Makalu base camp trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek is less popular but one of the tough and marvellous trekking trails of Nepal. Most of the trekkers who come to Nepal choose the popular route like Everest base camp, Annapurna trek route that is why it is still a hidden charm and only fewer people who really want to explore something new know that. Makalu itself is the 5th Highest Mountain of earth and it’s so beautiful to trek up to its base camp through unexplored Nepal’s remote area. The Makalu base camp trekking trail is also known as the off the beaten path trekking trail where only fewer people visit. Trekkers can learn the local lifestyle and their traditions as well as the custom they use for their lives. The nature and the extraordinary landscape of the Makalu trekking route are slowly attracting the attention of the trekkers these days. The excellent beauty around the 5th highest mountain of the world is just astonishing.

  • Mt Makalu 8,451 Meter, Makalu base camp trek
    Mt. Makalu 8,481 meters from Mera peak High Camp
    • Nepal Trek Hub 22 days Makalu base camp trek is the best reward for the trekkers to seek the beauty of Makalu regions and interactions with the Himalayan communities who live on the way to Makalu base camp trek route. You will see more like a Tibetan people here in fact but there is also the settlement of the Sherpa community. The trekkers will trek through the most spectacular Arun and Barun Valley of Nepal which is still very remote and gives the best chance to enjoy nature.

    Like other treks, the Makalu base camp trek also goes through the national park which is known as Makalu Barun national park. The green hill of the national park and it’s flora and fauna increases the beauty of the Makalu trek. You can see different types of mammals in this trek if you are lucky enough. More than 75 species of mammals live in this national park such as Red Panda, Snow leopard, Musk deer, monkey and many other mammals. It is also believed that the rare Wren-Babbler also lives here in this region. The climate of this national park is very suitable for this type of fauna.

  • On the way to Makalu base camp trek
    On the way to Makalu Base camp
    • Makalu base camp trek is a great opportunity to see Mt. Everest (8848m) which seems quite unique from The Makalu base camp which is elevated at the altitude of 4870 meters. Along with Mt Everest, you can also see Mt. Makalu (8481m), Lhotse (8516m), Baruntse (7129m), Chamlang (7319m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), and other Himalayan peaks which are situated in the northeast part of Nepal.

    Nepal Trek Hub offers 22 Days Makalu Base Camp trek, which offers a superior view of the Himalayas and real lifestyles of the local and varieties of flora and fauna of this region. Our Friendly guide and porter help you to achieve this in a friendly manner. We are here to make your Makalu base camp trek trip the best of your lifetime.



    Table of contents

    Makalu base camp trek highlights

    Makalu base camp trek highlights given as belows

    • The spectacular view of Mt Makalu, Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt. Kanchenjunga
    • The abundant observation of Flora and fauna of the Makalu Barun National Park.
    • Exploration of Arun and Barun valley’s beauty.
    • Encounter with local cultures and traditions especially Tibetan people, sherpa people and Rai people around the trekking trails.
    • Chance to see the rare wildlife such as snow leopards, Wren-Babbler and Red panda, the monkeys are very common in this area.
    • Fantastic and senic flight to Tumlingtar

    makalu base camp trek difficulty

    Talking about the Makalu Base Camp difficulty this is the trek that lasts around 20 days walking where the trails are not managed properly as well as the trails are also difficult to walk because of the fewer tourists. The Makalu base camp trekking is also considered as a difficult trek. The elevation gain is also another thing that you will achieve in this trek around 5000 Meter climbing to the Makalu base camp. Trekkers have to gain the high altitude from 430 Meters to almost 5000 Meter, but you will not gain or lose the big different altitude. Slowly but constantly you will achieve the altitude. 6-7 hours walking each day is very normal and also so many ups and downs during the trek often needs to be done. Regarding the hotel and tea houses facilities, the Makalu base camp trek is not that facilitated as compared to the other regions of Nepal Like Annapurna or Everest. The hotel is just a homestay and you have to adjust to that or if you want to do luxury trekking then you should do a camping trek. The basic accommodation is available here on the trekking trails of Makalu base camp.

    Makalu base camp trek best time

    Let’s discuss which is the best time for Makalu base camp? Here we are going to describe the Makalu base camp trek best time.

    Spring season (March, April and May)

    The spring season is also known as the best season for mountaineering (expedition and climbing). The weather remains very good during this season. The sky is generally clean and you can see the mountain up to far. The alpine forest is full of flowers such as rhododendron and magnolia. The weather gets very humid this time in the southern part of Nepal but in the Himalayas the temperature is very good. This is known as the second best season for trekking in Nepal and anywhere on Nepal’s trekking route.



    Autumn season (September, October and November)

    the best season in Nepal to visit Nepal. You can do anything that you would like to do. From climbing to mountaineering and trekking activities are really good at this time. The weather is neither hot nor cold. The landscape of Nepal at this time is green due to post-monsoon time and the crops are about to harvest. The colourful rice fields enhance the beauty of Nature and different other crops such as millet and other stuff you can see on the trekking trail. The trekking experience is very excellent at this time. The weather is perfect and the temperature is very good also. There is a very rare chance of rain in this season.



    Winter season (December, January and February)

    This is not a good season for trekking. Most of the time it rains and the trails get’ a lot of leeches and floods and landslides. The views are not good at this time. You can do Mustang and Dolpo trek this time because it lies in the trans-Himalayan region.



    Monsoon season (June , July and August)

    the coldest season of Nepal. Adventure trekking is very risky at this time. You can still do the trek but the snowfall can happen any time. The weather can be changed at any time as well. The view is not that good at this time. Short trekking can be done this time such as a Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal trek and so on. Adventure trekking like this is not appropriate to do at this time of the year.



    Makalu base camp trek itinerary

    • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to you hotel

      We pick you up fromTribhuvan International Airport and drive together with your hotel or hotel that we book for you. After check in you will have a pre briefing about the Makalu base camp trek. We also help you to arrange the trekking equipment buying and renting.
    • Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing by private vehicle with tour guide.

      Our expert tour guide will take you to the city to show the UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal namely Pashupatinath, swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square. This sightseeing, you can learn about the religion, cultures and traditions of the local peoples of Kathmandu.
    • Day 03: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight then drive to Chichila (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hour drive

      You will have a spectacular flight to Tumlingtar which will take around 50 Minutes. On this flight, you will be able to see the fantastic range of the Himalayas and the countryside of Nepal as soon as you arrive at Tumlingtar you will drive further to Chichila. Chichila is a big Gurung village, on the way to here you will see the green landscape filled with crops and forest. Overnight at Chichila
    • Day 04: Trek To Num from Chichila (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours

      The first day of your trek so it would be very special to you. After breakfast you will walk through the lush Himalayan forest which are mostly filled by rhododendron and oak, You will cross some small settlement to reach the tiny magnificent village Num. You will have a wonderful view of the Himalayas from the Num.
    • Day 05: Trek to Seeduwa from Num(1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours trek

      Early in the morning, we have to go steep descents to the Barun River crossing through the forest and terraced landscape. We need to cross the river then ascend to the other side of the river again. The walking may be hot because of the hard work and lower altitude land here. You will mostly walk under the shade of the forests. From here our Makalu National Park Permits begins and we need to check our permits here. you stay overnight at Seduwa. Overnight in a lodge.
    • Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 5-6 hours

      Your trek starts with trekking to Khola and Kusuwa Khola each side, we cross a wooden bridge over Isuwa Khola then we cross several small villages as well as forest. Crossing the several hills filled with paddy fields you will reach the Tashi Gaon, a Sherpa village. From Tashi Gaon also you will also see the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Overnight at a homestay.
    • Day 07: Khongma Danda trek from Tashi Gaon (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours

      Today might be quite difficult for you because of the tough climbing. There is a steep trail to Khongma Danda. The trails are mostly covered with the stone stairs, You will also see some small lakes. You might see yak grazing on the trails and sometimes you can also see the blue sheep and other fauna of the Himalayas. This is quite hard trekking to Khongma Danda. Overnight at a homestay in Khongma Danda.
    • Day 08: Rest and Acclimatization Day

      To be fit in the himalayas you have to acclimate to such high altitude. You can visit some monasteries near the village and learn about the Sherpa culture and Buddhist religions of the area.
    • Day 09: Trek to Dobate from Khongma Danda 6-7 Hours

      A challenging day today because there are 4 passes to do today to reach our final destination for tonight. The first pass is Kauma La pass which is 3603 Meter then you directly head to the Keke la pass 4127 Meter. These are the first two passes. Now we have to go for a third pass which is known as Shipton La pass 4170 Meter, not different but it takes time to climb this pass. After doing the third pass we see the Kalo Pokhari Lake. Now you need to be ready for the fourth and final pass that is Tutu la pass to reach Dobate. From Dobate you can see the spectacular view of Chamlang (7319m), Peak 6 (6524m), Peak 7 (6758m) and many other peaks.
    • Day 10: Trekking from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours

      Now, the altitude is quite higher, you will be able to see the rhododendron trees on the way. Passing through the tiny trees of rhododendron forest we move towards the Barun River after crossing the Barun river you keep moving forwards to the upper valley. Trekking is quite difficult due to steep trails here for 2-3 hours. After walking 2-3 hours through the steep trails you walk slowly up to Yangri Khraka which is based on the valley.
    • Day 11: Trekking to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft) from Yangri Kharka : 5-6 hours

      You will have small bushes and lush Himalayan forests along the way to Langmale Kharka. Crossing a couple of wooden bridges over small streams from the mountain to arrive at Merek. You will get the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas from here, Now you will trek through moraines and passes and small settlements to reach Langmale Kharka.
    • Day 12: Trek to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft) from Langmale Kharka 6-7 hours

      You climb the steep hiking trail which goes through the Barun River. You will further walk through the glaciers to arrive at Shersong, a small homestay. From here you can have an astonishing view of Mt. Makalu. Now you need to trek further 2 hours to reach the Makalu base camp.
    • Day 13: Trekking around the Makalu base camp

      Today you walk around the base camp and hike more to see the superb panorama of Makalu range from the south face. You can see Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m) and many other peaks from the base camp. There is a lake as well to see and glaciers to walk and hike to Barun Pokhari.
    • Day 14: Trek back to Yangri Kharka from Makalu Base Camp : 6-7 hours

      Today you go descent down to Yangri Kharka. The trail is full of rocky trails with some stairs. you will pass the Langmale Kharka, Shersong, merek to reach the Yangri Kharka.
    • Day 15: Trek back to Dobate from Yangri Kharka to: 6-7 hours

      You descend down to Dobate along with the rapidly flowing Barun River. The rocky trails and ridges are normal to reach Dobate. The yaks and sheep pastures increase the beauty of trekking down.
    • Day 16: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours

      This is quite a hard day because you have to pass the 4 small passes today, Trekking through the rhododendron, juniper and fir forest along the way. Up and down today is very normal and the maximum pass you will have to cross is Shipton La pass 4170 Meter to reach the Khongma Danda.
    • Day 17: Trekking to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours

      Crossing the dense forest and existing the Makalu Barun national park you go down to Tashigaon via steep and rocky trails. You will stay in a beautiful sherpa village Tashigaon.
    • Day 18: Trekking down to Seduwa: 4-5 hours

      You need to trek down through the small stream and small settlements of the Barun River valley. There are several small rivers which you need to cross to reach the seeduwa.
    • Day 19: Trek from Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours

      Trekking down to the Num is quite easier and interesting because of the dense rhododendron forest along the trekking trail and also you will exist from The Makalu Barun conservation area. There are several tiny small settlements of Sherpa people to Reach the Num
    • Day 20: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours

      Your last day of the trek is today. The land is very low here as you might get sweat as well. Crossing the beautiful villages around the Tumlingtar Area you will reach Tumlingtar and the trek will be over.
    • Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight

      You will fly back to Kathmandu
    • Day 21: Final Departure from Kathmandu

      Departure ! You will fly back to your country


    Makalu base camp trek cost includes

    • Kathmandu international airport transfer by private vehicles.
    • Meals on full board: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day during the trekking days
    • Guest house basis trekking accommodation while on trekking days, attached bathroom if it is possible
    • Flight tiket to tumlingtar and back to Kathmandu
    • Fully escorted trek with fluent English speaking license holder local guide and each 2 guest 1 Porter basis
    • Makalu Barun National park Permits
    • Seasonal Fruits if possible
    • First Aid Box
    • TIMS Permit
    • All land transportation as per written on above itinerary
    • Food and accommodation and salary of Nepali trekking staffs

    Cost excludes

    • Nepal entry visa fee cost US$ 40.
    • Lunch and Dinner during the staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara city.
    • Any kinds of battery charges, laundry service, phone calls and hot shower during the trekking.
    • Personal trekking equipment and Clothing.
    • Personal nature expenses, any drinks and bar bills.
    • Your travel insurance (it is mandatory in case of emergency).
    • Any donation and monuments entrance fees.
    • Tips for the crew (Note : TIPS is not compulsory but highly expected)
    • Any other things which are not mentioned above

    Standard price

    Per Pax, Min 2 Person base:

    $2050USD

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    Makalu Base camp Facts
    • Difficulty:Adventure
    • Duration:22 Days
    • Accommodation: Tea House/ Home stay
    • RegionMakalu
    • MealsFull Board on trek
    • altitude4870 Meter
    • Group-Size1-18 Person
    • Transport:Private Vehicle, flight
    Contact us

      Trek Information
      Why with us

      • We Emphasis on the personal and customize itinerary, You can design your own personal tailored made holiday

      • We are a local Small agency, customer-focused, grassroots foundation with in-depth knowledge of Nepal.

      • We pay a fair salary to our team of reliable and experienced people

      • We give guarantee of best value for money, best price and no hidden costs are implicit

      • We care for each of you individually, providing uncompromising service just for you.

      • We also care about environment, we encourage our client’s to avoid mineral water, instead of this drink the own purified water and use chlorine tablet

      • We have a 100% repeated customer, check our tripadvisior page

      • Local guide owned company

      Why you’ll love Makalu BC?

      • Splendid view of makalu, Mt Everest and Lhotse as well as so many other peaks around here.

      • Remote area of nepal where there are less tourist trek

      • Opportunity to learn the local lifestyle, their culture and traditions specially sherpa people.

      • Exploration to the Makalu barun national park flora and fauna.

      • Scenic flight to tumlingtar