Makalu Base Camp Trek - 19 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative, who will escort you to the respective hotel. After checking in and freshening up, you will have the rest of the day to explore the vibrant local bazaars, try traditional Nepalese food, or relax. In the evening, a pre-trek briefing will be held, where you'll meet your guide and receive a final overview of your itinerary and trekking preparations.

Today, we are dedicated to exploring Kathmandu's rich cultural and historical heritage. Following breakfast, your guide will offer you a day-long sightseeing tour of some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll start at Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple, and move on to the powerful Boudhanath Stupa, a major hub of Tibetan Buddhism.

You'll then head to Swayambhunath, commonly called the Monkey Temple, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Last but not least, you will take a stroll around Kathmandu Durbar Square to witness centuries-old palaces and temples. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during the tour. You may make last-minute arrangements for your trek or procure any last bits of equipment in the evening.

After an early morning breakfast, you will be driven to the domestic terminal to take your picturesque flight to Tumlingtar, which takes about 50 minutes. When you arrive at Tumlingtar, a private jeep will drive you through hilly, curved roads to Num village. You will travel via green hills, tiny villages, and forests. Num perches scenically with spectacular views over the steep valley of the Arun River and surrounding hills.

Your first day of trekking begins with a steep downhill hike from Num through terraced farmland and subtropical jungle until you arrive at the Arun River at about 800 meters. Crossing the river on a lengthy suspension bridge, where a challenging ascent begins. After about six to seven hours of hiking, you'll reach the village of Sedua at 1,540 meters, where the Makalu-Barun National Park entry checkpoint is located. The village offers more spacious surroundings and beautiful views.

Today's trek steadily climbs through more cultivated farmland, forested ridges, and small hamlets. Higher up, you will find changes in vegetation and climate. The trail winds through rhododendrons and bamboo forests, along with the distant calls of birds and a stream running somewhere in the distance.

Four or five hours of hiking will bring you to Tashigaon, a little village at 2,100 meters. It is a traditional Sherpa village, with wooden houses nestled among pine forests, and offers a chance to experience authentic local hospitality. You’ll spend the night in a teahouse here, enjoying another full day of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After breakfast at Tashigaon, you begin the day by walking into the higher alpine regions. The trail proceeds in a steep ascent through thick forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, eventually breaking into the more stony terrain. As you ascend through the stone steps and high ridges, you'll reach nearly 1,400 meters.

This is one of the physically challenging days of the trek, so remember to maintain a steady rate and hydrate well. After 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you will reach Khongma La (3,560 meters), a small high-altitude camp amidst foggy hills and random spots of snow. The landscape is open and breezy, but the view is stunning, particularly during sunset.

Today's trek involves a spectacular hike through mountain passes with stunning scenery and views of white-capped peaks en route. After leaving the teahouse at Khongma, you'll ascend to Khongma La Pass (3,890m), then to Sano Pokhari Danda and Shipton La Pass (4,200m). These passes are typically snow-covered and require careful footing, especially during snow.

From the summit point, the trail winds through the alpine landscape to Dobato (3,650m), a small resting spot between cliffs and woodland. It's a 6-7-hour walking day, but well worth it, with Himalayan views out across the ridges encompassing Makalu, Chamlang, and Peak 6.

The path drops steeply down through fir and rhododendron forest, yielding to alpine shrubs as you pass into the valley of the Barun River. Today's trail is less strenuous than yesterday's, and you'll walk for about 5 to 6 hours on moderate terrains. Along the way, you'll need to cross several wooden bridges and observe the valley gradually opening into a green meadow.

You'll be led through a landscape featuring waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and cliffs, eventually reaching Yangle Kharka (3,610 meters). This is a beautiful and peaceful grazing area where yaks are often seen. The valley is ideal for acclimatization, and the natural surroundings are truly serene.

Today, you'll continue trekking deeper into the Himalayan wilderness as the trail gradually ascends along the Barun River. This section has alpine flora and occasional wildlife like Himalayan thar or musk deer. The hike is moderately challenging, steadily climbing over 5 to 6 hours.

You'll pass through dense rhododendron forests, rock formations, and icy streams until reaching Lengmale Kharka (4,410 meters). At this height, the landscape becomes bare and rocky, with views of nearby peaks, particularly Peak 4 and Peak 6.

Today is the climax of your entire trek as you make the final push to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 meters). The trail climbs gradually above 4,500 meters and winds through moraine fields, glacial streams, and rocky alpine meadows. As you ascend, the first full views of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world at 8,485 meters, begin to appear. These views are tall, majestic, and solitary.

You'll also see dramatic backdrops of the Barun Glacier and towering cliffs surrounding the valley. After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you'll reach the wide expanse of the base camp, where prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the silence of the mountains is profound. You'll spend the night surrounded by an unforgettable panorama of Himalayan giants.

Today is a rest and exploration day at Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 meters. This less-traveled base camp offers unparalleled scenery and a close Himalayan experience. Take morning acclimatization hikes in and around the base camp, to the Barun Glacier rim, or up near ridges for broad views.

You'll have unobstructed sights of towering peaks from various vantage points, including Makalu, Peak 4, Peak 6, and parts of the Everest Lhotse massif in the distance. The landscape is beautiful, marked by glacial moraine, alpine boulders, and wind-swept plains. This is also a good opportunity to relax, take photos, and reflect on your journey thus far.

After your memorable stay at base camp, you follow the same trail to Yangle Kharka. The downward journey is less exhausting for the lungs than the ascent, but the trail remains demanding, particularly over the rugged and uneven moraine surface. As you descend, you will have familiar views in a new orientation and the oxygen and heat increase in the air.

You'll come down via Lengmale Kharka and yak grazing areas before hitting the green meadows of Yangle Kharka. The whole hike is about 6 to 7 hours. Once more, when you trace back to this beautiful riverside grazing pasture, you can enjoy the luxury of lower altitude and well-earned rest.

After breakfast, you'll continue descending along the beautiful Barun Valley to Dobato with additional energy as you trace back into thicker forests and warmer weather. The hike remains by the river, across wooden bridges, and through rhododendrons and fir forest. You may catch sight of herds of grazing yaks or glimpses of Himalayan wildlife along the way.

The hike is gentle to moderate and should take 5 to 6 hours, depending on weather and pace. Once you arrive at Dobato, you will rest, helping lower elevation to reduce any lingering effects of altitude sickness.

The trail rises steadily and can be a bit steeper after days of descending through the hills. You will pass over Shipton La, enjoying the familiar views before turning back to the windy alpine meadows of Khongma (3,560 meters), where you'll spend the night.

The trail continues through forests, little ridges, and terraced fields, growing greener and more tropical step by step. As you return to Tashigaon, you can rest briefly before continuing the hike to Seduwa.

It takes about 6 to 7 hours and marks your return to village life after several days of trekking in the wilderness. You will reach Seduwa in the afternoon with easier breathing and warmer air. This evening is an easy one before you continue your return to the lower trailhead.

After breakfast at Seduwa, you begin the final trek stage with a downhill walk via the same route that took you into the Makalu-Barun National Park. The downhill trek is not particularly challenging but requires caution on the steeper sections.

Then, from here, you will take a jeep to return to Tumlingtar, which is a four—to five-hour drive, depending on the road. Along the way, you will have a final glimpse of eastern Nepal's foothills' slopes and villages of any size and lushness before being dropped back.

Today, after an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Tumlingtar Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The short flight offers one last view of the Himalayan ranges. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be driven back to the hotel, where you can have a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and city comforts. In the afternoon, you can rest, shop for souvenirs, or have coffee and pastries at one of the city's charming cafes.

This entire day in Kathmandu is left as a leisure and buffer day, which will be used either for sightseeing, rest or in case of any delay in the mountain flight from Tumlingtar. You can visit Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, or explore the desired destination. Alternatively, you may indulge in a classic spa or massage, perfect for relaxing after a long trek.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you'll be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Our representative will escort you to the airport in time for check-in and bid you farewell. With memories of grand peaks, serene valleys, and the warmth of the Himalayas, you leave Nepal with a feeling of belonging to the mountains and the people.