The Makalu Base Camp trek is a remote route that encompasses some of the best that Nepal has to offer — quiet trails, vibrant terraced farmland, rural cultures, rhododendron forests, rare wildlife and several 8,000 meter-plus peaks. For experienced trekkers who relish a challenge, this is a great trek with ample rewards.

Highlights

  • See Everest from a unique angle, it’s eastern Kangshung face
  • Gain views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kangchenjunga
  • Pass from green terraced farmland to glaciers and waterfalls
  • Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Rai and Sherpa culture
  • Spot some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda

Overview

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world (8,481m), yet the trek to its base camp is a less-frequented route due to its relative inaccessibility. However, it’s not too hard to reach, as there are daily flights to Tumlingtar (which is a few hours’ drive from the trailhead) and basic lodges along the way.

The Makalu Base Camp trek is an ideal trek for nature-loving trekkers who want to experience a variety of landscapes and cultures, as well as uncommon views of some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest.

The trek starts in warm, terraced farmland inhabited by the Rai people, an ethnic group found predominantly in the hills of eastern Nepal. As the route ascends, you will pass through rhododendron forests (most impressive in the spring, when the flowers bloom amazing red, purple, pink and white) and cloud forests, through some of the last areas of pristine forest and alpine meadows in Nepal.

Deeper into the mountains, past the Barun River Valley, you will pass steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls. At the higher elevations live the Sherpa people, an ethnically Tibetan group who predominantly reside near Everest.

From Makalu Base Camp there are spectacular views of the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far east. The Makalu Barun National Park is the eighth largest in Nepal, covering 2,330 sq. km, and is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in Nepal, including the Red Panda.

Brief itinerary

Day Activity Duration
Day 1 Welcome to Kathmandu!  
Day 2 Explore Kathmandu  
Day 3 Fly to Tumlingtar (1 hour) and drive to starting point of the trek, Chichila 1,980 m./6,497 ft., 3-4 hours
Day 4 Trek to Num 1,980 m./6,497 ft., 3-4 hours
Day 5 Trek to Seduwa via the Arun River 1,500 m./4,922 ft., 6-7 hours
Day 6 Trek to Tashigaon 2,100 m./6,890 ft., 4-5 hours
Day 7 Trek to Khongma Danda 3,500 m./11,483 ft., 6-7 hours
Day 8 Acclimatisation day in Khongma Danda  
Day 9 Trek to Dobate via Shipton La (4,229 m./13,874 ft. 3,650 m., 6-7 hours
Day 10 Trek to Yangle Kharka following the Barun River upstream 3,557 m./11,670 ft., 6-7 hours
Day 11 Trek to Langmale Kharka 4,410 m./14,468 ft., 5-6 hours
Day 12 Acclimatisation day at Langmale Kharka  
Day 13 Trek to Sherson 4,500 m./14,763 ft., 6-7 hours
Day 14 Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,900 m./16,076 ft., 4-5 hours  
Day 15 Day walk around Makalu Base Camp  
Day 16 Begin return trip; trek to Yangle Kharka 3,600 m./11,811 ft., 6-7 hours
Day 17 Trek to Dobate 3,650 m./11,975 ft., 6-7 hours
Day 18 Trek to Khongma Danda (5-6 hours  
Day 19 Trek to Tashigaon 4-5 hours
Day 20 Trek to Seduwa 4-5 hours
Day 21 Trek to Num 5-6 hours
Day 22 Drive to Tumlingtar 51 km./31 miles
Day 23 Fly to Kathmandu  
Day 24 Depart Kathmandu  
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Variations

A rewarding alternative route is to continue from Makalu Base Camp towards Everest. After exploring around Makalu, cross the Sherpani Pass over to Baruntse Base Camp, then cross the West Col to Panch Pokhari, Amphu Laptsa and the Amphu Lapsta pass (5,850 m./19,192 ft.) into the Everest region.

From then, follow part of the traditional Everest Base Camp trekking route, passing through Pangboche, Namche Bazaar and Lukla, from where you would get a return flight to Kathmandu. This would add about a week onto the itinerary, and would mean seeing fresh landscapes the entire way, not repeating your steps.

Mountaineering experience is required for this variation, as ropes are necessary on some passes and glaciers.

Best season

The spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) trekking seasons are the best times for the Makalu Base Camp trek, as the weather is likely to be finest and the temperatures good (particularly at low and mid-elevations). It is possible to do this trek in the winter months, but the cold temperatures might be a drawback, especially as the lodges in this region aren’t especially well equipped.

Getting there & away

The Makalu Base Camp trek requires a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to the small airport at Tumlingtar, around 500 kilometers east of the capital. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines operate one daily flight each.

If taking the alternative route from Makalu Base Camp onwards to Lukla, a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is required. Multiple flights operate daily.

Permits

  • A Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit (US $30 per person)
  • A Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card (US $20 per person)

Difficulty

This is a challenging trek, best suited to experienced mountain trekkers. Comfort levels are more basic than on some popular Nepal treks, as the lodges in this area are of a lower standard than some other places. However, as a couple of rest/acclimatization days are built into the itinerary, this trek is not extremely challenging.

The alternative route from Makalu Base Camp onwards to Everest and Lukla requires mountaineering experience, so could be categorized as very challenging.

 

Map

Map of Makalu Base Camp Trek - 24 Days
Map of Makalu Base Camp Trek - 24 Days