17 Days Makalu base camp Trek from Kathmandu

Offering stunning mountain scenery and a unique wilderness experience near the fifth highest peak in the world, Mount Makalu.
Makalu Base Camp, situated in the shadow of the world's fifth-highest mountain, Mount Makalu (8,485 meters or 27,838 feet), is a trekking and mountaineering paradise. The trek to the base camp takes adventurers through lush forests, picturesque villages, and rugged terrain, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape.

The journey typically starts in Tumlingtar, from where trekkers embark on a challenging and rewarding trek that leads to the Makalu Base Camp. Along the way, you'll encounter unique Sherpa and Rai cultures, rustic settlements, and the opportunity to witness traditional mountain life. The trail crosses high mountain passes, including the challenging Shipton La, offering panoramic vistas of towering peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys.

Makalu Base Camp is a less-traveled route compared to other popular trekking destinations in Nepal, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a sense of adventure. Trekkers can also explore the Makalu Barun Valley, which is rich in biodiversity and has been designated a conservation area.

While the trek to Makalu Base Camp is physically demanding, the rewards are immense. It's a place of natural beauty, serenity, and a chance to immerse oneself in the raw grandeur of the Himalayas. For those with mountaineering aspirations, it serves as a base for climbing Mount Makalu, a challenging and exhilarating endeavor in its own right.

In summary, Makalu Base Camp is a remote and captivating trekking destination in Nepal, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the opportunity for adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.


Itinerary

Day 1
Flight Kathmandu- Tumlingtar drive to Khadbari.
The trek starts with an hour long flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. The gorgeous mountains, landscapes and the ethnic people in the area are seen from different vantage points. The trip takes 21 days to complete with the best seasons for the trek being March – June and September – November.

Day 2
Drive to Chichila and trek to Num
From Khadbari, we again drive to Chichila. It is an easy walk through villages and lush forests from Chichila. And finally, we reach a ridge with breathtaking views on either side with Num lying at the end. We stay overnight at Num local lodge.

Day 3
Trek to Seduwa.
The day’s trek starts with a steep descent through forests and farms to reach Barun River. From there, we cross the river and then take an equally steep ascent on the other side to enter the Makalu Barun National Park. After registering the permits, we spend night at local lodge.

Day 4
Trek to Tashigaun.
On this day we ascend a ridge bounded by rivers to the east and west. Then we cross the hillside through villages and paddy fields to finally reach the village of Tashi Gaun. We get the first breathtaking, panoramic views of the Himalayas. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 5
Trek to Khongma.
It is one of the toughest trek days as we have to take steep ascends at higher elevations. After we pass through forests, a stream, and a ridge, the trail gets steeper. Then it passes through a grazing land, stone steps, and few lakes to reach the top of a ridge. A short way from the ridge is Khongma Danda. A spellbinding view of Chamlang Mountain and other peaks can be enjoyed from the hilltop where we spend the night at local lodge.

Day 6
Acclimatization day at Kongma.
You will have easy rest day at Kongma as this place is already 3600m. It is ideal to spend for acclimatization. You can go day trip to acclimatize properly. It is great view point also. Overnight at Kongma local lodge.

Day 7
Trek to Dobate (3600m)
From Khongma, we follow an equally picturesque trail to the foothill of Shipton Pass. We walk along the ridge through a Rhododendron forest to Ghungru La. A short descend from here takes us to a lake and we reach Keke la pass. After crossing the pass, we move downwards towards the valley of Dobate where we spend the night at Local lodge.

Day 8
Trek to Yangle Kharka.
The day’s trek is quite difficult due to 2 hours of steep, strenuous climb. After that, a pleasant walk will suffice to gain altitude and finally reach Yangle Kharka. It is situated at the base of a valley where we spend our night at local lodge.

Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka.
Now, the trail ascends through grasslands and forests as we witness tantalizing views of various mountain peaks. Yak Kharka is a meadow where the yaks and other cattle graze during the day. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 10
Trek to Makalu Base Camp.
The trail from Yak Kharka is flat at first and then descends to a river. The base camp is on the western side of the river. The trail comprises views of various glaciers and snowy mountains. The stunning view of the southern part of Makalu Mountain is seen from the base. Other mountains like Baruntse, Kali Himal, Chamlang and Makalu II are also seen from the camp. Overnight at Local Lodge.

Day 11
Explore Makalu Base camp and trek down Yangle Kharka.
On this day, we explore our destination, Makalu Base Camp. It is a barren land with Barun glacier beyond it. We can enjoy the panoramic views of Everest and Lhotse or explore the lakes and glaciers in the region. A short hike can also be taken to Baruntse Base Camp. Later in the day, we make our way towards Yangle Kharka. After ascending for a few hours, the trail moves along a flat path and then descends to Yangle Kharka. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 12
Trek to Dobate.
From Yangle Kharka, we pass through rock falls, forests, and valleys to reach Dobate. From there, we walk along the Barun River and take a steep climb to reach a rough terrain that leads to Dobate. We stay overnight here.

Day 13
Trek to Khongma.
We start the day early and pass through lush rhododendron and fir forests to reach the base of Keke la pass. Then we climb Keke la pass, pass through Shipton La and Ghungru la pass to finally reach Khongma. Overnight at Local lodge.

Day 14
Trek to Seduwa.
We descend from Khongma ridge and pass through Rhododendron forests, rocky areas, and grasslands to reach Tashi Gaun. From Tashi Gaun, we pass through terraced fields with scenic views of mountains. We go lower to Arun River and make our way to Seduwa, where we stay the night at local lodge.

Day 15
Trek to Num.
As we leave Seduwa, we pass through lush forests on a trail that goes up and down to finally reach Num. Overnight at local lodge.

Day 16
Trek to Chichila and drive to Tumlingtar.
From Num, we retrace our steps back to Chichila. It is the last vantage point to enjoy the view of the Himalayas. The we drive to Tumlingtar. We spend a night at local lodge in Tumlingtar.

Day 17
Fly to Kathmandu.
We take a flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. You can enjoy the evening strolling around the tourist hubs in Kathmandu.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.