Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
This detailed itinerary helps you understand what to expect each day, from remote villages to spectacular Makalu Base Camp.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400m/4,600ft
4* Hotel in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Bold Himalaya who will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Then, you can either take a rest or explore the city.
For the day, you can roam around beautiful Thamel and find yourself some typical local products to shop for and get a close look at the bustling urban life. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Num
1,497m/4,911ft
Tea House
Lunch and Dinner
5-6 hours
After breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu airport for our domestic flight to Tumlingtar. The flight usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes, and the views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, along with hills and rivers, are magnificent.
Then, after take-off, approximately a 5-hour drive through the beautiful Arun Valley leads to the trek’s starting point at the village of Num. The drive passes through rural settlements, terraced farmlands, and lush forests, giving you a glimpse of everyday life in eastern Nepal.
Continuing our drive, we reach Chichira, a small town with a police checkpoint where we have to present our trekking permit. After reaching Num, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings. Overnight in Num.
Day 3: Trek to Seduwa
1,500m/4,921ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5-6 hours
Today, on our first day of trekking, we will have a big, steep descent to the Arun River, which takes around 2 hours, and a big climb to Seduwa, losing and regaining the height in one day.
The walk down to the river is through cardamom crops (the largest cash crop in the area), and the trail is on big stone steps all the way to the river at 770m. We will cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River and begin the long, winding climb to Seduwa, passing groves of giant bamboo and bustling village life.
After several hours of walking, we’ll reach the Makalu Barun National Park checkpoint, where you’ll complete the necessary permit formalities before settling into your teahouse for the night.
Day 4: Seduwa to Tashigaon
2,100m/6,890ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4-5 hours
Having breakfast in Seduwa, we’ll begin to climb on a path with many stone steps and pass several mani walls as we head into the Sherpa country. We will walk through many small farms dotted across the hillside, cardamom plantations and bamboo, and rhododendron forests.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy peaceful surroundings and occasional views of the surrounding hills and mountains. After crossing several streams and gradually climbing uphill, you’ll reach Tashigaon, the last permanent village before entering the higher alpine region. And spend the night in Tashigaon.
Day 5: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
3,500m/11,483ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6-7 hours
Today is one of the more demanding days of the trek as you leave Tashigaon behind and begin a steady climb toward Khongma Danda. The trail winds through dense rhododendron and pine forests before becoming steeper as you gain altitude.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks while passing through quiet alpine landscapes. After almost three hours, we will reach Dhara at 2,867m, which has a tea shop, and we are likely to have our lunch here as it’s our last opportunity to have a refreshment stop until we reach Khongma Danda.
After several hours of uphill trekking, you’ll arrive at Khongma Danda, a small high-altitude settlement where you can rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the mountain pass crossing ahead.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day
3,500m/11,483ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude before heading higher. Rather than resting all day, spend the day exploring the village and interacting with local people, where you can learn about their traditional lifestyle and culture.
It is also a great opportunity to capture stunning photographs and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Himalayas.
Day 7: Khongma Danda to Dobate
3,650m/11,975ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6-7 hours
After an early breakfast, the trail climbs over the series of mountain passes around Ghungru La (4,050 m), Shipton La (4,216 m), and Keke La (4,170 m), offering spectacular views of Chamlang, Peak 6, and Peak 7 on a clear day.
Beyond the passes, the route descends along rugged stone paths into a quieter landscape of dwarf rhododendrons, juniper shrubs, and moss-covered forests. As you lose altitude, you’ll enter the upper Barun Valley before arriving at the small settlement of Dobate, surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine wilderness. Overnight in Dobate.
Day 8: Dobate to Yangle Kharka
3,550m/11,647ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6-7 hours
Leaving Dobate, the trail goes through a peaceful forest of rhododendron, fir, and bamboo before following the banks of the Barun River. As you enter the heart of the Barun Valley, the landscape gradually opens into wide alpine meadows surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Along the way, you’ll pass seasonal yak grazing areas and enjoy occasional views of Peak 7 and the rugged mountains above the valley. After a steady walk through one of the most pristine sections of the Makalu region, you’ll arrive at Yangle Kharka, a quiet pasture where yak herders and trekkers often stop for the night before continuing toward higher elevations.
Day 9: Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka
4,410m/14,468ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6 hours
Today we’ll be heading to the Langmale Kharka trek, which follows the upper Barun Valley, where the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you gain altitude. Go slowly as you are gaining altitude. The trail passes through open alpine meadows, glacial streams, and rocky terrain, with the tree line gradually disappearing behind you.
After a gradual ascent through this spectacular high-altitude landscape, you’ll reach Langmale Kharka, a peaceful campsite and teahouse settlement that offers breathtaking panoramic views and serves as the final overnight stop before Makalu Base Camp.
Day 10: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
4,870m/15,978ft
Tea house
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6-7 hours
Finally, the day we are waiting for. The highlight of our journey will be as we make our way to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m). The trail follows the upper Barun Valley, passing glacial moraines, rocky ridges, and small streams fed by the Barun Glacier.
With every step, the massive south face of Mount Makalu (8,485 m) comes into clearer view, creating one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Nepal. Upon reaching the base camp, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Peak 6, Peak 7, and other surrounding Himalayan giants.
We’ll settle into the teahouse at base camp for an unforgettable night beneath the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
Day 11: Exploration Day
4,870m/15,978ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we have enough time to explore the Makalu Base Camp and take photographs in the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. You can go to nearby viewpoints for even closer views of the towering south face of Mouth Makalu, while also enjoying panoramic vistas of Chamlang, Baruntse, Peak 6, and Peak 7.
Day 12: Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
3,550m/11,647ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5-7 hours
Early morning, enjoying the sunrise over Mount Makalu, we’ll begin our descent from Makalu Base Camp. Returning our steps through Langmale Kharka, the trail follows the scenic Barun Valley, passing glacial streams, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes.
As you lose altitude, the air becomes richer in vegetation, and the surroundings gradually transition back to grassy pastures and scattered shrubs. Overnight in Yangle Kharka.
Day 13: Yangle Kharka to Dobate
3,650m/11,975ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5 hours
After breakfast in Yangle Kharka, we make our way back to Dobate. The route follows the Barun River, passing alpine meadows, small wooden bridges, and peaceful yak grazing pastures before gradually re-entering dense rhododendron and bamboo forests.
As you descend, you’ll enjoy a different perspective of the valley’s dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. After a comfortable day on the trail, you’ll arrive in the quiet settlement of Dobate
Day 14: Dobate to Khongma Danda
3,500m/11,483ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we will descend back to Khongma Danda. Leaving the peaceful valley behind, the trail climbs steadily through cool rhododendron and fir forests before ascending over the Keke La, Shipton La, and Ghungru La passes once again.
While descending, you’ll see the sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and deep valleys unfold, offering a fresh perspective of the landscapes you crossed earlier in the trek. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Khongma Danda, where we will spend our night.
Day 15: Khongma Danda to Seduwa
1,500m/4,921ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7-8 hours
Today we’ll descend from Khongma Danda toward the lower hills of the Makalu region. The trail winds through rhododendron forests, stone staircases, and quiet mountain paths before reaching Tashigaon, where you can take a short break and enjoy the village atmosphere.
Continuing downhill, you’ll pass terraced fields, small streams, and traditional farming settlements before arriving in Seduwa. As the altitude decreases, the warmer climate and greener surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to the rugged high mountains you’ve just explored.
Day 16: Seduwa to Num
1,497m/4,911ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5 hours
On our final day on the trek, we’ll head back to Num, retracing the route through terraced fields and peaceful hillside villages. After leaving Seduwa, you’ll descend to the Arun River, cross the suspension bridge, and make the final uphill climb to Num.
Along the way, enjoy your last views of the lush valleys and rural landscapes that have accompanied you since the start of the trek. Overnight in Num.
Day 17: Num to Tumlingtar
285m/400ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5-6 hours
After breakfast, you’ll leave the mountain trails behind and begin the scenic drive from Num to Tumlingtar. The winding road passes through traditional Rai villages, terraced farmlands, dense forests, and small riverside settlements, offering a final glimpse of the beautiful landscapes of eastern Nepal.
Along the way, you’ll cross several suspension bridges and follow sections of the Arun Valley, where local life unfolds in quiet rural communities. Upon reaching Tumlingtar, you can relax and enjoy a comfortable evening before your flight back to Kathmandu the following day.
Day 18: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
1,400m/4,600ft
Hotel
Breakfast
30-40 mins flight
After breakfast, you’ll board a scenic flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, which takes 30-40 minutes, marking the end of your Makalu Base Camp adventure.
On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, and you can take a good rest. Also, you can feel free to explore and enjoy. We will celebrate the successful completion of our trek with a pleasant farewell dinner.
Day 19: Final Departure
It’s time to say farewell to Nepal. After wishing you goodbye, our representative from Bold Himalaya will assist you to Tribhuwan International Airport.
If you have any intention of extending your stay in Nepal for an adventurous experience like Safari, Rafting, Biking Tours, Peak climbing, and trekking in other regions, then we would be more than happy to help. Thank you for choosing us.
Want to customize your trip?
We ensure every trip meets your expectations — customize your itinerary anytime to match your travel style and preferences.
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- Airport pick up and drop off service
- Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & back to Kathmandu
- All grounded transportation
- Accommodation in a 4* Hotel in Kathmandu & Tea houses during trek
- Full board meal during the trek with seasonal fruits
- English-speaking licensed guide
- All required permits (Makalu Baru National Park Entry Permit & TIMS Card)
- Sleeping bag, duffel bag if needed (return after trek)
- All government taxes
- International airfare
- Nepal Entry Visa fee
- Travel Insurance
- Any kind of soft or alcoholic drinks
- Any personal expenses
- Tips for the guide porters and support staff
- Any other services or activities that are not specified in the itinerary.
Essential Packing List for Makalu Base Camp Trek
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Trekking shirts and pants
- Warm down jacket
- Hat or sun cap
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Warm gloves and liner gloves
- Several pairs of trekking socks
- Comfortable underwear
FootWear
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in)
- Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
- Gaiters (recommended during snow or muddy conditions)
Trekking Gear
- Backpack (30-40L)
- Duffel bag (if using a porter)
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C)
- Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks
Personal Items
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladders
- Water purification tablets or a filter
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletries and wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
Health and First Aid
- Personal medications
- Basic first aid kit
- Blister treatment
- Pain relievers
- Altitude sickness medication (if prescribed)
- Insect repellent
Fixed Departure
Fixed Departures, Guaranteed Hassle-Free Travel
Makalu Base Camp Trek Map
Navigate Your Journey
Altitude Chart of Makalu Base Camp Trek
Good to Know
Before setting out for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, it's helpful to understand what to expect along the trail.
Makalu Base Camp Difficulty
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered one of Nepal’s most challenging tea house treks. It is not technically difficult, so you don’t need climbing skills, but the combination of long walking days, high altitude, steep trails, and extreme remoteness makes it a demanding adventure.
Most days involve trekking for 6 to 8 hours across rugged mountain paths, dense forests, rocky ridges, and glacier valleys. One of the toughest sections is the climb from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda, followed by the crossing of high passes like Shipton La and Keke La. These trails can be physically exhausting, especially after gaining altitude.
With good physical fitness, a steady pace, and proper acclimatization, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is achievable and incredibly rewarding.
Accommodation during Makalu Base Camp Trek
Accommodation on the Makalu Base Camp Trek is simple and reflects the region’s remote nature. Along the trail, you’ll stay in basic tea houses and local lodges run by welcoming families. The rooms are usually twin-sharing with simple beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets.
While they are clean and comfortable enough for resting after a long day of trekking, don’t expect luxury facilities. Most tea houses have shared toilets, and hot showers are available at some villages for an additional charge, although they become less common at higher elevations.
Meals during Makalu Base Camp Trek
During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, meals are simple, fresh, and prepared to provide the energy needed for long days on the trail. Since the region is remote, most ingredients are carried by porters or pack animals, so the menu is less extensive than on popular routes like Everest or Annapurna. Even so, the food is wholesome, filling, and cooked fresh at the tea houses each day.
Breakfast usually includes porridge, Tibetan bread, toast, pancakes, eggs, or chapati, served with tea or coffee to help you start the day. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find traditional Nepali dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, pasta, soups, momos, potatoes, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
As you gain altitude, food choices become more limited due to the difficulty of transporting supplies. Fresh meat is rarely available and is generally not recommended, while vegetarian meals are the safest and most common option. Hot drinks such as black tea, ginger tea, lemon tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are widely available and help keep you warm in the colder mountain weather.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Preparation
To ensure a rewarding and pleasant Makalu Base Camp Trek experience, adequate preparation is essential. Here are key factors to keep in mind while getting ready for the journey;
Training Required
The 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek demands a level of fitness. Each day you’ll be trekking for 5 6 hours, so it’s crucial to boost your stamina. To prepare, we suggest engaging in cardio exercises like running, jogging, swimming, using a treadmill, and working out on a machine.
To improve your endurance for trekking, consider incorporating strength-endurance exercises and hiking-related activities, such as trail running, stair climbing, or short hikes, into your routine. Allocate time daily for about a month to your trek to prepare yourself for the adventure.
Mental Preparation
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Long trekking days, high altitude, basic facilities, and the remote wilderness require patience, resilience, and a positive mindset.
Being prepared to adapt to changing weather, simple accommodations, and limited comforts will help you enjoy the journey. Staying flexible, trekking at a steady pace, and embracing the adventure are key to making the experience both rewarding and memorable.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Insurance
It’s crucial to have travel insurance when trekking on the Makalu base camp trek, as the region is quite remote and not frequented by trekking paths in the Himalayas. The area is secluded and lacks facilities. In case of an emergency or an injury that cannot be adequately treated with first aid, air evacuation is necessary.
Hence, it is basic to have emergency evacuation facilities together with your travel insurance. Cancellations of trips due to normal fiascos, political turmoil, or individual crises ought to be secured by the protections. Making beyond any doubt that the approach complies with the journey criteria requires carefully reviewing the subtle elements.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Permits
Trekkers must purchase two types of permits if they are interested in embarking on the trek to Makalu Base Camp.
The permits are the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit, which costs USD 20, and the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area Permit, which costs USD 30.
Note: Our licensed guide will arrange the trek permits, but please provide the essential documents required for permits.
Documents required for Permits
- Original passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Valid Nepal visa (or Nepal entry stamp)
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- A photocopy of your passport
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation
- Completed permit application form (usually arranged by your trekking agency)
- Emergency contact details
Makalu Base Camp Trek Guide
Bold Himalaya provides highly experienced and licensed trekking guides who prioritize the safety and well-being of all trekkers.
Guides are there to provide you will enormously support, guidance, and make sure you have delightful meals and comfortable accommodation facilities. They keep you safe and have the best possible experience during your trek by showing you famous places and making you fascinated with the tales of local lore, and experience wild adventures.
For having a comfortable journey with fewer constraints, hiring a porter is crucial as they carry your luggage and equipment, ensuring you have an unburdened journey. The maximum weight limit for porters is 20 kg.
Altitude Sickness and its Prevention
Altitude sickness is a condition where your body cannot adapt to the changing altitudes. Altitude sickness occurs after reaching an elevation higher than 3,000 meters. Gaining an altitude with a constant pace and taking a break after every 1,000 meters of trekking helps decrease the chances of altitude sickness. Symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or insomnia can be seen if one suffers from altitude sickness.
To mitigate the risks of altitude sickness, follow the measures mentioned below:
- Stay well hydrated along the trek.
- Monitor your itinerary for acclimatization periods.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Listen to your body’s cues. Maintain a pace.
- Carry a pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels.
- Opt for climbing during the day and sleeping at elevations at night.
- Remember to pack medication for headaches and body pains.
Facilities Available in Makalu Base Camp trek
Drinking Water
Drinking water is the most essential factor in keeping yourself hydrated during the trek, so trekkers are required to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day. Safe drinking water, like bottled water, mineral water, and boiled water, is available at teahouses or lodges but comes with some additional charges.
Drinking water is available at various water sources, such as ponds, springs, and water taps; however, it is recommended to use a water purifier. It is advised to carry 3 or 4 water bottles for refilling purposes.
Electricity
Electricity, along the trekking trail, is available at teahouses even in higher altitudes. Charging the electronics at teahouses comes with small fees so it is recommended for trekkers to carry power banks or portable chargers.
Mobile Networking and Internet
While at lower altitudes, good access to mobile networking and the internet is available, access is limited at higher altitudes. Teahouses offer internal facilities through WiFi routers, but getting internet access requires some fees. You can also use the Nepali sim like NTC and Ncell to utilize mobile networks.
ATM and Money Exchange
The facilities for ATMs and money exchange along the trekking trail are not available. You can withdraw enough money and exchange it for Nepali rupees while in Kathmandu. Make sure to carry enough Nepali currency for your Makalu Base Camp trek.
Responsible Tourism
Our experienced field staff or team strongly believes that we have a responsibility to act in favor of the local culture and environment. We heartily request all our guests to respect the local people, culture, traditions, and beliefs, be responsible, and express the positive influence of tourism in Nepal to local people and support the well-being of the local community.
Let’s leave only footsteps behind and capture only good memories from the Makalu Base Camp trek.
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Is solo trek available for Makalu Base Camp?
Yes, Solo trek is available in Makalu Base Camp. But we recommend having a licensed guide with you.
What is the difficulty level of Makalu Base Camp trek?
Makalu Base Camp is graded as a moderate to challenging level trek. The level of difficulty mostly depends upon an individual’s physical fitness, weather conditions, and trekker’s experience.
What is the highest elevation during the Makalu Base Camp trek?
The highest elevation you will experience during the Makalu Base Camp trek is 4,870 meters/15,978 feet.
How long does the Makalu Base Camp Trek take?
Most itineraries take 16 to 19 days, depending on your route, acclimatization schedule, and transportation to and from the trailhead.
What are the average trekking hours during Makalu Base Camp trek?
For the Makalu Base Camp trek, you’ll walk around 6-7 hours on average per day.
When is the best time for Makalu Base Camp trek?
The Autumn season (September, October, and November) and the spring season (March, April, and May) are considered the best time for Makalu Base Camp trekking when the weather is favorable and the views are crystal clear.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Makalu Base Camp Trek?
Yes. Since the trek reaches nearly 4,900 meters, there is a risk of altitude sickness. A proper acclimatization schedule, slow ascent, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms early are essential for a safe trek.
Is the Makalu Base Camp Trek suitable for beginners?
The trek is not ideal for complete beginners. However, beginners with excellent physical fitness, proper training, and the support of an experienced guide can successfully complete the trek with adequate preparation.
View OurSimilar Packages
Discover our top tours, loved by thousands of travelers annually. Choose the adventure that inspires you and embark on a journey tailored to your desires.
View All Packages
Save 5%
Manaslu Base Camp Trek
Nepal Tour Packages 
13.0 Days
Save 22%
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Nepal Tour Packages
13 Days
Save 33%
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
Nepal Tour Packages
15.0 Days
Save 32%
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nepal Tour Packages
13.0 Days
