Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Duration
- 18 Days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Max altitude
- 4,870 m
- Pricing
- Custom quote
At a glance
Overview
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an extraordinary and challenging wilderness journey into eastern Nepal, leading to the foot of Mt. Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest peak. Traversing the Makalu-Barun National Park, this remote expedition showcases some of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in the Himalayas, featuring deep tropical gorges, cascading waterfalls, lush rhododendron forests, and dramatic alpine glaciers beneath towering granite faces.
Trip highlights
- +Explore the remote, wild, and untouched landscapes of the Makalu-Barun National Park
- +Stand directly in front of the massive, sheer granite face of Mt. Makalu at Base Camp (4,870 m)
- +Conquer high alpine passes including Shipton La (4,210 m) and Tutu La (4,125 m)
- +Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Baruntse
- +Immerse in authentic rural culture within remote Rai and Sherpa high-altitude settlements
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Makalu Base Camp Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Explore the remote, wild, and untouched landscapes of the Makalu-Barun National Park
Stand directly in front of the massive, sheer granite face of Mt. Makalu at Base Camp (4,870 m) · Conquer high alpine passes including Shipton La (4,210 m) and Tutu La (4,125 m)
Trail character
Strenuous · 4,870 m
A 18 days journey with a strenuous trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Trekking, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Trekking, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a strenuous adventure
Ideal for guests who value explore the remote, wild, and untouched landscapes of the makalu-barun national park and stand directly in front of the massive, sheer granite face of mt. makalu at base camp (4,870 m) and can commit 18 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
- 02 · The heartTrek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka
Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
- 03 · The finaleFly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Use the morning flight connection back toward Kathmandu, with timing kept flexible for mountain-weather delays.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
02Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Drive to Chichila
Fly east to Tumlingtar and continue by road toward the lower trailhead villages of the Makalu-Barun approach.
03Trek from Chichila to Num
Trek from Chichila to Num, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
04Trek from Num to Sedua
Trek from Num to Sedua, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
05Trek from Sedua to Tashigaon
Trek from Sedua to Tashigaon, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
06Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
07Acclimatization Day in Khongma Danda
Use this slower day for acclimatization, local exploration, and recovery before continuing higher or farther along the route.
08Trek from Khongma Danda over Shipton La to Dobate
Cross Shipton La on a demanding high-altitude stage, then descend carefully toward the next camp or village.
09Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka
Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
10Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka
Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
11Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
12Exploration Day at Makalu Base Camp
Use this slower day for acclimatization, local exploration, and recovery before continuing higher or farther along the route.
13Trek from Makalu Base Camp back to Dobate
Trek from Makalu Base Camp back to Dobate, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
14Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda
Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
15Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon
Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
16Trek from Tashigaon to Num
Trek from Tashigaon to Num, following the established trail through changing mountain terrain and village landscapes.
17Trek/Drive from Num to Tumlingtar
Use a mix of trail walking and local road transfer on this transition stage of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
18Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Use the morning flight connection back toward Kathmandu, with timing kept flexible for mountain-weather delays.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off
- +Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu) and local jeep transfers
- +Experienced English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guides, and porters
- +Teahouse/lodge accommodation on lower elevations and supported tented camping where necessary
- +Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- +Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, and meals
- +Government taxes and official service charges
What's excluded
- -International flights and visa fees
- -Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter evacuation up to 5,500m
- -Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- -Personal trekking gear and equipment
- -Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry)
- -Bottled or boiled drinking water and extra snacks
- -Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- -Any other services not explicitly listed under What's Included
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.