Makalu Base Camp Trek – 22 Days – Total Cost: $2,400

Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote and demanding Himalayan expedition leading to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the world’s fifth-highest peak. This trek takes place inside the Makalu Barun National Park, a protected area known for its extreme biodiversity and untouched wilderness.

Unlike commercial teahouse routes, this trek is mostly camping-based, offering solitude, raw landscapes, and a true expedition atmosphere. The trail crosses dense forests, steep ridges, high passes, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys with dramatic mountain scenery throughout.

This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers seeking adventure, isolation, and a deep connection with the Himalayas.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Base camp of Mount Makalu (4,870m)

• Views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, Baruntse

• Makalu Barun National Park wilderness

• High passes: Shipton La, Keke La, Tutu La

• Expedition-style camping trek

• Extremely low tourist traffic

Detailed Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary (22 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport and meet our representative.
Transfer to your hotel and check in.
After rest, receive a detailed trek briefing and introduction to your guide.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation

Guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Visit trekking shops for final gear checks and last-minute purchases.
Complete permit paperwork and expedition planning.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (518m)

Early morning scenic flight to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal.
Enjoy views of rivers, hills, and distant Himalayan peaks.
Meet trekking crew and organize loads for porters.
Overnight stay at a local lodge or camp.

Day 4: Drive Tumlingtar to Num (1,560m)

Drive through rural villages, terraced farms, and forested hills.
Road conditions are rough but scenic.
Arrive at Num, the official starting point of the trek.
Set up camp and rest for the next day’s trek.

Day 5: Trek Num to Seduwa (1,500m)

Steep descent through forest trails to the Arun River.
Cross suspension bridge and begin a gradual uphill climb.
Pass small settlements and farmland areas.
Camp overnight at Seduwa village.

Day 6: Trek Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m)

Enter Makalu Barun National Park after permit check.
Trek through dense forests and terraced fields.
Enjoy views of surrounding hills and waterfalls.
Camp overnight at Tashigaon, the last permanent village.

Day 7: Trek Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m)

Steep ascent through rhododendron and oak forests.
Trail becomes narrower and more alpine.
Reach Khongma Danda with open ridge views.
Overnight camping at high altitude.

Day 8: Trek Khongma Danda to Dobato via High Passes (3,860m)

Cross Shipton La (4,220m), Keke La, and Tutu La passes.
Spectacular mountain views and alpine landscapes.
Challenging but rewarding trekking day.
Descend to Dobato and camp overnight.

Day 9: Trek Dobato to Yangri Kharka (3,550m)

Descend through forests into the Barun Valley.
Landscape becomes wider with open pastures.
First clear views of Makalu and surrounding peaks.
Camp overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Day 10: Trek Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)

Gradual ascent along river valleys and alpine terrain.
Vegetation becomes sparse as altitude increases.
Enjoy close views of glaciers and towering cliffs.
Overnight camping at Langmale Kharka.

Day 11: Trek Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)

Walk along the Barun Glacier with dramatic scenery.
Surrounded by icefalls, moraines, and high peaks.
Reach Makalu Base Camp beneath the massive south face.
Camp overnight with breathtaking mountain views.

Day 12: Acclimatization & Exploration Day at Base Camp

Rest day for proper acclimatization.
Short hikes around base camp area and ridges.
Enjoy panoramic views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang.
Overnight camping at base camp.

Day 13: Trek Makalu Base Camp to Langmale Kharka

Begin descent following the same glacier route.
Enjoy different perspectives of the surrounding peaks.
Gradual loss of altitude improves comfort.
Overnight camping at Langmale Kharka.

Day 14: Trek Langmale Kharka to Yangri Kharka

Continue descending through alpine terrain.
Cross streams and open yak pastures.
Warmer temperatures as altitude decreases.
Overnight camping at Yangri Kharka.

Day 15: Trek Yangri Kharka to Dobato

Climb back toward forested terrain.
Steady ascent with changing landscapes.
Re-enter dense alpine forests.
Overnight camping at Dobato.

Day 16: Trek Dobato to Khongma Danda

Retrace route across high ridges.
Enjoy last views of high Himalayan terrain.
Challenging uphill sections.
Overnight camping at Khongma Danda.

Day 17: Trek Khongma Danda to Tashigaon

Long descent through rhododendron forests.
Return to inhabited village areas.
Enjoy warmer climate and greenery.
Overnight camping or lodge stay in Tashigaon.

Day 18: Trek Tashigaon to Seduwa

Descend through farms and forest trails.
Pass local villages and terraced fields.
Cultural interactions with local communities.
Overnight camping at Seduwa.

Day 19: Trek Seduwa to Num

Final trekking day.
Descend to Arun River and climb back to Num.
Celebrate completion of the trek.
Overnight stay at Num.

Day 20: Drive Num to Tumlingtar

Drive back through hills and rural landscapes.
Relax after long trekking days.
Farewell dinner with trekking crew.
Overnight stay in Tumlingtar.

Day 21: Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Transfer to hotel and rest.
Free time for shopping or relaxation.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 22: Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport.
Assistance with departure formalities.
End of Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Included

• Airport transfers

• Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu)

• Camping equipment & full trekking crew

• Accommodation in Kathmandu

• All meals during trek

• National park permits

• Licensed trekking guide & porters

• First aid & emergency management

Excluded

• International airfare

• Nepal visa

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Personal expenses

• Tips for staff