Makalu Hidden Valley Trek
Moderate

Makalu Hidden Valley Trek

D
Duration
20 days
F
Difficulty
Moderate
A
Max altitude
Makalu Basecamp 4870M
$
Starting from
USD 2,940

Important update

Makalu Base Camp is a remote high-altitude trek. Domestic flights and mountain-road transportation are subject to weather and local conditions. Any additional cost resulting from unforeseen weather, natural disasters, route closure or itinerary changes will be borne by the client.

At a glance

Overview

Makalu Hidden Valley Trek is one of Nepal's most remote, spectacular and challenging Himalayan adventures. The journey takes you deep into the wilderness of Makalu-Barun National Park, through traditional Sherpa villages, dense rhododendron forests, dramatic Barun Valley, glaciers and the magnificent Makalu Base Camp. Beyond Makalu Base Camp, the route enters the true high-Himalayan wilderness, leading toward Swiss Base Camp, Sherpani Col and the Hidden Valley/Baruntse area. This section requires excellent physical fitness, acclimatization and experienced high-altitude support. The reward is extraordinary: close-up views of Mt. Makalu (8,485 m), Baruntse, Chamlang, Everest, Lhotse and other Himalayan giants, combined with a genuine expedition-style wilderness experience. This is not a regular trekking holiday—it is an adventure designed for experienced trekkers seeking Nepal's wild and less-travelled Himalaya.

Trip highlights

  • +Mt. Makalu – 8,485 m
  • +Makalu Base Camp – 4,870 m
  • +Makalu–Barun National Park
  • +Remote & pristine Barun Valley
  • +Barun Glacier & spectacular alpine landscape
  • +Rhododendron and Himalayan forests
  • +Traditional Rai & Sherpa communities
  • +Shipton La high-pass experience
  • +Exceptional mountain photography
  • +One of Nepal's most remote classic base-camp treks

Know before you choose

Why this journey stands out

The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Makalu Hidden Valley Trek distinctive.

Signature experience

Mt. Makalu – 8,485 m

Makalu Base Camp – 4,870 m · Makalu–Barun National Park

Trail character

Moderate · Makalu Basecamp 4870M

A 20 days journey with a moderate trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.

Sense of place

makalu, Nepal

Travel through the landscapes and communities that define makalu, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.

Best suited to

Travelers ready for a moderate adventure

Ideal for guests who value mt. makalu – 8,485 m and makalu base camp – 4,870 m and can commit 20 days to the experience.

Route rhythm

Your journey at a glance

20 planned stages
  1. 01 · The openingARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU

    Welcome to Nepal. Our representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your luxury hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, meet your trekking team for a welcome briefing and expedition orientation.

  2. 02 · The heartLANGMALE KHARKA → MAKALU BASE CAMP

    A memorable Himalayan day. The trail continues through rugged alpine terrain toward the famous Makalu Base Camp. Finally, the magnificent Mt. Makalu (8,485 m) rises dramatically above the landscape. This is one of the major highlights of the entire journey.

  3. 03 · The finaleKATHMANDU → FINAL DEPARTURE

    Your unforgettable Makalu Base Camp Trek officially comes to an end. After breakfast, enjoy your remaining free time depending on your flight schedule. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey

Day by day

Your itinerary

01ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU

Welcome to Nepal. Our representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your luxury hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, meet your trekking team for a welcome briefing and expedition orientation.

3 Star Hotel in Kthmandudinner
02KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING & TREK PREPARATION

Enjoy a cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting important UNESCO heritage sites. Later, return to the hotel for final trek preparation, equipment checking and detailed briefing with your guide.

3 Star Hotel in Kathmandubreakfast, dinnerkathmandu → kathmandu
03KATHMANDU → TUMLINGTAR → NUM

After breakfast, take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, continue by private/local 4WD toward Num. The drive follows winding Himalayan roads through the beautiful eastern hills. Num is the actual gateway to the Makalu trekking route.

Mountain Lodge at Numbreakfast, dinnerkathmandu → Num
04NUM → SEDUWA

The adventure begins today. From Num, descend steeply toward the Arun River before climbing through forests and terraced farmland toward Seduwa. You officially enter the Makalu-Barun National Park area and complete the necessary permit formalities. The trail is steep in sections, making this a good first trekking day.

Mountain Lodge at Seduwabreakfast, dinnerNum → Seduwa
05SEDUWA → TASHIGAON

The trail gradually climbs through farmland, bamboo and rhododendron forest. You pass small settlements and traditional agricultural areas before reaching Tashigaon, a beautiful Sherpa village. Tashigaon is the last major permanent settlement before entering the remote high-altitude wilderness.

Mountain Lodge at Tashigaonbreakfast, lunch, dinnerSeduwa → Tashigaon
06TASHIGAON → KHONGMA DANDA

Today is one of the first major challenges. The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and oak forest toward the alpine ridge of Khongma Danda. As you gain altitude, the forest becomes thinner and magnificent mountain views begin to appear.

Mountain Lodge at Khongma dadabreakfast, lunch, dinnerTashigaon → khongma dada
07ACCLIMATIZATION AT KHONGMA DANDA

A crucial acclimatization day. Instead of remaining completely inactive, take a short hike toward the surrounding ridge and higher viewpoint before returning to camp. This helps the body adapt before the upcoming high passes.

Mountain Lodge at Khongma dadabreakfast, lunch, dinnerKhongma dada → Khongma dada
08KHONGMA DANDA → DOBATE

One of the most spectacular days of the trek. You cross a series of high ridges and passes, including the Shipton La section, before descending toward Dobate. Snow may be present depending on the season. The landscape changes dramatically from forest to alpine terrain.

Mountain Lodge at Dobatebreakfast, lunch, dinnerKhongma dada → Dobate
09DOBATE → YANGRI KHARKA

Descend through beautiful forest before entering the dramatic Barun Valley. The sound of the Barun River accompanies you as the landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote.

Mountain Lodge at Khongri Kharkabreakfast, lunch, dinnerDobate → Khangri kharka
10YANGRI KHARKA → LANGMALE KHARKA

The trail now climbs steadily into the alpine zone. Vegetation becomes sparse and the Himalayan scenery becomes increasingly impressive. You arrive at Langmale Kharka, surrounded by spectacular peaks and glaciers.

Mountain Lodge at Langmale kharkabreakfast, lunch, dinnerYangrikharka → Langmale kharka
11LANGMALE KHARKA → MAKALU BASE CAMP

A memorable Himalayan day. The trail continues through rugged alpine terrain toward the famous Makalu Base Camp. Finally, the magnificent Mt. Makalu (8,485 m) rises dramatically above the landscape. This is one of the major highlights of the entire journey.

Makalu Base campbreakfast, lunch, dinnerLangmale kharka → Makale Base camp
12EXPLORATION & ACCLIMATIZATION AT MAKALU BASE CAMP

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration. Enjoy sunrise views of Makalu, Barun Glacier and surrounding peaks. Your guide will also check the team's health and prepare everyone for the demanding high-altitude section ahead.

Makalu Basecampbreakfast, lunch, dinnerMakalu Basecamp → Makalu Basecamp
13MAKALU BASE CAMP → YANGRI KHARKA

After breakfast, begin the long descent from Makalu Base Camp. Retrace the trail through the rugged upper Barun Valley, passing Langmale Kharka and the beautiful alpine landscape. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and vegetation gradually returns. Continue toward Yangri Kharka for the night.

Teahousebreakfast, lunch, dinnerMakalu basecamp → Yangri kharka
14YANGRI KHARKA → DOBATE

Continue through the beautiful Barun Valley and forested landscape. Although today's elevation is not dramatically different, the trail has several ups and downs, making it a moderately demanding day. Enjoy the final views of the remote upper Barun wilderness before heading toward the higher ridges.

Mountain Lodge in Dobatebreakfast, lunch, dinnerYangri kharka → Dobate
15DOBATE → KHONGMA DANDA

Today you retrace the challenging high-pass section. Climb back toward the Shipton La/Keke La area and then descend toward Khongma Danda. Although you have already crossed this section on the way up, the return journey still requires good fitness and careful walking.

Mountain Lodge in Khongma dadabreakfast, lunch, dinnerYangri kharka → Khongma dada
16KHONGMA DANDA → TASHIGAON

A beautiful descent through rhododendron and fir forests brings you back toward Tashigaon. The warmer temperature and greener landscape provide a dramatic contrast to the high-altitude wilderness you have just experienced.

Mountain Lodge in Tashigaonbreakfast, lunch, dinnerKhongma dada → Tashigaon
17TASHIGAON → SEDUWA

Continue descending through forest and traditional agricultural areas. The trail gradually returns to the lower Himalayan environment, where you can enjoy village life and the peaceful surroundings of the Makalu region.

Mountain Lodge in Seduwabreakfast, lunch, dinnerTashigaon → seduwa
18SEDUWA → NUM

Your final trekking day follows the trail back toward Num. There are several steep sections and river crossings, so careful walking is required. Reaching Num marks the successful completion of your Makalu Base Camp trekking section.

Mountain Lodge in NUMbreakfast, lunch, dinnerSeduwa → NUM
19NUM → TUMLINGTAR → KATHMANDU

After breakfast, drive from Num toward Tumlingtar. Depending on flight schedules and weather, take the flight from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

3 star Hotel in KathmandubreakfastNUM → Kathmandu
20KATHMANDU → FINAL DEPARTURE

Your unforgettable Makalu Base Camp Trek officially comes to an end. After breakfast, enjoy your remaining free time depending on your flight schedule. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey

breakfast

Clear and transparent

What your trip covers

What's included

  • +Airport pick-up & drop-off in Kathmandu
  • +Kathmandu 3-star hotel accommodation
  • +Kathmandu → Tumlingtar domestic flight
  • +Tumlingtar → Num private/shared 4WD transportation
  • +All necessary Makalu-Barun National Park & trekking permits
  • +Experienced, licensed & English-speaking trekking guide
  • +Required number of Himalayan porters
  • +High-altitude camping arrangements where required
  • +Basic first-aid medical kit
  • +Trekking bag/duffel bag for the trek
  • +Trekking staff equipment and logistics
  • +Government/local taxes and service charges

What's excluded

  • -International airfare to/from Nepal
  • -Nepal visa fee
  • -high-altitude rescue insurance
  • -Personal medical expenses and medicines
  • -Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • -Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and bottled/mineral water
  • -Laundry and personal expenses
  • -Wi-Fi, telephone and internet charges
  • -Hot shower/electricity charging fees where applicable
  • -Tips for guide, porter and driver
  • -Emergency evacuation/rescue costs
  • -Costs caused by flight cancellation, weather, landslide, road blockage or natural disaster
  • -Any additional accommodation, transportation or meals outside the scheduled itinerary
  • -Anything not specifically mentioned under “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.
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