Makalu Base Camp Trek (4,870 m)

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will meet you at the hotel and provide a briefing about the upcoming trek, including the itinerary, safety information, and important preparations. He will also assist you with all the necessary trekking formalities and paperwork.

After the briefing, we will go on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley, visiting famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. On this day, we will also arrange the TIMS card and other required permits for the trek.In the evening, you will have time to prepare your trekking gear and make the final arrangements for the journey ahead. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, we will take a short flight from Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft) to Tumlingtar (518 m / 1,699 ft). The flight, lasting about 40 minutes, offers spectacular aerial views of Nepal’s eastern valleys, rivers, and lush green foothills. As the plane descends toward Tumlingtar, the surrounding hills and farmland come into sharp focus, giving a glimpse of the serene rural landscapes that await us.

From Tumlingtar, we will embark on a scenic drive to Chichila, covering approximately 85 km (53 miles) in 3–4 hours. The road winds through charming villages, terraced fields, and river valleys, offering a colorful panorama of daily life in eastern Nepal. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of distant peaks and enjoy the crisp, fresh air as we gradually ascend toward Chichila.

Upon arrival, Chichila welcomes us with its tranquil environment and cozy guesthouses, setting the stage for the trekking adventures ahead. The combination of flight and drive provides a perfect blend of speed, comfort, and immersion into Nepal’s stunning landscapes and culture.

We set out from Chichila toward Num, following a scenic trail that winds through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. This trek provides a perfect introduction to the pristine landscapes of eastern Nepal, with quiet countryside, glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks, and opportunities to experience the local culture firsthand.

The trail gradually ascends through rolling hills and small settlements where trekkers can observe daily life in rural Nepal. The crisp mountain air and serene surroundings make the journey both refreshing and memorable.

The trek covers approximately 11 – 12 km (6.8 – 7.5 miles) and typically takes 4 – 5 hours, culminating in the picturesque village of Num (1,500 m / 4,921 ft). Perched on a ridge overlooking the Arun River valley, Num offers breathtaking scenery and cozy teahouse to rest and prepare for the next stage of your adventure into the Makalu region. Overnight stays at a teahouse.

From Num, we continue our trek along a scenic trail that gently descends and winds through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. This section of the journey offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local communities, with opportunities to see farmers at work and interact with friendly villagers.

The trail provides beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys, with occasional glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks. The terrain is moderate, making it an enjoyable day of trekking that balances adventure with relaxation.

The trek covers approximately 8 – 9 km (5–5.6 miles) and takes around 4 – 5 hours, arriving at Seduwa (1,493 m / 4,895 ft). Seduwa is a peaceful village with cozy teahouse, offering a perfect spot to rest and soak in the tranquil surroundings before continuing deeper into the Makalu region. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

We will set out from Seduwa and begin the steady ascent toward Tashigaon, following a scenic trail that winds through dense forests, terraced farmland, and small villages. This section of the trek introduces higher elevations, with dramatic views of surrounding hills and distant Himalayan peaks becoming more prominent as we climb.

Along the way, trekkers can experience the warm hospitality of local communities and observe traditional rural life. The moderately challenging trail rewards each step with breathtaking scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

The trek covers approximately 7 – 8 km (4.3–5 miles) and typically takes 3 – 4 hours, arriving at Tashigaon (2,057 m / 6,749 ft). Here, we will overnight at a cozy teahouse, enjoying warm meals, comfortable accommodations, and the serene mountain atmosphere, perfect for resting and acclimatizing for the next stage of the journey.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Tashigaon, allowing us to adjust to the higher elevation and prepare for the more challenging sections ahead. The day provides the perfect opportunity to relax at the teahouse, enjoy the serene surroundings, and soak in the panoramic views of the Arun Valley and surrounding peaks.

For those feeling energetic, a short nature walk or exploration around Tashigaon allows us to gently move and further aid acclimatization, while offering closer encounters with local flora, fauna, and mountain settlements.

Overnight at the Tashigaon teahouse, enjoying warm meals, cozy lodging, and the tranquil mountain environment, recharging both body and mind for the next stage of the trek.

Today’s journey takes us from Tashigaon to Khongma, beginning a steep and rewarding ascent into the higher Himalayan terrain. The trail gradually climbs through dense rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages, offering a rich variety of landscapes along the way.

About halfway, we will pass through Danda Kharka (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), a scenic ridge that provides glimpses of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is an ideal spot for a short break, photos, and to soak in the high-altitude scenery before continuing the ascent.

The trek covers approximately 11–12 km (6.8–7.5 miles) with a total elevation gain of about 1,500 m (4,920 ft) and typically takes 6 – 7 hours, depending on pace and rest stops.

Upon arrival at Khongma (3,560 m / 11,680 ft), we will overnight at a cozy teahouse, allowing us to rest and acclimatize for the high-altitude sections ahead. Here, the panoramic Himalayan views are truly breathtaking, and the peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot to recharge and enjoy the mountain serenity.

Today we embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the trek, as we cross high ridges and passes en route to Dobato. The trail ascends from Khongma (3,560 m) toward Kongma La (3,890 m / 12,762 ft), a prominent ridge that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This is an ideal spot to pause, take photographs, and appreciate the scale of the mountains around us.

From Kongma La, we continue to Shipton’s Pass (4,250 m / 13,940 ft), a high-altitude crossing named after the legendary mountaineer Eric Shipton. Along this stretch, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking vistas of glaciers, deep valleys, and jagged peaks, while carefully navigating the rugged terrain.

After descending slightly, the trail passes Kalo Pokhari, a serene alpine lake that serves as a natural resting spot and a chance to take in the tranquil high-mountain environment. From here, we continue the ascent to Kekse La (4,170 m / 13,681 ft), another high pass that offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Finally, the trail descends gently toward Dobato (3,620 m / 11,875 ft), a small settlement with a few teahouses, which will be our overnight stop. Dobato provides a comfortable base to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the dramatic Himalayan scenery before continuing toward the Makalu Base Camp. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

We leave Dobato (3,620 m) and begin the trek toward Yangle Kharka (3,620 m), following a trail that gradually climbs through open alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and glacial valleys. Along the way, we pass Thamthang Kharka and Neha Kharka, small grazing areas where local yaks are often seen and where trekkers can enjoy short rest stops amidst the serene highland scenery.

This section is a moderate to challenging ascent, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including glimpses of Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. The terrain alternates between gentle climbs across grassy slopes and more rugged stretches, rewarding trekkers with dramatic landscapes at every turn.

The trek covers approximately 8 – 9 km (5–5.5 miles) and typically takes 4 – 6 hours, depending on pace and acclimatization breaks.

Upon arrival at Yangle Kharka, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, cozy lodging, and the tranquil high-altitude environment. This allows us to rest and further acclimatize for the journey toward the high passes and Makalu Base Camp.

Today, we continue our journey from Yangle Kharka (3,620 m) toward Merek (4,400 m), gradually ascending through open alpine meadows, moraine slopes, and rocky ridges. The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Makalu, Chamlang, and other nearby giants.

Along the way, we will pass through rolling alpine pastures and scattered kharkas, where yaks graze during the summer months, providing a true high-mountain experience. The terrain alternates between gentle slopes and moderate climbs, steadily preparing us for the higher passes ahead.

The trek covers approximately 5.5 – 6 km (3.4–3.7 miles) and typically takes 4 – 5 hours, depending on pace and acclimatization stops.

Upon arrival at Merek, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, cozy lodging, and breathtaking high-altitude scenery. This stop allows us to rest and further acclimatize, preparing for the upcoming challenging passes on the route to Makalu Base Camp.

We set off from Merek (4,400 m) and begin the gradual ascent toward Shersong (4,660 m), trekking through high alpine pastures, moraine slopes, and rocky ridges. Along the way, we will pass through Langmale Kharka, a serene grazing area where yaks roam and local herders tend to their livestock. This spot is perfect for short breaks, photography, and soaking in the tranquil high-altitude surroundings.

The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and other snow-capped giants, making this section of the trek a visual highlight. The terrain alternates between gentle slopes and moderate climbs, steadily preparing trekkers for the higher passes ahead.

The trek covers approximately 4 – 4.5 km (2.5–3 miles)and typically takes 3 – 4 hours, depending on pace and acclimatization stops.

Upon arrival at Shersong, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, cozy lodging, and awe-inspiring mountain views. This stop allows us to rest and further acclimatize, preparing for the next challenging stage on the route to Makalu Base Camp.

We begin early in the morning, often around sunrise, setting out from Shersong (4,660 m) for a remarkable full-day excursion to Makalu Base Camp, located beneath the towering south face of Mount Makalu (8,485 m). The early start allows us to experience the mountains at their most peaceful, with crisp air, soft morning light, and clear visibilityenhancing the dramatic surroundings.

The trail gradually ascends through a vast high-altitude landscape of glacial moraine, rocky terrain, and open alpine valleys, offering increasingly close and impressive views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang. As the sun rises higher, the entire valley opens up into a breathtaking panorama of snow, ice, and rugged Himalayan wilderness.

The trek covers approximately 10 – 11 km (6.2–6.8 miles) round trip and typically takes 5 – 7 hours, depending on pace and the time spent exploring at base camp. Upon reaching Makalu Base Camp (around 4,870–4,950 m), we will have time to explore, take photographs, and fully absorb the extraordinary mountain environment before beginning our return journey.

We then retrace our steps back to Shersong (4,660 m), descending through the high alpine terrain at a comfortable pace. Upon arrival, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, rest, and the peaceful mountain atmosphere allowing us to recover after an unforgettable sunrise journey to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Himalayas.

Setting out from Shersong (4,660 m), we descend through high alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and grazing kharkas, making our way toward Yangle Kharka (3,620 m). Along the trail, we pass through Langmale Kharka and other open pastures, where yaks graze and local herders tend their livestock, giving us an authentic glimpse of life in the high Himalayas.

The journey offers stunning panoramic views of surrounding peaks, including Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang, with expansive valleys and rugged terrain unfolding at every turn. The descent is mostly gentle, allowing us to enjoy the scenery while gradually reaching a lower altitude.

The trek covers approximately 8 – 9 km (5–5.5 miles) and typically takes 4 – 5 hours, depending on pace and rest stops.

Upon arrival at Yangle Kharka, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, cozy lodging, and the serene alpine environment, allowing us to rest and recover in preparation for the next stage of our Makalu adventure.

We will begin our journey from Yangle Kharka (3,620 m), following a trail through rolling alpine meadows, grazing kharkas, and gentle ridges, gradually descending toward Dobato (3,620 m). Along the way, we pass Thamthang Kharka and other small grazing areas, where yaks graze and local herders tend their livestock, offering a glimpse into life in the high Himalayas.

The descent treats us to beautiful Himalayan panoramas, framed by expansive valleys, rugged ridges, and alpine pastures. While the higher peaks may occasionally appear through clearings, the focus is on the stunning landscapes and serene alpine environment along the trail.

The trek covers approximately 8 – 9 km (5–5.5 miles) and typically takes 4 – 5 hours, depending on pace and rest stops.

Upon arrival at Dobato, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, comfortable lodging, and the peaceful mountain setting, allowing us to rest and recover before the next stage of our Makalu Base Camp adventure.

Leaving Dobato (3,620 m), we descend along a scenic trail that winds through alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and highland pastures. The path is lined with vibrant rhododendron and juniper shrubs, and if the season is right, wildflowers dot the slopes, adding color to the serene landscape.

As we descend, the tranquil valleys below open up, revealing distant Himalayan ridges and highland terrain, creating a sense of remoteness and wilderness. Along the way, we may spot yaks grazing peacefully, and if we’re lucky, Himalayan birds like the snowcock or monal pheasant.

The trek covers approximately 12 – 13 km (7.5–8 miles) and typically takes 5 – 6 hours, allowing for short breaks to take in the scenery, photographs, and light snacks.

Upon arrival at Khongma, we will overnight at a cozy teahouse, where warm meals and comfortable lodging provide a welcome rest. The tranquil alpine environment offers the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the quiet of the high mountains, and acclimatize for the next stage of our Makalu Base Camp adventure.

Starting from Khongma (3,560 m), we embark on a long and scenic descent through alpine ridges, forested slopes, and terraced hillsides. As we lose altitude, the landscape gradually transforms from sparse highland meadows to dense pine and rhododendron forests, and finally to the lush, fertile valleys of the lower Arun region.

Along the way, we pass small villages and farmlands, offering glimpses into the daily life of Sherpa and Rai communities, their traditional homes, and terraced fields. Clear streams and shaded ravines punctuate the trail, adding variety and tranquility to the descent.

The trek covers approximately 18 – 20 km (11–12 miles) and typically takes 7 – 8 hours, depending on pace, rest breaks, and photo stops.

Upon arrival at Seduwa, we will overnight at a teahouse, enjoying warm meals, comfortable lodging, and the peaceful valley surroundings, allowing us to rest and rejuvenate for the next stage of our Makalu adventure.

As we leave Seduwa (1,493 m), the trail gently winds downhill through terraced fields, quiet villages, and shaded forested slopes. Along the way, we get a glimpse of local life in the Rai and Sherpa communities, from traditional homes to cultivated farmland, creating a rich cultural backdrop to our trek.

The path opens onto sunlit clearings and rolling hillsides, offering serene views of the valley below and distant ridges. With a relaxed pace, we have time to pause for photographs, take in the tranquil surroundings, and enjoy short rest stops.

The trek covers approximately 8 – 9 km (5–5.5 miles) and typically takes 3 – 4 hours.

Upon arrival at Num, we will overnight at a teahouse, savoring warm meals, cozy lodging, and the peaceful valley atmosphere, giving us time to rest and prepare for the next stage of our Makalu adventure.

From the peaceful village of Num (1,500 m / 4,920 ft), we follow a gentle descending trail through terraced fields, forested slopes, and scattered villages. Along the way, we catch glimpses of local life, traditional homes, and cultivated farmland, reflecting the rhythm of the Rai and Sherpa communities in this remote valley.

The trail offers serene views of the surrounding hills and distant ridges, and the relaxed pace allows us to pause for photographs, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and take short rest stops. The trek covers approximately 8 – 9 km (5–5.5 miles) and typically takes 3–4 hours, making for a comfortable and scenic day on the trail.

Upon reaching Chichila, we board a vehicle for the drive to Tumlingtar (518 m / 1,696 ft). The journey takes around 3–4 hours, winding through lush river valleys, terraced hillsides, and rural villages, providing a scenic conclusion to our adventure in the Makalu region.

Once in Tumlingtar, we will settle into comfortable lodging, enjoy warm meals, and reflect on the journey through one of Nepal’s most breathtaking and remote trekking regions.

After breakfast in Tumlingtar (518 m / 1,696 ft), we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft). The short flight, typically around 35–40 minutes, offers scenic aerial views of the Arun Valley, terraced hillsides, and the distant Himalayan peaks, providing a final perspective on the region we’ve just explored.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are greeted by the vibrant city atmosphere, marking the conclusion of our Makalu trekking adventure. Here, we can relax, celebrate the journey, and reflect on the unforgettable landscapes and cultural experiences encountered along the way. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Today marks the conclusion of our Makalu adventure. After arriving in Kathmandu from Tumlingtar, the day is reserved for rest, reflection, and last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the vibrant city.

It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit the sights, sounds, and flavors of Nepal, capture a few final photographs, and celebrate the memories made during your trek. Later, we bid farewell to our guides and fellow trekkers, cherishing the friendships and experiences that have shaped this journey.

Depending on flight schedules, airport transfers will be arranged for your onward journey, marking the official end of the trek.