Makalu Base Camp Trek
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Overview of Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey into one of eastern Nepal’s most remote wilderness areas. It takes you to the base of Mount Makalu (8,463 m), the world’s fifth highest peak. Along the route, trekkers enjoy views of other towering peaks including Chamlang (7,319 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m), and Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
The trek begins with walks through lush rice terraces, dense forests, and traditional villages. As you ascend, the trail becomes more isolated. Human settlements are rare, with only occasional summer shepherd huts. The journey provides breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped summits and glaciers.
The region is rich in biodiversity. Trekkers can spot 28 species of rhododendron, 52 types of orchids, and 59 rare plant species. Wildlife enthusiasts may see wild yaks, Himalayan thar, red pandas, musk deer, and even snow leopards in the Makalu-Barun National Park.
Along the trail, trekkers experience diverse Himalayan cultures. Communities like Rai, Tamang, Sherpa, and Newari live here. You can visit villages, watch local farming, and learn about their traditions.
This trek is classified as extreme and high-altitude. It involves rock and snow climbing, crossing high passes, and navigating challenging terrain. Experienced trekkers may cross three high passes and return via the Everest region.
The trek is usually organized as a full-board camping expedition. Porters carry your supplies, and tents are provided for sleeping and dining. All essential camping gear is included.
Contact us to book your unforgettable trek to Makalu Base Camp.
Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Close-up views at the base camp of Mt. Makalu (8,463 m).
- See mountains such as Chamlang (7,319 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
- Challenging Shipton La Pass, a high pass with panoramic Himalayan views.
- Rare plants, rhododendrons, orchids, red pandas, musk deer, and Himalayan thar.
- Mountain flight to Tumlingtar offers a view of the Arun Valley and eastern Himalayan peaks.
Arrival Kathmandu & transfer to hotel.
Accomodation: Hotel
Fly from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Tumlingtar (410 m) and drive to Chichila (1,980 m)
Trek from Chichila (1,980 m) to Num (1,040 m)
Trek from Num (1,040 m) to Seduwa (1,500 m)
Trek from Seduwa (1,500 m) to Tashi Gaon (2,100 m)
Trek from Tashi Gaon (2,100 m) to Khongma Danda (3,500 m)
Acclimatization Day at Khongma Danda (3,500 m)
Trek from Khongma Danda (3,500 m) to Dobato (3,500 m)
Trek from Dobato (3,500 m) to Yangla Kharka (3,557 m)
Trek from Yangla Kharka (3,557 m) to Langmale Kharka (4,410 m)
Trek from Langmale Kharka (4,410 m) to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)
Cross Shipton La Pass (5,421 m) and then descend to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m).
Explore Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)
Trek from Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) to Yangla Kharka (3,557 m)
Trek from Yangla Kharka (3,557 m) to Dobato (3,500 m)
Trek from Dobato (3,500 m) to Khongma Danda (3,500 m)
Trek from Khongma Danda (3,500 m) to Tashi Gaon (2,100 m)
Trek from Tashi Gaon (2,100 m) to Seduwa (1,500 m)
Trek from Seduwa (1,500 m) to Num (1,040 m)
Trek from Num (1,040 m) to Chichila (1,980 m) and then Drive to Tumlingtar (410 m)
Fly from Tumlingtar (410 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Final Departure.
Cost Includes
- Airport pick up , transfer and drop services by private vehicle
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- A full day Kathmandu sightseeing escorted by English speaking tour guide
- Kathmandu – Tumlingtar/ Lukla -Kathmandu domestic airfares
- All necessary permits
- Accommodation tea houses or tented camps as per the availability during the trek
- Meals on full board during the trek (B-L-D)
- An experienced English-speaking government licensed trekking guide and necessary porters to carry luggage
- Note: (1 porter can carry two people’s luggage up to 30 kilograms)
- Trekking crew’s salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food and lodging
- Down jacket, Sleeping bag, Duffel Bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Trekking map
- First aid medications / medicines with the guide
- Necessary paper works,
- VAT and local Tax
- Company service charges
- Complementary welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a typical Nepali restaurant
Cost Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Extra porter charges
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, Mineral bottle or boiled water, etc)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Any services not mentioned in Service Includes Section unless specified at the time of booking the trek
Temperature Chart
Altitude Chart
Useful Info
Adventure Activities on the Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is not just a high-altitude trekking journey; it is a true adventure expedition that offers a variety of thrilling activities along the trail. One of the main attractions is crossing high mountain passes, including the challenging Shipton La Pass, which requires careful navigation over rocky and sometimes snowy terrain. Trekkers also encounter river crossings, often over suspension bridges that span the fast-flowing Arun River and its tributaries, adding a sense of excitement and challenge to the trek.
Photography enthusiasts will find this trek incredibly rewarding. The route passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude landscapes, providing countless opportunities to capture panoramic views of Mount Makalu (8,463 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), and other Himalayan peaks. Wildlife photography is also possible in the Makalu-Barun National Park, with chances to spot red pandas, Himalayan thar, musk deer, and diverse bird species.
Additionally, the trek offers several side hikes and short excursions for acclimatization and exploration. These can include walks to nearby ridges, viewpoints, or glacial streams, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty and serene alpine environment. Overall, the adventure activities on Makalu Base Camp Trek combine thrilling high-altitude challenges, cultural experiences, and unparalleled Himalayan scenery, making it a once-in-a-lifetime expedition for serious trekkers.
Transportation to the Starting Point
Getting to the starting point of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is a key part of the adventure, and there are several options depending on your preference for speed and scenery. Most trekkers begin by taking a short domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Airport (410 m). This scenic flight lasts about 50 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Arun Valley and eastern Himalayan peaks.
From Tumlingtar, you will continue by road or jeep transfer to the first trekking village, such as Chichila (1,980 m). The drive usually takes 3-4 hours along winding mountain roads, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the lush valleys, terraced fields, and riverside landscapes along the Arun River.
For those who prefer a more flexible journey, private jeeps or local buses are available from Tumlingtar or nearby towns. These vehicles can also accommodate trekking gear and luggage, making the transition from the airport to the trailhead comfortable and convenient. In addition, local guides and trekking agencies often arrange door-to-door transfers from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, ensuring a smooth start to the trek.
Using flights combined with road transfers is generally considered the most efficient and popular option, as it saves time and allows trekkers to start the high-altitude journey with minimal fatigue. Overall, the combination of air travel and local road transfers provides an exciting introduction to the eastern Nepal trekking experience, setting the stage for the adventure to Makalu Base Camp.
Temperature on Makalu Base Camp Trek
| Destination / Altitude | Spring (Mar-May) | Summer / Monsoon (Jun-Aug) | Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu (1,400 m) | 15 to 22 °C | 20 to 26 °C | 15 to 22 °C | 10 to 18 °C |
| Chichila (1,980 m) | 12 to 18 °C | 16 to 22 °C | 12 to 18 °C | 6 to 12 °C |
| Num (1,040 m) | 18 to 24 °C | 22 to 28 °C | 18 to 24 °C | 12 to 18 °C |
| Seduwa (1,500 m) | 14 to 20 °C | 18 to 24 °C | 14 to 20 °C | 8 to 14 °C |
| Tashi Gaon (2,100 m) | 10 to 16 °C | 14 to 20 °C | 10 to 16 °C | 4 to 10 °C |
| Khongma Danda (3,500 m) | 4 to 10 °C | 6 to 12 °C | 4 to 10 °C | -2 to 5 °C |
| Dobato (3,500 m) | 4 to 10 °C | 6 to 12 °C | 4 to 10 °C | -2 to 5 °C |
| Yangla Kharka (3,557 m) | 2 to 8 °C | 4 to 10 °C | 2 to 8 °C | -4 to 4 °C |
| Langmale Kharka (4,410 m) | -2 to 4 °C | 0 to 6 °C | -2 to 4 °C | -8 to 0 °C |
| Shipton La Pass (5,421 m) | -8 to 0 °C | -5 to 2 °C | -8–0 °C | -15 to -8 °C |
| Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) | -4 to 2 °C | -2 to 4 °C | -4 to 2 °C | -10 to -4 °C |
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