Mountaineering Expeditions
Peak Climbing
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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Season

March - May, September - November

Group Size

2+

Max Altitude

5,050 meters (Makalu Base Camp)

Duration

19 Days

Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a spectacular and remote trekking adventure in eastern Nepal, offering breathtaking views of Makalu (8,463 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. This trek takes you through the pristine Arun Valley, dense rhododendron and pine forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages, providing a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

The trail passes through Sherpa and Rai settlements, allowing trekkers to experience local Himalayan culture, traditional lifestyles, and ancient monasteries. The trek gradually ascends to Makalu Base Camp at approximately 5,050 meters, offering panoramic views of Makalu, Kangchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks.

Moderate to challenging in difficulty, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience and good physical fitness. This trek is an ideal choice for those seeking a remote and less-crowded route, combining awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery, cultural experiences, and high-altitude adventure.

Itinerary

Makalu Base Camp Trek

19 Days • Itinerary Overview

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax or take a short stroll around Thamel.
Highlights: Arrival in Kathmandu, orientation, rest and acclimatization.

 

Day 02

Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit major UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Highlights: Cultural landmarks, panoramic city views, Nepalese heritage.

 

Day 03

Fly to Tumlingtar and Drive to Chichira (1,400–1,600 m)

Take a morning flight to Tumlingtar, then drive through scenic valleys to Chichira, the starting point of the trek. Explore the village and enjoy your first views of the Makalu region.
Highlights: Scenic flight, valley landscapes, start of trekking adventure.

Day 04

Trek to Num (1,950 m)

Begin trekking through forested trails, terraced fields, and small settlements to reach Num. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful environment.
Highlights: First day of trekking, village trails, forested paths.

Day 05

Trek to Seduwa (2,200 m)

Trek through dense forests and traditional villages to Seduwa. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and local life.
Highlights: Village culture, terraced farmlands, mountain vistas.

Day 06

Trek to Tashigaon (2,700 m)

Continue ascending through rhododendron and pine forests to reach Tashigaon. The trail gradually gains altitude and offers expansive views of the surrounding peaks.
Highlights: Forest trekking, altitude gain, scenic viewpoints.

Day 07

Acclimatization Day in Tashigaon (2,700 m)

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. Optional short hikes allow for acclimatization while enjoying beautiful views of the Makalu range.
Highlights: Acclimatization, short hikes, mountain panoramas.

Day 08

Trek to Khongma (3,200 m)

Trek higher into the alpine zone, passing through open valleys and moraines to Khongma. The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic.
Highlights: Alpine scenery, rugged landscapes, higher altitude trekking.

Day 09

Trek to Dobate (3,650 m)

Continue ascending through rocky trails to Dobate. Enjoy spectacular views of Makalu and surrounding peaks.
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, mountain vistas, alpine terrain.

Day 10

Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,850 m)

Trek through glacial valleys and alpine meadows to reach Yangle Kharka. The trail offers closer views of the massive Makalu peak.
Highlights: Alpine meadows, glacial views, stunning mountain scenery.

Day 11

Trek to Langmale Kharka (4,200 m)

Ascend gradually through rugged terrain and moraines to Langmale Kharka. Prepare for the final approach to the base camp.
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, panoramic vistas, alpine environment.

Day 12

Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,850 m)

Reach Makalu Base Camp, the heart of the Makalu region. Enjoy breathtaking views of Makalu (8,463 m) and surrounding peaks. Overnight at base camp is an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
Highlights: Makalu Base Camp, panoramic Himalayan views, adventure trekking.

Day 13

Explore Makalu Base Camp (4,850 m)

Spend the day exploring the area around the base camp. Take photographs, enjoy the glaciers, and experience the grandeur of one of the world’s highest mountains.
Highlights: Glacial views, photography, high-altitude exploration.

Day 14

Trek back to Langmale Kharka (4,200 m)

Begin your descent, retracing your steps to Langmale Kharka. Enjoy the alpine scenery along the way.
Highlights: Descent, alpine landscapes, reflective trekking.

Day 15

Trek to Dobate (3,650 m)

Continue descending through alpine trails back to Dobate. The scenery transitions from high mountains to forests and meadows.
Highlights: Scenic descent, mountain views, gradual return to lower altitudes.

Day 16

Trek to Tashigaon (2,700 m)

Trek back to Tashigaon, enjoying the forests and peaceful villages on the way.
Highlights: Forest trails, village life, gradual descent. memories.

Day 17

Trek to Seduwa (2,200 m)

Descend further through traditional villages and terraced fields to reach Seduwa.
Highlights: Village trails, rural culture, beautiful landscapes.

Day 18

Trek to Num, Drive to Tumlingtar, and Fly to Kathmandu

Complete the final leg of the trek to Num, drive to Tumlingtar, and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Highlights: Trek completion, scenic drive, return to Kathmandu.

Day 19

Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with lasting memories of the Makalu region.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

19 Days – Detailed Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax or take a short stroll around Thamel.
Highlights: Arrival in Kathmandu, orientation, rest and acclimatization.

 

02

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit major UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Highlights: Cultural landmarks, panoramic city views, Nepalese heritage.

 

03

Take a morning flight to Tumlingtar, then drive through scenic valleys to Chichira, the starting point of the trek. Explore the village and enjoy your first views of the Makalu region.
Highlights: Scenic flight, valley landscapes, start of trekking adventure.

04

Begin trekking through forested trails, terraced fields, and small settlements to reach Num. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful environment.
Highlights: First day of trekking, village trails, forested paths.

05

Trek through dense forests and traditional villages to Seduwa. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and local life.
Highlights: Village culture, terraced farmlands, mountain vistas.

06

Continue ascending through rhododendron and pine forests to reach Tashigaon. The trail gradually gains altitude and offers expansive views of the surrounding peaks.
Highlights: Forest trekking, altitude gain, scenic viewpoints.

07

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. Optional short hikes allow for acclimatization while enjoying beautiful views of the Makalu range.
Highlights: Acclimatization, short hikes, mountain panoramas.

08

Trek higher into the alpine zone, passing through open valleys and moraines to Khongma. The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic.
Highlights: Alpine scenery, rugged landscapes, higher altitude trekking.

09

Continue ascending through rocky trails to Dobate. Enjoy spectacular views of Makalu and surrounding peaks.
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, mountain vistas, alpine terrain.

10

Trek through glacial valleys and alpine meadows to reach Yangle Kharka. The trail offers closer views of the massive Makalu peak.
Highlights: Alpine meadows, glacial views, stunning mountain scenery.

11

Ascend gradually through rugged terrain and moraines to Langmale Kharka. Prepare for the final approach to the base camp.
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, panoramic vistas, alpine environment.

12

Reach Makalu Base Camp, the heart of the Makalu region. Enjoy breathtaking views of Makalu (8,463 m) and surrounding peaks. Overnight at base camp is an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
Highlights: Makalu Base Camp, panoramic Himalayan views, adventure trekking.

13

Spend the day exploring the area around the base camp. Take photographs, enjoy the glaciers, and experience the grandeur of one of the world’s highest mountains.
Highlights: Glacial views, photography, high-altitude exploration.

14

Begin your descent, retracing your steps to Langmale Kharka. Enjoy the alpine scenery along the way.
Highlights: Descent, alpine landscapes, reflective trekking.

15

Continue descending through alpine trails back to Dobate. The scenery transitions from high mountains to forests and meadows.
Highlights: Scenic descent, mountain views, gradual return to lower altitudes.

16

Trek back to Tashigaon, enjoying the forests and peaceful villages on the way.
Highlights: Forest trails, village life, gradual descent. memories.

17

Descend further through traditional villages and terraced fields to reach Seduwa.
Highlights: Village trails, rural culture, beautiful landscapes.

18

Complete the final leg of the trek to Num, drive to Tumlingtar, and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Highlights: Trek completion, scenic drive, return to Kathmandu.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with lasting memories of the Makalu region.

Trip Inclusions

Trip Inclusions

Everything you need for a comfortable and memorable trek

Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfers
    Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu Accommodation
    Four nights’ accommodation in a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast.
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing
    Guided sightseeing tour of major cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.
  • Domestic Transportation
    Round-trip flight to Tumlingtar, including round-trip ground transfers.
  • Permits & Entry Fees
    Trekking entry permit and local village development fees.
  • Medical Oxygen & First Aid
    One 3-liter oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator for emergency medical use, along with a comprehensive first-aid kit.
  • Tea House Trek Accommodation & Meals
    Lodging in local tea houses during the trek, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Snacks During Trek
    Supplementary snacks such as cheese, crackers, salami, fresh fruits, and similar items to maintain energy levels.
  • Trekking Staff Support
    Licensed trekking guide and porters, including their food, accommodation, wages, insurance, and domestic air tickets.
  • Office & Service Charges
    All operational and administrative service charges.

Exclusions

Personal Expenses

  • International airfare to Nepal
  • Personal equipment (boots, climbing harness, gloves, jackets, crampons)
  • Personal trekking/medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, porters, or staff

Extra Services

  • Extra hotel nights outside itinerary
  • Optional sightseeing or recreational activities
  • Satellite phone, internet, or personal communications

Unforeseen Costs

  • Rescue or evacuation due to personal negligence or health issues
  • Weather-related delays (flights or lodging beyond plan)

Other

  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks purchased personally
  • Any items not mentioned in the inclusions
Adventure

Makalu Base Camp Trek

19 Days • Schedule Your Own Departure

No booking fees • Free cancellation up to 50 days

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