# Makalu Base Camp Trek

> The Makalu Base Camp trek is an 18-day guided trek in eastern Nepal to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. From Tumlingtar the trail climbs through Rai and Sherpa villages and the pristine forests of Makalu Barun National Park, crosses the Shipton La (4,200 m) and follows the wild Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), facing the vast south face of Makalu with views of Everest, Lhotse and Chamlang.It is one of the most remote teahouse treks in Nepal, with far fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna, and is graded challenging. The best time is April–May and October–November. Our Makalu trek package includes domestic flights, jeep transfers, national park permits, a licensed guide, porters, lodges and all meals on the trek.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 18 days
- **Difficulty:** Challenging
- **Activity:** Trekking
- **Max altitude:** 4,870 m / 15,978 ft (Makalu Base Camp)
- **Best season:** Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, basic teahouse lodges
- **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek
- **Price:** from US$1,990 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/makalu-base-camp-trek
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=makalu-base-camp-trek

## Overview
**Quick answer:** the Makalu Base Camp trek takes about 18 days from Kathmandu, reaches a maximum of 4,870 m, costs from US$1,990 per person with a licensed guide, and is best done in spring (April–May) or autumn (October–November). It is a challenging, remote trek suitable for fit trekkers with previous experience of multi-day hiking.

Makalu is the striking pyramid you see to the east from Everest Base Camp. Its base camp lies in the upper **Barun valley**, a protected wilderness of rhododendron and fir forest, alpine meadows, waterfalls and glaciers that is home to red pandas, snow leopards and more than 400 species of birds. Few trails in Nepal feel as untouched.

### Makalu Base Camp trek at a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration18 days from Kathmandu (14 days of trekking)Maximum altitudeMakalu Base Camp, 4,870 m / 15,978 ftHighest passShipton La (Keke La), about 4,200 mGradeChallengingStart and finishTumlingtar (flight from Kathmandu), jeep to NumAccommodationBasic teahouse lodgesPermitsMakalu Barun National Park permit and local area feeBest timeApril–May and October–NovemberCostFrom US$1,990 per person### Why trek to Makalu Base Camp?

- **The south face of Makalu**, a sheer granite wall nearly 3 km high.
- **Makalu Barun National Park**, one of the least disturbed ecosystems in Nepal.
- **Views of Everest and Lhotse** from the east, above the Barun Glacier.
- **Solitude**: only a few thousand trekkers a year, compared with tens of thousands on the EBC trail.
- **Rai and Sherpa culture** in villages such as Seduwa and Tashigaon.

### How difficult is the Makalu Base Camp trek?

The trek is **challenging**. The route climbs from about 500 m at the Arun river to 4,870 m, with steep ascents and descents, long days of 6–7 hours and a high crossing of the Shipton La, which can be snowy in spring. Lodges are simple and sometimes far apart. You do not need climbing skills, but previous trekking experience and good fitness are strongly recommended.

### Makalu Base Camp trek cost

Cost itemGuide priceFull guided package (this trip)From US$1,990 per personMakalu Barun National Park permitAbout NPR 3,000 per person (included)Flights Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – KathmanduIncludedFood and drinks on the trekMeals included; drinks and snacks about US$10–15 a dayTips for guide and portersAbout 10–15% of the trip cost### Best time for the Makalu trek

**October–November** offers the clearest views and stable weather. **April–May** brings rhododendron blossom in the Barun valley, though the Shipton La may still hold snow. Winter closes many lodges, and the monsoon makes trails muddy with leeches.

### Makalu Base Camp or Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp has better lodges, flights to Lukla and a famous destination; Makalu Base Camp is wilder, quieter and longer, with more varied forest and no crowds. Trekkers who have done EBC often choose Makalu as their next adventure.

## Highlights
- Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) below the world's 5th highest mountain
- Pristine forest of Makalu Barun National Park
- Crossing the Shipton La with views of Kanchenjunga and Everest
- The wild Barun valley and Barun Glacier
- Remote Rai and Sherpa villages with few trekkers

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Someone from our office will be waiting at arrivals to take you to your hotel. Trek briefing and permit paperwork.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar (460 m), drive to Num (1,560 m)
Scenic flight to Tumlingtar in the Arun valley, then a jeep ride via Khandbari to the ridge village of Num.
_Altitude: 1,560 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 3: Trek to Seduwa (1,540 m)
Descend steeply to the Arun river and climb to Seduwa, entering Makalu Barun National Park.
_Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 1,540 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 4: Trek to Tashigaon (2,100 m)
Walk through terraced fields and Rai villages to Tashigaon, the last permanent village.
_Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 2,100 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 5: Trek to Khongma Danda (3,500 m)
A long, steep climb through rhododendron and oak forest to the ridge at Khongma.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 6: Acclimatisation day at Khongma Danda
Rest and a short hike up the ridge for views of Makalu, Chamlang and Kanchenjunga.
_Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 3,800 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 7: Cross Shipton La to Dobato (3,650 m)
Cross Keke La and Shipton La past sacred lakes, then descend to Dobato.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 8: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,557 m)
Descend into the Barun valley through forest and past waterfalls.
_Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 3,557 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 9: Trek to Langmale Kharka (4,410 m)
Follow the Barun river past Merek into high pastures below Peak 6 and Peak 7.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,410 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)
A gradual climb along the moraine to base camp and the great south face of Makalu.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 11: Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp
Hike onto the ridge above camp for views of Everest, Lhotse and the Barun Glacier.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 5,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 12: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,557 m)
Descend the Barun valley.
_Walking: 7 hours · Altitude: 3,557 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 18 km_

### Day 13: Trek to Dobato (3,650 m)
Climb back up through forest towards the passes.
_Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 3,650 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 14: Cross Shipton La to Khongma Danda (3,500 m)
Recross the passes to the ridge at Khongma.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 15: Trek to Seduwa (1,540 m)
A long descent via Tashigaon.
_Walking: 7 hours · Altitude: 1,540 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 17 km_

### Day 16: Trek to Num, drive to Tumlingtar
Cross the Arun and climb to Num, then drive to Tumlingtar.
_Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 460 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
We drive you to the airport in time for your flight home.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Flights Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu
- Jeep transfers Tumlingtar – Num – Tumlingtar
- Makalu Barun National Park permit and local area fees
- Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (15 nights)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,200 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters

## Useful information
### Fitness and preparation

This is a long and demanding trek with steep climbs and descents of over 1,000 m in a day. You should be fit, comfortable walking 6–7 hours a day for two weeks and ideally have previous trekking experience. Train for three months with long hill walks, stair climbing and cardio.

### Altitude sickness

This trek reaches 4,870 m at Makalu Base Camp, with an optional hike to about 5,200 m. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you.

### Weather and temperatures

The lower valleys are warm and humid; the Barun valley is cold at night, often −10°C in late autumn. Snow on the Shipton La is common in spring and possible from late November.

### Domestic flights and baggage

Tumlingtar flights have a baggage limit of about 15 kg plus 5 kg hand luggage. Delays are less frequent than at Lukla, but a spare day is recommended.

### Permits

The Makalu Barun National Park permit and local area fees are included.

### Money, charging and Wi-Fi

Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money.

### Drinking water

Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water.

### Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 5,200 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure.

### Visa

Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits.

## Packing list
### Clothing

- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks

### Footwear

- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges

### Equipment

- Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Microspikes for the Shipton La
- Leech socks (spring and monsoon)
- Water purification tablets (few shops)

### Personal items

- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Makalu Base Camp trek?
The Makalu Base Camp trek takes about **18 days** from Kathmandu, including 14 days of walking from Num. Shorter versions of 15–16 days are possible but leave less time for acclimatisation.

### How high is Makalu Base Camp?
Makalu Base Camp is at about **4,870 m (15,978 ft)**. The highest pass on the route, the Shipton La, is about 4,200 m.

### How difficult is the Makalu Base Camp trek?
It is **challenging**: long days, steep ascents and descents, high passes and basic lodges. Good fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended.

### How much does the Makalu Base Camp trek cost?
Our guided Makalu trek costs **from US$1,990 per person**, including flights, jeeps, permits, guide, porters, lodges and meals, with group discounts in the price box.

### What permits do I need for Makalu Base Camp?
You need the **Makalu Barun National Park permit** and a local area fee. Both are included in our package.

### When is the best time to trek to Makalu Base Camp?
**October–November** for clear skies and **April–May** for rhododendrons. Winter and the monsoon are not recommended.

### Are there teahouses on the Makalu trek?
Yes. Basic teahouse lodges now operate all the way to base camp, so camping is no longer necessary.

### Can I see Everest from Makalu Base Camp?
Yes. From the ridge above base camp you can see **Everest and Lhotse** to the west, along with the Barun Glacier.

### Is the Makalu trek crowded?
No. It is one of the quietest teahouse treks in Nepal, with only a few thousand visitors a year.

### Is Makalu Base Camp harder than Everest Base Camp?
Generally yes. The altitude is lower, but the trek is longer, steeper and more remote, with simpler lodges.

### How do I get to the Makalu trek start?
Fly from Kathmandu to **Tumlingtar** (about 45 minutes) and drive by jeep to Num.

### Do I need a guide for the Makalu trek?
Yes. Nepal requires foreign trekkers in national parks to walk with a licensed guide, and the remote trail makes a guide essential.

### What wildlife lives in Makalu Barun National Park?
Red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer and over 400 bird species, though large mammals are rarely seen.

### Can I extend the Makalu trek to Everest?
Experienced trekkers can cross the Sherpani Col and Amphu Labtsa to the Everest region, a camping expedition requiring mountaineering skills.