Kathmandu, Nepal
The Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to the base camp of the world's fifth-highest mountain, Makalu (8,485 meters), which lies in the eastern part of Nepal, in the Makalu Barun National Park. The trek offers a unique and less crowded trekking experience compared to other popular treks in Nepal like Everest and Annapurna. It takes you through remote villages, dense forests, and high-altitude terrain, offering stunning views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and other snow-capped peaks.
The trek begins from the lowland areas of Tumlingtar, passing through villages inhabited by ethnic groups such as Rai, Sherpas, and Gurung. As you ascend, the landscape transitions from lush greenery to alpine meadows and eventually to glaciers and rocky terrains. The trek offers incredible biodiversity, including rare species such as the red panda and Himalayan tahr. The highest point is Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 meters, where you will be treated to mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.
The trek is physically demanding due to its remoteness, high altitude, and the challenge of crossing rugged terrain. It’s ideal for experienced trekkers who are looking for a less crowded and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative will meet you and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest and recover from your flight. If you’re feeling up to it, you can explore nearby streets or relax at the hotel.
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This day is reserved for trekking arrangements, including finalizing your permits and meeting with your guide. You may also choose to enjoy a leisurely sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting famous landmarks such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Pashupatinath Temple. This day ensures that everything is ready before your journey to the mountains.
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After an early morning flight to Tumlingtar, you will drive for approximately 4 to 5 hours to Sedhuwa, covering a distance of 30 km. This drive takes you through the scenic eastern foothills of Nepal, where you’ll pass through villages and terraced fields. You’ll spend the night in Sedhuwa, a quaint village at the base of the Makalu region.
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On this day, you’ll trek from Sedhuwa to Tashigaon, a journey of about 12 km and approximately 5 hours of walking. The route takes you through dense forests and small villages, offering the chance to experience the local Sherpa and Rai cultures. Tashigaon, at an altitude of 2,063m, is a charming village nestled among the mountains, where you’ll rest for the night.
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The trek from Tashigaon to Kauma is 6 to 7 hours long, covering about 15 km. As you ascend through forests of rhododendron and oak, the terrain becomes more rugged. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and you’ll pass by small settlements along the way. Kauma is a peaceful stop, where you’ll spend the night in a local tea house.
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From Kauma, you’ll embark on a 6 to 7-hour trek to Mumbuk, located at 3,500 meters. The trail takes you through alpine meadows and forests, gradually gaining altitude. As you move higher, the landscape becomes more rugged, and the views of the Makalu range start to unfold. Mumbuk is a small settlement, and you’ll stay overnight in a simple lodge.
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Today’s trek takes you to Nehe Kharka. You will trek for about 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of 14 km. As you ascend through alpine terrain, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Nehe Kharka, a grazing area for yaks, offers a great spot for rest and acclimatization before your final push to the Makalu Base Camp.
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The trek from Nehe Kharka to Shershon is slightly shorter in distance, but it’s a more demanding climb. The 8 km trek will take about 6 to 7 hours, gaining 1,060 meters in elevation. The journey provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, and you’ll pass through rocky terrains and alpine meadows. Upon reaching Shershon, you’ll be at a high altitude and can enjoy panoramic views of the Makalu and other surrounding mountains.
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Today, you’ll trek the final leg to Makalu Base Camp. It’s a relatively short but steep hike, taking 3 to 4 hours to cover just 4 km. As you approach base camp, the views of Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse become increasingly awe-inspiring. Once at Makalu Base Camp at 4,853 meters, you’ll have ample time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the incredible views of the Himalayan peaks.
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You’ll spend this day exploring Makalu Base Camp. This acclimatization day allows you to rest and take in the magnificent views. You may opt to take short hikes in the area or relax at the base camp while soaking in the grandeur of the towering mountains surrounding you. This day also provides a chance to rest and enjoy the serenity of the region.
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After your exploration of Makalu Base Camp, you will retrace your steps back towards Nehe Kharka, continuing on to either Shipton-La Camp or Dobate. This part of the trek will take around 5 to 6 hours and cover 10 km. As you descend, the terrain becomes more varied, offering an opportunity to enjoy different landscapes on your way down.
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Today, you will descend to Sedhuwa, taking approximately 6 to 7 hours and covering 11 km. As you descend through forests and villages, the scenery changes from alpine meadows to subtropical forests, and the temperatures rise as you lose altitude. Sedhuwa will provide a comfortable stop for the night after your descent.
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On this day, you will continue your descent from Sedhuwa to Mure. The journey will take about 6 hours, covering a distance of 9 km. The route follows a gentle descent through forested areas, and the weather becomes warmer as you descend towards lower altitudes. Mure is a charming village where you’ll rest for the night before heading further down.
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Today, you’ll take a short, relaxing drive from Mure to Tumlingtar in a local jeep. The drive takes about 30 minutes and covers 30 km. This gives your legs a break after the trek, and you can enjoy the views as you head back to the town. You’ll have some time to rest and prepare for your flight back to Kathmandu.
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On the final day of your journey, you’ll take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. The flight lasts about 50 minutes, offering incredible aerial views of the eastern Himalayas and the valleys below. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel to relax and reflect on the unforgettable adventure to Makalu Base Camp.
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On your departure day, depending on the timing of your international flight, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport by your hotel staff. This marks the end of your incredible trek to Makalu Base Camp. You’ll carry with you memories of stunning landscapes, high-altitude adventures, and the peaceful serenity of the Makalu region.
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Clothes
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat
Lightweight Down jacket (Provided)
Waterproof trousers
Lightweight trekking trousers
Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)
Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
Trekking t-shirts/shirts
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Waterproof thick gloves for winter
Glove liners
Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
Wool hat for winter only
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Spare underwear
Buff or similar to cover your neck and face
One pair of worn-in, waterproof hiking boots
One pair of lightweight trainers (for the camp, in the evenings)
4 season sleeping bag (Provided)
Extra Clothes for Winter
Extra warm layers (add an extra warm item to all key items above)
Extra set of thermals (pair to walk in, pair to sleep in)
Merino trekking socks
Merino glove liners
Tech
Powerbank
Universal plug adaptor
Charging cables
Phone / iPod
Toiletries
Biodegradable wet wipes
Hand gel
Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
Toilet paper
Sunscreen & lip block
Personal medication
First Aid Kit, including:
Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets (Imodium)
Painkillers
Anti-inflammatories
Throat Lozenges
Rehydration Sachets
Blister Plasters
Vaseline - to rub on feet to reduce friction
Diamox for (only after consultation with a medical professional)
OTHER ITEMS
Trekking poles
Travel towel
Two water bottles (one litre each)
Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)
Water purification tablets, such as Lifestraw or SteriPEN
Crampons or chained spikes that will fit any boot, if you don't have crampon-suitable boots (for winter departures between December and March)
Day pack with rain cover (30 litres +)
Duffel bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit) (Provided)
The trek generally takes around 17 to 18 days, depending on acclimatization and rest days. The trek includes the journey to and from the base camp, as well as time for exploring and acclimatizing.
Yes, prior trekking experience is recommended, as the Makalu Base Camp trek is physically demanding and involves high altitudes. The trek is considered moderate to challenging, and trekkers should be in good physical condition and accustomed to multi-day trekking at high altitudes.
The best time to trek to Makalu Base Camp is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stable weather conditions, making it ideal for trekking. Winter and summer are not recommended due to harsh weather and the risk of monsoon rains.
You will need a Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit (MACAP) and a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card. Both permits can be obtained in Kathmandu.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an experience like no other. I loved the fact that it was far less crowded than Everest or Annapurna. You get to experience local cultures, and the natural beauty is just stunning. That said, be prepared for altitude issues, especially if you haven’t done much high-altitude trekking before. It’s a tough trek, but one that will stay with me forever."
I’ve done a few treks in Nepal, but Makalu Base Camp was by far the most challenging and rewarding. The landscapes were incredibly diverse, from lush forests to stark, high-altitude terrain. The trail is quite remote, and it felt like an adventure rather than a typical trek. There were some tough days, especially with the long climbs, but the views and sense of tranquility at base camp made it all worth it. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable about the area.
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