Makalu Base Camp Trek - 20 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 20 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 4,870m/15,978ft. Walking Per Day: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Fair Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1-10
Mode: Lodge/Tea-House Culture: Rai Culture, Limbu Culture, Sherpa Culture, Tibetan Influenced Culture

Makalu Base Camp Trek in the Makalu region of Nepal is an adventuresome and demanding trekking venture journeying up to the base of the world’s fifth-highest peak, Mt. Makalu. Standing tall at the elevation of 8,485m/27,838ft bordering Nepal and Tibet, the region is located at the southeast of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. The trek route was discovered by Eric Shipton, an English Himalayan mountaineer, and the high pass which shall be crossed during the trek is named Shipton La Pass as a tribute to him for his achievement and discovery. 

Virgin and Off-the-beaten routes of Makalu Region

Trekking to Makalu was not open for foreigners and is still a restricted area that can be embarked upon with special permits only. Hence, the region is still unexplored to the maximum extent. The precious culture, tradition, and history along with various species of birds, wildlife, and vegetation are being preserved in the Makalu region till the day. Trekking thru virgin and off-the-beaten routes of Makalu is an opportunity to discover them all.

En route: Makalu Base Camp

Following the Arun River Valley along the trail and exposing the flora and fauna in the Makalu Barun National Park, Makalu region treks get initiated.

En route, the trekkers enjoy their hike with the jaw-dropping sceneries of the Himalayas, the snow-clad landscapes, moist forests, high-altitude terrains, glaciers, and glacial lakes. Nevertheless, the lifestyle and culture of the indigenous ethnic groups like Rai, Limbu, and Gurung along with their foods, uniforms, and festivals is an additional merit.    

Physical fitness and requirements

With a nestled togetherness of natural beauty and cultural enrichment along with the taste of adrenaline sensation, trekking in Makalu is the ultimate combo for the travel enthusiast. However, the treks and expeditions in the Makalu region of Nepal are physically demanding and arduous. The trekkers must possess sound physical fitness along with regular exercising routines to qualify for Makalu region treks

Any previous climbing or trekking experiences are not mandatory if you have a positive attitude and endurance. Moreover, good knowledge of trekking routes of the highly skilled trekking guide and the required gear and equipment will lead you to a successful and safe journey.

Best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Travelling is always amazing but if you travel at the right time, all the incredible aspects of a place can be exposed. From March to May in the spring and September to November in the autumn, Makalu region treks are faultless. With favorable weather conditions and the blooming of flora and fauna, the time frame is just flawless. 


Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
    • Duration :Half Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath

      » Pashupatinath

    • Highlights :

      » Sightseeing at Kathmandu

      » UNESCO World Heritage Sites

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Equipment checking and briefing about the trek

     

  • Day 3 Flight to Tumlingtar(400m/1,315ft) and Drive by jeep to Num(1,505m/4,938ft)
    • Duration :45 mins Flight and 5-6 hrs Drive(55Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Domestic Flight and Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Domestic Airport

      » Tumlingtar Domestic Airport

      » Khandbari

      » Mane Bhanjyang

      » Chichila

      » Kuwapani

      » Hururu

      » Mudhe(Mure)

      » Num

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic flight

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » Drive through Arun Valley near the border with Sikkim up to Num

      » Fertile landscape

      » Arun River

      » Khandbari – Capital City of Taplejung

      » Ulnity in Diversity

     

  • Day 4 Num to Seduwa(1,530m/5,020ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Descend :505m/1,656ft
    • Ascend :535m/1,755ft
    • Location :

      » Num

      » Lumbang

      » Arun River

      » Seduwa

    • Highlights :

      » Suspension Bridge

      » Cross Arun River

      » Makalu Barun National Park – the only protected area in the world with a height difference of more than 8,000m which includes both subtropical vegetation and icy peaks

      » Lush forests

      » Terraced Farmlands

      » Cornfields

      » Rai Village

     

  • Day 5 Seduwa to Tashigaon(2,065m/6,775ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(10-11Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Ascend :535m/1,755ft
    • Location :

      » Seduwa

      » Manigaon

      » Chyaksa Danda

      » Tashigaon

    • Highlights :

      » Cross Hillside

      » Meadows

      » Paddy fields

      » Lush forests spiked with bamboo and banana trees

      » Paths paved with big stones

      » Trees covered with ferns, moss, and orchids due to humidity

      » Sherpa Village

      » Monasteries

      » Prayer Flags

      » Prayer Wheels

      » Mani Walls and Mani Stones

     

  • Day 6 Tashigaon to Khongma/Kauma(3,562m/11,686ft)
    • Duration :6-7 hrs(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Ascend :1,497m/4,912ft
    • Location :

      » Tashigaon

      » Sadema

      » Unshisha

      » Khongma/Kauma

    • Highlights :

      » Steep Ascent

      » Lush forest

      » Lichen-covered jungle

      » Pass-through Kharkas(Grazing Lands)

      » Rough Stone Stairs

      » Small Lakes ascending to the top of the ridge

      » Stone Chorten

      » Mani-Mauern and Prayer flags

      » View of Kanchenjunga

     

  • Day 7 Rest day in Khongma/Kauma
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Location :

      » Khongma/Kauma

    • Highlights :

      » Rest and relax and acclimatize

     

  • Day 8 Khongma/Kauma to Mumbuk(3,550m/11,646ft) via Khongma La Pass(3,837m/12,588ft), Ghongru La/Tutu La Pass(4,053m/13,297ft), Shipton La Pass(4,220m/13,845ft) and Keke La Pass(4,152m/13,622ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Ascend :662m/2,172ft
    • Descend :670m/2,198ft
    • Location :

      » Khongma/Kauma

      » Khongma La Pass

      » Ghongru/Tutu La Pass

      » Shipton La Pass

      » Kalo Pokhari

      » Keke La Pass

      » Mumbuk

    • Highlights :

      » Steep Climb

      » Cross four passes

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » Lush Sceneries

      » Viewpoint from where you can observe Peak VI, Peak VII and Chamlang

      » Lake Kalo Pokhari

      » Prayer Flags

      » Stone Chorten

      » Sherpa Village

     

  • Day 9 Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka(3,610m/11,845ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Descend :455m/1,492ft
    • Ascend :515m/1,690ft
    • Location :

      » Mumbuk

      » Temathang Kharka

      » Yangri Kharka

    • Highlights :

      » Steep Descent through Rhododendron, Oak and Birch forest to the Barun River(3,295m/10,810ft)

      » Walk along the riverbank

      » Rocky and Sloppy Mud

      » Glacial Valley

      » View of Mountains

      » Small Temple

      » Stupa

      » Prayer flags blowing in the wind 

     

  • Day 10 Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka(4,410m/14,468ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Ascend :800m/2,625ft
    • Location :

      » Yangri Kharka

      » Nehe Kharka

      » Riphuk Kharka

      » Jhak Kharka

      » Yak Kharka

      » Merek

      » Langmale Kharka

    • Highlights :

      » Impressive change in Landscape

      » Yak Pastures

      » Lush Forests

      » Boulder Fields

      » Scenic Himalaya Views

      » Rock falling area

      » View of Mountains and Peaks

      » Prayer Flags

      » Mani Walls and Mani Stones

     

  • Day 11 Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp(4,870m/15,978ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(10-11Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge
    • Ascend :460m/1,510ft
    • Location :

      » Langmale Kharka

      » Shershong

      » Makalu Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Flat Trail

      » Ice Glacier Walk

      » Snow-clad mountains

      » Later Moraine of the West Barun Glacier

      » Complete Panorama of Everest and Lhotse

      » Marvelous south-face view of Mt. Makalu

     

  • Day 12 Explore Makalu Base Camp
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge
    • Location :

      » Makalu Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Day Hike up to the choice of yours

      » Visit nearby glaciers and lakes

      » Rest and Relax  

     

  • Day 13 Makalu Base Camp to Nehe Kharka(3,765m/12,352ft)
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(13-14Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Descend :1,105m/3,625ft
    • Location :

      » Makalu Base Camp

      » Shershong

      » Langmale Kharka

      » Merek

      » Yak Kharka

      » Jhak Kharka

      » Riphuk Kharka

      » Nehe Kharka

    • Highlights :

      » Take the last glimpse of Makalu Base Camp and the sceneries

      » Descend through the same route with the views from a different angle

     

  • Day 14 Nehe Kharka to Mumbuk
    • Duration :5-6 hrs(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Ascend :55m/180ft
    • Descend :260m/854ft
    • Location :

      » Nehe Kharka

      » Yangri Kharka

      » Temathang Kharka

      » Mumbuk

    • Highlights :

      » Descend via the already known path with a view from a different angle

     

  • Day 15 Mumbuk to Khongma/Kauma via Keke La Pass, Shipton La Pass, Ghungru La/Tutu La Pass and Khongma La Pass
    • Duration :5 hrs(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Descend :662m/2,172ft
    • Ascend :670m/2,198ft
    • Location :

      » Mumbuk

      » Keke La Pass

      » Kalo Pokhari

      » Shipton La Pass

      » Ghungru La/Tutu La Pass

      » Khongma La Pass

      » Khongma/Kauma

    • Highlights :

      » Descend via the already known path with a view from different angle crossing the same four passes

     

  • Day 16 Khongma/Kauma to Tashigaon
    • Duration :6 hrs(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Descend :1,497m/4,912ft
    • Location :

      » Khongma/Kauma

      » Unshisha

      » Sadema

      » Tashigaon

    • Highlights :

      » Descend via the already known path with a view from a different angle

     

  • Day 17 Tashigaon to Seduwa
    • Duration :5 hrs(10-11Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Descend :535m/1,755ft
    • Location :

      » Tashigaon

      » Chyaksa Danda

      » Manigaon

      » Seduwa

    • Highlights :

      » Descend via the already known path with a view from a different angle

     

  • Day 18 Seduwa to Tumlingtar via Num and fly back to Kathmandu
    • Duration :5-6 hrs walk(11-12Km), 5-6 hrs drive(55Km) and 45 mins flight
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Home-Stay
    • Ascend :505m/1,656ft
    • Descend :535m/1,755ft
    • Location :

      » Seduwa

      » Arun River

      » Lumbang

      » Num

      » Mudhe(Mure)

      » Hururu

      » Kuwapani

      » Chichila

      » Mane Bhanjyang

      » Khandbari

      » Tumlingtar Domestic Airport

      » Kathmandu Domestic Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Descend via the already known path with a view from a different angle

      » Cross suspension bridge

      » Drive back to Tumlingtar

      » End the trek and fly back to Kathmandu

     

  • Day 19 Kathmandu Shopping and Exploration
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Shopping

      » Relax

      » Farewell Dinner

     

  • Day 20 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Makalu Base Camp Trek Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and drop service
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Domestic Flight and Private Vehicle
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Permits
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • Rescue arrangement service
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge.
  • First aid medical box.
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pickup and drop service
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • Breakfast during the trek (BNB)
  • Domestic Flight and Private Vehicle
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Permits
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • Rescue arrangement service
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge.
  • First aid medical box.
  • Farewell Dinner

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Food in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Food in Kathmandu
  • Lunch and Evening Meals/ Dinner during the trek
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 20 days Makalu Base Camp Trek

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

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Makalu Base Camp Trek - 20 days

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