Makalu base camp trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek takes up deep into the eastern Himalayas, providing some of Nepal’s most unseen and amazing scenery. During Makalu base camp trek you will have an excellent view of Mount Makalu (8,475 m / 27,713 ft) and chamlang (7,290 m / 23,838 ft). The trek to Makalu base camp visits one of the most remote and unfrequented areas of Nepal.

The Makalu base camp trek is located in Makalu Barun National Park was established in 1992 as Nepal’s eight National Parks. The park of 2,330 square kilometers is bordered by the Arun River in the east and the Sagarmatha National Park in the west.

Barun Valley is a sanctuary for wild animals such as wolves, Monkeys, lynx, foxes, and the elusive snow leopard. Our descent into the pine and rhododendron forest from the Barun Valley takes us past the lower Barun glacier and into the Makalu basin. Makalu base camp trekking can be done at any time (except winter) during the year.

Why people choose Makalu base camp trek?

Makalu base camp trek is perhaps the most dramatic and picturesque scenery in the Nepalese Himalaya. You will have face to face view of Beautiful mountains through forests, hills, and quaint and tiny villages. This trail is a part of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) of Nepal and it is a great sense of anticipation builds as you trek up the glacier valley, passing through intriguing tiny villages, Buddhist monasteries.

Makalu base camp trek includes all meals, road-head transport, services of English-speaking local trekking guide and porters to carry the luggage. You will only need to carry a day-pack and you can walk at your own pace.

Makalu base camp trekking highlights and Himalayan Sights

Abundant flora and fauna, Makalu conservation and Makalu Barun National park, Mt. Makalu fifth tallest mountains, Scenic flights, explore MBC, Magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, Crossing the pass over Sherpini col, Divers in flora and fauna and rich local lifestyles and culture.

Makalu base camp trek grading

Makalu base camp trek is suitable for young walkers looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. It does not require you to be super fit or have any previous trekking experience. If you are healthy and can walk about 5 hours daily, you can complete this trekking easily. However, daily jogging or walking exercise is useful before you depart. Our program always includes rest days and build up gradually, in order to acclimatize to the altitude. Along the routes, you can walk at your own pace, with plenty of stops for rest.

Makalu base camp trek covers

Kanchenjunga (8,585m) 3rd tallest mountains, Mirgi la pass, Diverse flora and fauna and rich local culture, The native Nepali communities such as Sherpa, Limbu, Rai and Gurung, Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

Best season to explore Makalu base camp trekking

February, March, April, May, June, September, October, and November.

Makalu base camp trek detail itinerary

Our Makalu base camp trekking is a classical trek with 19 days itinerary compared to most walks in this region. The particular route is prepared for world travelers who wish to hike in a more relaxed manner than take a look at this itinerary. However for travelers who wish to do this route quickly but are walking with limited time wise then ask us for a tailor-made itinerary.

Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu valley

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, we will receive you with a private vehicle and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu with a breakfast plan. Our representative will give you information about the Makalu base camp trek further programs.

Day 02 : Kathmandu city – World Heritage sites (1348m) sightseeing.

All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you’re fully prepared for the trip, and any last-minute questions answered. After lunch, we explore this medieval capital. We visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pashupatinath, holy temple of Hindu where the cremation takes place by the holy river Bagmati. Later we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Syambhunath Stupa. And transfer to the hotel.

Day 03 : Fly to Tumlingtar (460m). Trek to Khandbari (1040m/ 3,401 ft), 4 hours

We take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar airstrip. Tumlingtar is located at an altitude of 4,60m or 1,504 ft above sea level. Tumlingtar is a gateway to explore Makalu trekking. We begin walking on a plateau for about 45 minutes after which the trek starts climbing gradually for approx 3 hrs to reach Khandbari camp above the village on large grassy fields.

Day 04 : Trek to Hururu (1900m / 6,213 ft), 6 hours

We walk through Mani Bhanjyang (1100 m) hill station then walk continues via grassy fields, bamboo groves, big rocks and climb a short distance to reach the Tamang village of Bhotebas (1740m). Beyond the village, the cultivated fields disappear as the trail climbs through trees to a pass at 1850 meters that offers spectacular views of Chamlang, Makalu, and Jaljale Himal. We walk downhill through a rhododendron forest to Chilchela (1830m) village inhabited by Gurungs. We follow along the ridge to the small settlements of Kuwa Pani (1910m) and Sakurati Majuwa (1860m). Passing by the Mani wall, the trail leads up to our campsite.

Day 05 : Trek to Num (1490m/ 4,872 ft), 5 hours

From Hururu, we move back to the ridge at 1960 m and trek through forests of huge rhododendrons just below the ridgeline to a Mani wall and a dirty pond. We continue along the ridge past a small stream to a single Sherpa house and tea shop. This is Mure, a spread-out village at 1980 meters that is inhabited by both Sherpas and Rais.

Day 06 : Trek to Sedua (1460m/ 4,774 ft), 5 hours

We continue along the trail descending steeply from Num through the cornfields of Lumbang. Below the village, the trail drops very steeply through a jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun River (660 m). From the bridge, we climb steeply to a primitive tea shop, then through corn and buckwheat field. Moving along the rocky path and tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, we make a long, steep, rough climb to Sedua (1460m) where we stay tonight.

Day 07 : Trek to Tashi Gaon (2070m/ 6,769 ft), 6 hours

Leaving Sedua, we make a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to Gyang (1770m). Climbing past the school at Gyang, it is a gentle walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village, and on to Rupisa. During the trial, we cross meadows and several streams and then climb to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley.

Day 08 : Trek to Kauma (3470m/11,347 ft), 6 hours

The trail levels out and then climbs to a shepherd’s hut called Chipla atop another ridge. We climb past two small streams, then switch back up the ridge in forests to a Kharka at 2900 meters and up to a saddle and Unshisha, a tiny meadow at approx 330 meters. Here the trail joins the ridge that separates the Iswa and Kasuwa drainages. The slope gets steeper and becomes a series of moss-covered stone stairs to Dhara Kharka, a meadow atop the ridge. We then move over a hillock and descend a bit to reach Kauma (3470 m).

Day 09 : Trek to Mumbuk (3570m / 11,674 ft), 6 hours

Today leaving Kauma, we climb on steep switchbacks for a while. We then climb less steeply through rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge, with a large Mani wall adorned with prayer flags. From here, we get superb views of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak sec. From the pass, we descend to another lake and then ascend steeply through large boulders to the Tutu La. We continue descending about 150 meters into sparse rhododendron forests to a level area. The final descent is through a forest of firs and rhododendrons to Mumbuk village.

Day 10 : Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m/ 9810 ft), 7 hours

We descend a steep gully with a stream for about 500 meters. We then move left through fir forests, along the flank of the Barun Valley. Moving along the ill-defined trail, we cross a 200-meter-long slide area, and then follow the river to a Kharka. Moving through forests of birch and scrub rhododendron, we reach Yangle Kharka. We Climb from Yangle Kharka, finally crossing to the north side of the Barun Khola to reach Nhe Kharka (3000 m). There is a small gompa at the south side of the valley that offers great mountain views in all directions.

Day 11 : Trek to Sherson (4615m/ 15,091 ft), 7 hours

Beyond the Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun Khola for a while. Barun Valley makes a huge S-shaped curve and the walls rise almost vertically 1500 to 2000 meters above the river, but the trail climbs gently as we approach Ripok Kharka. Still, on the north side of the Barun, the trail turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for the alpine tundra. Above Ripok Kharka, the route crosses a rocky crest with a few goths and then ascends alongside a moraine formed by the Barun Glacier. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak, Peak 4, Chamlang, Peak 3, and Peak 5, but Makalu is not yet visible.

Day 12 : Trek to Makalu Base camp (5000m / 16,350 ft), 6 hours

From Sherson, we stay to the right in a gully on the east side of the valley. It is a gradual descent to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We then descend to a stream, cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river. From here we get terrific views of the south face of Makalu. The large buttress of the south face rises across from base camp. An ascent of this buttress yields views of Peak 6, 7 and Baruntse (7220 m); Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama.

Day 13 : Explore around.

Rest day at the Base Camp to explore around. Today is a rest day for acclimatization.

Day 14 : Trek to Nhe Kharka (3000m/9,810 ft), 5 hours

Today we retrace our steps down the Barun Valley walking about five hours towards Nhe Kharka where we stay overnight.

Day 15 : Trek to Mumbuk (3570m/ 11,674 ft), 6 hours

From Nhe Kharka, we continue descending through the forests to Mumbuk. From here we get beautiful sunset views of Makalu and Chamlang.

Day 16 : Trek to Kauma (3470m/ 11,347 ft), 5 hours

Leaving Mumbuk, we trek across the Shipton La and descend to Kauma.

Day 17 : Trek to Tashi Gaon (2070m/ 6,769 ft), 6 hours

Today, we make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. At Tashi Gaon we spend the rest of the day relaxing in order to recover from the high altitude.

Day 18 : Trek to Balung (760m/ 2,485 ft), 6 hours

The route now enters the hot bottomlands of the Arun Valley. Most of the settlements in this area are temporary settlements used by Rai and Chettri farmers who live in villages high on the hillside above. Passing the villages, we continue along the trail through rocky fields to Balung (760 m).

Day 19 : Trek to Pukuwa (550m/1,799 ft), 6 hours

We continue through temporary farming settlements to the spread-out Rai village of Walung (880m). The trail descends to the Apsawa Khola and crossing it on a suspension bridge we climb steeply to Chhayang, a pleasant Rai village with an extensive bamboo-pipe water supply at 800 m. The trail then crosses a stream at 590m and makes some ups and downs to reach Parangbu, a delightful camping spot among rice fields on the banks of the Arun River. We continue through forests and pass several small streams to reach Pukuwa.

Day 20 : Trek to Bumling (370m/ 1,210 ft), 6 hours

The trail now follows a route through forests and some spectacular high and exposed narrow tracks as it climbs over rocky ridges. Below Tome, the Arun Valley becomes wider. The trail climbs over another ridge on a steep, narrow stairway of rock steps. From the top of the ridge at 530m, the trail descends to a delightful camp on the banks of the Sankhuwa Khola (370m), across from the Chhetri village of Bumling.

Day 21 : Trek to Tumlingtar (460m/1,504 ft), 4 hours

The trail traverses the fields of lower Bumling, then climbs over a ridge and descends to the Inkhuwa Khola, crossing it on a rickety wooden cantilever bridge. The trail follows the river downstream to its confluence with the Arun. It then follows the Arun downstream, crossing it on a large suspension bridge.

Day 22 : Fly back to Kathmandu

Early in the morning, we fly back to Kathmandu with scenic short mountain views. It takes about 40 minutes to reach in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

Day 23 : Final departure day

Drop you in Kathmandu International Airport onward your final destination and our trip ends. Wish you your wonderful journey.

How much does Makalu base camp trekking cost?

Express Makalu base camp trek cost we offer Tourist Standard accommodation in Thamel, Kathmandu. But of course, the trip price will vary according to group size. For the deluxe and luxury trekking tour plan, we add a 3-star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu (BB PLAN). AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGES PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. International tour leaders are highly encouraged to get discounts and attractive complimentary.

We can organize private Makalu base camp trekking or Makalu base camp trek starting at any date that works for you. Please contact us for more information.

Freequently Asked Questions

Question: Is pick up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes sure !! If you provide us your flight details then you should do a request then our representative will come to pick up you on Kathmandu international airport.

Question: Do I need the experience to do Makalu base camp trekking?

Answer: Actually for Makalu base camp trek is suitable for keen trekkers/walkers who are able to walk around 4 or 5 hours in a day, with a lightweight daypack. For this trekking, if you have about the little experience would be better.

Question: What kind of accommodation can I expect on Makalu base camp trekking?

Answer: We provide you tourist standard accommodation in Kathmandu and Tented accommodation during the trekking routes. However we recommend you to take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.

Question: What kind of food can I expect in this trek?

Answer: During the tented camping/lodge basis trekking, our professional cook prepares a delicious range of mostly vegetarian such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season.

Question: What opportunities will I have for a shower along with Makalu trekking?

Answer: As you are in camping trekking, we provide you hot water bucket then you will take a bucket shower.

Question: How do I get drinking water on Makalu with Arun valley Trekking?

Answer: During the trekking route there are all places hotel and shops where you can able to buy mineral water and you can buy it for drinking but however we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of these. Instead, we provide you boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water as the normal water is available in the campsite/along the way.

Question: Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?

Answer: During the local lodges there will be more chances to charge the battery. We recommend you bring an extra pair in case. Remember to bring your adapters! An extra battery will be recommended.

Question: Is there any communication facilities on short Makalu base camp trekking?

Answer: In this Makalu Trek route you can get telephone services as well as internet services as well.

Question: Can I use credit cards in Trekking?

Answer: No! So, for the trekking routes, you need to have cash Nepali rupees because credit cards work only in the bigger city areas.

Question: When should I book my trip and what is the payments terms?

Answer: Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid any kind of misunderstanding. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate last-minute bookings.

And regarding the deposit, we prefer 25% advance deposit of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your reservation before you arrive in Nepal. And rest of the payment can be made after your arrival in Nepal.

Question: Who will carry my luggage on Makalu base camp trekking?

Answer: We provide porters to transfer your luggage. As we are a responsible trekking tour operator agency, each of our porters carries a maximum 25 kilo of your backpack which means 2 guests (12.5 kg luggage of each guest): 1 porter basis.

Question: How much distance do I walk each day?

Answer: When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain, and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances on each day, however, you have to be prepared to walk roughly about 5 hours each day.

Question: Do I need walking polls ?

Answer: Walking pools are recommended but not compulsory.

Question: How much additional money do I need per day?

Answer: You can allocate US$ 08 to 10 for a lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and it depends on your spending habits. US$ 7 to 10 US$ each day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, tea coffee, and some drinks while you are on trek.

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