Makalu Base Camp

Duration

18 Days

Difficulty

Max. altitude

5,000 M

Group Size

2-12

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best season

March - May/September - November

Overview and Highlights

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is just over three weeks of high adventure into a spectacular region of the Himalayas with the climax of climbing to Base Camp at 5250 meters, located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km southeast of Mount Everest (8848m). Makalu has two prominent subsidiary peaks, Kangchungtse (Makalu II – 7678 m) and Chomo Lonzo (7804m) that is connected by a narrow saddle (7200m) – that in itself is a huge mountain by world standards.

Of all base camp treks, Makalu is one of the toughest treks due to the number of high altitude passes. The area has been designated as the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area. The scenery is truly spectacular and will leave you breathless.

The real trek begins at Chichira (1980m) then to the following villages: Num, Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Kongma Danda, Dobate, Yangri Kharka, Langmale Kharka and finally to Tumlingtar where we make our way back to Kathmandu. This is a tough and physically demanding trek as the altitude increases day by day that will require acclimatization at certain points along the route. We will cross several lower altitude passes on the same day we head across Shipton La Pass (4220m). Along the trail, there is a load to see, including Barun Pokhari Lake and the Baruntse glacier. Mt. Baruntse (7129m) is a mountain in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. Once we have acclimatized we ascend to Makalu Base Camp (5250) the highest point of the trek. This is a photographer’s dream experience!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu transfer to hotel (1350m)

On arrival at Kathmandu airport you will be met by a representative from Company Member who will take you to your 3 star hotels. You can rest at you hotel or stroll around Thamel and do some last minute shopping and take in the sights.

Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Seduwa (1500m) - Duration: 8-10 hours.

The adventure begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival, you will drive to the small village of Seduwa, your first stop on the trek, situated at 1500 meters. The drive will take approximately 8-10 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes and rural settlements.

Day 3: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon (2100m) - Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today, the trek begins with a gradual ascent towards Tashi Gaon, a small Sherpa village at 2100 meters. The trek takes you through forests, farmland, and charming local settlements, providing an excellent introduction to the rural culture of the region. The hike takes around 5-6 hours.

Day 4: Trek from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda (3500m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

The trail today becomes more challenging as you ascend to Khongma Danda at 3500 meters. The journey will take you through dense forests, crossing several suspension bridges, and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. This trek takes around 6-7 hours, so be prepared for a steady uphill climb.

Day 5: Acclimatization at Khongma Danda (3500m).

A crucial acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the higher altitudes. You can explore the area around Khongma Danda, taking short walks to help with acclimatization while minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

Day 6: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3068m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today’s trek takes you downhill towards Dobate, located at 3068 meters. The path is a mixture of steep descents and gentle uphill climbs, with some great opportunities for wildlife sightings and panoramic views. The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours.

Day 7: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3557m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

From Dobate, you’ll continue your journey to Yangri Kharka at 3557 meters. The trek takes you through alpine meadows, forests, and rugged terrain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. It will take around 6-7 hours.

Day 8: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4410m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today’s trek leads to Langmale Kharka, situated at 4410 meters. The route offers magnificent views of Makalu and other towering peaks. You will trek through more challenging terrain, with some steeper ascents, taking about 6-7 hours to reach your destination.

Day 9: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

This is the day you reach your ultimate goal – Makalu Base Camp at 4870 meters. The trek is strenuous, with rocky terrain and increasing altitude. Once at base camp, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Makalu mountain range. The hike will take approximately 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Rest Day at Makalu Base Camp.

A well-deserved rest day to enjoy the stunning views and let your body adjust to the high altitude. You can explore the base camp area, take in the magnificent vistas, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of being at the foot of one of the world’s highest peaks.

Day 11: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3557m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

After a restful day at base camp, the descent begins. Trek back towards Yangle Kharka, where you’ll descend to a lower altitude of 3557 meters. This trek will take around 6-7 hours, crossing through forests and valleys.

Day 12: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobate (3068m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.

The trek continues as you descend back to Dobate at 3068 meters. The journey involves a mixture of gentle descents and ascents, with incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Expect a 6-7 hour trek.

Day 13: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda (3500m) - Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trail today takes you back towards Khongma Danda at 3500 meters. The trek is relatively short, lasting 5-6 hours, as you retrace your steps through the lush forests and alpine meadows.

Day 14: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashi Gaon (2100m) - Duration: 5-6 hours.

From Khongma Danda, descend back to Tashi Gaon at 2100 meters. The trek will take about 5-6 hours as you descend through forests and rural settlements, enjoying the last glimpses of the Himalayan views.

Day 15: Trek from Tashi Gaon to Seduwa (1500m) - Duration: 5-6 hours.

Your final day of trekking will take you back to Seduwa, where the trek began. The descent is relatively easier, with a trek time of about 5-6 hours, passing through charming villages and serene landscapes.

Day 16: Drive from Seduwa to Tumlingtar - Duration: 7-8 hours

From Seduwa, you’ll drive back to Tumlingtar in a journey that will take around 7-8 hours. As you drive, enjoy the changing landscapes and the picturesque views of the region one last time.

Day 17: Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.

On the final day, take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, completing your trek with memories of the stunning landscapes and the achievement of reaching Makalu Base Camp.

Day 18: Transfer to the International Airport for Final Departure.

On the final day of your journey, you will be transferred from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. This will mark the end of your unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re flying home or continuing your travels, you’ll depart with cherished memories of your trek through the stunning Makalu region. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure in the future!

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg maximum par person during th trek
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.