About the Region
A pristine, dramatic expedition through lush subtropical Arun and Barun river valleys across steep high passes into the colossal granite south face of Mount Makalu (8,485m — world's 5th highest mountain).
Tours Available in Makalu Base Camp
difficult
Day-by-Day Route Plans
Trek Itineraries in Makalu Base Camp
Explore detailed day-by-day routes and elevations for destination packages
Makalu Base Camp Wilderness Trek - Full Route Itinerary
Book This Trek| Day | Route | Elevation | Distance | Time | Notes & Trail Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & Drive to Num
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
1,560m | 40.00 km | ~4.0 hrs | Scenic 45-min flight, then 4WD jeep drive across Khandbari and Chichila. |
| 2 |
Num to Seduwa
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
1,500m | 9.00 km | ~5.5 hrs | Drop steeply to Arun River bridge (770m), then long climb to Seduwa (NP entry). |
| 3 |
Seduwa to Tashigaon
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
2,100m | 8.00 km | ~4.5 hrs | Hike through terraced fields and Sherpa hamlets; last permanent village. |
| 4 |
Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,500m | 7.50 km | ~6.0 hrs | Steep staircase ascent through dense rhododendron and cloud forest. |
| 5 |
Acclimatization Day at Khongma Danda
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,500m | 3.00 km | ~2.5 hrs | Rest and short hike towards pass ridge to adapt to incoming altitude gain. |
| 6 |
Khongma to Dobate via Shipton La (4,216m)
Teahouse / Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,860m | 9.00 km | ~7.0 hrs | Cross Ghungru La, sacred Kalo Pokhari lake, Shipton La & Keke La passes. |
| 7 |
Dobate to Yangle Kharka
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,550m | 8.50 km | ~5.5 hrs | Descend into Barun River Gorge flanked by 1,000m sheer granite cliffs. |
| 8 |
Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
4,410m | 10.00 km | ~5.5 hrs | Pass Merek village with opening vistas of Peak 4, Chamlang and Makalu. |
| 9 |
Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Teahouse / Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
4,870m | 8.00 km | ~4.5 hrs | Walk past Shershon meadow; reach Base Camp with amphitheater views of Makalu. |
| 10 |
Exploration Day at Makalu Base Camp
Teahouse / Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
4,870m | 5.00 km | ~4.0 hrs | Hike to glacier viewpoint, view Makalu South Face & Everest Kangshung Face. |
| 11 |
Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,550m | 16.00 km | ~6.5 hrs | Retrace trail down Barun Valley alongside alpine streams. |
| 12 |
Yangle Kharka to Dobate
Teahouse / Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,860m | 8.50 km | ~5.0 hrs | Gentle climb up towards base of pass crossing. |
| 13 |
Dobate to Khongma Danda via Shipton La
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
3,500m | 9.00 km | ~6.5 hrs | Cross Shipton La back into Khongma ridge. |
| 14 |
Khongma to Tashigaon & Seduwa
Teahouse / Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
1,500m | 15.00 km | ~7.0 hrs | Long downhill descent returning into warmer subtropical foliage. |
| 15 |
Seduwa to Num & Drive to Tumlingtar
Hotel in Tumlingtar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
510m | 45.00 km | ~4.0 hrs | Final river crossing climb to Num; jeep transfer to Tumlingtar airport town. |
| 16 |
Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast
|
1,400m | — | — | Morning flight back to Kathmandu; transfer to hotel. |
What's Included in Makalu Base Camp Wilderness Trek
Kathmandu - Tumlingtar roundtrip domestic flights
4WD jeep connections Tumlingtar - Num - Tumlingtar
Makalu Barun National Park Permit & TIMS
Basic teahouse and camping hybrid accommodation
Professional guide
cook & porter team
Full board meals
What's Excluded in Makalu Base Camp Wilderness Trek
International flights
Nepal tourist visa
Comprehensive high-altitude evacuation insurance
Personal trekking gear
Tips for staff
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