Makalu Base Camp Trekking In Nepal

A 22-day trek to Manaslu Base Camp takes you through different ecosystems and offers amazing views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Makalu. Exploring a rural terrain will surely give you chances to explore Sherpa Life.

per person

USD 2,790

Duration

22 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Requires some level of experience in trekking with basic physical ability.

Trip Code

CT-10049

Destination

Nepal

Region

Off the Beaten Paths

Activity

Trekking

Start / End Point

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Accommodation

Guest House | Hotel

Transportation

Public Bus | Domestic Flight | Private Vehicle

Overview
Itinerary
FAQs
Reviews

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Makalu Base Camp Trekking In Nepal Overview

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you arrive in Kathmandu a day prior to your journey towards the Makalu Base Camp if you don't have a day tour scheduled for Kathmandu. You will have a day to rest and buy some travel essentials and equipment. It is also best to have some extra days in your travel schedule after the completion of the trek.

Regarded as one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal among solitary trekkers, Makalu Base Camp trek offers travelers an amazing opportunity to explore the Himalayan ranges and the Himalayan culture of Nepal. Being the fifth-highest mountain in the world (8,481m), the Makalu range consists of several Himalayan peaks. The Makalu Peak of Nepal is situated in Makalu Barun National Park. The Makalu Trek is an amazing long trek in Nepal where one can experience the splendid beauty of the nature of Makalu Barun National Park and the adventure into the wilderness of the Himalayas in Nepal. The lush Arun valley of Nepal is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal that will surely take travelers' breath away. Amazing views of the Makalu Peak along with the Himalayan ranges of Nepal such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Baruntse can be seen during this trek in Nepal. The Makalu trekking trail is a form of off-the-beaten trekking trail in Nepal that gives travelers the joy of being in the presence of wilderness, immersing themselves in the beauty and solitude of beautiful nature.

Our journey to the Makalu Base Camp starts with a flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. From there we'll drive to a village called Num from where our trek to Makalu Base Camp starts. The trekking to the Himalayas is renowned for its lush rhododendron forest and as the altitude increases, the trail comprises polished granite cliffs, amazing waterfalls, and glaciers. The trail also takes us through the high mountain passes of Nepal such as the Shipton La and Keke La pass. During our trek, the elevation of Makalu diversifies as we'll be starting our journey from Tumlingtar which lies at 400 meters and goes all the way up to 5,500 meters in the southern east ridge of Mt. Makalu. The Makalu Barun National Park is also very rich in biodiversity as this National Park in Nepal also home to some rare wildlife in Nepal. Travelers will get to experience the Himalayan culture and lifestyle of the Himalayan people.

The trail to Makalu Base Camp is a bit difficult as the trail goes up and downhill all along. Some parts of the trek might even be tricky and technical especially while crossing the high Himalayan pass. However, our expert and experienced trekking guides of Nepal will always be by your side helping you at every step of the way. Because of the remoteness of the region, there are some parts where we need to set up our own camp. All the equipment and facilities for camping in Makalu trek such as mattresses, sleeping pads, kitchen, and even bathroom tent are set up where we'll be spending overnight for a camp. Our guide and cooks will be preparing all the necessary foods for us as well. The Makalu Base Camp trek is a restricted area in Nepal and hence travelers need a special permit for the Makalu trek in Nepal. The Makalu Base Camp trek permit can be received after sending a request to the Government. The travel agencies in Nepal handle all the permits and travel arrangements that are required in order to travel Makalu Barun circuit. If you want to spend your vacation in Nepal by trekking to the Himalayas and immersing yourself in the wilderness, Makalu Base Camp Trek is a very good option. The best time for Makalu Base Camp trekking is during the Spring and Fall season.

Amazing Himalayan ranges of the Khumbu region
Fifth highest mountain peak in the world
Makalu Barun National Park
Rare and unique wildlife including red panda and snow leopard
Remote and rural lifestyle of the Sherpa tribe
Shipton La pass
Keke La Pass

notes

It is highly recommended that you arrive in Kathmandu a day prior to your journey towards the Makalu Base Camp in case you don’t have a day tour of Kathmandu scheduled. You will have a day to rest, buy some travel essentials and equipment. It is also best to have some extra days in your travel schedule after the completion of the trek.

Day 01

Arrival In Kathmandu

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

A company representative from CoreTreks will come to pick you up at the airport. After that, we’ll be taking you to your hotel. After taking some rest we’ll meet you at our office or at your hotel and have a short briefing session regarding our travel. Feel free to ask any questions you might have regarding the trek. If you want to explore the city we might as well walk around the street of Thamel and it’s even possible to do some last-minute shopping. There are no further activities for the day so you might as well check into the hotel.

Hotel

Day 02

Briefing And Kathmandu Sightseeing

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

We’ll be talking more regarding our trip on this day. We’ll need your original passport as travelers need a permit in order to make this travel in Nepal. After finishing that we’ll be doing a bit of a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley. We’ll be visiting two world heritage sites located in Kathmandu, namely Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple (also known as Monkey Temple). In the evening we’ll be doing final preparation for our trek.

Hotel

Day 03

Kathmandu To Tumlingtar To Num

Flight Hours

30 min

Drive Hours

4-5 hours

Highest Altitude

1,500 m

We take a morning flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. The flight will take us around 30 minutes and upon reaching Tumlingtar we drive to the Num village via Chichila. Along the way, we’ll drive through pretty villages and green hills to reach Num. We spend overnight there and prepare ourselves for the trek we’ll be starting the next day onwards.

Guesthouse

Day 04

Num To Sedua

Trek Distance

7-8 km

Trek Duration

1-2 hour

Highest Altitude

1,540 m

The trek begins as our trail descends steeply through the forests and terraced farms taking us alongside the Arun River. We then make a steep ascent as further go through the forest. After a short while, we reach the gates of Makalu Barun National Park where we’ll be registering our permits. Moving along the rocky trails and tiny terraces, we make a long setup climb to Sedua.

Guesthouse

Day 05

Sedua To Tashigaun

Trek Distance

6-7 km

Trek Duration

3-4 hour

Highest Altitude

2,100 m

Upon having breakfast, we continue our travels as we ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa and Kasuwa River. We’ll be crossing through quite a few streams and pass by some small paddy fields. After couple hours, we climb up towards the Tashigaun village which is a Sherpa village of the Makalu Barun region. We’ll be spending overnight here.

Breakfast

Guesthouse

Day 06

Tashigaun To Kauma

Trek Distance

8-9 km

Trek Duration

5-6 hour

Highest Altitude

3,000 m

Today’s trail is a bit harder as it goes steep upwards into higher elevations. We’ll be ascending through forests to a stream and ridge. Gradually the trails join the ridge that separates the Kasuwa and Iswa drainages from where the trail goes even more steeper. We follow a series of rough stone stairs and small water reservoirs to the top of the ridge. We then trek through the forests along the ridge over hillock and then go down towards Kauma.

Guesthouse

Day 07

Kauma To Mumbuk

Trek Distance

9-10 km

Trek Duration

5-6 hour

Highest Altitude

3,500

We resume our trek with a steep climb through the rhododendron forest to the top of the ridge. Amazing view of the Chamlang peak, peak 6 and 7 can be seen during our walk today. After some time the trail veers left off the crest to a small lake and then we climb up towards the Kike La pass. From there we descend to another lake and ascend steeply through to the Tutu La pass. Later we make a final descent through a forest for firs and rhododendrons to Mumbuk forest camp.

Guesthouse

Day 08

Mumbuk To Nhe Kharka

Trek Distance

8-9 km

Trek Duration

4-5 hour

Highest Altitude

4,200 km

We will be passing through the rhododendron forest alongside the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. The trail is steep and arduous so caution is needed while traveling. We then reach towards the Yangle Kharka from where we cross the north side of the Barun River as we reach towards the Nhe Kahrka.

Guesthouse

Day 09

Nhe Kharka To Sherson

Trek Distance

6-7 km

Trek Duration

3-4 hour

Highest Altitude

4,600

Today we begin our trek following the trails of the Barun River bank. Amazing views of the Pyramid peak, Chamlang peak, Peak 3,4, and 5 can be seen during our walk today. However, Mount Makalu is still not within our sight today. We pass a ridge and enter a valley and just before Sherson, the Makalu peak shows a bit of a glimpse.

Guesthouse

Day 10

Sherson To Makalu Base Camp

Trek Distance

8-10 km

Trek Duration

4-6 hours

Highest Altitude

4,870 m

We begin our trek after having breakfast. We head towards the Makalu Base Camp as we descent gradually. We descend to stream and then cross on boulders to the base camp that lies on the west bank of the river. Amazing and the mesmerizing peak of Makalu will be in front of our sight now. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the Everest region’s mountains.

Breakfast

Tented Camp

Day 11

Makalu Base Camp Exploration

Highest Altitude

4,870 m

We’ll be acclimatizing and exploring the Base Camp during this day. It is a rocky and barren place with a huge glacier beyond it. There are some surrounding lakes and glaciers that we can explore as well during this day. Later we go back to our camp and rest for the day.

Tented Camp

Day 12

Makalu Base Camp To Nhe Kharka

Trek Distance

15 -18 km

Trek Duration

5-7 hours

Highest Altitude

4,870 m

We start early in the morning and retrace our steps down the Barun valley towards Nhe Kharka. We descend down back from base camp as we take our last glimpse at the mighty Mountains nearby. We pass through Shershong, Merek, Langmale, and make our way down the valley and stop at Nhe Kharka.

Guesthouse

Day 13

Nhe Kharka To Mumbuk

Trek Distance

6-9 km

Trek Duration

3-4 km

Highest Altitude

3,500 m

After having our breakfast, we descend through green forests, rocks falls and walk down through the valley. We follow the trail of the Brun River bank. We then trek through a steep climb from Dobate and make our way towards Mumbuk.

Breakfast

Guesthouse

Day 14

Mumbuk To Kauma

Trek Distance

6-8 km

Trek Duration

3-4 hour

Highest Altitude

3,500 m

Today we walk through a forest filled with rhododendrons and fir trees. We’ll be crossing the Keke La Pass, the Shipton Pass, and the Kauma La Pass as we make our way towards Kauma.

Guesthouse

Day 15

Kauma To Tashigaun

Trek Distance

7-9 km

Trek Duration

3-5 hour

Highest Altitude

2,200 m

Today we leav Mumbuk and trek across the Shipton la pass. We’ll be making a long descend for the most part cutting through the hillsides. We’ll be passing through some few Sherpa villages and reach the village of Tashigaun. We’ll be spending overnight here.

Guesthouse

Day 16

Tashigaun To Balung

Trek Distance

10-13 km

Trek Duration

4-6 hours

Highest Altitude

1,800 m

We retrace our steps make our exit from the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down towards the Barun River. We cross the hillside and some other village settlements as we move further down. We finally reach Balung where we’ll be stopping and resting for the day.

Guesthouse

Day 17

Balung To Pukuwa

Trek Distance

10-12 km

Trek Duration

5-7 hours

Highest Altitude

1,800 m

On this day we continue our trail through the Walung village and descend to the Apsawa River. After that we’ll be climbing up towards Chhayang. The trail goes uphill and downhill and head towards Parangbu which is a beautiful camping spot at the banks of the Arun river. We move ahead through forest and streams as we finally reach Pukuwa.

Guesthouse

Day 18

Pukuwa To Bumling

Trek Distance

8-10 km

Trek Duration

4-6 hour

Highest Altitude

1,500 m

The trail today follows through some narrow tracks as we’ll be climbing over rocky ridges. We come across some scrub jungle and landslides before descending towards Tome. The valley then becomes wider and the trail climbs over another ridge on a steep and narrow stairway of the rock steps. Later we descend to the banks of Sankhuwa River and head towards the village of Bumling where we’ll spend overnight.

Guesthouse

Day 19

Bumling To Tumlingtar

Trek Distance

12-15 km

Trek Duration

5-7 hour

Highest Altitude

1,400 m

We have come close to the final part of our trek as today will be our last trekking day. Our trail follows the river banks and we follow the Arun downstream, crossing it on a large suspension bridge. Making a short climb back to the Tumlingtar plateau, our route passes through Chyawabesi. Our trail then becomes easier as we walk through a flat surface.

Guesthouse

Day 20

Tumlingtar To Kathmandu

Flight Hours

35-45 min

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

We fly back to Kathmandu as our trek into the Himalayas has come to an end. We’ll be reaching Kathmandu before noon and we’ll also be taking you to your hotel from the airport. We can rest for the day as our bodies might have got tired from the trekking adventure. In the evening, we’ll be organizing a dinner party for our fellow guests where you’ll be taken to a traditional Nepalese cuisine restaurant.

Dinner

Hotel

Day 21

Leisure Day At Kathmandu

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

This day has been set aside for you to rest from the long journey and explore the Kathmandu city on your own. You can stroll around the markets of Thamel and buy some amazing souvenirs. If you have something in mind, a place you want to visit in Kathmandu, let us know and we can arrange that for you as well.

Hotel

Day 22

Departure

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

Our travel journey has now come to an end as we say our goodbyes and take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport 2 hours prior to your flight time. We’ll come to pick you at your hotel and a representative will drive alongside you up till the departure gate at the airport.

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How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?

The Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is considered as a moderate trek. It requires little to no prior trekking experience or trainings. One with average physical condition is compatible for this trekking. However, a brief training session is essential which is executed by our mountaineering experts before the hike.

Is the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal safe?

Yes, the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is completely safe. However, there are still chances of unforeseen circumstances which will be discussed during the training session held by our travel experts. The session will equip you with information about the emergency measures and information about the location that you will be travelling to.

What can I expect during the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?

During the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal, you can expect some amazing Himalayan ranges of the Khumbu region, fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu Barun National Park, Rare and Unique wildlife including red panda and snow leopard, Shipton La Pass, and Keke La Pass.

What type of food and accommodation facility to expect during the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?

The food is generally our traditional Nepali lunch which is Dal (Lentil Soup), Bhat (Boiled Rice), Tarkari (Veggies), and Achar (Pickle).

For the accommodation there are specially Hotels & Lodges, Tea houses, and Camping facilities. However due easy accessibility of hotels & lodges throughout the trial, camping is usually avoided (unless needed) during the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.

How do I book the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?

To book the Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal, CoreTreks offers you a number of booking options including:

Online booking,
Wire transfer OR,
Cash on arrival

We recommend you to go through our booking policy before you head to the payment. In case of further inquiries please feel free to contact us.

To prepare for your trek in Nepal, it’s essential to consider both the specific route and the time of year. Here is a Nepal trekking packing list to help you pack wisely. Here’s our Nepal Trekking packing list.

Beautiful Travel Destination

Nepal is such a beautiful place for a holiday. My friends and I love trekking, and exploring Nepal together was a great experience. Nature here is truly something special. We hiked to see the Langtang, Everest, and Gaurishankhar ranges. The high passes and glaciers were huge and amazing. The villages felt packed, but the people were super friendly and welcoming. Thanks to CoreTreks and the guide team for helping us make this trip happen. If you’re thinking of visiting Nepal, I’d say go with CoreTreks.

Clare

Australia

Beautiful Travel Destination

A Long Trip

For someone like me who doesn’t trek often, this 25-day trip felt really long. But it was worth it. The people we met were so welcoming and kind, and the mountains in the Khumbu region looked amazing. We learned a lot about how the Sherpa people live. Their homes were small but felt warm and cozy. We even stayed in one of them for a night. They treated us kindly and served delicious Nepali food. I want to thank CoreTreks and the guiding team for making this trip happen and for supporting me when I felt like giving up. It was a long and interesting journey.

Martina

Spain

A Long Trip

Inspiring Trekking Experience

Our trip to Makalu Base Camp was full of fun and inspiration. The Himalayan views were amazing, and the people living in those high areas really moved me. They are so hardworking and dedicated. I even got the chance to see a red panda, which was such a cool surprise. The wildlife and the simple rural lifestyle gave me a whole new respect for the locals. Huge thanks to CoreTreks for making it all happen, and to the guiding team for helping us through the tough trails. This trek was truly inspiring. I hope to come back to Nepal again.

Austin

United Kingdom

Inspiring Trekking Experience

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Duration
22 Days

Per Person From
$2,790

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