Makalu Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Makalu · 14 Days

Makalu Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 4,900m (16,076 ft) at Makalu Base Camp · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

14 Days

Max Altitude

4,900m (16,076 ft)

at Makalu Base Camp

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

Mount Makalu (8,485m) is the world's fifth highest peak and the most isolated of Nepal's 8,000m giants. Its base camp - reached over 14 days through the Makalu Barun National Park - is one of the country's last truly off-grid trekking destinations. You walk through tropical lowland to alpine meadow to glacial moraine, passing red panda and Himalayan tahr habitat, with the trail seeing fewer than 1,000 trekkers per year.

This is not a teahouse trek in the Khumbu sense - lodges are basic and far apart, the upper section above Yangri Kharka requires careful pacing, and the Shipton La pass at 4,127m can be snowed in early or late in the season. What you get in return is solitude, biodiversity (red panda, snow leopard, musk deer all live here), and a base-camp panorama of Makalu's south face plus Chamlang and Baruntse that you cannot see from anywhere else in Nepal.

Highlights

  • Walk to Makalu Base Camp (4,900m) at the foot of the world's 5th highest mountain
  • See Makalu (8,485m), Chamlang (7,319m) and Baruntse (7,129m) from the base-camp moraine
  • Pass through Makalu Barun National Park - red panda and snow leopard habitat
  • Climb through five climate zones: tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, alpine, glacial - in two weeks
  • Cross the Shipton La pass (4,127m) - the trek's altitude milestone
  • Visit traditional Rai and Sherpa mixed villages of Tashi Gaon, Sedhuwa and Kongma
  • Walk one of the quietest 8,000m base-camp treks in Nepal (sub-1,000 trekkers/year)
  • Acclimatisation day and exploration time at base camp
  • Spot Himalayan rhododendrons of 20+ species
  • All permits, flights, jeeps and porters arranged in advance

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

🍽 Welcome dinner

Airport pickup, hotel check-in and trek briefing.

Day 2

Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (401m), drive to Sedhuwa (1,510m)

↔ 35-min flight + 5 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning flight east to the Arun valley, then long jeep drive on rough mountain roads to Sedhuwa.

Day 3

Sedhuwa to Tashi Gaon (2,070m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 9 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek begins. Climb through Rai farming villages and rhododendron forest to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon.

Day 4

Tashi Gaon to Kongma (3,760m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 8 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A big-climb day. Steep ascent through dense oak and rhododendron forest. First high altitude of the trek.

Day 5

Kongma to Dobate (3,610m) via Shipton La (4,127m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 9 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to the Shipton La pass (named for Eric Shipton who first explored the region in 1951), then descend to the lodge at Dobate.

Day 6

Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 11 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk through the dramatic Barun valley with the river far below. Alpine birch and juniper now dominate.

Day 7

Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 9 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb steadily into the upper Barun valley. First glacial views.

Day 8

Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,900m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 8 km ▲ 4,900m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Final climb to base camp on the lateral moraine of the Barun glacier. Massive view of Makalu's south face.

Day 9

Acclimatisation and exploration at Base Camp

⏱ 4-5 hours ▲ 5,100m on exploration hikes 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the upper moraine, walk to the south Makalu glacier toe, photograph Makalu, Chamlang and Baruntse. Sleep at base camp.

Day 10

Base Camp to Yangri Kharka (3,557m)

⏱ 7-8 hours ↔ 17 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent back through Langmale to Yangri Kharka.

Day 11

Yangri Kharka to Kongma (3,760m)

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ 12 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Re-cross Shipton La and descend to Kongma.

Day 12

Kongma to Sedhuwa (1,510m)

⏱ 6-7 hours ↔ 14 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent through the same forest you climbed.

Day 13

Sedhuwa to Tumlingtar by jeep

⏱ 5-6 hours ↔ Drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jeep transfer back to the lowlands.

Day 14

Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, departure

⏱ 35-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Morning flight back to Kathmandu, then onward home.

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What's included

Included

  • Round-trip Kathmandu-Tumlingtar flights
  • Private jeep transfers Tumlingtar-Sedhuwa-Tumlingtar
  • 2 nights' Kathmandu accommodation (3-star hotel, BB plan)
  • Half-day Kathmandu sightseeing
  • Makalu Barun National Park entry permit
  • Makalu Rural Municipality permit
  • Senior government-licensed English-speaking guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (max 20 kg load)
  • Twin/double sharing teahouse accommodation on the trek
  • Three meals a day throughout the trek
  • Group first-aid kit
  • HHT company duffel bag
  • All applicable government taxes

Not included

  • Nepal visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000m with helicopter rescue (compulsory)
  • Meals in Kathmandu outside the BB plan
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porter and driver
  • Any cost arising from flight delays or weather

Trek guide

Nepal's Quietest 8,000m Base Camp

Makalu was first summitted in 1955 by a French expedition. The mountain sits 19 km east of Mount Everest and is part of the same Mahalangur range, but its base-camp approach is in a different valley system (the Arun) and feels worlds away.

Makalu Barun National Park

Created in 1992, this park is one of the few protected areas in Nepal that descends from 8,485m (Makalu summit) to 435m (Arun river valley). The biodiversity is exceptional: 3,128 plant species, 25 species of rhododendron, 88 mammal species including red panda, snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr.

The Trek in Three Climate Zones

  • Days 1-3: Tropical / sub-tropical. Banana, orange, rice terraces.
  • Days 4-6: Temperate. Oak, magnolia, rhododendron forest.
  • Days 7-9: Sub-alpine / alpine. Birch, juniper, dwarf rhododendron.
  • Days 10-11: Glacial. Moraine, scree, snow above 4,500m.

Acclimatisation

A scheduled rest day at base camp (4,900m), plus a steady climb profile, gives a controlled acclimatisation arc. The single biggest altitude jump is from Kongma (3,760m) to Dobate (3,610m) via Shipton La (4,127m) - a sleep-low-climb-high day by design.

Permits

  • Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
  • Makalu Rural Municipality Permit

We arrange both in Kathmandu.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Spectacular rhododendrons (peak in late April), warmer
  • Autumn (October-November): Clearer, drier, colder above 4,000m

We do not run this trek in monsoon. Winter is technically possible but Shipton La can be snowed in.

Fitness

Strenuous. 5-6 hours daily, some longer days, basic lodges, real altitude. Prior Himalayan trekking experience strongly recommended. 4 months of consistent cardio and leg strength training.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10C, mid-weight fleece, waterproof shell, soft-shell trousers, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 6 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, neck buff, insulated and liner gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, gaiters, camp shoes

Accessories: 40L daypack, 65L duffel for porter, -15C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp + spare batteries, polarised sunglasses, 2L water capacity, water purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with Nepal visa, insurance certificate, 4 photos

Medical: Diamox 250mg, painkillers, antihistamines, antibiotics (doctor advice), blister care, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, rehydration salts

Frequently asked questions

How does Makalu compare to EBC?
Makalu is quieter (1/40th the trekker numbers), wilder, with worse lodges and a more dramatic base camp. EBC is more iconic and logistically easier. Makalu is for trekkers who have done a few Himalayan treks already.

How fit do I need to be?
Strenuous. Several 7-8 hour days, real altitude, basic facilities. Prior Himalayan trekking experience strongly recommended. 4 months of consistent training.

Are the lodges good?
Basic. Plywood rooms, foam mattresses, simple dal-bhat menus. Hot showers rare above Tashi Gaon. Bring a quality sleeping bag.

What is the wildlife?
Makalu Barun is one of Nepal's biodiversity hotspots. Red panda, snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr all live here - though sightings are rare. The bird diversity is exceptional.

Can I see Everest from base camp?
Yes - from a high vantage above base camp you can see Everest, Lhotse and Makalu in one frame. The classic photo is from a ridge above base camp.

How reliable are the Tumlingtar flights?
More reliable than Lukla. Weather closures happen but are less frequent. We recommend a buffer day at each end.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Patchy below Tashi Gaon, none above. Mobile signal works on the lower section only.

How cold does it get?
-5 to -15C at night at base camp in autumn. -15C sleeping bag handles every season.

Can I combine with Sherpani Col?
Yes - the 22-day Sherpani Col + Three Cols expedition links Makalu base camp with the Khumbu via three high passes. Serious mountaineering experience required.

Are permits restricted?
Not restricted but you must trek with a licensed guide. The conservation area permit is straightforward to arrange.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $2150

per person

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