Overview

Makalu Base Camp Trek is an awe-inspiring journey that takes you to the foot of the fifth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu. Located in the eastern part of Nepal, this trek offers a unique combination of cultural and natural beauty, making it an ideal adventure for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

One of the highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is the chance to visit the Makalu Barun National Park. Established in 1992, the park covers an area of 2,330 square km and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species like the red panda and the snow leopard. In addition to wildlife, the park also boasts a spectacular landscape of glaciers, waterfalls, and pristine forests. Aside from the spectacular views, the Makalu Base Camp Trekalso offers a rich cultural experience. You will pass through several traditional Sherpa villages, providing an opportunity to learn about the unique culture and traditions of the Sherpa people. The Sherpa people are known for their hospitality and warmth, and it is not uncommon for them to invite trekkers into their homes for a cup of tea or a meal.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness. The trail can be difficult at times, especially at high elevations, but the reward of reaching the base camp is worth the effort. The trek is best done in the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Despite its remote location, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is well-equipped with lodges and tea houses that offer basic accommodation and food services. This makes the trek accessible for people of all ages and levels of fitness, making it a great option for both first-time trekkers and experienced adventurers.

Highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is all about the highlights. Get away from it all and indulge in the stunning scenery of the Himalayas. Meet the Rai and Sherpa people: discover rare flora and fauna, including the possibility of spotting the elusive red panda or snow leopard. Each morning, trekkers can watch the sunrise over the summit of the fifth-tallest mountain in the world. You can also relish awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding peaks from the trek, including Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Lhotse.

• Remote Himalayan Wilderness – Traverse through Makalu-Barun National Park, one of the most biologically diverse and unspoiled areas in the Himalayas.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters – Visit Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan settlements untouched by mass tourism.
• Rare Flora & Fauna – Discover lush rhododendron forests, endangered red pandas, and alpine meadows bursting with medicinal herbs.
• Jaw-Dropping Views – Gaze upon five of the world’s highest peaks from Shipton La and Makalu Base Camp.
• Raw Adventure – Experience teahouse trekking with rustic hospitality and some optional tented nights under the stars.

When you do Trekking to Makalu, you’ll experience a symphony of nature. Beautiful landscapes surround you as you reach Makalu Base Camp. The trek takes you through the enriched biodiversity of Makalu Barun National Park, where rhododendron forests paint the trails. You’ll encounter Sherpa and Gurung villages along the way and cross suspension bridges while listening to the wild.

This is not a walk; it’s a memory etched in your soul. So, put on your boots! The trek to Makalu takes most trekkers at least 8 days to reach a maximum altitude of 4,870 meters.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/ 4593ft)

Day 02: Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit Preparation and Sightseeing

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu (1400m/ 4593ft) to Tumlingtar (410m/ 1345ft) then Drive to Num (1560m/ 5118ft)

Day 04: Trek from Num (1560m/ 5118ft) to Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft)

Day 05: Trek from Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft) to Tashigaon (2100m/ 6889ft)

Day 06: Trek from Tashigaon (2100m/ 6889ft) to Khongma Danda (3500m/ 11,482ft)

Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Khongma Danda (3500m/ 11,482ft)

Day 08: Trek from Khongma Danda (3500m/ 11,482ft) to Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft)

Day 09: Trek from Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft) to Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft)

Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft) to Langmale Kharka (4410m/ 14,468ft)

Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka (4410m/ 14,468ft) to Makalu Base Camp (4870m/ 15,977ft)

Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp (4870m/ 15,977ft)

Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp (4870m/ 15,977ft) to Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft)

Day 14: Trek from Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft) to Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft)

Day 15: Trek from Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft) to Danda Kharka (2900m/ 9514ft)

Day 16: Trek from Danda Kharka (2900m/ 9514ft) to Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft)

Day 17: Trek from Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft) to Num (1560m/ 5118ft) then Drive to Tumlingtar (410m/ 1345ft)

Day 18: Flight from Tumlingtar (410m/ 1345ft) to Kathmandu (1400m/ 4593ft)

Day 19: Final Departure