Trek Highlights
- Trek to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world, at an altitude of approximately 4,870 meters.
- Cross the dramatic Shipton La (4,200m) and Keke La (4,170m) passes, gateways into the remote Barun Valley.
- Explore the pristine Makalu Barun National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Himalaya.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Lhotse, and the rarely seen Kangshung (east) face of Everest.
- Walk through one of the last areas of genuinely untouched forest in Nepal, from subtropical jungle to high alpine terrain.
- Discover remote villages such as Num, Seduwa, and Tashigaon, home to the Rai and Sherpa communities of eastern Nepal.
- Visit Khongma Danda, a scenic acclimatization ridge with sweeping views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga.
- Trek through the beautiful high pastures of Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka, surrounded by waterfalls and glaciers.
- Visit the Barun Glacier and Barun Pokhari near base camp, with the option to continue to the historic Swiss Base Camp viewpoint.
- Experience genuine solitude on one of Nepal’s least-visited long treks, far from the busier trails of Everest and Annapurna.
- Encounter rich wildlife habitat, including red pandas, musk deer, and over 400 species of birds within the national park.
- Complete one of the most authentic and rewarding base camp treks in the Nepal Himalaya.
Trip Overview
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote and richly rewarding adventure into the far-eastern Himalaya, leading to the foot of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Protected within the Makalu Barun National Park, this region remains one of the least-visited long treks in Nepal, offering genuine solitude, pristine forest, and a true sense of wilderness rarely found on the country’s busier trekking routes.
The adventure begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar in the Arun River valley, followed by a drive to Num, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail descends to the Arun River before climbing steadily through Seduwa and Tashigaon, the last permanent Sherpa settlement, and on to the high ridge of Khongma Danda, an important acclimatization stop with sweeping views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga.
Beyond Khongma Danda, the trek crosses the Shipton La and Keke La passes into the remote Barun Valley, descending through alpine pastures at Dobate, Yangle Kharka, and Langmale Kharka before finally reaching Makalu Base Camp at approximately 4,870 meters. Here, trekkers are rewarded with extraordinary close-up views of Makalu’s south face, along with Chamlang, Baruntse, Lhotse, and the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, and can explore further to the Barun Glacier, Barun Pokhari, and the historic Swiss Base Camp.
The return journey retraces the same spectacular route back through the Barun Valley and over the high passes to Tashigaon, Seduwa, and Num, before driving back to Tumlingtar for the flight to Kathmandu. This itinerary includes dedicated acclimatization days at Khongma Danda and Makalu Base Camp itself to help manage the considerable altitude gain. The best seasons are spring (March-May), when rhododendron forests bloom in the lower valleys, and autumn (September-November), when the weather is most stable and mountain views are at their clearest.
Whether you are searching for the Makalu Base Camp Trek cost, itinerary, difficulty level, or best season to visit, this trek remains one of the most authentic and adventurous off-the-beaten-path journeys in the Nepal Himalaya.
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar
Fly and Drive to the Trailhead
The trek begins with a short, scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in the Arun River valley of eastern Nepal, followed by a drive of several hours through Khadbari and Chichila to Num, where the trekking begins.
Returning from the Trek
After completing the trek, we retrace the route back to Num and drive to Tumlingtar for the return flight to Kathmandu. Because flights between Kathmandu and Tumlingtar are sometimes affected by weather, we recommend a flexible schedule, and our itinerary includes a free day in Kathmandu to help absorb any delays.
A Remote Teahouse Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is now well established as a teahouse trek, with simple lodges available along most of the route, though facilities become more basic in the higher sections of the Barun Valley near Yangle Kharka, Langmale Kharka, and base camp itself.
Online Trip Briefing
After receiving your booking deposit and required documents, Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition will arrange a personalized online briefing via WhatsApp and Email. We will explain your trek itinerary, packing list, Everest trekking weather, altitude preparation, and answer all your questions. Our expert team ensures you are fully prepared, confident, and ready for an unforgettable trekking adventure in Nepal.
Plan Your Trek Schedule
Pick Your Start Date
Click any date below to select your departure day. The calendar will automatically highlight your full 21-day trip window. Use the arrows to browse months.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival, our team, identifiable by our company banner, will greet you at the terminal gate and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have a chance to rest. In the evening, join us for a welcome dinner with the Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition team in the lively atmosphere of Thamel, along with a pre-trek briefing.
What is Included in This Package
Transportation
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Tumlingtar
- Ground transportation from Tumlingtar to Num and from Num back to Tumlingtar
- Private airport pick-up and drop-off service in Kathmandu
Accommodations
- Teahouse and guesthouse accommodation throughout the trek
- 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis (after the trek)
Food & Drinks
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Daily seasonal fresh fruits where available
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
Guide & Porter
- Government-licensed, experienced, English-speaking trekking guide
- 1 assistant guide for groups above 6 trekkers
- First-aid medical kit carried by the guide
Permits & Fees
- Makalu Barun National Park entry permit
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- All applicable local and government taxes
Other Service Inclusions
- Basic medical kit and oxygen saturation (oximeter) monitoring
- Assistance with emergency rescue coordination (covered by your travel insurance)
- Company T-shirt and cap
- Sleeping bag and down jacket (on a per-trekker basis if needed)
- Free luggage storage at our Kathmandu office during the trek
What is Excluded from This Package
International Travel
- International flight tickets to and from Nepal
Guide & Porter Tips
- Hotel stays in Kathmandu before the trek
- Extra nights in Kathmandu or Tumlingtar due to early arrival, late departure, or flight delays
Food & Drinks
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except the welcome and farewell dinners)
Guide & Porter Tips
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended but not mandatory)
Personal Expenses & Gear
- Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation (mandatory)
- Snacks, bottled water, tea/coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, and hot showers
- Wi-Fi, phone calls, and battery charging fees
- Extra porter charges (if required)
- Souvenirs and shopping items
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
Other Exclusions
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section
Required Equipment List
Head and Face Essentials
Upper Body Clothing
Handwear
Lower Body
Footwear
Backpack, Support & Sleeping Gear
Electronics & Important Documents
Toiletries & Personal Care Items
Medications & First Aid
Optional Items
Makalu Base Camp Trek - 21 Days — Important Trip Info
Your Makalu Base Camp Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal and the gateway to the Himalayas. Most international travelers land at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Upon arrival, our team will warmly welcome you and assist with airport transfers, trek documentation, and final preparations. Because flights to Tumlingtar can occasionally be delayed by weather, we recommend arriving at least one day before departure to allow time for rest, gear checks, and a thorough pre-trek briefing.
Before and after your trek, you will stay in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, typically in Thamel, the city’s popular tourist hub known for its trekking shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. During the trek itself, accommodation is in simple teahouses, with facilities becoming more basic in the remote, higher sections of the Barun Valley.
Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world, lies in far-eastern Nepal, close to the border with Tibet, and is protected within the Makalu Barun National Park, one of the most ecologically diverse conservation areas in the Himalaya, spanning altitudes from subtropical valleys to high alpine peaks.
Major Geographical Highlights
• Makalu – 8,485 meters, the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
• Makalu Base Camp – approximately 4,870 meters, set below the dramatic south face of the mountain.
• Shipton La and Keke La – high passes at 4,200m and 4,170m respectively, connecting Khongma Danda to the Barun Valley.
• Barun Glacier and Barun Pokhari – dramatic glacial features near base camp, with the option to continue to the historic Swiss Base Camp viewpoint.
• Chamlang and Baruntse – striking peaks visible throughout much of the upper trek.
As a remote trek through a national park with limited infrastructure, a professional guide is essential for navigation, safety, and logistics.
• Route Navigation – guides know the demanding, multi-pass route through the remote Barun Valley.
• Altitude Monitoring – they monitor your health and recognize early signs of altitude sickness on the higher sections.
• Emergency Support – in case of illness, injury, or bad weather, guides coordinate immediate assistance and evacuation if necessary.
• Cultural Insights – learn about the traditions of the Rai and Sherpa communities of the Arun valley and Barun region.
• Logistical Management – guides handle permits, accommodation, and daily operations throughout this remote trek.
Teahouses along the lower and middle sections of the trek offer a reasonable variety of dishes, with options narrowing in the more remote, high-altitude settlements of the upper Barun Valley.
Popular Food Options
• Dal Bhat, the most common and recommended trekking meal
• Noodle soups, fried rice, and pasta
• Potatoes, eggs, and seasonal vegetables
• Tea, coffee, and hot lemon or ginger tea
Safe drinking water is available via boiled, filtered, or purified sources throughout most of the trek, supported by purification tablets.
The main challenge on this trek is altitude-related illness, with the route spending many days above 3,500m and crossing several passes above 4,000m before reaching base camp at 4,870m.
Common Symptoms of AMS
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
Prevention measures include a gradual ascent profile with dedicated acclimatization days at Khongma Danda and base camp, proper hydration, adequate rest, and prompt reporting of symptoms to your guide.
Spring (March-May)
• Blooming rhododendron forests in the lower valleys
• Clear mountain views
• A popular and rewarding trekking season
Autumn (September-November)
• Stable, dry weather
• Excellent visibility of the peaks
• The most popular season for this trek
Winter and monsoon months bring heavy snow at the high passes or rain, leeches, and limited visibility in the lower forests respectively, and are generally less favorable for this trek.
Trekkers require a Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and a TIMS card. No restricted area permit is required for this trek, making it more straightforward in terms of documentation than some other remote regions of Nepal. All permits are arranged through our office in Kathmandu.
• Sturdy, well broken-in trekking boots suited to long days and varied terrain
• Warm down jacket and cold-rated sleeping bag for the high-altitude sections
• Thermal base layers and windproof, waterproof outer clothing
• Trekking poles, especially useful on the multi-pass crossing days
• Gaiters, useful for possible early or late-season snow on the high passes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, and a warm hat
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is rated hard, given its long duration, remote trails, multiple high-altitude pass crossings, and several consecutive long trekking days of 5-7 hours. Regular cardiovascular training, hiking practice with a loaded backpack, and several months of general fitness preparation are strongly recommended.
What our travellers say
“The Manaslu trek is incomparable. It's suitable as a first trek in the Himalayas — plenty of time for acclimatisation and such captivating views that spending time on "altitude sickness" would be a pity. And it's a special pleasure to walk with Krishna. He is a knowledgeable, reliable and brave guide, and a very pleasa…”
Kafle
Senior Himalayan Specialist
“Namaste! I have been guiding in the Himalayas for over 15 years. Contact me directly to customize your itinerary or check live trail conditions.”
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