Makalu (8463m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world. The trek up to Makalu Base Camp is an excellent choice for those adventure lovers who want to explore the most amazing and unseen scenery of the eastern Himalayas. Utterly marvelous, and still very untouched, the irregular trekking area of Makalu region is very close to the Everest region. The unimaginably beautiful area is famous for both culture and nature. A naturalist's paradise, teeming with many precious plants, animals (such as wolves, fox, lynx and the elusive snow leopard) and birds and a significant part of the Himalayas are the main attractions of this region. The trek takes you through the entire scenic and cultural heritage of Nepal, from the hot flat plains of the Terai(200m) to Makalu Base Camp (4812m)., which is the least visited area by tourists in Nepal's far west. The views of the south face of Makalu, as well as Everest and Lhotse are truly regal and fantastic.

You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.

Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.

Day 02 : Kathmandu (1334m): In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 : Flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and trek to Mane Vanjyang (1165m): In the morning we have a short flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From there we will commence our trek to Mane Vanjyang.

Overnight: Camping
Flight Time: 40 minutes
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: -169m

Day 04 : Mane Vanjyang to Chilchile (1830m): The second day of the trek we start with a climb through forest of rhododendrons and saal trees for about three hours. Then we will follow a flat trail that brings us to Chilchile, where there is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurungs and other communities as well.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +665m

Day 05 : Chilchile to Num (1500m): An enjoyable walking day. We begin our trek following the ridge past the small Sherpa settlements of Baisake and Kuwapani (1870m). Then the route climbs about 100 meters before descending into oak forests and follows alongside a stream for a short distance. We will then climb upwards again to the village of Mure (2000m), inhabited by both Sherpa and Rai. After Mure the trail descends on a rocky eroded trail to some stone steps and finally we reach Num, which is on a ridge above the Arun Koshi River.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -330m

Day 06 : Num to Seduwa (1540m): On this day, we first descend steeply from the western end of the Num ridge through the cornfields of Lumbang. We will continue our way down through jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun Koshi. From here we will have a steep climb up to Seduwa (1540m). People of this area are mainly engaged in agriculture and crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending on the season. There is a check post and local office of the Makalu Conservation Area where we register national park permits and trekking permit.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +40m

Day 07 : Seduwa to Tashigaon (2070m): The trail slightly ascends but the major part of the hike is flat and easy through the bushes. While walking, we will see villages at a far distance. Tashigaon, surrounded by verdant forest is a big Sherpa village. We will see prayer flags fluttering in the wind whispering odes of prayers for the dead and forgotten; in and around the village. This is the last settlement in the valley.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +530m

Day 08 : Tashigaon to Khongma La (3560m): This will be a challenging day as we gain over 1400 meters in elevation on a steep trail. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge where there are small shepherds' huts called Chipla (2520m). After this, the trail becomes even steeper and passes a kharka (commonly owned grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma La where we spend a night.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +1490m

Day 09 : Khongma La to Mumbuk (3550m): The beginning of the trek climbs step switchbacks adorned with prayer flags to a ridge (3840m),where there is a wonderful views of Chhamlang, Mt. Tutse-Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6105m). Following a rugged path we reach a beautiful lake named Kalo Pokhari (4004m). Leaving this small lake we will ascend again through Shipton Pass (4216m) which was named after Eric Shipton, who used this pass with Edmund Hillary on their 1952 Everest reconnaissance. We then cross Keke La (4150m) and enter a valley filled with rhododendron forest and continue on to Mumbuk.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -10m

Day 10 : Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3750m): On this day, our trek descends to Barun Khola through fir and rhododendron forests and crosses a small cave (3250m) and then traverses up and down to a large open area from where we will have excellent views of Mt. Tutse-Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6185m). We continue our trek, crossing a wooden bridge over Barun River and finally reach Yangle Kharka.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +200m

Day 11 : Yangle Kharka to Yak Kharka (4600m): We will follow the Barun valley past Piphuk Kharka (3930m). Then we will climb alongside a waterfall and on to a swampy meadow and stream. Here we will go to a single house at Jhak Kharka (4210m) and continue our way through the meadows of Yak Kharka where there is a rustic hotel and well equipped shop.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +850m

Day 12 : Acclimatization Day (4600m): We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize to adjust to the thinning of the air and also to explore the natural areas nearby.

Overnight: Camping

Day 13: Yak Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4812m) and trek back to Shersong (4610m): Today we continue our way through Shersong and gradually climb to a minor pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. Then we descend to a stream and cross boulders to the base camp on the west side of the river where there are terrific views of the south face of Makalu. There are no huts, shelters or vegetation at base camp (4812m). Views of different mountains and peaks like Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), are superb from this place. We will relax here for a while and then return to Shersong for our overnight.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: +212m Makalu Base Camp, +10m Shersong

Day 14 : Shersong to Yangle Kharka (3600m): We will retrace our steps down the Barun valley to the pleasant camp of Yangle Kharka. On route we walk through a rocky forest path with views of green hills and huge stones at some distance.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1010m

Day 15 : Yangle Kharka to Dobato (3550m): On this day, we will continue descending through the rock-fall area and then climb up the rocky gully to the trees of Dobato.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: -50m

Day 16 : Dobato to Tashigaon (2070m): Our trek takes us across Shipton La and then descends to Khongma where we make a long steep descent to Tashigaon.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -1480m

Day 17 : Tashigaon to Num (1490m): The trail steeply descends in the beginning and then we will have a steep ascent to reach Num. We will pass through a small forest of bamboo and a small village.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -580m

Day 18 : Num to Mane Vanjyang (1158m): The beginning of today's trek starts by ascending through forest and then gradually descending to Mane Vanjyang.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: -332m

Day 19 : Mane Vanjyang to Tumlingtar (510m): This is our last day of our trek. On arrival in Tumlingtar you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -648m

Day 20 : Flight Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (1334m): Following our short flight in the morning, you will have free time in Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 40 Minutes
Difference in Elevation: +824m

Day 21 : Kathmandu (1334m): Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world’s most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 22 : Transfer to the airport and departure.

The tour price includes:

1. Transfers airport/hotel/airport
2. Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing BB basis
3. Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
4. Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu/Tumlingtar/Kathmandu as per itinerary
5. Domestic airport taxes
6. Trekking permit/TIMS, and conservation entry fee
7. A professional tour/trekking guide, cook, porter, assistant guide
8. Meals full board during the trek
9. Accommodation in Camping during the trek
10. All necessary camping equipment
11. Your international flight re-confirmation
12. All necessary documents and government tax
13. Insurance for all staff (including guide, cook, porters, assistant guide)

The tour price does not include:

1. International flight
2. International airport taxes in Kathmandu approximately USD 20
3. Nepal entry visa fee USD 40 - (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
4. NOTE: You need 2 passport size photographs for the visa
5. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
6. Travel Insurance ((compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
7. Personnel trekking equipment
8. Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower etc
9. Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
10. Personal medical supplies
11. Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
12. Tips for trekking staff

Special Note:

This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated only by camping accommodation. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.