The Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to one of Nepal’s most isolated and untouched parts of the Himalayas. This 18-day trip takes you through the undisturbed splendor of Makalu-Barun National Park. You’ll see a wide range of landscapes, from subtropical woods to high alpine areas, and you’ll end up at the breathtaking Makalu foot Camp (4870m), which is the foot of the world’s fifth-highest peak. The journey is hard on the body and good for the soul. It’s perfect for experienced explorers who want to be alone, visit beautiful places that haven’t been touched by humans, and connect with nature.
Trek Main Attractions
Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and back
Remote and less-trodden track within Makalu-Barun National Park
Explore remote Rai and Sherpa villages like Seduwa and Tashi Gaun
Cross high mountain passes with jaw-dropping Himalayan vistas
Breathtaking panoramic panoramas from Makalu Base Camp
Acclimatization at Khongma and exploring day at base camp
Cultural immersion and great biodiversity along the journey
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transportation to the Hotel (1400m)
Day 01: Arrival Day and Trek Briefing in Kathmandu (1,300 ft.)
Accommodation:
At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse
Meals:
Breakfast
When you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will meet our representative. He/she will greet you and drive to our luxury, authentic Nepali restaurant and assist you to check in at Thamel. So, please keep your eyes on someone holding a placard with your name or our company’s name—Wonder Himalaya
In the evening, we arrange a short introductory meeting. You will meet your guide, and our trekking expert will provide you with all the detailed information about the trek.
We offer you a welcome dinner, and you simply take a rest at the restaurant. Overnight, you stay at our restaurant and restore your energy to accomplish your upcoming adventurous trip to Makalu Base Camp
Day 02 :
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num (1560m)
Accommodation:
At a Tea House
Activity Duration:
Duration: 45 min flight, 4–5 hours driving
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A spectacular flight brings us to Tumlingtar, followed by a rough but magnificent drive over winding mountain roads to the settlement of Num. Here, we receive our first experience of the rural countryside and mountain friendliness.
Day 03 :
Trek from Num to Seduwa (1510m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
6–7 hours Trek
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s path drops sharply through wooded slopes to reach the Arun River, then rises up to Seduwa—a checkpoint settlement within the Makalu-Barun National Park. Expect verdant landscapes and active village life.
Day 04 :
Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun (2070m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
5-6 hours trek
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A more gentle rise leads us past little towns, bamboo woods, and farmed fields. Tashi Gaun is the final permanent settlement on way to Makalu Base Camp and provides excellent mountain views.
Day 05 :
Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma (3760m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
6-7 Hour Trek
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The route grows harder today, rising through lush woods of rhododendron and cloud-draped hills. We eventually reach Khongma—a windswept ridge that affords our first panoramic mountain vistas.
Day 06 :
Acclimatization in Khongma (3760m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
Full day's rest
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a key rest and acclimatization day to prepare for higher elevations. Short walks near Khongma give views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and adjacent mountains. Rest and drink thoroughly.
Day 07 :
Trek from Khongma to Dobato (3610m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
6–7 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross three high passes—Keke La (4127m), Shipton La (4170m), and Tutu La (4080m)—with beautiful vistas of snow-clad peaks and prayer flags flowing in the wind. Dobato is a tranquil halt among pine woodlands.
Day 08 :
Trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka (3557m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
6–7 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descending through dense rhododendron woods and via glacial rivers, we reach the huge yak pastures of Yangle Kharka, a calm alpine meadow backed by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
Day 09 :
Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4410m)
Accommodation:
At a Tea House
Activity Duration:
5–6 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The air grows thinner as we journey higher into the alpine zone. Langmale Kharka provides spectacular high-altitude vistas and a quiet environment. Spend the evening soaking in the alpine stillness.
Day 10 :
Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4870m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
5–6 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the final highlight of the expedition. We rise gently to the enormous and awe-inspiring Makalu Base Camp. The vistas of Makalu (8463m), Peak 6, and Peak 7 will leave you awestruck.
Day 11 :
Explore Makalu Base Camp (4870m)
Accommodation:
Tea House/Lodge
Activity Duration:
Flexible (2–4 hours)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a well-deserved breather and explore the glacier vistas, lakes, and rocky terrain surrounding base camp. Optional treks give excellent perspective points of the Makalu mountain.
Day 12 :
Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3557m)
Accommodation:
Tea House
Activity Duration:
6–7 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Retrace your journey back across alpine meadows and woodlands to Yangle Kharka. The fall seems easier, and the air grows warmer and thicker as you return to lower heights.
Day 13 :
Trek from Yangle Kharka to Khongma (3760m)
Accommodation:
At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse
Activity Duration:
7–8 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A longer and somewhat more strenuous day as we rise up to Khongma, re-crossing mountain ridges and reveling in familiar beauty from a fresh viewpoint.
Day 14 :
Trek from Khongma to Seduwa (1510m)
Accommodation:
Tea House
Activities Duration:
6–7 hours
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We drop abruptly through beautiful trees and back to village terrain. It’s a pleasant day as you reconnect with the greenery, warmth, and colorful culture of Seduwa.
Day 15 :
Trek from Seduwa to Num and drive to Tumlingtar (460m)
Accommodation:
Tea House
Activities Duration:
5–6 hours walk, 4–5 hours travel
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today marks the conclusion of your hiking expedition. After reaching Num, we travel back to Tumlingtar where you may rest and reflect on the fantastic excursion you've experienced.
Day 16 :
Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu & transportation to the hotel
Accommodation:
Hotel in Kathmandu
Activities Duration:
45 min flight + transfer
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Take a lovely morning flight back to Kathmandu. You’ll be transported to your hotel. The the rest of the day is yours to relax, visit the city, or do some souvenir shopping.
Day 17 :
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (1400m)
Accommodation:
Hotel in Kathmandu
Activities Duration:
4–5 hours
Meals:
Breakfast
Enjoy a guided cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Dive into the vibrant history and culture of Kathmandu.
Day 18 :
Transfer to the International Airport for final departure
Meal
Breakfast
Our staff will take you to the airport for your travel back home. Carry back a heart full of memories and tales from the amazing Makalu area.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private car
3 nights hotel accomodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu domestic flights
All ground transportation as per itinerary
Full-board hiking meals (breakfast, lunch, supper) on the journey
Accommodation at lodges/tea houses throughout the walk
An experienced, certified hiking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 hikers)
All national park and conservation area licenses
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
All relevant government taxes and service costs
First aid medical kit
Duffel bag and corporate T-shirt (return after hike)
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with admission costs
Cost Excludes
International airfare and Nepal visa expenses
Lunch and supper in Kathmandu (excluding welcome meal)
Personal hiking gear and equipment
Extra night(s) in Kathmandu owing to early return or delays
Personal costs (laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, charging)
Nepal is a year-round destination! Each season offers unique experiences, from lush greenery during monsoons to crystal-clear Himalayan views in autumn and spring.
Sustainability is at the core of what we do. This means supporting local communities, minimizing environmental impact, and preserving the cultural heritage of the Himalayas.
We offer options for all fitness levels, from easy cultural tours to strenuous high-altitude treks. Our experts are here to guide you toward the best choice for your abilities.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world's best trekking trails. This TREK offers you beautiful and diverse landscapes, changes in terrain, lush green forests,...
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world's best trekking trails. This trek offers you beautiful and diverse landscapes, changes in terrain, lush green...
Your 10-day Poon Hill Hot Spring Trek offers a wonderful blend of adventure, culture, and leisure. From the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the beautiful...