Makalu Base Camp Trek

When you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport, your trekking agent will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You can then relax at the hotel and later stroll through the streets of Thamel during the evening.

You will have a small meeting with your team today where you’ll discuss essential paperwork needed for permits and a short orientation about the journey like where you’ll be staying, routes you’ll take, and more.

After the meeting, you’re free to rest at your hotel and prepare for the journey ahead or visit different spots of Kathmandu such as Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.

Officially, your Makalu Base Camp Trek starts today. You’ll take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar looking over the landscapes, settlements, and mountains from above.

Then upon reaching Tumlingtar, we will set off toward Num on a bus or jeep ride. The ride will mostly be smooth and on a winding path leading us to Num.

On the fourth day, we’ll reach Seduwa, a beautiful village offering great hospitality. Starting with a decline to the Arun River, we’ll hike up to Seduwa on rocky steps alongside the river. Along the way, we will come across deep forests of bamboo, cardamom farmlands, wildlife of the region, and many other delightful encounters.

Moving forward, we’ll reach the Makalu-Barun National Park, where we’ll register our permits and move on to Seduwa.

Today we will hike on a route of large stone stairs leading us to Tashigaon. Moving along the way surrounded by forests, and wildlife creatures creates a refreshing environment, that will lead you to the destination in no time.

Moreover, as you move forward, you’ll come across Mani Walls more frequently.

Starting early, the trek today will be exciting filled with blooming rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal.

Our trek will take about 7 hours, moving on a stair-route through dense forests of Rhododendron, passing by some villages including, Dhara and Unshisa, enjoying the spectacular views of the landscapes, and flora and fauna of the area.

Today, we will trek through two major viewpoints of this journey, the Shipton La Pass at 4220m and Keke La Pass at 4152m.

Starting off with a long hike upwards on a rough rocky terrain, we get to Shipton La Pass. The pass features majestic scenes, of awe-inspiring stunning snow-capped peaks such as Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse.

Thereon, we’ll trek towards Keke La Pass, passing by a revered lake, Kalo Pokhari on the way. Keke La Pass is yet another high point of this trek with majestic views of high peaks. Next, we hike downwards to reach Dobate.

We’ll hike carefully on a steep rocky trail alongside the Barun River with amazing scenes of Chamlang and Tutse mountains. Along the way, you’ll hike by forests of pine and rhododendrons, and stop by a waterfall as well.

Continuing on the rock stairs, we reach Yangri Kharka, a peaceful village.

Today we’ll reach Lagmale Kharka hiking through a path lined with numerous mani walls and Buddhist prayer flags. The trail will be relatively easy and smoother than the ones before with stunning scenery of snowcapped mountains above you and beautiful landscapes.

As we move forward, we’ll pass by settlements such as Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek which ultimately lead us to Lagmale Kharka.

You have now reached an altitude of 4410m which is a great feat. So, we’ll take this day for acclimatization purposes and rest, taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and peaks. You can also choose to go on short hikes nearby.

Finally, on the 12th day, you will trek up to the base camp of the fifth-highest mountain, Mt. Makalu (8481 meters). It is a major day but also a tough trek. You will move forward on a rocky, dry winding trail side by side with the Barun River.

Then, after getting across the river and walking for a bit, you’ve reached your most anticipated destination, Makalu Basecamp at 4870m in height.

The scenery from the base camp will truly leave you starstruck. The towering view of the Makaul massif and other peaks including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and others will be breathtaking.

You will spend the day visiting certain locations close by to enjoy the panoramic 360 views of the great Makalu massif along with other high peaks of Nepal as well. You can also trek to viewpoints nearby offering stunning panoramas of the peaks, landscapes, and lakes as well.

From this day onwards, we’ll begin turning back. Retracing our steps passing by the same villages as before such as Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek, ultimately leads us to Yangri Kharka.

Also, on the way, you’ll get another chance to enjoy the beauty of the green landscapes and woodlands once again

It’ll be a short and easy hike back to Dobate passing through the village of Themathang Kharka alongside Barun River. Today we’ll make our way through paths surrounded by beautiful blooming rhododendrons, as we arrive at our destination for today, Dobate.

Today, we’ll get back to Danda Kharka moving on the same route we came from before. We will pass through the two high passes of this trek; Keke La Pass and Shipton La Pass, on a trail offering splendid vistas of the massifs and hills.

Advancing on the same route, we’ll soon reach Khongma La, then Khongma Region, and finally Danda Kharka.

Walking on a rocky stairs path made for travelers, we’ll be moving towards Seduwa. Walking alongside the river, across lush bamboo forests, and farmlands, and encountering the creatures of this region, we’ll end our journey at Sedwua.

The seventeenth day will be the last trek of your journey, as we head back towards Num Village. We will move along the same route as before, starting by crossing Makalu-Barun National Park and then heading towards the Arun River.

Getting across the river leads us to a route of well-maintained stairs of stones to Num Village. Upon arrival at Num, take a break to catch your breath and relax, then set off on a scenic bus ride back to Tumlingtar.

With a short flight from Tumlingtar, you will be back in Kathmandu. The flight will be short and swift overlooking the mesmerizing views of lofty mountains, green hills, rivers, and several settlements.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can choose to either rest at your hotel or explore the city’s tourist hub, Thamel to buy souvenirs and visit pubs and cafes.

Sadly, your Makalu Base Camp Trek has officially come to an end now. With a heartfelt goodbye, your team will drop you at the airport for your departure back home. You’ll leave Nepal with joyous and unforgettable memories from the trip.