The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most thrilling and uncrowded hiking routes. In this trek, you will cross Shipton La Pass (4,216 meters) to reach the base of Mt. Makalu at 8,485 meters. Mt. Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. The steep climb is challenging and tests the endurance of even experienced trekkers. In return, you will be rewarded by breathtaking views of iconic mountains, including Mount Makali, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Chamling, and other peaks. This trek passes through the Makalu Barun National Park area, which is a biodiversity hotspot and home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like snow leopards, red pandas, and birds like the Himalayan griffin.
The park’s pristine forests, deep gorges, and towering cliffs create a sense of awe and wonder, as if stepping into a world untouched by time. One of the highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is the ascent to Shipton La Pass (4,216 meters), a challenging section that tests the endurance of even experienced trekkers. This trek is not just about challenging passes and terrain but also about the diversity of nature and culture one experiences. Standing in the base camp surrounded by the Himalayan giants gives a deep sense of humility, solitude, and connection to nature.
Makalu Base Camp Trek begins at Chichila, as you take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila. From Chichila, the trail ascends through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron, picturesque villages inhibited by rai and sherpa communities. As you climb higher, the lush and green valleys give their way into alpine meadows and further to high-altitude rugged terrains. The trekking trail passes through Makalu Barun National Park, where pristine forests, deep gorges, and towering cliffs create a sense of awe and wonder, as if stepping into a world untouched by time. You will climb Shipton La Pass (4,216 meters), which continues to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 meters). At Base Camp, surrounded by a panoramic view of towering peaks around the camp, vast glaciers and remoteness showcase the extraordinary beauty of the Himalaya.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is ideal for those who seek to push their limit and are comfortable with basic accommodations, like off-the-beaten-path adventure and solitude and connection with the natural environment.
20 Days
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Prepare for the trek with a briefing from Trip Pokhara's guide. Overnight in Kathmandu at Hotel
MEALS
Welcome Dinner 20 Days
Take a short flight to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive through the beautiful countryside to Chichila. Overnight in Chichila at Hotel
MEALS Breakfast 20 Days
Begin your trek with a descent through forests and terraced fields to reach the village of Num. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Overnight in Num at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Descend steeply to the Arun River, cross a suspension bridge, and then ascend through forests to reach Seduwa, the entry point to Makalu-Barun National Park. Overnight in Seduwa at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Continue your ascent through lush forests, passing small villages along the way. Reach Tashigaon, the last settlement before the high mountains. Overnight in Tashigaon at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
A challenging day with a steep ascent through dense forests and across several ridges to reach Khongma Danda. This is a major acclimatization point. Overnight in Khongma Danda at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Spend the day acclimatizing at Khongma Danda. Explore the surrounding area or rest to prepare for the high-altitude sections ahead. Overnight in Khongma Danda at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Cross several high passes today, including the Shipton La Pass, which offers stunning views of Makalu and other peaks. Descend to Dobate. Overnight in Dobate at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Descend through rhododendron forests to the Barun River and then follow the river to Yangle Kharka, a beautiful meadow surrounded by high peaks. Overnight in Yangle Kharka at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Continue your ascent along the Barun River, passing through lush forests and high-altitude pastures. Reach Langmale Kharka, where you will spend the night. Overnight in Langmale Kharka at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
The final ascent takes you to Makalu Base Camp, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Makalu and the surrounding peaks. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Spend the day exploring the base camp area, taking in the majestic views, and perhaps hiking to nearby viewpoints. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Begin your descent, retracing your steps back to Yangle Kharka. The return journey offers different perspectives on the landscapes you passed through earlier. Overnight in Yangle Kharka at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Continue descending to Dobate, enjoying the lush forests and meadows along the way. Overnight in Dobate at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Climb back up to Khongma Danda, crossing the high passes once again. Overnight in Khongma Danda at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Descend steeply through forests and terraced fields to return to Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Retrace your steps back to Num, descending to the Arun River and then climbing back up. Overnight in Num at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
A final day of trekking takes you back to Chichila, where you will prepare for your return to Tumlingtar. Overnight in Chichila at Tea House
MEALS Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 20 Days
Drive back to Tumlingtar and catch a flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel for some well-deserved rest. Overnight in Kathmandu at Hotel
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner 20 Days
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking home unforgettable memories of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
MEALS BreakfastThe best time to undertake the Makalu Base Camp Trek is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. The monsoon season (June to August) is marked by heavy rainfall, which can make the trails slippery and prone to landslides, while winter (December to February) is extremely cold, with deep snow at higher elevations making the trek challenging.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is classified as a strenuous trek, requiring a high level of physical fitness and some experience with high-altitude trekking. The trek involves long days of walking, often 6-8 hours, on rugged and varied terrain. The altitude is also a significant factor, with the highest point being 4,870 meters at Makalu Base Camp. Proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness.
To trek to Makalu Base Camp, you will need the following permits:
No restricted area permits are required for this trek, making it more accessible in terms of documentation.
The best time is pre-monsoon (March-May) and post-monsoon (September-November) for stable weather and clear skies.
This trek is strenuous, requiring good physical fitness and some experience with high-altitude trekking.
While not mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended due to the remote and challenging nature of the trek.
You will need the Makalu-Barun National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS card.
The trek typically takes 20 days, depending on the route and pace.
The highest point is Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 meters.
Yes, the Makalu-Barun National Park is home to rare species like the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan tahr.
Accommodation is mostly in basic teahouses and campsites.
Pack warm, layered clothing, a sturdy sleeping bag, trekking poles, and essential personal items.
Yes, ensure your insurance covers trekking at high altitudes and includes emergency evacuation.
© 2011 - 2024 All rights reserved. Trip Pokhara Pvt Ltd Developed By : Xenatech Nepal
