathmandu since there are many possibilities available.
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Itinerary
We will have an early morning adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. This flight will generally take 35 minutes. During the flight, witness the incredible views of mountains and clouds from the window.
After then, we will drive for 4 hours to reach Chichila. With thrills and adventure for the first half an hour ride, we will drive uphill to reach Kandbari. From there, we head through fields, Gurung village, and forests to get to Chichila.
Today will be the first day of the trek, and you will check the permit at the police checkpoint. After that, we will trek through the lush Himalayan forest of rhododendron and a small forest. After passing through the green hills and small villages, you will finally reach Num. During the stay, you may notice a small glimpse of peaks from a distance.
Your trek starts with the steep descent to the Arun River, which takes around 2 hours. During the descent, you will get through the rivers and cardamon crops. The path passes through the stone steps to the river. You will also cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River.
After crossing the bridge, we will gain the height to reach the Seduwa. You will cross through the bamboo forest and bustling village life along the trek. We will also need to cross the checkpoint of Makalu Barun National Park.
Today the walk will be a little easier with a beautiful view. The initial phase of the trek contains several stone steps and mani walls, which lead you to the Sherpa community. You will be able to notice several small farms on the hillside, a cardamon plantation, and a rhododendron forest.
Today you will experience a varied walk. After approximately 2 hours of trek, you will reach Chyaksa Danda village. You will notice a small school, a tea shop, and small houses. After crossing through the dense forest will cross a few streams and small bridges. After the walk, you will reach Tashigaon. You will see the fantastic view of the Himalayas from the Tashigaon.
Today you will have a lot of ascents. The initial phase of the trek starts to ascend from Tashigaon and hear toward the stone steps. After some hours of walk, you will cross another small bridge and continue the walk inside the beautiful rhododendron forest. If you are here in April, enjoy the stunning rhododendron and magnolia trees blooming with a white peak in the east.
After walking for about 3 hours, you will reach Dhara. After you leave Dhara, start a stiff climb for about 1 hour to reach Unshisa. After a couple of hours of walking from Unshisa, you will finally reach Khongma Danda.
Finally, we will give time to adapt the body to the high altitude. We strongly recommend you walk for some hours during your acclimatization periods too. If you want a shorter walk, visit the nearby monastery and see the sherpa culture and way of life. If you want some adventure with a mind-blowing view, then climb to Kongma La. It will take around an hour to reach the pass. After enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the lodge.
Today is truly spectacular, crossing four high passes with airy traverses and dramatic ridge sections offering near-constant stunning views of snow-capped peaks. We will not have lunch until you reach Dobato, so make sure you take plenty of snacks and water.
We begin by ascending over Kauma La Pass (3603 m), and from there, we continue to Keke La Pass (4127 m). We continue to ascend until we reach the Shipton La pass (4170m). A mani wall and cairn close to the shelter serve as markers for the pass. They are both decorated with prayer flags. Although not difficult, the pull-up to the Shipton La is quite steep. Then, after a couple of hours of walking and passing through the Tutu La Pass (4080m), we arrive at Dobato.
After the early morning breakfast, we will start to descend through the beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron. Look out for different species of colorful birds in the trees.
We trek towards Yangla Kharka while traversing thick rhododendron forests and crossing the Barun River. Yaks could be found grazing in the field as we travel. When you finally reach the river, you start walking along a path beneath a sizable landslide area. You can catch glimpses of Mt, Chanlang and Mt. Tutse. After 7 hours of trek, we reach Yangla Kharka. Overnight at a lodge in Yangla Kharka.
Starting smoothly and flatly, keep the river to your left. The trail is lined with numerous vibrant prayer flags. It's a truly beautiful day, with craggy snow-covered summits, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and sacred caves serving as a visual feast.
To get to Merek, we hike through dense Himalayan forests and cross a few wooden bridges over small streams. Take it slow and steady here as you will be feeling the altitude as you toil up towards Langmale. As you limp up towards Langmale, you'll start to feel the altitude, so go slowly and steadily.
As we make our way to Langmale Kharka, we pass through moraines and small Himalayan villages as we pursue the mountain view.
The going is difficult at this altitude, but you're on a good path as you start your ascent. To get to Shershong, we walk through icy glaciers and ridges while ascending a rocky path next to Barun Nadi. While winding your way around the valley, keep the river to your left.
Every bend will present you with a different dramatic view of the surroundings. While traveling to the base camp, we take in the splendor of Mt. Makalu (8481m). We hike for about an hour before arriving at Makalu Base Camp. Its formidable face, with its icefalls, crevasses, jagged edges, and seracs, makes you wonder. Around the base camp, you might see a lot of Tibetan snowcocks, hill pigeons, black redstarts, and mountain finches.
At a height of about 5,300 meters, the ridge offers the most beautiful panoramic views. Today, we explore the area around Makalu Base Camp while enjoying a stunning view of the Himalayas in eastern Nepal, including Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), and Makalu from the south face. We enjoy the surrounding glaciers' and lakes' natural beauty.
Retrace your steps to the base camp when you fill with mountain drama. The round trip should take around 4-5 hours. It's a demanding trek because the steep path and the altitude will affect you above 5,000 meters.
With a heavy heart, we will leave behind Makalu Base Camp. On our way to Yangri Kharka, we pass the small villages of Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek as we hike through sparse forests along rocky trails.
Walking alongside the Barun River, you will pass through alpine forests, rocky ridges, and small streams. Just before Themathang, you can see a small bridge you can cross. It is decorated with prayer flags. We will eventually have to navigate a landslide area and some narrow passageways. As you draw closer to the Dobate, the ascent gradually eases, and the going becomes easier.
You have just one more chance today to enjoy the breathtaking views of tall mountains like Kangchenjunga. Our journey to Mumbuk takes us through fir, juniper, and rhododendron forests. You will need another hour and a half to get to the Shipton La, today's highest point at 4,200 meters. After another hour or so of contouring around the mountainside, you will reach the small cairns that mark Sano Pokhari Danda at 4,105m.
A further hour of walking brings you back to the final pass of Khongma La. You return to Khongma after a roughly 250-meter descent, most of it down stone steps.
We walk through thick forests and pass by a few lakes as we move forward. Trekking along steep rocky trails, we pass through Makalu Barun National Park and enter the beautiful Sherpa village of Tashigaon.
We pass the remote Barun River valley and settlements while hiking along small streams. To get to Seduwa, we trek with Isuwa Khola on one side and Hingsa Khola on the other.
To leave Makalu Barun National Park, we trek through a number of dense bamboo and rhododendron forests and cross the Arun River. While traveling to Num, we pass a small Sherpa village in the countryside.
Our trek is coming to an end today. To catch the bus from Tumlingtar, we will make the approximately one-hour trek to Chichila. Before arriving in Tumlingtar, we enjoy hiking along difficult terrain while taking in the stunning view of Mt. Makalu (8481m). We will eventually come to Tumlingtar after the long ride.
Maps
