Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek: A Journey into Nepal’s Untouched Wilderness

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an extraordinary adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine regions. Located within Makalu-Barun National Park, this trek offers breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural encounters with Rai and Sherpa communities.


Why Choose Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Stunning Barun Valley – A paradise of dense pine, juniper, and oak forests, cascading waterfalls, and glacial rivers.

Panoramic Himalayan Views – Witness awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Baruntse (7,129m) from a 5,300m viewpoint.

Scenic Alpine Lakes – Visit the mesmerizing Kalo Pokhari (Black Pond) and other high-altitude lakes.

Rich Cultural Experience – Immerse yourself in the traditions and warm hospitality of Rai and Sherpa communities.

Wildlife Encounters – Spot rare species like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan monals in the protected wilderness.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure – A less crowded trail for those seeking solitude and pure natural beauty.


Trek Details

Difficulty: Strenuous – Demanding trails with steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude terrain. Best for experienced trekkers.

📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) for blooming rhododendrons and clear skies; Autumn (Sept-Nov) for stable weather and crisp mountain views.

🏡 Accommodation: Basic teahouses offering simple lodging and meals like dal bhat, noodles, and soup.

🛂 Permits Required:

  • Makalu-Barun National Park Permit (Rs. 1,500 for SAARC, Rs. 3,000 for others)
  • TIMS Permit (For trekker safety and record tracking)


Embark on a Trekking Adventure Like No Other!

For those seeking solitude, raw natural beauty, and a true Himalayan challenge, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Humble Mi Trek & Expedition will warmly greet you and escort you to a comfortable three-star hotel in the city. After settling in, you can relax and unwind in your hotel room or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, a bustling hub known for its shops, cafes, and trekking gear outlets. If needed, you can pick up any last-minute essentials for your trek. Later, you are welcome to visit our office, where we will provide a detailed briefing about the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Permit Preparation and Sightseeing After breakfast, meet your trek guide for a pre-trip briefing and to finalize permits (passport, photos, and insurance required). Spend the rest of the day exploring Kathmandu or shopping for trekking essentials. Optional guided visits to UNESCO sites like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square can be arranged. Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

We will take a scenic 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks like Makalu, Ganesh Himal, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Upon reaching Tumlingtar, we’ll begin a 3-4 hour drive to Num village, passing through charming settlements like Khandbari and Hururu along the way

Today is the first day of our trek. We start by walking downhill on a stone-paved trekking trail along terraced farming fields. We descend more than 500 meters to the Arun River bank, where we cross a suspension bridge. Then, we ascend uphill on a steep, stone-paved trail through terraced farming fields, surrounded by bamboo forests and small, beautiful village settlements. At Seduwa Village, we reach the Makalu Barun National Park checkpoint before heading to our hotel. Today will be a challenging walk.

Today will be an easier walk compared to yesterday. We start by ascending gradually through beautiful terraced farming fields to Chyakse Danda (1,945m). From there, we pass through a village with stunning mani walls. The view from Chyakse Danda is spectacular. From Chyakse, the trail continues through a beautiful, dense oak and rhododendron forest, transitioning at times to a stone-paved path.

Today will be a challenging trek as most of the time we will be walking uphill. We start by gradually ascending on a stone-paved trail through a beautiful oak forest to the river. After crossing the river, we continue uphill through a dense oak and rhododendron jungle on a stone-paved trail, ascending around 800 meters to Danda Kharka (2,927m), where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we ascend further uphill to Kauma La Pass through the dense oak and rhododendron forest. Beyond the pass, the trail becomes easier, with a gradual ascent to Khongma Danda (3,637m), our final destination for the day. The views from there are spectacular.

One of the trek’s main highlights will be the journey to Dobate, where we will cross high passes while enjoying breathtaking views. Today will be a more challenging yet beautiful journey. We start by ascending to Khongma La Viewpoint, located at an altitude of 3,873m, on a stone-paved trail surrounded by rhododendron trees. From the viewpoint, we can enjoy spectacular views of Makalu (8,485m) and Chamlang (7,321m). We then gradually ascend on a stone-paved trail, walking along the ridge and admiring the stunning surrounding landscape, until we arrive at Ghungru La Pass (4,050m). From there, we descend gradually to Sano Pokhari (lake) before ascending again to Shipton La (4,200m), where we will take a lunch break while enjoying the magnificent beauty of the surrounding landscape.


After lunch, we descend downhill to Kalo Pokhari, a sacred lake, and then ascend once more along a stone-paved trail to Keke La Pass (4,200m). Finally, we descend to Dobate (3,844m) through a Himalayan rhododendron forest.

Today, it will be a challenging and amazing trek. We will start by walking downhill on a stone-paved trail through a juniper and pine forest, descending more than 500 meters to a point very close to the Barun River. Then, we will follow a gradually ascending and descending trail, maintaining the same elevation as we walk through the forest.


After some time, we will arrive at a landslide area. Here, we will have to cross several small rivers. After more than 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking through the landslide area, we will reach a good trail. From there, we will gradually ascend through the forest until we arrive at Phematang (3,496 m), where a simple tea house awaits us for a lunch break.


After lunch, we will continue walking along the trail through the forest. Crossing the Barun River, we will walk on the right side of the valley, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the trek. Finally, we will arrive at Yangle Kharka (3,616 m).

Today, we will enjoy a short and beautiful trek, walking for only 4 hours on a well-maintained trekking trail through a juniper forest. The trail then ascends, and the landscape changes dramatically as we walk through alpine bushes. After crossing a river, we finally arrive at Todosa.


The mountain views are absolutely breathtaking, with spectacular sights of Peak 6, Peak 7, Yaupa, and Sherson along the way. We will also pass a mani wall adorned with prayer flags, adding a spiritual charm to the journey.

Today will be an exciting day for us as we are finally reaching Makalu Base Camp (4,870m). The landscape becomes more alpine and is surrounded by majestic mountains. We walk along the river, and the trail becomes a bit rocky and sandy. Gradually, we ascend, though at times we walk on the same elevation.


Eventually, we climb up to Shershong, which is a perfect spot to enjoy stunning views of Mount Makalu (8,485m). We take a break here to soak in the scenery before continuing our trek to Makalu Base Camp.

Today, you'll climb to a ridge at 5,300 meters above the base camp for breathtaking panoramic views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6, Peak 4, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The 4–5 hour round trip involves crossing a log bridge and following a steep, ill-defined trail. For easier options, explore the lakes beyond base camp, climb a shorter ridge above it, or visit a small prayer flag-adorned hill just an hour away.

We must bid farewell to the stunning grandeur of Mount Makalu with a heavy heart and begin our journey back to Yangle Kharka. After walking for over an hour, we will reach Shershong Meadow, and from there, we will continue for another 1 hour and 30 minutes to Langmale, where we can stop for tea and possibly lunch. We will then descend further to the Merek tea house, where the landscape gradually transitions into a beautiful pine forest. Walking through the serene pine forest, we will finally reach Yangle Kharka. From Merek, it takes approximately another 2 hours to complete the trek.

Today will be a bit challenging as we have to navigate through a landslide area and climb uphill on a stone-paved trail. We begin by walking downstream along the Barun River, passing through a juniper forest. After crossing a bridge, we will traverse the landslide area and then ascend the stone-paved trail through juniper and rhododendron forests to reach Dobato.

Tomorrow morning, after having breakfast, we will start climbing uphill through juniper bushes to Keke La Pass. Then, we will descend to Kalo Pokhari, a sacred lake. After that, we will ascend again to Shipton La Pass, enjoying spectacular views. From there, we will descend to Sano Pokhari before ascending once more to Ghungru La Pass. We will again enjoy the beauty of Makalu and Chamlang mountains before descending to Kongma Danda (3,637m).

Today, from Khongma Danda, we will gradually descend through rhododendron and oak forests, enjoying spectacular surrounding views, until we reach Danda Kharka, where we will stop for a tea break. Then, we will continue walking downhill, mostly through oak forests with some rhododendron trees, until we reach Tashigaun, where we will have lunch. From there, the trail becomes easier as we walk through forests, small villages, and terraced farmland, eventually arriving at Seduwa.

From Seduwa Village, we will start walking downhill on a stone-paved trekking trail through the village and beautiful terraced farmland. After walking for more than two hours, we will arrive at the Arun River Bridge. After crossing the suspension bridge, we will continue walking until we reach the jeep road. From there, with the Barun River on the other side, we will drive to Tumlingtar.

Today we will be flying back to kathmandu from Tumlingtar and it will take 35 minute then we will drive to your Hotel and we will meet for farewell Dinner

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Makalu Base Camp Trek 17 Days

Duration

17 Days
Makalu Base Camp Trek - Treks & Packages