Makalu Base Camp Trek - 22 Days

Makalu Base Camp trekking
At a Glance
  • Duration22 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 5250m
  • Group Size 1 - 20 Person
  • Start City Kathmandu City
  • End City Kathmandu City
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season March - June and September - December
Trip Highlights
  •  High-altitude trekking on a peaceful, crowd-free trail
  • Tent camping – sleep underneath a beautiful starry sky
  • Views of Makalu (8463 meters/27,766 feet), Mount Everest (8848 meters/29,029 feet), two of the 5 highest mountains in the world
  • Thick forests of rhododendron trees, teeming with rare animal species
  •  Passes numerous local villages that offer their warm hospitality

Our Makalu Base Camp Trek is a rugged up-and-back trip to the base of Makalu (8,485 meters/27,838 feet) – ‘the throne of the gods.’ Pass through the wild backcountry of one of Nepal’s most remote and undeveloped areas. Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world, and you’ll be exposed to epic views of it during the trek. You will also get eye-popping views of Everest (8848 meters/29,029 feet), Lhotse (8516 meters/27,940), and many more snow-clad peaks of the Everest and Makalu mountain ranges.

The epic mountain views are just the icing on the cake. Throughout the trek, you will be ‘lost’ within the epic scenery of Makalu-Barun National Park. The park is a real wilderness area and home to over 3000 species of flowering plants and hundreds of types of orchids. Also, along with the trail, it is possible you will run into snow leopards, red pandas, musk deer, and blue sheep. Keep your eyes peeled!

The gateway for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is Tumlingtar, which is reached after an exciting flight from Kathmandu. Tumlingtar lies near the Arun Koshi (River). Beginning by hiking through lush terraced hillsides, we slowly move north and upward. Starting from 500 meters above sea level in Tumlingtar, we eventually reach up to 4870 meters when we arrive at Makalu Base Camp. Such a climb calls for proper acclimatization, which is built into our itinerary as exploration days, so you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beauty. Because we traverse a vast range of altitude, we see diverse landscapes and people. As we pass from large farming villages in the lowlands to high alpine meadow settlements, every day is full of surprises.

The trail is not for the faint of heart, nor for those who wish to trek with the ‘luxuries’ provided by teahouses. Our Makalu Base Camp Trek is a camping journey. Where there are guesthouses, we can stay there upon your request. Otherwise, we will be camping outside under a tent. Our skilled chef will prepare the meals and we will be sleeping under the bright stars and towering peaks. Get away from your attachments in your normal, everyday life and ‘get lost’ in the mountains. For a couple of weeks, you won’t have a worry on your mind, except where the next great viewpoint is.

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. Also, it is easy to combine the Makalu Base Camp Trek with the Everest region treks. Let us know if you would like us to set that up for you. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Itinerary

Expand all Collapse all

A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel.  We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast and start sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle.  We will see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  We will learn about each site’s historical, religious, and cultural significance. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transport: Car/Van

Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu domestic airport to Tumlingtar. From here, we drive to Chichila. Overnight in a Tea house.

  • Max Altitude: 900m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Meals: BLD
  • Transport: Jeep/Bus

After breakfast, follow the trail north along the ridge and then drop steeply through vibrant terraced hillsides to Lumbang. When we near the river, cross the questionable suspension bridge over the Arun Koshi. The north side of the valley consists of small terraced fields where villagers grow various crops. From here, climb up almost 1000 meters where, after several hours, you reach Seduwa, the entry checkpoint for Makalu-Barun National Park. Overnight in a local guest house camp.

  • Max Altitude: 1470m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

Climb up, again passing the national park entry point, and pass the village of Manigaon. The trail turns west and slowly climbs above the Kasuwa Khola. Ascend more past farms, meadows, and villages to a school at the bottom of Tashi Gaon, which is the last permanent settlement in the valley. Overnight in a local guest house camp.

  • Max Altitude: 2070m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 14km

Today consists of strenuous upward climbing. Stay hydrated and be aware of signs of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness). First, we ascend through forests until the path evens out next to a ridge. The flat trail is brief, though. The trail only becomes steeper and rockier before we arrive at Unshisha, a small, damp meadow at 3180 meters. More climbing takes us up to Khongma. Overnight in a local guest house camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3560m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

Today we must rest and let our bodies get used to the altitude. We can climb a ridge above Khongma for a splendid view of Kanchenjunga in the distance. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3850m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 3 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 5km

Leaving Khongma, we climb the ridge via steep switchbacks until reaching a small Chhorten at 3840 meters. From here, we get stunning views of Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6105m). Climb through the high alpine environment further to a small pass at Gungru La. Drop down past an almost out-of-place lake. The trail goes up and down for the next couple of hours. You’ll pass one more forest before reaching Mumbuk, which is located near a small stream. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3570m
  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 12km

The trail drops down into the contours of Barun Valley, which we follow to Yangle Kharka. Be careful as you scramble your way across previous landslide spots and through high alpine meadows (with awesome mountain views). The path crosses the Barun Valley on a wooden bridge to reach Yangle Kharka. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3600m
  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

Follow the banks of the Barun Khola, still within Barun Valley. Climb gently to reach Ripok Kharka, a teeming rhododendron forest. Traverse a rocky bit and then climb the moraine of the Barun Glacier, with views of Peak 4 (6720 meters) and Pyramid Peak (7168 meters) among many more. Continue along the trail, with views of Makalu, before reaching Sherson. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 4615m
  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 17km

After passing Langmale Kharka, the trail turns into a mass of sand and small rocks. The hardly marked trail hugs the stream, so follow along. As the path goes to the north, Makalu finally, and intensely, comes into view. There are trails on both sides of the valley, but we choose to stay on the eastern side. After a couple of hours, we end at Makalu Base Camp. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 11km

There are several day hikes that we can do to immerse ourselves further into the glory of the Himalaya. We can descend to Sherson again and climb a ridge at 5250 meters to get some breathtaking views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and more. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 5250m
  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 2 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 5km

Today marks our descent from this marvelous mountain. We take the same trail as we did on the way up. As you already know the trail, spend extra time letting your eyes wander, enjoying the scenery. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3600m
  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 16km

Retrace your steps back to Mumbuk. We take the same trail as we did on the way up. As you already know the trail, spend extra time letting your eyes wander, enjoying the scenery. Overnight in a tented camp.

  • Max Altitude: 3570m
  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 14km

Continue descending to Khongma. Overnight in a local Guest House.

  • Max Altitude: 3560m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 12km

Another long, steep descent brings us to Tashi Gaon. Throughout the day, we are surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty once again. Overnight in a local guest house camp.

  • Max Altitude: 2070m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 15km

Retrace the ascent route back to Num. Overnight in a local guest house.

  • Max Altitude: 1490m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 7 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 23km

Cruise back in the jeep to Tumlingtar. Overnight in Tumlingtar.

  • Max Altitude: 520m
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD

Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu in the morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring the capital city. Farewell dinner in the evening. Celebrate a successful trek! Overnight in a hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Transport: Flight

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport.  Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide!  We look forward to your next adventure with us.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Cost Details
What's Included
  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  •  Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • All transportation for the trek, including flights to and from Tumlingtar.
  •  Local guest house accommodation in the mountains.
  • Tented Camp & supplies (kitchen, sleeping mats, etc.).
  • Government-authorized experienced guides and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  •   Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  • First Aid Kit  Maps
  • Service charges and government taxes
  • TIMS card and Makalu-Barun National Park Permit
  • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Group Discount Prices
Number of peoplePrice per person
1 pax
US$2300
2 - 5 pax
US$2200
6 - 10 pax
US$2000
11 - 20 pax
US$1900

Essential Information

Accommodation

All our packages include accommodation at the cost.  This accommodation is included in the set itinerary.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you.  During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be on a twin-shared basis. In the mountain, the Shower and toilet will be on a shared basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.  Our company provides you with a sleeping bag, and two-person tents with comfortable mattresses for the Makalu Base Camp trek. Our Guide will try to set up your camp with a spectacular view.

Food

Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For this trek, you could order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan, and Indian to our guide. While camping, our cook prepares the meals for you.  After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel. 

Guide & Porters

A government-licensed guide will lead you to the Makalu Base Camp.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience

As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our Makalu Base Camp Trek has acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.  The level of fitness necessary for this trek. Normally, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial.  Generally, this trek can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek. 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of a medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

Best Time to Travel

The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course, they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  Makalu Base Camp Trek is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures and snow.  It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.

Domestic Flights

Flights to and from Tumlingtar can be delayed due to weather conditions and delays may last up to several days.  It is best to book flights to and from Kathmandu with several-day margins to avoid missing a flight back to your home country.  If flights go smoothly, we will help arrange activities for you during your margin days.  In the case that you have a tight schedule and the flights out of Tumlingtar are delayed, it is possible to take a jeep ride back to Kathmandu.  Again, we recommend adding a couple of extra days to your arrival and departure dates to prevent any problems.