Stand below the pyramid of Makalu (8,485 m) in a high glacier basin with very few other visitors.
A protected area with a steep rise from subtropical forest to alpine rock, rich in rhododendron, orchids, birds and wildlife.
A high ridge crossing of about 4,100 to 4,250 m between the Arun and Barun valleys, with sweeping mountain views.
A wild glacial valley with waterfalls, meadows and views of Chamlang, Peak 6 and the Makalu massif.
One of the least busy of the big base camp treks in Nepal, with simple lodges and a strong sense of wilderness.
Walk through Num, Seduwa and Tashigaon, where terraced fields and local hospitality are part of the day.
Climb from about 500 m at Tumlingtar to nearly 4,900 m, passing through nearly every Himalayan climate zone.
A scenic domestic flight to the east saves days of road travel and lets you start trekking quickly.
The Makalu Base Camp trek begins with a short flight to Tumlingtar and a drive to Num, then plunges down to the Arun river before a long climb on steps to Tashigaon and Khongma Danda. From there, the trail crosses the Shipton La and follows the Barun river to its source.
The route is steep, remote and quiet, with far fewer facilities than the Everest or Annapurna regions. Tea houses are simple, so expect basic food and cold nights. In return, you get a landscape of forest, waterfalls, glaciers and enormous mountain walls.
Autumn gives the clearest skies and spring brings rhododendrons in bloom. Good fitness and a willingness to take on long days are needed. This 17-day schedule is compact, so there is no built-in spare day on the mountain.
| Duration | 17 days (about 13 days on the trail) |
|---|---|
| Start / End | Kathmandu, via Tumlingtar and Num |
| Highest point | Makalu Base Camp, about 4,870 m |
| Distance | Roughly 110 to 130 km round trip |
| Walking per day | Usually 4 to 7 hours; the Tashigaon to Khongma Danda climb is steep and long |
| Difficulty | Challenging to strenuous; remote, with steep ascents, a high pass and basic lodges |
| Best seasons | Mostly October to November and April to May |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Kathmandu, basic lodges and teahouses on the trail |
| Group size | Private or small group; usually a minimum of 2 travellers |
| Permits | Makalu Barun National Park entry and a local municipality permit; a licensed guide is usually required. We arrange them. |
Airport pick-up and hotel transfer, followed by a briefing about the trek and gear.
Meals: dinnerA scenic flight east, then a rough drive of several hours up to the village of Num, close to the Arun valley.
Meals: breakfast; travel dayDrop steeply to the Arun river, cross it and climb through villages to Seduwa, a Rai settlement.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursClimb steadily through forest and villages to Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement on the route.
Walking: 4 to 6 hoursA long climb through forest with many steps to the ridge of Khongma Danda. The hardest day of the trek so far.
Walking: 6 to 7 hoursCross the high ridge and pass, with views of Makalu and Chamlang, then descend to the small camp at Dobate.
Walking: 6 to 7 hoursDrop to the Barun river and walk up the valley through forest to a grassy shepherd camp.
Walking: 5 to 7 hoursFollow the Barun valley past waterfalls and moraines to the high camp at Langmale.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursThe final stretch beside the glacier to Makalu Base Camp, followed by time to look around the basin and its views.
Walking: 5 to 7 hoursA long descent back down the Barun valley, with thick air a relief after the high camp.
Walking: 6 to 7 hoursClimb the valley side again towards Dobate, back on the route of the outbound trip.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursRecross the Shipton La and descend to the ridge camp, with long views.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursA steep stone staircase down through forest to Tashigaon.
Walking: 4 to 5 hoursRetrace through villages to Seduwa, with a quicker pace at lower altitude.
Walking: 4 to 5 hoursCross the Arun river, climb to Num and take a vehicle down to Tumlingtar for the night.
Walking: 5 to 6 hours plus driveA morning flight back to Kathmandu, then a free afternoon and farewell dinner.
Meals: breakfast, farewell dinnerTransfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: breakfastThis 17-day plan is compact and has no spare day on the trail. Many operators use 19 to 23 days to add acclimatisation days at Khongma Danda, Yangri Kharka or Langmale, so ask us if you want a slower version. Altitudes differ between sources, and flights from Tumlingtar can be delayed.
It is one of the harder base camp treks in Nepal because of steep stone steps, a high pass, remote lodges and altitude near 4,900 m. Previous multi-day trekking experience and good fitness are strongly recommended.
It is compact. The route gains altitude quickly after Tashigaon, so walk slowly, drink plenty of water and report symptoms. If you want more acclimatisation, a longer version with rest days is available.
Autumn (October and November) is the most popular and has clearer skies. Spring (April and May) is also good. Monsoon and winter are not recommended.
Basic teahouses and simple lodges with twin rooms or dormitories. Food is simple: dal bhat, noodles, soup and eggs. Facilities thin out beyond Tashigaon.
Yes. The Makalu Barun National Park permit and a local permit are usually required, and a licensed guide is normally needed. We arrange everything.
Nights above 3,500 m are cold and can fall well below freezing. Bring a down jacket, warm layers, gloves, a hat and a warm sleeping bag.
No. It is among the quietest of the major treks, which is part of its appeal, but it also means fewer services and less backup.
Flights depend on weather. Keep a spare day or two at the end of your holiday. A long road journey is possible as a backup.
Yes, covering trekking to at least 5,000 m, medical care and helicopter evacuation. Send us your policy details.
We run private and small-group trips with a guide and porters. A private trek lets you set your own pace and dates.
Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm dates and details and a deposit secures your booking.
Lower villages often have a signal, and many lodges sell Wi-Fi or a local SIM data pack for a fee. Higher up and in remote valleys the connection is slow or absent, so tell family to expect quiet days. Wi-Fi is not included in the price. A local SIM bought in Kathmandu is a cheap backup.
Lodges serve dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs, pasta, momo and pancakes, and dal bhat comes with refills. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easy to arrange. If you need gluten-free food or have allergies, tell us when you book so your guide can brief the kitchen, though choices narrow as you climb. Meals on trail days are included. City meals are not, apart from breakfast and the two special dinners.
Tap and stream water is not safe to drink untreated. Lodges sell boiled or bottled water for a fee, which is not in the price. Many trekkers bring purification tablets or a filter bottle to save money and plastic. Your guide can show you where it is safe to refill.
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu airport, hotel nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, a guided city tour, and a welcome and farewell dinner are included. See the Included tab on this page for the full list. Extra hotel nights outside the itinerary are not included, so ask us if you need them.
A 20% deposit secures your booking. Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the dates and how to pay. The balance is paid in Kathmandu before the trek. For cancellation and refund terms, see wildpasstreks.com/booking-policy/
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Fill in your details, and we will confirm availability. A 20% deposit secures your booking. Prices are per person and the final price is confirmed by us.
