Makalu Base Camp Trek
Trip overview
Makalu Base Camp Trek, in full
Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Everest Region
- Duration
- 16 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max elevation
- 4870 m
- Group size
- 2-16 people
- Activities
- Scenic Flight, Driving and Trekking
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste and welcome to Nepal! After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by your trekking guide and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu greets you with golden rooftops of temples, bustling bazaars, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. In the evening, your guide briefs you about the trek, permits, and gear, preparing you for the adventure ahead.
- 2
Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar , Drive to Num
A scenic flight east takes you to Tumlingtar, a small town in the Arun Valley. From here, a jeep drives along winding mountain roads through forests, villages, and terraced fields to reach Num. Perched on a ridge, Num offers your first sweeping views of the Arun River gorge and distant snowcapped peaks.
- 3
Trek from Num to Seduwa
The day begins with a steep descent through forests and farmland to the Arun River. Crossing a suspension bridge, the trail climbs just as steeply on the opposite side through cardamom fields and small villages. Finally, you reach Seduwa, the entrance to Makalu-Barun National Park, where permits are checked. The village sits on terraced slopes, framed by green hills.
- 4
Chasing the peak from Seduwa to Tashigaon
From Seduwa, the path winds gently uphill through farmland, scattered villages, and forested slopes. Villagers may greet you carrying baskets of grain or firewood, and children often run to say “Namaste.” After a steady climb, you arrive at Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement on the trail. From here, the journey grows wilder.
- 5
Ascending from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
Today’s trek is steep and demanding. The trail ascends through thick rhododendron and oak forests, with occasional glimpses of distant peaks. Yaks graze on pastures as you gain altitude. After several hours of climbing, you reach Khongma Danda, perched on a ridge with expansive views of rolling hills and snowy ridgelines.
- 6
Trek Khongma Danda to Dobate via Shipton La Pass
A challenging but unforgettable day. The path climbs over stone steps and ridges to the legendary Shipton La Pass (4,200 m), named after explorer Eric Shipton. At the top, prayer flags flutter against icy winds, and the panorama stretches to snowbound peaks, including Makalu itself. After admiring the view, you descend steeply into rhododendron forest and alpine valleys to reach Dobate, a peaceful stop in the wilderness.
- 7
Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka
The trail descends through forest and crosses wooden bridges over glacial streams before climbing again along the Barun River. Waterfalls thunder from cliffs, and the landscape grows more dramatic with every step. Yangle Kharka is a wide alpine meadow surrounded by towering cliffs and roaring rivers, a perfect resting place in the heart of the valley.
- 8
: Going uphill from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka
As altitude rises, vegetation thins. The trail passes yak pastures, juniper groves, and glacial moraines. Peaks appear closer, and the air becomes crisp and thin. You reach Langmale Kharka, another high pasture offering magnificent views of the surrounding ridges. The silence of the mountains deepens here.
- 9
Ascending to Trek Makalu Base Camp from Langmale Kharka
The crown of the trek. Following the Barun Glacier, you gradually ascend to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m). Suddenly, the great pyramid of Mount Makalu (8,481 m) rises above you, overwhelming in its scale and majesty. From Base Camp, the panorama also includes Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse. You are standing in one of the most spectacular amphitheaters in the Himalayas.
- 10
Explore Makalu Base Camp
A full day at Base Camp for exploration and acclimatization. Optional hikes lead to higher ridges with close-up views of Makalu’s south face and the surrounding glaciers. Or spend the day quietly absorbing the silence of this remote sanctuary. Watching the sunrise and sunset from Base Camp is an unforgettable experience.
- 11
Descending from Trek Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
Leaving the icy world of Base Camp, you retrace your steps along the glacier and pastures, descending to Yangle Kharka. The descent feels easier, and the return of greenery softens the landscape.
- 12
Trek Yangle Kharka to Khongma Danda
The trail climbs back through meadows, forests, and alpine ridges, returning once more to Khongma Danda. The views from the ridge, especially at sunset, are breathtaking.
- 13
Trek Khongma Danda to Seduwa via Tashigaon
A long day as you descend steeply through stone staircases and rhododendron forests back to Tashigaon, then continue to Seduwa. The warmer climate and fertile fields feel like a homecoming after days in the high Himalayas.
- 14
: Trek to Num and Drive to Tumlingtar
Descending to the Arun River, crossing the suspension bridge, and climbing back up, you return to Num. From here, a jeep takes you back to Tumlingtar, completing your trekking loop. Tonight, you celebrate your success with your team.
- 15
Serenic Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
A scenic morning flight carries you back to Kathmandu, where the busy streets, ancient temples, and lively markets feel like another world compared to the solitude of Makalu Base Camp. Free time in the evening for rest or shopping in Thamel.
- 16
Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Though your trek ends, the memory of the Barun Valley’s waterfalls, the challenge of Shipton La, and the majesty of Makalu will remain with you forever. Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online
