Makalu Base Camp, one of the most popular trekking destinations for solitary trekkers, provides an exceptional opportunity to explore high-altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes, and the ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. Our journey begins with an hour-long flight to Tumlingtar, and the actual trek begins in Chichila. The lower reaches of the trail are known for their lushness, with verdant rhododendron forests, whereas the upper reaches are known for their polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers and overflowing with waterfalls. The 22-day Makalu Base Camp Trek is ideal for experienced trekkers and nature enthusiasts looking for solitude and tranquility in pristine natural habitat, as well as those looking to avoid crowds.
Highlights
- Complete the breathtaking trek to Makalu Base Camp, where few others have gone before.
- Cross the Shipton La pass, as well as three other high passes, in a single day of breathtaking trekking.
- A full day of exploration awaits you at Makalu Base Camp.
- As you ascend from 700m to over 5,000m, you will encounter a variety of scenery in various temperate zones.
- Stay in tea houses while trekking to experience remote village life and directly contribute to the local economy.
Overview
Makalu is the world’s fifth highest mountain (8,481m), but the trek to its base camp is a less-frequented route due to its remoteness. However, getting there isn’t too difficult, as there are daily flights to Tumlingtar (a few hours’ drive from the trailhead) and basic lodges along the way.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is ideal for nature lovers looking to experience a variety of landscapes and cultures, as well as unique views of some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest.
The trek begins in warm, terraced farmland inhabited by the Rai people, an ethnic group found primarily in eastern Nepal’s hills. As you ascend, you will pass through rhododendron forests (most impressive in the spring, when the flowers bloom amazing red, purple, pink, and white) and cloud forests, as well as some of Nepal’s last remaining areas of pristine forest and alpine meadows.
As you travel deeper into the mountains, past the Barun River Valley, you will encounter steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls. The Sherpa people, an ethnically Tibetan group who primarily live near Everest, live at higher elevations.
The views from Makalu Base Camp are spectacular, with views of Everest’s rarely seen Kangshung face, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far east. The Makalu Barun National Park, which covers 2,330 square kilometers and is home to some of Nepal’s rarest flora and fauna, including the Red Panda, is the eighth largest in the country.
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Trip Itinerary Brief
| Day | Highlights | Maximum Altitude | Walking / Hiking |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation for the trip | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu Sightseeing | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
| Day 3 | Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira | 1,980m/6,496ft | |
| Day 4 | Chichira to Num | 1,560m/5,118ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 5 | Num to Seduwa | 1,500m/4,922ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 6 | Seduwa to Tashigaon | 2,100m/6,890ft | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 7 | Tashigaon to Khongma Danda | 3,500m/11,484ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization/Rest | 3,500m/11,484ft | |
| Day 9 | Khongma Danda to Dobate | 4,170m/13,682ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 10 | Dobate to Yangri Kharka | 3,557m/11,671ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 11 | Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka | 4,410m/14,469ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 12 | Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp | 4,870m/15,978ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 13 | Explore Makalu Base Camp | 4,870m/15,978ft | — |
| Day 14 | Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka | 3,557m/11,671ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 15 | Yangri Kharka to Dobate | — | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 16 | Dobate to Khongma Danda | 3,500m/11,484ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 17 | Khongma Danda to Tashigaon | 2,100m/6,890ft | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 18 | Tashigaon to Seduwa | 1,500m/4,922ft | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 19 | Seduwa to Num | 1,560m/5,118ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 20 | Num to Tumlingtar | 285m/935ft | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 21 | Tumlingtar to Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
| Day 22 | Final departure |
Detailed Itinerary Day to Day
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation for the trip
When we arrive in Kathmandu, a representative from Deshatan Travels And Tours will meet us at the airport and transport us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll have a pre-trip meeting where we’ll meet our trek leader and other team members. We can use this time to ask the management and trek leader any questions we have about our trip. In the evening, Deshatan Travels and Tours will host a welcome dinner. We will have excellent Nepalese cuisine for dinner, which will introduce us to the country’s food culture.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today, after breakfast, we begin a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual sites. The historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is one of the world’s largest stupas, are all World Heritage Sites. At noon, there will be a pre-trip meeting where we will be able to meet our trek leader and other team members. In Kathmandu, spend the night.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira
After breakfast, we fly to Tumlingtar to meet the rest of the crew members who will be joining us on the trek. Following that, we travel to Chichira, a small Gurung settlement. We stop for a rest in Chichira so that we can be ready for the next day’s trek. Overnight in Chichira.
Day 04: Chichira to Num
We start early in the morning and head to Num immediately after a hearty breakfast. A stroll through picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will lead us to Num. This is Num for us, a ridgeline with great views on both sides and perched on the end. Overnight stay in Num.
Day 05: Num to Seduwa
We arrive at the Barun River after a steep descent through forests and terraced farms. We cross the river and begin another steep ascent up the other side. Often quite hot – the forest in the valleys provides some shade. This is the entrance to Makalu Barun National Park and where we register our permits. We set up camp at the very top of the village. Spend the night in Seduwa.
Day 06: Seduwa to Tashigaon
Ascend the ridge bounded on the west by the Ipsuwa Khola and the east by the Kasuwa Khola. We arrive in the exotic village of Tashi Gaon after traversing the hillside through quiet villages and small paddy fields. We arrive to be surrounded by a breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon.
Day 07: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
This will be a difficult day because we will be walking on a steep trail at a higher elevation. We’ll climb through the woods to a stream, then onto a ridge. The trail becomes even steeper from here, passing through a Kharka (grazing land) before ascending to the top of the ridge via a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes. It’s only a short distance down to Khongma Danda from here. Stay the night in Khongma Danda.
Day 08: Acclimatization/Rest
The day off will allow us to rest our bodies before attempting the Shipton La crossing the next day. Those who want to explore the surrounding area can take a walk around the area. Stay the night in Khongma Danda.
Day 09: Khongma Danda to Dobate
Climb to the summit of the Shipton La (pass), which takes a few hours. Pass over the Keke La at 4,170m after passing through the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m). The magnificent views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m), and Peak 7 are visible (6,758m). We descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate after crossing the Keke La pass. Overnight in Dobate.
Day 10: Dobate to Yangri Kharka
We travel from Dobate through the rhododendron forest to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We must exercise extreme caution during the first two hours of our journey because the trail is steep and difficult. We then take a pleasant walk, gradually gaining altitude, until we arrive at Yangri Kharka at the valley’s bottom. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.
Day 11: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka
We walk to the valley through yak pastures, lush forests, and boulder fields after a moderate hike. During the first part of the trek, the valley walls towered imposingly above us. As we continue up, we pass Merek and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Spend the night in Langmale Kharka.
Day 12:Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Today is the day we arrive at Base Camp. We climb from Langmale Kharka to Shershong and then to Makalu Base Camp. The path is flat, with icy glaciers and snow-covered mountains as our companions. As we get closer to Shershong, we can see Mount Makalu. As we make our way to the camp, we get to take in the magnificent Himalayan scenery that surrounds us. Spend the night at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp
The Base Camp is a rocky barren landscape surrounded by the massive Barun Glacier. We can see the magnificent south face of Makalu as well as the entire panorama of Everest and Lhotse from here. We can explore the surrounding lakes and glaciers, as well as take a short hike up to the camp, where we can celebrate our accomplishments. Spend the night at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 14: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
We make our way down from the base camp, taking one last look at Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. We pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek, and descend the valley before arriving at Yangri Kharka. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.
Day 15: Yangri Kharka to Dobate
We descend from Yangri Kharka through rock falls, green forests, and valleys on our way to Dobate. As we descend the trail, we follow the banks of the Barun River. Overnight in Dobate.
Day 16: Dobate to Khongma Danda
The trek begins with a steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. On the way, we pass through Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass), and Kauma La. After that, we return to Khongma Danda. Stay the night in Khongma Danda.
Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon
The journey continues with frequent long and steep descents through the hillsides. The trail leads us through dense forests before arriving at the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.
Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa
As we leave the Makalu Barun National Park and descend to the Barun River, we retrace our steps. We then proceed down the hill, passing through villages and settlements before arriving back at Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa.
Day 19: Seduwa to Num
We leave Seduwa and make our way through lush forests to Num. As we descend, the trail ascends and descends, passing through dense forests and Sherpa villages. Overnight stay at Num.
Day 20: Num to Tumlingtar
We retrace our steps back to Chichira, where we can take in the magnificent view of Mount Makalu for the final time. The final leg of the trek will take us back to Tumlingtar, where we will spend the night before departing for Kathmandu early the next morning. Tumlingtar is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
After a long trek in the mountains, we fly back to Kathmandu today. We can rest and relax at our hotel throughout the day, or we can contact our loved ones. With a farewell dinner in the evening, we celebrate our successful journey to and from Makalu base camp. In Kathmandu, spend the night.
Day 22: Final Departure
Today marks the end of our journey in Nepal! We will be dropped off at the airport by a Deshatan Travels and Tours representative approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. We have plenty of time on the way home to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on Twin Sharing Basis
- Equipment
- Domestic Flights
- Local Guide & Support Staff
- All Private Ground Transportation Including Airport Transfers
- Meals in the Mountain
- Small-Group Adventure
- Guaranteed Departures
- Lifetime Deposit
- No Booking Fee
International flights are not included, for your information. Unless you request a private room, rooms are usually shared by two people. You can also upgrade to better hotels in the mountains and even in cities. Please specify your customized services during the booking process or contact our Destination & Products Specialist.
MEALS
During our trek, we will be able to sample authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as a more common international fare (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served at the tea-house where we will spend the night, while lunch will be served on the way to the next location. During the trek, all meals will be provided, whereas only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. In addition, there will be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.
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