Essential Trip Information
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18 Days
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Makalu
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2+
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5000m -
Moderate -
Spring (Mar - May) Autumn (Sep- Nov)
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Nepal
Overview
Trip Overview
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a demanding and rewarding journey into one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayan landscapes. The route leads from the lower hills through terraced farmland, dense rhododendron and mixed forests, traditional mountain settlements, high alpine terrain, glaciers and dramatic mountain valleys before reaching the Makalu Base Camp area.
Makalu (8,485 m) is the world’s fifth-highest mountain and rises within the Mahalangur Himalaya of eastern Nepal. The trek is renowned for its raw wilderness, changing landscapes and spectacular mountain scenery, including close views of Makalu and surrounding peaks. The journey also passes through the protected Makalu-Barun landscape, known for its rich biodiversity and remarkable geographic contrast.
Beginning with a flight to Tumlingtar and a road journey toward the trailhead, the trek gradually gains altitude through Seduwa, Tashi Gaon and Khongma Danda before entering the remote Barun Valley. The high point of the itinerary is the approach to Makalu Base Camp, followed by a carefully paced descent through the same spectacular mountain corridor.
This is not a beginner-level trek. Long walking days, steep ascents and descents, high-altitude terrain and limited infrastructure make physical preparation, acclimatization and responsible trekking practices essential. Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expedition provides an experienced trekking team, logistical support and a safety-focused approach throughout the journey.
Trip Highlights
Highlights
- Reach the remote Makalu Base Camp in the shadow of the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
- Experience one of eastern Nepal’s most spectacular and less-crowded Himalayan trekking regions.
- Trek through changing landscapes—from terraced hills and subtropical forests to alpine meadows, glaciers and high mountain terrain.
- Explore traditional mountain settlements including Seduwa, Tashi Gaon and Khongma Danda.
- Cross challenging high-altitude terrain around the Shipton La and surrounding passes.
- Enjoy dramatic views of Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, with changing perspectives throughout the route.
- Walk through the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area and experience its exceptional natural environment.
- Spend valuable acclimatization time at Khongma Danda and at high altitude before the final approach.
- Experience the remote Barun Valley landscape, including alpine terrain, glacial features and mountain wilderness.
- Travel with a professional Himalayan Sherpa Exodus trekking team focused on safety, service and responsible mountain travel.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can rest, explore the nearby area or complete any last-minute preparations. Your trek briefing and final equipment check will be arranged according to your arrival schedule.
The journey begins with a scenic domestic flight to Tumlingtar. After landing, continue by road toward Seduwa, the starting point of the trekking section. The drive takes approximately 8–10 hours and passes through changing rural landscapes and settlements. Overnight in Seduwa.
Start walking through forested hills, farmland and traditional settlements as the trail gradually climbs toward Tashi Gaon. The route provides an early introduction to the local mountain environment and village life. Overnight at Tashi Gaon.
The trail becomes steeper as you ascend through dense forest and mountain terrain toward Khongma Danda. The day involves sustained uphill walking and several challenging sections. Clear weather can provide beautiful Himalayan views. Overnight at Khongma Danda.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. A short hike and exploration around Khongma Danda helps your body adjust to increasing altitude. Keep the day active but relaxed, stay hydrated and follow your guide’s recommendations. Overnight at Khongma Danda.
Continue across rugged mountain terrain with a combination of ascents and descents. The trail gradually moves toward Dobate through forest and alpine surroundings. The changing landscape marks the transition into the more remote section of the trek. Overnight at Dobate.
The trail continues through forest, open alpine areas and rugged valley terrain toward Yangri Kharka. As the landscape becomes more expansive, mountain views begin to dominate the horizon. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.
Today you enter higher alpine country. The trail climbs toward Langmale Kharka through increasingly rugged terrain, with spectacular views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks. Because of the altitude, walk steadily and follow a comfortable pace. Overnight at Langmale Kharka.
This is the major objective of the trek. Continue through rocky high-altitude terrain toward the Makalu Base Camp area. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as glaciers, high ridges and towering Himalayan peaks surround the trail. After reaching the base camp area, take time to appreciate the achievement and extraordinary mountain setting. Overnight near Makalu Base Camp.
A valuable high-altitude rest and exploration day. Depending on conditions, enjoy short walks around the base camp area, photograph the surrounding peaks and glaciers, and allow your body to recover before beginning the descent. All activities remain subject to weather, trail and group conditions.
Begin the return journey by descending toward Yangle Kharka. The lower altitude provides a welcome change after the high mountain environment. Continue through valleys and forested sections while enjoying a different perspective of the route.
Retrace the trail toward Dobate. The route combines descents with occasional uphill sections, and the surrounding vegetation gradually becomes more prominent as you lose altitude. Overnight at Dobate.
Continue toward Khongma Danda through forest and alpine terrain. Although the overall distance is moderate, the route still includes demanding uphill sections. Overnight at Khongma Danda.
Descend through the forested trail toward Tashi Gaon. The lower altitude and familiar village environment make this a more relaxed stage of the return journey. Overnight at Tashi Gaon.
Continue downhill to Seduwa, completing the main trekking circuit. Enjoy the final walking hours through rural landscapes and villages before leaving the high mountain trail.
After breakfast, drive back toward Tumlingtar. The journey takes approximately 7–8 hours and offers a final opportunity to observe the changing landscapes of eastern Nepal. Overnight in Tumlingtar.
Take the scheduled flight from Tumlingtar back to Kathmandu. After arriving, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest, explore or shop for souvenirs. This evening can also serve as a flexible buffer in case of travel delays.
After breakfast, our team will arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule. Your Makalu Base Camp adventure concludes with Himalayan Sherpa Exodus Team Treks & Expedition. We look forward to welcoming you again for another Nepal adventure.
Trip Package
Cost Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
- Two nights’ standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast.
- Domestic flight ticket: Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu, subject to airline schedule and operational conditions.
- Domestic airport transfers and applicable domestic airport taxes included in the trekking package.
- Transportation between Tumlingtar and Seduwa by shared/local Jeep as specified in the itinerary.
- One night accommodation in Tumlingtar with breakfast.
- Tea house/lodge accommodation throughout the trekking route.
- Three meals daily during the trek—breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with salary, meals, accommodation, local transportation and insurance.
- One porter for every two trekkers, including salary, meals, accommodation, transportation and insurance. Standard porter load limits apply.
- One Himalayan Sherpa Exodus branded waterproof duffle bag for each trekker, provided for use during the trek.
- Sleeping bag and down jacket available for use during the trek if required; equipment is returned after the trip.
- Walking poles available on request, subject to availability.
- Comprehensive first-aid and basic medical kit carried by the trekking team.
- Pulse oximeter for regular monitoring of oxygen saturation and heart rate when appropriate during the high-altitude section.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more trekkers.
- All required trekking permits and conservation/national park entry fees applicable to the confirmed itinerary.
- Government taxes and standard official service charges related to the package.
- Trip achievement certificate after successful completion of the trek.
- Emergency support and coordination for helicopter evacuation when medically necessary; evacuation and treatment costs are payable through the trekker’s travel insurance or by the trekker where insurance does not cover them.
- Professional pre-trek briefing and basic equipment/logistics assistance from the Himalayan Sherpa Exodus team.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and international airport charges.
- Nepal entry visa fee and related visa expenses.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel, medical and rescue insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory.
- Personal expenses, shopping, souvenirs and any expenses arising from personal requirements.
- Soft drinks, mineral/bottled water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, alcoholic beverages and other purchased drinks during the trek.
- Extra food, snacks, desserts, chocolate, cake and other items purchased outside the included meals.
- Hot showers and battery/device charging fees at tea houses or lodges.
- Additional accommodation or transportation caused by flight cancellation, weather disruption, landslides, road conditions, illness, injury, political events or other circumstances beyond the company’s control.
- Emergency evacuation, medical treatment, rescue or related costs not covered by the trekker’s insurance.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, drivers and support staff.
- Excess baggage or additional baggage charges on domestic flights beyond the airline’s permitted allowance.
- Personal trekking/climbing equipment not specifically listed under inclusions.
- Any service, permit, meal, accommodation or transportation not specifically mentioned under ‘Cost Includes’.