Located in the remote northwestern corner of the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal, Makalu Base Camp trek is still a very new area for trekkers and tourism. To the west, it is bordered by the Everest region, to the north by Tibet, to the east by the gorging Arun River and to the south by the Sabha River. It just so happens that this very pristine area was turned into a conservation area and was named Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area in the early 1990’s. Makalu-Barun National Park is a virtually uninhabited 1500 sq.km. area with virgin wilderness, stretching from east from Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, between the high plateau of Tibet and the deep subtropical gorge carved by the Arun River. There are spectacular views of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8463m), fifth highest in the world, along with Mt. Chamlang (7319 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7129m). Within 40 km, these high peaks descend to the Arun River at 670m. The Makalu-Barun Valley provides stunning contrasts, where high waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, craggy rocks rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. The same day you will also have an opportunity to meet your travel group before the final departure. Permit sort out day.
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar is a beautiful flight over terraced fields, hills and traditional villages with a range of Himalayan 8,000 meter peaks looming over the haze in the distance. We drive through a forest of rhododendron and bamboo followed by oak further along the ridge to the village of Chichila. We continue further to the small Sherpa village of Mure and then descend to the village of Num. Num is set on a promontory above the Arun River with good views of the valley towards Sedua village.
We start our trek with a steep descent through the cornfields of Lumbang, where we will continue our way down through the jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun Kosi (620m). From here we will traverse the steep climb to Seduwa.
We will then trek through forests and terraced farmlands to reach the entrance to the Sherpa village- Tashigaon, the last settlement in the valley.
We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge where there is a small shepard’s hut called Chipla (2520m). After this the trail becomes even steeper and passes a kharka (commonly owned grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma.
Today is the challenging day. We will follow the ridge through a rhododendron forest and a small turquoise lake. We cross three high mountain passes, which are Ghungru La (4,050m), Shipton Pass and Keke La Pass (4,150m). Enjoy majestic views of Chamlang and other unnamed Himalayan peaks. After which we will enter the valley filled with a rhododendron forest, Mumbuk.
The trail traverses along the steep sides of the Barun Valley and crosses a number of landslide areas, and then onto the large grassy plain of Nghe Karka. We can have spectacular views of Mt. Tutse, Peak 6 (6,739m) and Peak 7 (6,185m).
The trail ascends alongside a waterfall and then through grasslands and forests to Jark Kharka, grazing field.
Today we gradually climb a minor pass to reach Makalu Base Camp. From the base camp, we can have mesmerizing views of Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Baruntse (7,152m), Kali Himal (6,985m), Chamlang (7,390m) and Makalu II (7,640 m) etc.
Free day to visit Barun Pokhari (holy lake) and Barun Glacier’s viewpoint to enjoy the scenery.
After having an early morning sunrise view from above the Himalayas, we retrace our way back to Yangre Kharka.
We will continue descending through the rock-fall area and climb up the rocky gully to the trees of Dobato.
Trek to Kauma Danda in 5 hours. 3,500m. Fooding in Tea shop, sleep in tent
Trek across Tutu la, Shipton La, Keke la Pass and follow downhill path all the way to Tashi Gaun.
Retracing our way, the trail steeply descends in the beginning which changes to a steep ascent before reaching Num.
Trek to Tumlingtar in 6 hours. 937m. Guest House
Early morning fly back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. Your time is free to either further explore Kathmandu and its shops or simply chill out.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote and rugged trek in eastern Nepal that takes you to the base camp of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. The trek offers stunning views of the Makalu range and is known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and the rich biodiversity of the Makalu-Barun National Park.
The trek typically takes around 18 to 22 days, depending on the pace, acclimatization, and the exact route. The duration includes travel to and from the trailhead, which is usually accessed via a flight to Tumlingtar followed by a trek to Makalu Base Camp and back.
The best time to trek to Makalu Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these seasons, the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and surroundings. Avoid winter (December to February) as it can be extremely cold and snowy.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered moderate to strenuous. It involves long trekking days, high-altitude conditions, and some steep ascents. The trek reaches altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), and trekkers should be prepared for altitude-related challenges and rugged terrain.
Makalu Base Camp lies at an altitude of around 4,870 meters (15,978 feet). The highest point on the trek is Kongma La Pass (5,500 meters / 18,044 feet), which is part of the route but optional for those who want to push their limits.
Yes, you will need a Trekking Permit and a Special Permit to trek in the Makalu-Barun National Park. Additionally, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is required. The permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or through a registered trekking agency.
The trek starts from Tumlingtar, which is accessible by a flight from Kathmandu. From Tumlingtar, you will trek through various villages and landscapes until you reach Makalu Base Camp. The trek usually takes 12-15 days to reach the base camp from Tumlingtar.
