Makalu Base Camp Trekking For 17 Days | 5th Highest Mountain Basecamp

Name: Makalu Base Camp Trekking For 17 Days | 5th Highest Mountain Basecamp
Brand: Nepalgram
SKU: 2641
Price: 1100 USD
Availability: InStock

Makalu Base Camp trekking is a high altitude hike all the way to 5250 meters. Trek trekking trail will take you to basecamp of 8k peak. It is one of the less known trekking in Nepal. Also know as off the beaten trekking trail in Nepal which comes with base camp excursion.

Makalu base camp trekking 2 — *Makalu Base Camp Trekking is famous for those who are engaged in trekking activities.*

Listen complete Makalu Base Camp trekking article

This trek is adventure walk to the basecamp of Mt. Makalu. Mt Makalu is 8463 m ,27,767 ft above the sea level and is the fifth highest peak in the world.

Along with Mt. Chamlang (7319 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7129m) and many other unnamed Himalayan peaks , trekking to Makalu base camp is worth an adventure. From Makalu Base Camp trekking route, looking at few named and many unnamed towering Himalayan peaks along with scenery of Barun Valley & Arun River (Valley) is captive moments of Makalu trek.

On top of every single highlight – remoteness and conserved tradition, cultural and geological prospect of Makalu basecamp trekking is the major attraction for people debating about this trip.

Makalu Barun National park is appealing reason to come to this route

Another attraction is a walk through Makalu Barun National Park with unexplored jungle trails, vegetation, Fauna & flowers.

More information about Makalu Barun National park can be read in our blog about national parks in Nepal.

Video Gallery

Mt Makalu is 5th highest mountain in the world

Mt Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world lies in Mahalangur Himalaya range of Nepal. 4 sided pyramid structured mountain Makalau is a beautiful mountain in Nepal.

Interestingly this Makalu is famous as a isolated mountain of Nepal, lies in Makalu barun National park, far from Everest base camp region

Makalu base camp trekking 1 — *At evening sunset view of mt. makalu*

Mt Makalu can be seen from the trekking route of Everest region. From the top of chola pass, Kongma la pass, Gokyo ri, Kalapatthar or any of the famous hilltops of Everest base camp trekking – Makalu can be seen distinct from other peaks of Nepal.

“Ma means I and Kalu means calling somebody in a lovely tone”, so Makalu is one of the prettiest mountains among all. Ans is one of the best base camp treks.

To explore Arun River, Arun Valley and many other minor tributaries, waterfalls, glacial lakes along the path is refreshing and creates a distinct memory in the mind of trekkers doing Makalu base camp trek.

Makalu Trek route Variation

Trekking to Makalu base camp starts after a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. And the trekking route to base camp goes all the way along the Arun river valley.

Towards the end of the Makalu base camp trek – there are 2 types of finish line for this trek.

One – Makalu base camp trek can end at the start point at Tumlingtar to conclude the trek. Which will take you back to Kathmandu on flight or by land transportation.

Makalu base camp trekking 3 — *trekking to base camp goes all the way along the Arun river valley*

Another – this trek can be connected with the Everest region. Even in Everest region trek there are 2 ways to make route variants. Either you trek over salpa pass and trek towards mera peak. Or you can trek towards Everest base camp.

However, the connection of the Makalu base camp trek to the Everest region will be a long exploration in the Nepal himalaya. This will be a wanderlost journey with the Nepalgram team. And we love that.

Culture & Nature Makalu Base Camp trekking

People in the Makalu base camp area are generous & living in harmony although they are from different castes like Sherpa, Tamang and Chhetri- dominantly. There are many other caste communities living in the Makalu region.

To see this diversified culture and tradition & witnessing festivals and rituals is another interesting aspect of this Makalu Base Camp trekking.

Makalu region is a remote/less explored basecamp trekking in Nepal, thus the villagers and traditional practice seen along the trail will be more than just interesting.

Also as an off the beaten trekking path, the natural beauty of the trekking route is pristine. Mountain scenery & flora & fauna of Makalu Barun Conservation area is not just interesting but also a refreshing element of the trip.

Accommodation in the tea houses is basic

With preserved nature and remote location for a good exit to the hustle and bustle of the city – Makalu base camp is a perfect destination. With that being said – trekking to Makalu base camp will not offer any luxury; most of the accommodation, food and living stuff during the entire trekking duration will be basic.

Destinations are awesome with landscape but overnight stay will not be that awesome.

Wild flowers and greenery look awesome but you will not get any delicious food in cities.

You do not need to go to an open toilet but still do not accept comfortable toilets and showers.

Please contact us for details about the trek; itinerary, cost, new route, updated information for your best holiday in Nepal. Nepalgram Adventure is a 100% local trekking agency in Nepal.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking Outline Itinerary– #optional with Kathmandu tour

Day 1 – Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 2 – Full day Kathmandu city sightseeing with guide in A/C car.
Day 3 – Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then Drive to Num.
Day 4 – Trek Num to Sedua.
Day 5 – Trek Sedua to Tashigaoun.
Day 6 – Tashigaoun to Khongma.
Day 7 – Khongma to Mumbuk.
Day 8 – Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka
Day 9 – Yangle Kharka to Yak kharka.
Day 10 – Hike to Makalu base camp
Day 11 – Explore Makalu Base Camp & trek back to Yangle kharka.
Day 12 – Trek back to Mumbuk.
Day 13 – Back to Khongma.
Day 14 – Khongma to seduwa
Day 15 – Seduwa to Num
Day 16 – Drive to Tumlingtar
Day 17 – Fly back Tumlingtar – Kathmandu.
Day 18 – Our vehicle will drive you to Tribhuvan international airport for your final departure to home.

Download Detail Itinerary of Makalu Base Camp Trekking Paf itinerary for trevelers to nepal 300x300 copy

Cost of Makalu basecamp trekking – Nepalgram Adventure

S.No.		Luxury	All Incl	Service
1	Cost (in USD $) Details	2835	1630	1075
2	Licensed Guide	√	√	√
3	Accommodation during trek	Standard	Private	×
4	Transportation to trek start point	Private	Shared	Shared
5	Shower	√	√	√
6	Airport/bus terminal Shuttle service	Private	Private	×
7	Hotel at KTM/Pokhara	5 Star	Standard	×
8	Food on trek(BLD)	Unlimited Meal	3 Meal	×
9	Desert	From Menu	Fresh Fruit	×
10	Soft drink	unlimited	1	×
11	Porter	Private	Shared	×
12	Company Cap & T-shirt	√	√	×
13	Dawn Jacket & Sleeping – bag to be returned	√	√	×
14	Hard drink	Local Brand	×	×
15	Warm up hike	√	×	×
16	Farewell party/dinner	√	×	×
17	Buffer day for trek	√	×	×
18	Food in the city	×	×	×

Note – Minimum people in group must be 02 so as to apply above price range.

Are you looking for other trips than Makalu Base Camp Trekking?

Nepalgram Adventure can help you with the filter below. Select the right duration and price of your interest to find the best trip to Nepal.

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Overview

Cost Details

All inclusive Package cost Details

Overview

Cost Details

All inclusive Package cost Details

Itinerary

Departure Dates

Trip FAQs

Travel Map

Overview of Makalu base camp trekking

Less explored base camp of fifth highest mountain of the world stands at 8,485 meters (27,838 ft). Apart from its off the beaten trekking route; pristine mountain landscape and the not explored villages of the region is definitely interesting.

Are you looking for another base camp rather than common ones? Makalu can be the best adventure ever.

Major Attraction of Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Explore rich culture and tradition of locality
Arun and Barun river & river Valley
Wide mountain ranges over 7000m and 800m altitude
Makalu Barun National Park with diversity of flora and fauna
Wilderness of jungle trekking in off the beaten trekking trail
Rich flora and fauna & wildlife
Sightseeing Kathmandu Valley with local guide
Remote trekking destination with pristine cultural and traditional practice

Price & Details of other packages of Nepalgram

All Inclusive package

Price for All Inclusive Package = USD $1630 per person – for Min 2 people in the group

“All inclusive package is a common package offered by all most all the trekking agencies in Nepal.”

COST DETAILS OF ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE

Cost Includes of Makalu Base Camp Trekking – All inclusive package

Airport pickup and drop by private car or micro bus (depending on group Size).
Standard Hotel in Kathmandu (according to the itinerary), B/B (bed and breakfast)
All your meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
All accommodation during the trek.
All necessary paper works, entry permit & Trekker`s information management system (Tims).
Fluent English speaking and trained & insuranced, Government licensed guide including all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport
Strong & helpful porter with proper equipment
Medical supplies (first aid kit).
All government taxes and office expenses.
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu in A/C Car.
Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
Card processing fee for online payable amount
Added Value – (1) Dawn sleeping bag, Dawn Jacket to be returned after the trek (2) Waterproof duffel Bag, Walking Poles, quick dry T-shirt, Cap – to take away (3) Oxymeter to check your oxygen saturation and Heart beat with medical kit box carried by Guide (4) Satellite Phone for extremely remote destination

Cost Excludes of Makalu Base Camp Trekking – All inclusive package

Food while you are in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 30$ dollar visa fee for 15 days, cash money will be easier.
Your travel and medical insurance.
International airfare.
All the alcoholic and non alcoholic hot and cold drinks, tea or coffee in the morning are included with breakfast.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).

Guide+B/B Package OR Service package

“Service package comes with all arrangement for your trek except food and accommodation in the cities – which you can do by yourself on this modern era.”

Price for Guide+B/B Package (service Package) = USD $1075 per person – for Min 2 people in the group

COST DETAILS OF SERVICE PACKAGE

Cost Includes of Makalu Base Camp Trekking for Guide+B/B Package

All necessary paper works, entry permit & Trekker`s information management system (Tims).
Fluent English speaking and trained, Government license holder guide including all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance during the trekking.
All the Transportation
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu in A/C Car.
A helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people), if you need.
Medical supplies (first aid kit). And regular oxygen saturation check up by oxymeter.
All government taxes and office expenses.
Added Value – (1) Dawn sleeping bag, Dawn Jacket to be returned after the trek (2) Waterproof duffel Bag, Walking Poles, quick dry T-shirt, Cap – to take away (3) Oxymeter to check your oxygen saturation and Heart beat with medical kit box carried by Guide (4) Satellite Phone for extremely remote destination

Cost Excludes of Makalu Base Camp Trekking for Guide+B/B Package

Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 30$ dollar visa fee for 15 days, cash money will be easier.
Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
Your Travel and medical insurance.
All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
All food and accommodation
Anything not illustrated on the inclusion section

LUXURY PACKAGE

“Luxury package comes with comfortable trip possible in the Himalayan circumstances and inside Nepal. Every service we use for your Luxury package will be best available.”

Price for luxury package = USD $2835 per person – for Min 2 people in the group

COST DETAILS OF LUXURY PACKAGE

Cost Includes of Makalu Base Camp Trekking for Luxury Package

5 star Hotel in Kathmandu (according to the itinerary), B/B (bed and breakfast)
Best available accommodations with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with all drink during the trek
All necessary paper works entry permit & Trekker`s information management system (Tims) and Local fees; iff applicable.
Fluent English speaking and trained, Government license holder guide including all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance during the trekking.
Transportation from kathmandu – pokhara; both way and trek start – finish point (to and forth)
A helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for one trekker).
Medical supplies (first aid kit). And regular oxygen saturation check up by oxymeter.
All government taxes and office expenses.
Card processing fee for online payable amount
Added Value – (1) Dawn sleeping bag, Dawn Jacket to be returned after the trek (2) Waterproof duffel Bag, Walking Poles, quick dry T-shirt, Cap – to take away (3) Oxymeter to check your oxygen saturation and Heart beat with medical kit box carried by Guide (4) Satellite Phone for extremely remote destination
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu in an A/C Car.
Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee, if applicable.
All the non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks, tea or coffee.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver.

Cost Excludes of Makalu Base Camp Trekking for luxury package

Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 30$ dollar visa fee for 15 days, cash money will be easier.
Your Travel and medical insurance.

Day 1 :

Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then Drive to Khadbari

• Altitude – 518/278 meters
• Special – Scenic view from plane and jeep/bus
• Time – 1 hour flight and 45 minutes drive
• Activity – Flying in Plane and Travelling in bus/jeep

makalu base camp trek — **Pic: Tumlingtar Airport**

You will be flying from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.Once you reach to Tumlingtar, you will take a drive to Khadbari. During the flight and drive you will be enjoying the scenic view of the surrounding. It takes 1 hour flight to reach Tumlingtar and a drive from Tumlingtar to Khadbari takes 6 to 45 minutes.

Day 2 :

Drive to Chichila and trek to Num

• Altitude – 1560 meters
• Special – Makalu Barun National Park begins
• Time – 6 - 8 hours
• Activity – steep through forests and terraced farms

We drive to Chichila from Khadbari. From Chichila, it's a pleasant walk through villages and verdant woodlands. Finally, Num is lying at the end of a ridge with stunning vistas on either side. The Num local lodge is where we spend the night.

***Pic: Front Row Seat to the Himalayas – Num Village Views***

Day 3 :

Trek Num to Sedua.

• Altitude – 1500 meters
• Special – Makalu Barun National Park begins
• Time – 6 hours
• Activity – steep descent through forests and terraced farms

Village kid showing victory sign during trekking by his house towards makalu basecamp trek — **Pic: Hidden Villages and rural settlements**

Today you will start your trek. Today you will steep descent through forest and terraced farms for 2 hours and start walking uphill and crossing the suspension bridge over Arun River. Today you can see the rural areas at its best.

Day 4 :

Trek Sedua to Tashigaoun.

• Altitude – 2100 meters
• Special – exotic village of Tashi Gaon
• Time – 5/6 hours
• Activity – Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields

***Pic: Trekkers walking through the jungle of Makalu base camp route***

Walking from sedua takes around 6 hours to reach to Tashigaoun. Today you will be walking downhill and uphill crossing through the Sherpa settlements, small paddy fields, teashops, bamboo and rhododendron forests and mani walls.

Day 5 :

Tashigaoun to Khongma.

• Altitude – 3500 meters
• Special – Kharka (grazing land
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge

Before entering the jungle trail of makalu basecamp route — **Pic: Jungle trail**

Day 6 :

Khongma acclimatization day.

• Altitude – 3500 meters
• Special – Views of surrounding
• Activity – hiking around Khongma

***Pic: Nestled in Nature: Khongma Village Charm***

Khongma is already 3600m, so you will have an easy rest day there. . You can take a day trip to thoroughly acclimate. It's also a fantastic viewing point. Spend the night at the local lodge in Kongma.

Day 7 :

Khongma to Dobate

• Altitude – 3600 meters
• Special – View of various mountain ranges
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – Trekking

makalu base camp trekking — **Pic: View of Makalu seen during Makalu Base camp trekking.**

We take an equally scenic trail from Khongma to Shipton Pass's foothill. We hike to Ghungru La along the ridge through a forest of rhododendron. From here, it's a quick descent to a lake and Keke La Pass. We descend down the Dobate Valley after traversing the pass, where we spend the night at the local lodge.

Day 8 :

Dobate to Yangle Kharka

• Altitude – 3557 meters
• Special – Barun River and Valley
• Time – 7 hours
• Activity – pass through the rhododendron forest

Walking through the trail with the sight of Barun river and valley is amazing. Before reaching to Yangle Kharka you will pass through the rhododendron forest and the view of mountain from the trail is amazing.

Day 9 :

Yangle Kharka to Yak kharka.

• Altitude – 4780 meters
• Special – View of snow-capped mountains
• Time – 6 hours
• Activity – Trekking

makalu base camp — **Pic: View of Makalu range**

Reaching to yak kharka from yangle kharka will take around 6 hour. During your walk you will get the view of tall snow capped mountains.

Day 10 :

Hike to Makalu base camp

• Altitude – 4810 meters
• Special – icy glaciers and snow clad mountains
• Time – 5 hours
• Activity – Walking through flat trail

You will be almost walaking through the flat trail. On this day you can get the view of icy glaciers as well as snow capped mountains. Today you will be walking around 5 hours to reach to Makalu base camp.

Day 11 :

Explore Makalu Base Camp & trek back to Yangle kharka.

• Altitude – 3557 meters
• Special – Exploration of Makalu Base Camp
• Time – 9/10 hours
• Activity – Exploring and trekking back

At the camping site of makalu Expedition in spring trekking to Makalu basecamp — **Pic: Camp at Makalu Base Camp**

You can get the best view of the mountains. The tall mount makalu is the major attraction. Along with makalu, you can get the best view of other mountains near to makalu too. After exploring around makalu base camp you will trek back to yangle kharka.

Day 12 :

Trek back to Dobate.

• Altitude – 3600 meters
• Special – Scenic view of surrounding
• Time – 6/7 hours
• Activity – descend through rock falls, green forests and valley

Following the same trail you will head back to dobate. On this day, you will descend through rock falls, green forests and valley. From the trail you can get best view of surrounding if the whether is clear.

Day 13 :

Back to Khongma.

• Altitude – 3500 meters
• Special – Scenic view of surrounding
• Time – 4/5 hours
• Activity – crossing through a forest of firs and rhododendrons

Walking through the firs and rhododendron forest will take you back to Khongma. It will take you 4 to 5hours to reach to Khongma.

Day 14 :

Khongma to seduwa

• Altitude – 1500 meters
• Special – local villages and setlements
• Time – 7 hours
• Activity – steep descent through the hillsides

Today you will steep descent through the hillsides. During your walk, you will pass through different culturally rich villages.

Day 15 :

Seduwa to Num

• Altitude – 1560 meters
• Special – View of greenery all around
• Time – 4/5 hours
• Activity – trek through lush forests

You will be hiking through the lush forests. You will surely enjoy the greenery surrounding view during your walk.

Day 16 :

Trek to Chichila and Drive to Tumlingtar

• Altitude – 518 meters
• Special – Scenic view during drive
• Time – 2 hours drive
• Activity – Travelling in bus

From Num we will trek back to Chichila and drive from Chichila will take you to Tumlingtar. Next morning you will be heading back to Kathmandu.

Day 17 :

Fly back Tumlingtar – Kathmandu.

• Altitude – 1380 meters
• Special – Scenic view from plane
• Time – 1 hour flight
• Activity – Flying in Plane

Nepal Tour — **Pic: Tribhhuvan International Airport**

1 hour of scenic flight from Tumlingtar will take you back to Kathmandu. Today you will overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 18 :

Our vehicle will drive you to Tribhuvan international airport for your final departure to home.

• Time – 30 minutes airport transfer time
• Activity – Flying to next destination

Our vehicle will drop you to Tribhuwan international airport for onward destination. We are proud to be your travel partner. Have a safe travel.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking FAQs

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How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu base camp is one of the very less explored trekking destination in Nepal. Jungle trail, rarely maintained river crossings, high passes, basic tea houses with just okay accommodation and food has made Makalau base camp trekking a challenge.
But if you are okay with long hour walks (8 to 12 hours in some days) apart from 6 to 8 hours hiking per day – doing Makalu would not be a problem. For those who has done Manaslu trek or Everest chola pass trekking – Makalu base camp trekking will not be an issue physically.
However you must be mentally prepared to live in low standard for accommodation & food. Walking long hours with chocolate bar and hurting downhills while trekking along the less trekked route of Makalu base camp trail – you might as well get stocked in landslides or snowfall.
Not always but often – the trail of Maklau base camp gets closed and need to be rerouted by trekking guide, mostly while trekking in monsoon & winter. Other season like autumn and spring should be 99% fine with such difficulties.
With moderate level of difficulty of Makalu base camp trekking – you get verities of flora and fauna. Researchers would love Makalau base camp region as this trail is conserved inside Makalau barun conservation area of Nepal.

How long is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Because of road development – Makalu Barun base camp trek is less than 2 weeks. However the travel time to the trekking start point and trek finish point makes 15-18 days of Makalu base camp trek.
Before the motorable road development – Makalu base camp trekking alone was more than 15 days. Adding travel time it would be around 3 weeks trip to Makalu base camp region.

Where is Makalu base camp?

Makalu base camp is in the eastern Nepal Himalaya. Mt Makalu lies in between 3rd heights mountain of earth Mt Kanchenjunga & tallest peak of earth Mt Everest.
Makalu base camp lies in between Everest base camp & Kanchenjunga base camp; somewhere in the equal range of the mountain.

Is Makalu base camp trekking harder than Everest base camp trekking?

Yes. Accommodation, food & wilderness of the Makalu base camp trekking has made it harder than Everest base camp trekking.
Makalu base camp trekking one of the least trekked base camp trekking trail in Nepal. Whereas Everest base camp is one of the most visited place in Nepal. Even though Everest base camp has 4 nights above 4000 meters, trekking in this trail is not as hard as Makalu basecamp trekking.

Where is Makalu Barun National Park situated?

Makalu Barun national park is located in Nepal. One of the famous trekking destination of eastern Nepal – Makalu base camp trekking and Arun valley trek are inside the national park ALongwith, famous trekking peak of Nepal – Mt mera peak is also situated iniside Makalu Barun National park.

What is Makalu Barun National Park famous for?

Makalu barun conservation area is often misunderstood as Makalu national park and it is famous for conserving varities of flora and fauna. Botanist, environmentalist & scientists love this region for the purpose of research & development.
Apart from what is conserved inside the conservation area; there are famous adventure tour destination inside Makalu barun conservation area. Mt mera peak is a famous trekking peak in this region, Makalu base camp itself is one of the eight thousers basecamp in Nepal Himalaya, Arun valley trek is rich in culture and landscape.

What is the area of Makalu Barun National Park?

Makalu Barun spreads in about 1500 sq.km. Conserving millions of life inside the dense forest & tall mountains of the region.

How tall is Makalu?

Makalu is 8463 meters above the sea level. It is fifth highest mountain on earth located in Mahalangur Himalaya range of Nepal Himalaya.

Where is Makalu connected with Everest?

Salpa pass connects core area of Makalu with Everest. Core area means Makalu basecamp trekking trail & Arun valley trekking region. Territorially Makalu conservation and Sagarmatha national park are separated by few villages near lukla airstrip.