Makalu Base Camp Trek

On this day, you will have an early flight of scenic splendor from Kathmandu to reach Tumlingtar (a small town serving as the entry point to the region of Makalu). The flight takes 30-35 minutes. From the flight, you get a bird's eye view of beautiful mountains, lush hills, and winding rivers. At Tumlingtar, you will meet our trekking crew. Then, you will have a picturesque drive directly to Num, which takes about 4-5 hours. You will pass over the terraced fields, small villages, and intensive forests on the way. During day time, you will reach Num village (1,505m) - a beautiful hilltop village with green mountains around. From this location, you can admire the stunning sights of the nearby valleys and far-off mountains.

• Highlights: Stunning views of distant peaks.
• Accommodation: cozy tea house in Num.

Following breakfast, you will begin your trek by making a steep descent toward the Arun River. This trail can be challenging because you need to trek through terraced fields and dense forest to reach the high suspension bridge. After you pass the high suspension bridge, you will start to ascend to reach Seduwa. During the trek, you can observe the real beauty of Makalu region such as picturesque villages, cardamom fields, and rich biodiversity. By the late afternoon, you will reach Seduwa (1,530m) - a charming village that is considered the gateway to the Makalu-Barun National Park. In this location, you must register the permits. At night, you can enjoy the traditional cuisine and stay overnight there.

• Highlights: Trek through beautiful villages, cardamom fields, and rich biodiversity.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 6.5 to 8 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Seduwa.

Following breakfast, you will begin your trek towards Tashi Goan - a traditional Sherpa village which is fully surrounded by hills and forest. Your trek begins with an easy stroll along agricultural land, cardamom groves, and small villages where you can see the daily lives of villagers. You will ascend through the thick bamboo and rhododendron wood after about two hours of walking. While ascending, you may feel the increase in altitude. Then, slowly, you will witness the breathtaking mountain view in a wider way. After trekking for around 5-6 hours, you will finally reach the Tashi Goan (2,065m). Here, you can discover the way of life of the Sherpa community

• Highlights: Ascend through bamboo and rhododendron forests.
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours / Distance: 10-15 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Tashi Gaon.

This day is challenging as you need to trek at higher elevated places. Following breakfast, you will start your journey to Khongma Danda. You will ascend through the dense forest of rhododendron and oak. Furthermore, you will also have to traverse through meadows and rocky terrain, which offers a glimpse of distant peaks. After ascending for a few hours, you will find that there is a shift from abundant plant life to more mountainous scenery. This trek tests your stamina as you need to trek for around 5-7 hours at higher altitude to arrive at Khongma Danda (3,562m). You need to pass the Shipton La pass - among the toughest and highest passes on the Makalu Base Camp trek. Once you reach there, you will be welcomed with the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. At night, you will be provided with traditional food. Furthermore, you will stay overnight there.

• Highlights: Traversing through the Shipton La pass.
• Trek Duration: 5-7 hours / Distance: 7.2 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Khongma Danda.

Day 6 is regarded as one of the tough days since you must navigate multiple high passes while trekking. You need to steeply ascend through the Shipton La Pass (4,200m), the most significant and demanding section of the Makalu Base Camp trek. The ascending part of this trek is generally tough, but it is rewarding too, as this trek offers spectacular views of mountains such as Chamlang and Makalu. After you pass the Shipton La Pass, the path will occasionally rise and fall as you navigate through smaller passes like Keke La and Tutu La. The descending part is very wet and snowy, so you need to be careful while stepping. After trekking for a few hours, you will reach Dobate (3,550m), a small settlement surrounded by dense rhododendron and pine forests. Upon arriving at the Dobate, you will receive dinner in the evening and have an overnight stay.

• Highlights: Crossing the Shipton La Pass (4,200m), offering the mesmerizing view of majestic mountains.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 7.6 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Dobate.

Following the hearty breakfast, the trail descends by following the beautiful rhododendron, pine, and birch forest route. Then, you will trek along the narrow trail, slowly opening the enchanting views of snow-capped mountains and deep valleys. Additionally, you need to navigate the Barun River gorge. This trek sometimes goes downhill and sometimes uphill. During the trek, you have to trek through meadows and alpine pastures where the yaks are often grazed. In the afternoon, you will reach Yangle Kharkha (3,600m) - a wide and scenic meadow located in the Barun Valley. There, you will eat a delicious dinner and stay overnight.

• Highlights: Trek through fields and mountain pastures with herding yaks.
• Trek Duration: 5-7 hours / Distance: 7 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Yangle Kharkha.

Breakfast will be provided to you in the morning. Following that, you start your journey through the beautiful Barun Valley. You will feel the increase in altitude as the landscape changes from dense forests to alpine meadows and rugged terrain, while offering the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. You need to climb through the open fields, stony areas, and narrow wooden footbridges to reach Langmale Kharka. In between the trek, you can also have an opportunity to observe the grazing yaks. As you ascend, you will observe that the air is getting thinner. Therefore, you have to walk gently as walking at a higher altitude with a high pace can be dangerous. After trekking for around 5-8 hours, you will finally reach the Langmale Kharka (4,510m). There, you will be served with a delicious dinner and stay overnight.

• Highlights: Witness the iconic mountain views while ascending from Barun Valley.
• Trek Duration: 5-8 hours / Distance: 10-11 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Langmale Kharkha.

This day is allocated for acclimatization as you have to adjust your body to these higher elevation places. In this place, the oxygen level is low, so to prevent altitude sickness, acclimatization is required. On this day, you can take a short hike near the Langmale Kharkha to explore more hidden places. While doing a short hike, you can witness the breathtaking, panoramic views of mountains such as Makalu, Peak 6, and Peak 7. As it is an acclimatization day, so, you will stay in one location that allows you to unwind, discover the alpine meadows, engage with other hikers, and immerse yourself in the peaceful Himalayan environment. At night, dinner will be served to you. Following that, you can get ready for the next day.

• Highlights: Hikes around Langmale Kharka to explore hidden places.
• Accommodation: Tea house in Langmale Kharkha.

Finally, the day comes. On this day you will reach the Makalu Base Camp. After breakfast, you will begin your trek by passing through alpine sceneries and rocky valleys. This trek will take 6-7 hours to reach Makalu Base Camp. During trekking, you will be amazed with the wonderful views of mountains such as Makalu, Peak 6, and Peak 7. During the trek, you will also get to view the natural landscape such as glacial streams, rocky cliffs, and snow ridges. With about two hours of trekking, you will finally arrive at the Makalu Base camp (4,870m) - an open area which is entirely surrounded by enormous mountains. When you set foot at the base camp for the first time, you will be full of awe. Furthermore, you can also have a chance to witness the close-up view of Mt Makalu (8,485m) - the fifth-highest peak in the world. Here you will spend the night by witnessing Mt Makalu.

• Highlights: Experience the crystal clear view of Mt Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 8.7 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Makalu Base Camp.

This day is allocated to explore the nearby places of Makalu Base Camp. You can have a gentle walk to visit the hidden places and absorb the breathtaking scenery. While having a gentle walk, you can hike towards the higher ridges and viewpoints, where you can witness the spectacular views of massive mountains such as Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse. Furthermore, you can also explore the glacial landscapes, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountain walls. In these places, you can also click the photos for the memories. Spending the day in this place can also help to acclimatize properly. You have a chance to engage with the unspoiled splendor of the Himalayas. Here, you will stay overnight.

• Highlights: Explore surrounding ridges, glaciers, and scenic viewpoints.
• Accommodation: Tea house in Makalu Base Camp.

From this day, your return journey starts. After spending the beautiful night in Makalu Base Camp, you will begin your journey by descending through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and glacial streams. While descending, you can still witness the spectacular views of the grand mountains, but this is your last chance to observe them. You need to be careful enough while stepping on the foot, especially on the rocky section, because the trail condition is harsh. During trekking, you can enjoy the suitable atmosphere, spot grazing yaks, and pass by the highland settlements. On the day, you will arrive at Yangle Kharkha (3,600m), where you are allowed to rest and relax. In the night, you will be provided with a delicious dinner. After that, you can sleep there.

• Highlights: Enjoy the panoramic views of Mt Makalu and other surrounding peaks.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 19 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Yangle Kharka.

On this day, you will continue your trek by traversing through alpine meadows, pine rhododendron forests, and rocky streams that offer mind-blowing scenery. Furthermore, you can also enjoy the Himalayan wilderness for the last time. You need to descend to reach Dobate, but carefulness is required in every step you take. In between the trek, you will see the yak pastures and occasional herder settlements. By the day, you will reach Dobate (3,650m). Once you arrive in Dobate, you may settle into the tea house where you can unwind and appreciate the peaceful surroundings. Additionally, you will have dinner here and spend the night.

• Highlights: Pass by yak pastures and highland herder settlements.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 6 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Dobate.

Following breakfast, you will begin your trek by crossing through mixed alpine forests, meadows, and streams, which offer the jaw-dropping views of surrounding peaks and valleys. You can find that the trail is a little challenging, as you need to ascend as well as descend during the trek. While trekking, you will feel joy because the trail is peaceful. Additionally, you can also spot the grazing yaks and observe the landscape of the Makalu region. In the day, you will finally reach Danda Kharkha (3,562m) settlement. It is a serene meadow that is ideal for rest and reflection on the journey. At this place, you will be served a tasty dinner. Furthermore, you will stay overnight here.

• Highlights: Enjoy the mesmerizing view of mountains.
• Trek Duration: 2 hours / Distance: 8.69 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Danda Kharkha.

In the early morning, you will get a hearty breakfast. After that, you will begin your trek by following the lush rhododendron and pine forests, clear streams, and the terraced farmlands route. You will find the trek easier as you return to lower altitudes, where the atmosphere is milder and oxygen levels are higher. During the trek, you can enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the traditional village. Furthermore, you have an opportunity to witness flora (orchids, ferns, pine, and rhododendron) and fauna (red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, and blood pheasant). After trekking for a few hours, you will finally arrive at Seeduwa (1,530m). Once you arrive at your hotel, you can relax, rest, and enjoy the evening. At night, you will be served dinner. After that, you can prepare for tomorrow.

• Highlights: Trek through terraced farms and local villages.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 12 km
• Accommodation: Tea house in Seeduwa.

This is the last day of your trek. You will fully complete the trek on this day and have a scenic drive to Tumlingtar. Before reaching Tumlingtar, you have to descend through the lower valleys, terraced farmlands, and local villages to reach Num. Once you reach there, your trekking journey is finished. From here, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Tumlingtar. Once you reach there, you can relax and reflect on the journey once again. You can also share the best memories you have created with us. At night, you will get a delicious dinner.

• Highlights: Scenic drive from Num to Tumlingtar.
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Drive Duration: 3 hours.
• Accommodation: Tea house in Tumlingtar.

Day 17 marks the final day of your journey. On this day, you will take a flight from Tumlingtar Airport to return to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After breakfast, you will pack your belongings and head to the airport at least an hour before your flight. While returning from a flight, you can witness the aerial view of the beautiful valleys. After an hour, you will reach TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport). From here, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and relax your body. In the evening, you will be treated to a farewell dinner with us and stay overnight at your hotel.

• Highlights: Scenic flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu with aerial views of Nepal’s valleys
• Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.