hoshizoratreks@gmail.com
+977-9846066370
Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to one of the most isolated region of Nepal Himalayas .
Makalu is the 5th tallest peak in the world and its base camp trek is so isolated that it receives very trekkers every year. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is perfect trekking route for those trekkers who wants to spend some lonely time with nature and experience unique culture along the way with different views of world’s tallest peaks Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu.
Makalu Base Camp Trek falls under the Makalu Barun National Park and goes through the remote trail that encompasses some of the best that Himalayas has to offer – solitary trail, lush terraced farmlands, rustic lifestyle, lush tropical forest, rare wildlife and plenty of 8,000m+ peaks. MBC trail is a great trek for intrepid trekkers who wants to relish a challenge in less-trodden part of Nepal.
Makalu Base Camp Trek begins from cordial and terraced farmland settled by Rai community. They make less than three percent of Nepal’s population. The region is high scheduled which ensure that its distinctive culture, flora and fauna have been intact.
As the route rises, you will walk through lush rhododendron forests (which in spring are in full bloom mode) and cloud forest to the last remaining mountain eco-system and alpine meadows in Nepal.
As you approach the ice giants, past Barun River Valley, you will come to the exciting area of steep granite cliffs, massive glaciers and incredible waterfalls. Forest line gives way to alpine scrub and architecture & agriculture change accordingly.
From Makalu Base Camp, you will witness the spectacular and rare view of Everest, as well as Makalu, Lhotse, Chamlang and Kanchenjunga in the far-east.
Being relatively inaccessible, Makalu is little-known to the trekkers and there are only few hundreds visitors and mountaineers a year.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek offers a mesmerizing journey through pristine landscapes, dense forests, and remote valleys, culminating in the breathtaking views of the world's fifth highest peak, Mount Makalu. This trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenging and less crowded alternative to more popular routes, immersing in the tranquility of the Himalayas while experiencing the rich cultural diversity of the region's indigenous communities.
The high elevation, isolation and geography of Makalu Base Camp Trek makes it one of the challenging mountain treks in Nepal. Though technical skills are not required, previous hiking experience and good level of fitness is needed for this trek. A strong determination is equally important to endeavor this challenging hike.
The elevation of Makalu Base Camp is 4,870m, you will through extreme climatic zone, so apart from physical difficulty, the altitude sickness is another threat of Makalu Base Camp Trek.
The key to altitude sickness is to walk slow, stay hydrated and schedule ample acclimatization period.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is best to undertake pre- or post-monsoon – in the months of March – May or September – November. The weather post-monsoon tends to remain stable and views are usually clear. The months of spring (March – May) offers dramatic views of lush vegetation groomed with bloomed wild-flowers, especially rhododendron.
Monsoon receives heavy rainfall in Makalu region; inviting the threat of flood and landslide. Similarly, winter is extremely cold in upper reaches, so pack your gear wisely if you intend to trek Makalu in winter and monsoon.
Hoshizora Treks & Tour offers custom itinerary for the Makalu Base Camp Trek along with other treks in the region like Upper Dolpo Trekking, Wildreness Trekking, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking and more.
It is often the matter of confusion for trekkers who wants to go for this trek – “Is Makalu Base Camp Trek restricted?” and the answer is No.
All you need is Makalu Barun National Park Permit and TIMS.
However, if you choose to extend your trip to Upper Arun valley with Makalu Base Camp Trek, then you need to purchase restricted permits.
During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, accommodations primarily consist of teahouses and basic lodges along the route, offering cozy rooms with shared facilities such as bathrooms and dining areas. While amenities may be simple, these accommodations provide a comfortable respite for trekkers after a day of exploration. Additionally, some campsites may offer tented accommodation options for a more immersive experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Throughout the Makalu Base Camp Trek, trekkers can expect hearty meals served at teahouses and lodges along the route. The menus typically feature a variety of local and international dishes, including dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and pancakes, providing essential energy for the journey ahead. Vegetarian options are widely available, and dietary restrictions can often be accommodated with prior notice. Additionally, trekkers are encouraged to carry snacks and hydration supplies to stay fueled and hydrated while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas.
Transportation to the starting point of the Makalu Base Camp Trek typically involves a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a jeep or bus ride to the trailhead. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas before landing in Tumlingtar, where trekkers begin their journey into the wilderness. While the trail itself is primarily on foot, occasional use of local transportation or porters may be arranged for logistics and support along the way.
For the Makalu Base Camp Trek, hiring experienced guides and porters is highly recommended to enhance safety and enjoyment. Local guides possess invaluable knowledge of the terrain, weather conditions, and cultural insights, ensuring a smooth and enriching trekking experience. Porters are instrumental in carrying heavy gear, allowing trekkers to focus on the journey and scenery without the burden of a heavy pack. Together, guides and porters play a vital role in facilitating a memorable and successful adventure in the Himalayas.
For the Makalu Base Camp Trek, essential trekking equipment includes sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing, a reliable backpack, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. Additionally, it's crucial to pack high-energy snacks, water purification tablets, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the journey. While some gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu or Tumlingtar, ensuring you have quality equipment tailored to the demands of the trek is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and trek preparation day
Day 03: Fly: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichira (1,980m/6,497ft): 50 minute flight, 3 – 4 hours’ drive
Day 04: Trek starts: Chichira – Num (1,560m/ 5,119ft): 6–7 hours
Day 05: Num – Seduwa (1,500m/ 4,922 ft) – 6–7 hours
Day 06: Seduwa – Tashigaon (2,100m/ 6,890ft) – 4–5 hours
Day 07: Tashigaon – Khongma Danda (3,500m/ 11,483ft) – 6–7 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization/Rest
Day 09: Khongma Danda – Dobate (3610m) 6– 7 hours
Day 10: Dobate – Yangri Kharka (3,557m/ 11, 670ft) – 6 – 7 hours
Day 11: Yangri Kharka – Langmale Kharka (4,410m/ 14,468ft) – 5 – 6 hours
Day 12: Langmale Kharka – Makalu Base Camp (4,870m/ 14,468ft) – 5 – 6 hours
Day 13: Exploration Day at Makalu Base Camp (4870m)
Day 14: Makalu Base Camp – Yangri Kharka (3560m) – 6 – 7 hours
Day 15: Yangri Kharka – Dobate (3610m) – 5 – 6 hours
Day 16: Dobate – Khongma Danda (3,500m)– 5 – 6 hours
Day 17: Khongma Danda – Tashigaon (1554m) – 4 – 5 hours
Day 18: Tashigaon – Seduwa (1430m) – 4 – 5 hours
Day 19: Seduwa – Num (1519m)– 5 – 6 hours
Day 20: Num – Tumlingtar (518m) – 6 – 7 hours
Day 21: Tumlingtar – Kathmandu (1400m) – 50 minutes Flight
Day 22: Final Departure
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from The Himalayan Odyssey will receive you and transfer you to the designated hotel. Please look for your name in display or placard; which our representative will display on airport terminal hall. In the afternoon, you will take a rest or visit The Himalayan Odyssey’s office. In the evening, you will attend a welcome dinner hosted by The Himalayan Odyssey in typical Nepali restaurant. Here we will introduce you with your trek leader: he will brief you about the trip and check on the necessities.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: D
After breakfast, we take a guided tour to several historical and spiritual sites of Kathmandu: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These sites are protected by UNESCO world heritage site. Pashupatinath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to the almighty god Shiva. Built in 5th century, this revered Hindu temple is located alongside the bank of River Bagmati. Boudhanath is the largest Tibetan stupa of the country. It is strategically built at the ancient trade route to Tibet. Here we can witness many pilgrims making a religious Kora; spinning the prayer wheels. Boudhanath has four eyes painted on four cardinal directions which keep watch to people’s wrong deeds. There many restaurants and shops displaying religious Buddhism crafts. Swayambhunath is a hilltop landmark located just west of popular Touristic hub – Thamel. Foreigners call Swayambhunath as the monkey temple owing the number of monkeys residing in the area. This 2,000+ years old stupa is revered for both Hindus and Buddhist; as the existence of Kathmandu valley is linked with this site. Apart from religious importance, Swayambhunath presents 360 degree view of entire Kathmandu city and verdant hills surrounding the Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square used to be the ancient royal seat of Nepal until Late King Tribhuvan migrated to Narayanhiti Palace. Here you can explore the temples, sculpture and monuments dating back to 5- 7th century. The entire palace is converted into the museum which houses the ancient palace’s architecture, paintings and the weapons which dates back to Prithivi Narayan Shah’s period (the unification leader of great Nepal).
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
After breakfast, we fly to Tumlingtar and meet our local porters before starting the trip. We then drive to Chichira, a small Gurung village and take a rest and prepare for next day’s trek.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 50 Minute Flight/ 3-4 Hours Drive
Today we start early in the morning and continue towards Num right after heartily breakfast. We walk on a gradual pace through beautiful villages and verdant mountain forests to Num. Num village is stacked on a ridge with great views on both sides.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 6-7 Hours
A long and steep downhill walk along the forest and terraced fields takes us to Barun River. Then we cross the river and follow the steep uphill trail. The trail is quite hot and sweaty but the trees on the valley provides a bit of shade. Now we enter in to the Makalu Barun National Park and get our permits checked at the check post. We camp at an open place nearby the village.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today we climb the ridge beneath which Ipsuwa Khola and Kasuwa Khola flows. Then we cross the hill through ancient villages and pass small paddy fields to reach the picturesque village of Tashi Gaon.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours
Today is quite tough day as we have to climb uphill on a steep trail. We will climb through lush forest to a stream and then onto a ridge. The trail onwards become steeper and as we pass a Kharka, we follow an array of rough stone stairs. A gradual ascend via small lake followed by small drop to the Khongma Danda.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today is set aside for acclimatization. We take rest and acclimatize our body on thin atmosphere before crossing of the Shiptom La the next day. We explore the nearby surrounding this day.
Accomodation:
Meals: B L D
Today we climb towards the summit of the Shipton La Pass which takes couple of hours to conquer. Then we drop down gently to pass Kalo Pokhari (3,930m) before climbing over the Keke La at 4,170m. Keke La Pass offers impressive views of Chamlang (7,321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). From Keke La Pass, we drop down through beautiful valley to Dobate.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 6-7 Hours
From Dobate, we walk through the rhododendron forest which takes us to the Barun River and the upper part of the valley. The first two hours of trail is quite steep and challenging so extra cation is required. Finally, we join a pleasant walk; gradually gaining elevation until we reach Yangri Kharka located at the base of the valley.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today we follow the moderate trail; through mixed terrain of lush forest, yak pastures and boulder fields. We then pass Merek as we make our way further up to Langmale Kharka; with great Himalayan views.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours
Today is the most scenic day of the entire trek. From Langmale Khara, we walk towards Shershong and eventually make it to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is relatively flat with ice and snows on approaches and great views ahead of us. Mt. Makalu presence makes the trail more magical. On our way to the camp, countless natural magic amazes us.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours
The Makalu Base Camp is rocky arid place with massive Barun Glacier beyond it. The MBC presents astounding views of south face of Makalu and incredible view of Everest and Lhotse. We spend our day exploring surrounding lakes, glacier and valleys.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Today we climb down from the Base Camp and enjoy the last view of Makalu before heading back to Yangri Kharka. On our way back, we climb down passing through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and finally reach Yangri Kharka.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
From Yangri Kharka, we drop through green forests and valleys towards Dobate. Be careful, at some part of trail, we might encounter the rock falls. We continue descending down along the banks of Barun to reach Dobate.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours
Today we start with a steep ascend from Dobate to Mubuk and through the lush forest of firs and rhododendron. Then we cross the Keke La, Tutu La and Kauma La on the way. Next, we dro down to Khongma Danda again.
Accomodation: Camp
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours
Today, we make a long and continues descend through the forested hill. The trail is made through numbers of ups and downs before reaching the Sherpa village of Tashigaon.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours
Today we retrace our steps back to Seduwa exiting Makalu Barun National Park first. We drop down to Barun river and come across numbers of villages and settlements before reaching Seduwa.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours
Today we leave Seduwa behind and walk through lush forest to reach the Num village. The trail encounters series of ups and downs through lush forest and Sherpa village to drop down to Num.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 5-6 Hours
Today is the last day of walking adventure. We retrace our step back to Chichira and take a drive back to Tumlingtar Airport.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today we fly back to Kathmandu; enjoying the aerial view of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest and other peaks. We take a rest day-off and recall the memories we had for last couple of days. In the evening, we enjoy farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B
Activity Duration: 50 minutes Flight
Your adventure holiday in Nepal comes to an end today. The representative from Hoshizora Treks will transfer you back to Tribhuvan International Airport right on scheduled time. Farewell!!! Farewell!!!
Accomodation:
Meals: B
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered challenging, with rugged terrain and high altitudes. Proper physical fitness and acclimatization are crucial.
The best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and the skies are clear.
While it's not mandatory, hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety and navigation, as the trail can be remote and challenging.
Yes, you need permits to trek in the Makalu region. The required permits include the Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and the Restricted Area Permit.
The altitude of Makalu Base Camp is approximately 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) above sea level.
Accommodations along the trek route mainly consist of teahouses and basic lodges with shared facilities such as bathrooms and dining areas.
While possible, it's recommended to have prior trekking experience and knowledge of the area if trekking independently.
The trek typically takes around 16-20 days, depending on the chosen route and itinerary.
Highlights include stunning views of Mount Makalu and surrounding peaks, diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to alpine meadows, and encounters with unique flora and fauna.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, waterproof gear, trekking poles, a first aid kit, and high-energy snacks.
| accommodation: | Hotel, Lodge, Camp |
| Height: | 4,410 m |
| Best Season: | Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - November) |
| Grade: | Challenging |
| Duration: | 22 Days |
| Activity: | Trekking and Sightseeing |
| Treks Type: | Trekking and Sightseeing |
| Book Now | |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the popular wilderness trekking in Nepal that takes you to the remote and less-trodden
The Upper Dolpo Trekking is a real adventure in the wilderness that takes you to the remote Himalayan terrain of Nepal