Makalu Base Camp Trek - 18 Days

Welcome to Nepal! Today is the first day of your Makalu Base Camp Trek as you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Nepal. To welcome you, the representative staff member of Access Nepal Tour and Trekking will be waiting for you at the Terminal.

You can easily spot them, as they will be holding the company signboard or your name. You will be welcomed with a Khada (traditional ceremonial scarf) and a Tika. After this, you will be taken to the 3-star Apsar Boutique Hotel via private tourist vehicle. Once you reach your respective hotel rooms, you can take a rest and refresh yourself.

In the evening, we will gather for a Welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali hotel along with cultural performances. We will conclude the night after this and get ready for the real expedition tomorrow.

Include: Accomodation, Airport Pickup, and Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu.

We will kick off the day early in the morning after having the breakfast. The staff member will come to your hotel to pick you up and transfer you to the airport. After reaching at the domestic airport terminal, you will board the flight to Tumlingtar. The flight duration will be 35 minutes long.

Throughout the flight, you can enjoy the beautiful views of mountains, hills, and landscapes from the window. After your arrival at Tumlingtar airport, the real trek starts. Tumlingtar is a beautiful town located in the Sankhuwasabha district. It is also known as the deepest valley in the world.

From Tumlingtar, you will take a jeep drive to Num passing through Khandbari, the largest town in the region. After the 30-minute uphill drive, the journey continues through beautiful green hills, terraced fields, and villages. It shows you the rural lifestyle of the people from this region.

The drive continues uphill until reaching the highest point at 1,960 meters. From here, the drive will slowly descend toward Chichila (1,900 m). It is the checkpoint where you have to show the Makalu Base Camp Trekking permit. Afterward, the journey continues as we pass along the breathtaking views of forested slopes.

From Chichila, the road is rough and bumpy until reaching the final destination Num (1,560 meters). It gives you the off-road experience, adding to the adventure of the trip. The rocky path as the drive winds through dense forests is worth the experience.

Once we arrive in Num, we will stay for the night. It is a beautiful village sitting on a ridge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. The long hours of driving on the road take a toll on your body. After having a nutritious and organic dinner, we will settle for the night.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

The real trek starts today as it involves trekking for long hours. It will start early in the morning after completing the breakfast. Our final destination for today is to reach Seduwa.

The trails will be long and require steep climbing to the Arun River (770 meters), leading to the Seduwa. The trek will be tiring and challenging from here as you ascend toward Seduwa (1,500 meters).

During the journey, you will witness large stone steps and cardamom fields. You will get to experience the local agricultural process of the people living here.

Likewise, once you reach the valley floor, you will cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River. From here on you will be invited to the demanding uphill climb to Seduwa. However, the journey will not be boring as you walk through dense forests of towering bamboo and get to see the lively villages. It will be interesting to see as the locals go about their daily routines.

After you arrive in Seduwa, your guide will complete permit checks at the Makalu-Barun National Park checkpoint. The village is small scattered along the hillside with traditional houses, shops, teahouses, and schools. After having a warm dinner, you will stay for the night.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

After completing the challenging trek of yesterday, today’s journey will be quite pleasant. After re-energizing with a night of sleep, the trek moves forward to Tashi Gaun. Once you complete the breakfast, the trek begins with a steady climb on stone steps. You will pass through Sherpa village decorated with mani walls. The atmosphere and traditional lifestyle show the huge influence of Buddhist culture. The trek will be fun and adventurous as it passes through rhododendrons, bamboo forests, small farms, and cardamom plantations.

Once we reach Chyaksa Danda (1,900m) after walking for more than two hours, we can take a brief rest. We move forward from this small settlement and walk on the undulating trail. Along the way, you will cross several wooden bridges over small streams. These small streams pass through sections of dense forest.

As you walk along the curves of the hillside, you will see the Tashi Gaun. Until reaching there, the final stretch takes you to walk down to a log bridge and one last climb on stone steps. Sitting at an altitude of 2,100 meters, Tashi Gaun is the last settlement before the higher-altitude trails. We will stay for the night at the local teahouse.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

We will stay for one more day at Tashi Gaun as an acclimatization. From the Tashi Gaun, you will directly jump into the high altitude. That’s why a rest day is important to adjust your body at a high altitude. This is crucial to avoid the risk of getting altitude sickness.

You can relax and take it easy today. In the morning, you can go for a short walk and explore around the village to help your body get used to the altitude. The village is surrounded by mountains and you can enjoy the views. If you want to know more about the people living here, you can visit local monasteries and talk with friendly Sherpa people.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

Today, you will leave Tashigaon. The trek starts with stone stairs leading to Makalu Base Camp. The trail takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests and surrounds you with towering snow-capped peaks.

To take a brief rest and have lunch, we will stop at Dhara (2,867m). It will take about three hours of walking. From here, the journey continues and finally stops at Khongma Danda (3,500m)

Once we finish the lunch, the trek continues toward Khongma. After hiking for about an hour, you will reach Unshisha (3,200m). Here you’ll cross the large rock. After that, the trail will become steep and you have to climb up through the forest walking over the stone stairs.

After walking for several hours, you will take a brief rest at a stone rest area decorated with prayer flags. We’ll continue walking for 45 minutes until reaching Khongma Danda. It’s a beautiful place surrounded by mountains and it also has occasional snowfall.

You’ll stay for the night at one of the teahouses, in Khongma Danda.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

Today is one of the main events of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. It will be one of the best parts of your trip as you are surrounded by the breathtaking views of mountains and ridgelines as you cross major four high passes. The trek will be so fun as it will be full of beautiful views.

After walking for hours through rhododendron forests, we cross the first pass, Khongma La (3,890m). From the pass, you’ll see the great and clear views of Mount Makalu and Chamlang. Then, you will come down to the next pass.

The journey from here will be quite demanding until reaching Sano Pokhari Danda (4,105m). From here you can see the fabulous view of Sano Pokhari Lake down below.

After walking on the stone stairs, now you will have to walk on the undulated trails. Once you reach the pass Shipton La (4,200m), you will see a mani wall and cairn marking the pass. Now, you will descend to Kalo Pokhari Lake (4,080m), decorated with prayer flags. This lake is a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims where pilgrims visit during the Janai Purnima Festival to do rituals.

From now on, the trek won’t be that strenuous. After easy climbing, you’ll reach the final pass of the day, Keke La (4,170m). Once you cross the pass, you have to walk for another 45 minutes and finally stop at Dobato. After a heartful dinner, you will stay for the night in Dobato ending the challenging day.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

The trek begins early in the morning. It will be pleasant as you descend down through the rhododendron and pine forests. But, you have to be very careful due to the steep slope which can be slippery, if there is snow.

Once you reach the river, the trail takes you toward the landslide area and you will pass through the beautiful waterfall. After climbing for some time, you will reach Themathang Kharka (3,500m), a popular rest stop. You’ll take a brief rest after walking for 4 hours from Dobato to Themathang Kharka.

From Themthang, the trek continues along the Baron Khola River on the left side. You will cross the river via a wooden bridge and continue the trek on the undulated trail. You’ll stay for the night at the teahouse in Yangri Kharka (3,557m).

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

After a continued challenging and strenuous walk for a couple of days, today’s trek will be a moderate and pleasant walk. The best part of the trek today is the fresh scent of juniper trees as you walk along the river on your left. The trail will be lively filled with colorful prayer flags.

The whole scene as you walk between the mountains of Peak 4, Peak 6, Peak 7, and Yaupa along with high cliffs is truly jaw-dropping.  Along the way, you will be mesmerized by snow-covered mountains, waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and caves.

Once you walk for about 2.5 hours and pass through the fields of Jhak Kharka and Yak Kharka, the trail opens up. You’ll take a rest at Merek. After the rest, you will continue walking for two hours and finally reach the final destination Langmale Kharka (4,410m). You will see the great view of Peak 7 in the background from the teahouse rooms. Overnight stay in Langmale Kharka.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

Today is the main highlight of the trek as it takes you to the Makalu Base Camp. The trek will be steady but zigzag through the valley with the river on your left. Every step you take will be rewarding as you will be showered with breathtaking views.

Except for some sections of large boulders, the trail usually is sandy and it will be easy to walk. The more you go ahead, the more clear view of Peak 4 will be seen. Likewise, few hours of walking you will reach Shershong (4,630m). This place is a flat and open area fitting for camping. It has small stone huts for shelter.

Leaving the Shershong behind, the trek moves forwards. Now, finally, you will see the first glimpse of Makalu. When you see the grandeur and beauty of the fifth-highest mountain in the world, it will be really emotional movement. As it fills you with excitement, the trek will be more fun and memorable. As you move ahead, you see some lodges at the base camp. Once you walk down and cross the river, you will be at your dream place; Makalu Base Camp.

When you are standing at the base camp, the view of Massive Makalu dominates. Additionally, the area is also home to hill pigeons, mountain finches, Tibetan snow cocks, and black redstarts.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

You will stay another night at Makalu Base Camp and explore the area. We will start the day early in the morning after having breakfast at Makalu Base Camp (4,870m). You will start with the climb at high ridge (5,300 meters) to enjoy the best views of surrounding peaks. 

The journey starts with crossing the log bridge over the river and continues toward the steep path. You have to be very careful as the route will not be always clear and comes with risk. After walking for three hours, you will finally reach the summit. Additionally, you have to be careful about your health and symptoms because this hike takes you above 5,000 meters which risks you of getting altitude sickness.

From the top of the ridge, you will see clear views of Makalu (8,485m), Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Nuptse (7,861m) along with other mountains like Peak 7, Peak 6, and Peak 4. The place is the best spot for taking photos. You can relax and just enjoy the views and greatness of Himalayan’s beauty.

After that, you will return back to Makalu Base Camp following the same trail. Coming down will be much easier and smoother. It only takes about 1.5 or 2 hours. However, you still have to be alert and careful while walking down.

Once you arrive at Makalu Base Camp, you will have lunch and take some rest. However, if you still want to explore around, you can take a short walk to the glacial lakes, a small ridge above base camp, or a nearby hill with prayer flags, which is only an hour away.  

Overnight stay at incredible high-altitude setting Makalu Base Camp.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

After spending two nights at Makalu Base Camp, the return journey starts. Leaving behind the base camp, you will move forward toward today’s destination Yangri Kharka.

It might be difficult to say goodbye to those beautiful mountains but the return journey is not that boring. The trail is still filled with beautiful landscapes of the Makalu region.

You will trek for a 1.5-hour walk passing the Shershong meadow. Here, you will see a small cabin covered in a bright orange tarp. The trek moves forwards for another 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace. Once you reach Langmale, you will take a break and enjoy a cup of tea.

After a brief rest, you will move forward toward the designated teahouse for lunch. Once you reach the teahouse and have your lunch, the trek continues. Passing through the pine forests marks a change of scenery. To reach Yangri Kharka, you have to walk for another 2 to 3 hours.

You will spend the night at Yangri Kharka. Enjoying the peaceful surroundings after a long day, you can recharge your body here.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

The return journey continues as a trek back to Khingma from Yanfri Kharka. It will long and challenging day because the trail involves walking down and crossing the high mountain passes. As you pass through the green forests, rivers, and high mountain landscapes, you are nearing the end of your dream trip.

It starts with climbing down through beautiful forests and rocky paths. As you come down, you will reach the first pass: Keke La Pass. You have to be careful as you cross the pass. It will be tough and challenging but the views and fresh air motivate you.

You will finally reach the next pass: Shipton La Pass after walking for a few hours. It will be quite rocky and windy. Therefore, you have to be extra careful as you descend.

Afterward, the trail goes down and takes you through green forests, changing the surroundings. Throughout the journey today, you have to be attentive and walk slowly because the altitude and uneven path make the journey challenging and tiring.

Once you come nearer to Khongma, the surroundings change to more open, and rockier, and few trees along strong winds. Finally, you will reach Khongma after trekking for 6 to 7 hours. You will stay for the night giving a rest to your body and preparing yourself for the next day.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

The descent journey continues from Khongma Danda (3,560m) to Seduwa (1,500m). Today also involves walking for long hours but it won’t be that strenuous. The trail involves down hill and the surroundings also change as you come down from the higher alpine region to lower green hills. You will be walking through the dense forests, rocky paths, and small settlements.

When you come down passing the rhododendrons and pine forests, the air will get warmer and the surroundings change to green hills and forests. Passing the small streams and wooden bridges is fun and peaceful. The lush green surroundings connect you with nature closely.

Then, you will reach Tashi Gaun, which you have already visited on the way to Makalu Base Camp. You will take a break here and enjoy some tea or snacks. After that, you will descend forward enjoying the surrounding beauty. You will see terraced fields and farmlands as you move forward.

Finally, you will arrive at Seduwa (1,500m) after walking for 6 to 7 hours. You will stay for the night at the same lodge as before. Enjoy the dinner and rest for the night.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

Today, you will trek from Seduwa (1,500m) to Num (1,560m) and then drive to Tumlingtar (410m). It involves a short trek and a scenic drive. In comparison to past days, the journey today will be easy and relaxing.

You will start early in the morning with a short trek from Seduwa to Num. The hike will be a smooth and gentle walk uphill. You will reach Num after walking for 2 to 3 hours. From here, your trekking journey ends. You will take a jeep and the drive to Tumlingtar begins.

The drive to the small village of Tumlingtar takes around 2 to 3 hours. The drive will be peaceful as you pass through winding roads with scenic views of the mountains, rivers, and villages along the way.

Once you reach Tumlingtar, you will stay for the night. Enjoy your stay after having a hearty dinner.

Included: Accomodation and Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). 

Today is the second last day of your Makalu Base Camp Trek. The day will start with a morning flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayas, as you make your way back to Kathmandu.

After you arrive at Kathmandu airport, the representative staff from Access Nepal will transfer you to your hotel. You can relax and get rid of the tiredness from the whole trip. If you have enough energy, you can explore around Thamel area and shop for a souvenir in your free time.

Included: Accomodation, Transportation, and Breakfast.

We will conclude the Makalu Base Camp Trek, with a Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour. The tour will begin early in the morning. The representative tour guide will come to pick you up at your hotel and take you for a sightseeing tour in a private vehicle.

The city of Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal. The tradition, architecture, culture, and local people make it a worthy experience to learn more about Nepal since it is a city of temples and monasteries.

The day will take off with breakfast and lead to our first destination Pashupatinath. It is the largest Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the most well-respected among Hindu pilgrims. Located near the bank of the Bagmati river, it’s a temple of Hindu god Shiva. Here, you will see stone and wooden carved statues, rows of Shiva Lings, and small temples scattered across the area. The main highlight of this temple is the golden roof and four giant silver doors of the main temple. Along it, you will also get to see the Hindu death rituals at Aryaghat, which gives a new cultural experience.

From here, you will be taken to Bouddhanath Stupa, a huge Buddhist temple. You can explore around the stupa and learn about the Buddhist culture of Nepal. You will also get to see monks in saffron robes circumambulating the stupa. The colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and a lively market selling Tibetan souvenirs give a spiritual atmosphere. It shows the Tibetan Buddhist culture outside Tibet itself.

After that, you have your lunch and the trek continues to Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a historic square is known for its wooden and stone craftsmanship. The pagoda-style temples and religious monuments are dedicated to various Hindu deities. The Dubar Square shows the beauty and depth of Nepal’s ancient culture. The surrounding area and temple show the beauty of medieval Nepal.

The last stop of your Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour will be Swayambhunath. It is also known as the Monkey Temple. It is a Buddhist stupa located at the hilltop and famous for offering the best view of Kathmandu Valley. The night view from the top is truly mesmerizing.

Once you finish the exploration, you will be taken back to your hotel room.  In the evening, Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will organize the farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of Makalu Base Camp Trek. The dinner will be at the finest restaurant in Kathmandu.

Note: If you prefer to stay for additional days in Kathamndu or want to go on another trip, you can inform us. We will help you arrange another memorable trip of your life.

Included: Accomodation and Breakfast in Kathmandu

Today, you will say goodbye to Nepal. Once you complete your breakfast, we will escort you to the Tribhuvan International Airport via private tourist vehicle for your flight back home. You can explore around or buy last-minute souvenirs if you have free time depending on your flight time.

From transferring to checkout, our team will help you through the processes. After reaching the airport, you can complete all the required formalities or procedures and board your flight way back home.

We hope you had a great time trekking with Access Nepal and that you are having great memories and experiences. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight back to your home.

Included: Breakfast and Airport Transfer.