Trip Overview:
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding treks, leading adventurers to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m) — the fifth highest mountain in the world. Located in Makalu Barun National Park, the trek offers dramatic contrasts in scenery, from lush lowland forests and terraced farmland to rugged alpine terrain and high Himalayan glaciers.
This off-the-beaten-path journey offers a true wilderness experience with less crowded trails, rich biodiversity, and close encounters with local Rai and Sherpa cultures. The highlight is reaching Makalu Base Camp (5,050m), surrounded by towering peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and Chamlang.
Ideal for experienced trekkers, this trek provides a unique adventure in one of Nepal’s most untouched mountain regions.
Highlights:
- Reach the foot of Mount Makalu (8,485m) — the 5th highest mountain in the world
- Trek through the untouched and remote Makalu Barun National Park
- Explore diverse landscapes: subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys
- Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Makalu itself
- Encounter local Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa communities
- A quiet and less-traveled alternative to popular trekking routes
- Tumlingtar Altitude: 518m (1,700ft)
- Num Altitude: 1,560m (5,119ft)
- Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (50 minutes), then drive to Num.
- Drive Duration: 4-5 hours.
- Altitude: 1,500m (4,922ft)
- Trek from Num to Seduwa, passing through rhododendron and bamboo forests and the village of Manigaon. Permit check at Seduwa.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
- Altitude: 2,100m (6,890ft)
- Trek through forests, farmlands, and past a school to Tashigaon, the last village before Makalu Base Camp.
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours.
- Altitude: 3,500m (11,483ft)
- Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda, ascending through rugged terrain.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
- Altitude: 3,500m (11,483ft)
- Rest day for acclimatization to adjust to the high altitude.
- Altitude: 3,570m (11,712ft)
- Trek from Khongma Danda to Mumbuk.
- Trek Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours.
- Altitude: Not specified
- Trek from Mumbuk to Tonhe Kharka.
- Trek Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours.
- Altitude: Not specified
- Trek from Tonhe Kharka to Sherson.
- Trek Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours.
- Altitude: 4,870m (15,978ft)
- Trek from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp, the highlight of the journey.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Altitude: Not specified
Explore the area with a day hike to Makalu Advanced Base Camp.
Trek Duration: Varies.
- Altitude: 3,570m (11,712ft)
- Descend from Makalu Base Camp back to Mumbuk.
- Trek Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours.
- Altitude: 3,500m (11,483ft)
- Trek from Mumbuk to Khongma La.
- Trek Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours.
- Altitude: 1,500m (4,922ft)
- Descend from Khongma La to Seduwa.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
- Altitude: 1,980m (6,497ft)
- Trek from Seduwa to Chichila.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
- Altitude: 518m (1,700ft)
- Trek from Chichila to Tumlingtar.
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours.
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (50 minutes). Transfer to hotel.
- Rest, souvenir shopping, or celebrate the trek's success in the evening.
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Free day in Kathmandu for relaxation, sightseeing, or shopping.
Depart from Kathmandu on your return flight home.