Makalu Base Camp Trek

17 Days

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a perfect way to seek the thrilling adventure to the lap of the fifth tallest mountain in the world. It is an awe-inspiring journey to seek the majestic beauty of Mt. Makalu, which stands at an altitude of 8,485m and is located in the eastern part of Nepal. It lies in the Mahalangur Himalayas, about 19km southeast of Mt. Everest. Being one of the eight thousanders, Mt. Makalu invites thousands of trekkers and visitors to its region.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a perfect way to approach Mt. Makalu and grab the mesmerizing and riveting experience. The stunning journey to the base camp of Manaslu indulges you with the Himalayan trekking trails distinct topography and gives insights into the Himalayan lifestyle. It is also an ideal opportunity to explore the Himalayan settlements and gain insights into the distinct cultures and traditions of this region.

This trek takes you to an altitude of 5000m, Makalu Base Camp, and extends to about 5300m to the vantage point called Everest Viewpoint. The mesmerizing journey presents you with an excellent trekking experience and presents you with the stunning beauty of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Chamlang, Lhotse, and many other mountains. This journey offers you a quality and peaceful time in the lap of mountains and enlightens your spirituality and connection with nature.

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • The mesmerizing beauty of Mt. Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse
  • Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and outstanding aerial beauty of the Himalayan region, elevated hills, monuments, temples, and distinct settlements
  • Journey through the Arun River, Barun River, and numerous cascading waterfalls
  • Journey through several high passes like Khongma La Pass, Tutu La (Shipton’s pass), Kalo Pokhari, Sano Pokhari, and Keke La
  • Several monasteries, stupas, and cultural and religious heritage of the region
  • Lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts
  • Glimpses of Himalayan wild species like Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Monkeys, and numerous bird species like Eagle, Vultures, and Himalayan Monal (the national bird of Nepal)
  • Insights into Himalayan lifestyle and Sherpa settlements
  • Riveting journey and rewarding aspects like personal growth and a great sense of accomplishment.

Best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

The best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered to be Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During this time, the climatic conditions of the region tend to remain stable, and this ensures you a smooth, safe, and enjoyable journey. You will be less likely to face challenges like heavy rainfall, snowfall, windstorms, slippery tracks, and the summoning of blood-sucking insects like leeches. The journey will be comfortable with any challenges along the way and this ensures you a secure travel.

On top of that, this alleviates the risks of landslides and floods in the Himalayan region. Along with that, the favorable climatic conditions will ensure you a clear and unobstructed beauty of the Himalayan vistas. You will be able to relish the shining mountainous landscapes on a bright day of sunlight. Moreover, the temperature tends to remain stable during this time and ranges from about 10-20 degrees Celsius. This will protect your journey from extreme coldness, frostbite, and hypothermia.

Embarking on the journey to the Makalu Base Camp lessens the chances of weather-related problems and allows you to explore Himalayan sites in depth while also aiding in developing a close relationship with Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse. This ideal adventure to the Base Camp of Mt. Makalu is indeed a mesmerizing journey, and planning this trek during a suitable time will enhance your trekking experiences thrice and quench your thirst for the wonders of nature.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Kathmandu Elevation: 1400m

Tumlingtar Elevation:

Num Elevation: 1560m

Elevation gain: 160m

Flight duration: 50 mins

Drive duration: 7 hours

The mesmerizing journey to the Makalu Base Camp begins after your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. You’ll be picked up by our team from the international terminal, and we will transfer you to one of the cozy hotels in Thamel. Then, on the same day, you can rest, explore some nearby settlements, and try numerous delectable cuisines in the local areas. After a proper meeting with us, you’ll get insights into the brief of the itinerary of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

The journey will continue with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. The stunning flight will serve you with excellent aerial beauty of the Hill region and the Himalayas. The flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar takes around 50 minutes, and the flight will present you with the aerial beauty of numerous elevated hills, gushing waterfalls, rivers, magical landscapes, Himalayan range, cultural sites, and temples. Upon landing at Tumlingtar, you’ll catch a drive to Num that takes around 6-7 hours. After a long day, you’ll find accommodation at Num before embarking on the thrilling journey the next day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Num Elevation: 1560m

Seduwa Elevation: 1500m

Elevation loss: 50m

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

The real journey begins from this day. This day demands your attention and physical involvement. The hike from Num to Seduwa is divided by the thundering Arun River into two parts. From Num to Arun River, you’ll walk along the trails and bushes. Then, the hike takes you through stone stairs and then descends through the cardamom fields. The journey demands descending before you cross the Arun River. Upon arriving at the roaring Arun River, you’ll have a thrilling moment of crossing it with the sweeping suspension bridge.

After you cross the Arun River, you’ll pass through bamboo forests and a humming village. The trails now demand your ascending until you arrive at Seduwa. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Seduwa through continuous ascents and descents along the way. The journey also serves you with the stunning beauty of surrounding hills, rivers, lush green forests, and distant mountainous landscapes. Upon reaching the Seduwa, you’ll spend the night at one of the finest lodges in the place.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Seduwa Elevation: 1500m

Tashigaon Elevation: 2100m

Elevation gain: 600m

Trek duration: 4-5 hours

On this day, you’ll follow the steep trails until you reach rhododendron forests. After crossing the sherpa settlements, you’ll follow the stone steps and pass through numerous mani walls. The journey will present you with the magical beauty of the distant Himalayas and surrounding elevated hills. Then, the journey takes you through bamboo forests along the prayer flags. With plenty of pasture land and few trees due to the steepness of the trail, the Sedhuwa to Tashigaon trail is a scenic hike.

After walking for around two hours, the trails will lead you to Chyaksa Danda, which lies at an altitude of 1,900m. Glimpsing the scenic beauty of the region, you’ll pass through wooden bridges and deep forests. For walking about 4-5 hours, you’ll arrive at Tashigaon. Tashigaon is a beautiful village with adequate accommodation facilities for you to spend your night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tashigaon Elevation: 2100m

Khongma Danda Elevation: 3500m

Elevation gain: 1400m

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

After your early morning breakfasts at Tashigaon, you’ll start your trekking journey towards Khongma Danda. This day marks the beginning of challenges during the trekking journey as the journey demands trailing for about 6-7 hours while ascending in altitude. The route will take you through continuous steep ascents and descents. After walking through the trails for about 3 hours, you’ll arrive at Dhara, which lies at an altitude of 2,867m and serves you a small break to enjoy the beauty of the region and catch your breath.

Then, after having lunch at Dhara, you’ll continue your journey towards Khongma Danda. The journey continues through stone stairs and finally takes you through rhododendron forests. The mesmerizing journey lets you explore the Himalayan flora in frames. After accomplishing the journey through a series of challenging terrains and rugged surfaces, you’ll arrive at Khongma Danda, which will serve you with the spellbinding beauty of Chamlang Mountain.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

By today, you’ve ascended by about 3500m in altitude. The journey from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda was quite challenging as you had to ascend by 1400m in a single day. Ascending in altitude results in changing atmospheric pressure and decreasing oxygen levels. If your body cannot adapt to such changes, it can be prone to altitude sickness. Therefore, it is important to maintain a steady pace during the trekking journey and acclimatize properly to adapt to the changing surroundings.

Furthermore, it is important to stay hydrated have proper rest, and not ascend much altitude in a short period of time. The well-planned itinerary of Mount Fuji Adventures lets you have a safe and secure journey through a well-planned itinerary that introduces you to proper acclimatization. Although this day marks the rest day, you won’t completely lay in bed all day. Instead, you’ll be presented with an excellent opportunity to explore the nearby surroundings and settlements. This lets you get insights into the traditional way of living and the lifestyle of Himalayan people.

You’ll also trek alongside your experienced guide to the nearby settlements and hills for the day to get insights into new places. The Khongma Danda will serve you with excellent beauty and delectable cuisines, and you won’t be bored even a single second during your stay at Khongma Danda. After arriving back in the village, you’ll spend your night at one of the finest lodges of the region by fueling yourself with nutritious food and having a warm night’s sleep.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khongma Danda Elevation: 3500m

Dobate Elevation: 3650m

Elevation gain: 150m

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

This is one of the major days of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. This day will let you have the best memorable day as the journey will take you through 4 different high passes. After your early morning breakfasts at Khongma Danda, you’ll begin your trekking journey through bushes and rhododendron forests. After about an hour of passing through the trails, you’ll reach Khongma La Pass, which lies at an altitude of 3,890m above sea level. This region rewards your journey with the magical beauty of Makalu and Chamlang Himal.

After catching a short break and enjoying the majestic beauty of the mountains, you’ll continue your journey through the route and reach Sano Pokhari Danda, which lies at an altitude of 4,105 meters. By reaching the Sano Pokhari Danda, you’ve elevated much and this presents you with the stunning beauty of the Himalayan range. Moreover, experiencing the tranquil atmosphere of the Sano Pokhari Lake is a lively moment.

The journey demands you walk through stone stairs that make you feel like you are walking towards the sky. The more you ascend in altitude, the closer you feel to nature and experience tranquility within. After passing through the route for another 1 hour from Sano Pokhari, you’ll arrive at Shipton La. The journey further demands your presence at Kalo Pokhari, which lies at an altitude of 4080m, and you’ll have to descend from Tutu La (Shipton’s pass) to reach Kalo Pokhari as the Tutu La (Shipton’s pass) lies at 4200m in altitude.

Upon reaching Kalo Pokhari, you’ll be astounded by the beauty of the region and get insights into its religious importance. You’ll be surrounded by numerous prayer flags and a religious atmosphere. As the Kalo Pokhari is considered to be holy, many Hindus go there to worship during Janai Purnima.

From there, you’ll begin your journey toward the final high passes of the day, Keke La, which lies at an altitude of 4,170m. This region will serve you with the excellent beauty of the snow-capped mountains. After relishing the beauty of the region, you’ll continue your journey through steep ascents, and after about 1 hour of trekking, you’ll arrive at Dobate, where you’ll spend the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dobate Elevation: 3650m

Yangle Kharka Elevation: 3557m

Elevation loss: 93m

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

You’ll be left awestruck by the magical beauty of the Himalayan region. Breathing in the whipping Himalayan breeze while relishing the beauty of the Himalayan vistas is indeed a wonderful journey. Following the route, you’ll pass through lush green forests and blooming rhododendrons. Then, the journey takes you through gushing waterfalls, and finally, you’ll trek alongside the Barun River. The day’s walk is fairly demanding due to 6-7 hours of high, rigorous trekking. From there, an enjoyable stroll will be enough to ascend and eventually arrive at Yangle Kharka. The local resort is located at the bottom of a valley, where we spend the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Yangle Kharka Elevation: 3557m

Langmale Kharka Elevation: 4410m

Elevation gain: 853m

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

On this day, you’ll be passing through numerous local settlements and challenging terrains. This is a demanding journey and this demands your ascending by 853m. You’ll begin your trekking journey alongside the Barun River with a variety of vibrant prayer flags. You’ll go through sightseeing places like Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek before finally arriving at Langmale Kharka. From Merek, it will take about two hours to reach Langmale and the journey goes through Mani walls along the way. The journey also serves you with the excellent beauty of the Himalayan range, Peak 4, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Upon arriving at Langmale Kharka, you shall explore the local places and distinct cultures of the region. You’ll spend your night at one of the finest teahouses in the region.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Langmale Kharka Elevation: 4410m

Makalu Base Camp Elevation: 5000m

Elevation gain: 590m

Trek duration: 4-5 hours

The main event of the Makalu Base Camp Trek has arrived. You’ve passed through numerous village settlements and sightseeing places to seek the majestic beauty of the Makalu. After your early morning breakfasts at Langmale Kharka, you’ll begin your journey towards Makalu Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll catch breathtaking views of Peak 4 and Peak 6. Then, you’ll pass through sandy tracks and steep ascents and finally arrive at Shershong, which lies at an altitude of 4,630m. After Shershong, you’ll walk for about 1 hour and reach Makalu Base Camp.

After arriving at the Makalu Base Camp, you’ll relish the majestic beauty of Mt. Makalu up close. Then, you’ll explore some nearby places and hike a little more to view the huge Barun Glacier that lies beyond the desolate Makalu Base Camp. This trek will present you with a stunning 360-degree of Mt. Makalu along with magical views of Lhotse, Lhotse Sar, and Mt. Everest.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After the exploration of the Makalu Base Camp, which lies at an altitude of 5000m, you’ll continue your trekking journey to the upper part of about 5300m, where there is a vantage point that serves you with breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. This point is coined as Everest Viewpoint as it serves you with the magnificent beauty of Mt. Everest. Along with that, the stunning views of Lhotse will leave you stunned. Reaching the Everest Viewpoint is not very difficult as the magical snowy landscapes will keep you occupied.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Makalu Base Camp Elevation: 5000m

Yangle Kharka Elevation: 3557m

Elevation loss: 1443m

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

The journey leans towards an end, and now the remaining part is to descend all the way to Num and catch a drive to Tumlingtar. After taking glory in the beauty of the stunning Himalayan range from Everest Viewpoint, you’ll start descending to the Makalu Base Camp. From there, you’ll reach Langmale Kharka after 3-4 hours of trekking where you’ll have your lunch. The trek further continues towards Merek, which lies at an altitude of 4100m. You’ll catch a short break and have tea at Merek teahouse and then continue along the path to Yangle Kharka. After 2-3 hours of trekking from Merek, you’ll arrive at Yangle Kharka, where you’ll be spending the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Yangle Kharka Elevation: 3557m

Dobate Elevation: 3650m

Elevation gain: 93m

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

The trekking journey to Dobate resumes alongside the Barun Nadi. You’ll pass through rhododendron shrubs and pine trees along the way until arriving at Themathang, which takes around 1-2 hours from Yangle Kharka. From there, the journey follows the steep paths, valleys, and forests, and we finally arrive at Dobate, where we’ll rest the night. The journey through the same path we ascended can be monotonous, but you’ll still be occupied by the mesmerizing views of the Himalayan ranges, and exploration of Himalayan settlements shall tune your vibe.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dobate Elevation: 3650m

Khongma Danda Elevation: 3500m

Elevation loss: 150m

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

You’ll get to enjoy the journey through high passes once again. On this day, we trek from Dobate towards Khongma Danda, and our first high pass will be Keke La. Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive at Holy Lake, Kalo Pokhari. Then, we’ll take a short ascending route from Kalo Pokhari to reach Tutu La (Shipton’s pass). From there, we head for Sano Pokhari Danda, and along the way, we pass through tranquil Sano Pokhari. We’ll catch a short break and continue our journey towards Khongma La Pass. It takes around 1-2 hours of walking from Khongma La Pass to reach Khongma Danda, where we’ll spend our night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Khongma Danda Elevation: 3500m

Tashigaon Elevation: 2100m

Elevation loss: 1400m

Trek duration: 4-5 hours

With each step, you’re way closer to the end of this magnificent Makalu Base Camp Trek. The journey today continues towards Tashigaon after early morning breakfast. We descend from Khongma Ridge and pass through rhododendron forests. After sightseeing the spectacular Chamling Mountain, we’ll continue descending, and after 2-3 hours of walking, we’ll reach Dhara, where we’ll be having our lunch. Then, the journey stretches all the way to Tashigaon through lush green forests and village settlements like Sadema. Upon arriving at Tashigaon, we’ll spend our night at one of the finest teahouses in the region.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tashigaon Elevation: 2100m

Seduwa Elevation: 1500m

Elevation loss: 600m

Trek duration: 4-5 hours

The journey is tilting towards an end, and you’ll be fulfilled with a great sense of achievement and insights into personal reflection. Along the trails of lush green forests, steep terrains, and meadows, we’ll continue our journey towards Seduwa. We’ll encounter numerous stopovers along the way, like Robesa, Subedigaon, and Murmidanda. After 4-5 hours of trekking, we’ll reach Seduwa, where we’ll rest our night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Seduwa Elevation: 1500m

Num Elevation: 1560m

Elevation gain: 60m

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

This is the route we embarked on on the 1st day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The route is divided by the Arun River into two parts. First, we descend all the way through bamboo forests and a humming village and arrive at the suspension bridge. Then, we cross the Arun River via a suspension bridge and start to ascend through trails. The ascending and descending paths through beautiful woodland is a wonderful trekking journey, and after 5-6 hours of trekking through the ascents and descents, we arrive at the town of Num.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is the last day of our Makalu Base Camp Trek. By today, we’ve elevated 5000m in altitude to the Makalu Base Camp, 5300m to the Everest Viewpoint, and returned to 1560m at Num. From here, we’ll catch a drive to Tumlingtar. It takes around 6-7 hours of drive to reach Tumlingtar. The drive can hit you with the nostalgic vibe of Mt. Makalu and the wonderful trekking experience, but the scenic drive-through will still present you with glimpses of the Himalayas. Upon reaching Tumlingtar, you’ll have a short break and catch a scenic flight to Kathmandu. The flight will serve you with the aerial beauty of the pristine mountain ranges, Himalayan region, mesmerizing landscapes, distinct topography, and local settlements.

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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Trip Info

  • Hotel/Lodge/Tea House
  • Spring and Autumn
  • 5300m
  • BLD During Trek
  • 6-7 hrs Trek
  • Private Vehicle/ Flight