Makalu Base Camp (MBC) is one of Nepal's most remote and spectacular trekking destinations, located at an elevation of approximately 4,870 meters (15,978 feet) in Sankhuwasabha District, within Makalu Barun National Park.
The trek leads through an extraordinary range of landscapes, from subtropical forests and terraced hillsides to alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and rugged high-mountain terrain. Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional villages inhabited by Rai, Sherpa, and other local communities, offering opportunities to experience the region's rich culture and hospitality.
At the base camp, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest mountain, along with surrounding peaks such as Chamlang, Baruntse, and sections of the Everest massif. The dramatic scenery includes glaciers, rocky moraines, and the vast Barun Valley, creating a true wilderness experience.
Unlike the more crowded Everest and Annapurna regions, Makalu Base Camp remains relatively untouched and less visited, making it ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, pristine nature, and a challenging adventure in the Himalayas.
Highlights
Remote and less-crowded trekking route
Diverse ecosystems within Makalu Barun National Park
Spectacular views of Makalu and neighboring Himalayan peaks
Rich local culture and tradition mountain villages
Unique wilderness and high-altitude adventure experience
Itinerary (19D, 18N)
Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You will be received by one of our representatives upon your arrival and then transferred to your hotel. Check into the hotel and take your time and rest or explore the happening streets of Thamel yourself. Thamel is full of energy: lots of shops and traditional Nepali restaurants-just think of it. This day is for preparation and relaxing, thus getting ready for the actual adventure.
Before starting your trekking journey, we have set aside a day in Kathmandu to help you learn about the unique art, culture, and architecture of Nepal. You will be guided to the UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Kathmandu. First, you will be escorted to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can visit the museum, palace, its premises, and the temples built around it. Next, you will be escorted to the monkey temple – Swayambhunath. We walk up the stairs to the stupa. From the height, we can get an excellent view of Kathmandu city. Then, we visit a popular Hindu temple – Pashupatinath temple and head towards the largest stupa in the world – Boudhanath stupa. In the evening, we return to our hotel for an overnight stay
Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar before driving through beautiful hills, terraced farmland, and traditional villages to Chichila. Enjoy spectacular views of the Arun Valley and prepare for the trek ahead.
Drive to the hilltop village of Num before descending to the Arun River and climbing to Seduwa. Enter Makalu Barun National Park and enjoy the region's rich biodiversity and scenic mountain landscapes.
Follow peaceful trails through forests, cultivated fields, and traditional Rai and Sherpa villages before reaching Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement before the alpine region.
Ascend through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests before entering alpine terrain. Enjoy magnificent views of Makalu, Chamlang, and surrounding Himalayan peaks as you reach Khongma.
Spend the day acclimatizing with a short hike to nearby viewpoints. This important rest day helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude while offering spectacular mountain panoramas.
Cross the scenic Shipton La Pass and traverse rugged alpine ridges before descending to Dobate. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and pristine wilderness.
Descend into the spectacular Barun Valley, passing waterfalls, rivers, and lush forests. Reach Yangle Kharka, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the untouched beauty of the Makalu region.
Follow the Barun River through alpine meadows and glacial landscapes while enjoying increasingly close views of Mount Makalu, Peak 6, Peak 7, and neighboring Himalayan giants.
Reach the spectacular Makalu Base Camp, nestled beneath the world's fifth-highest mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and the surrounding glaciers and rocky moraines.
Spend the morning exploring the base camp and nearby viewpoints, taking in magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After enjoying this remarkable wilderness, descend to Langmale for the night.
Retrace your steps through the beautiful Barun Valley, descending past alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery to Yangle Kharka.
Continue through pristine forests and rugged mountain trails back to Dobate. The peaceful surroundings offer another opportunity to appreciate the untouched beauty of Makalu Barun National Park.
Cross alpine ridges and mountain passes while enjoying panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas before arriving once again at Khongma.
Descend through rhododendron forests, terraced farmland, and traditional villages to Seduwa. Experience the warm hospitality and unique culture of the local Rai and Sherpa communities.
Complete the final day of trekking by returning to Num before driving to Chichila. Celebrate the successful completion of your Makalu Base Camp adventure.
Drive back to Tumlingtar through scenic hills and river valleys before taking a short flight to Kathmandu. Spend your final evening shopping, relaxing, or enjoying a farewell dinner.
you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the international airport for your final departure. Make sure to have your travel documents ready and arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight. Therefore, this is the end of your trek and journey in Nepal. Safe travels, and hope to see you again.
Trekking Map
Altitude Profile
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
International and Domestics Airport pick up and drop
5 Star hotel in Kathmandu 3 Night (Bed and Breakfast incoludined )
An Experience English speaking guide and porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
Kathmandu City Sightseeing by Private vehicle
Trekking permits,TIMS and Makalu National park permits
All Meals and Teahouse accommodation during the trek with attach deluxe room
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing with private jeep and tour guide (Local Monuments entrance fee included)
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and same way flight ticket
Tumlingtar to Num and same ways back Jeep
Seta light phone
Medical kits
Guide, porter insurance with food and Accommodation
Basic Medical kits
Sleeping and duffel bag, down jacket, trekking poles (should be returned after the trek)
Farewell dinner
Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Service Arrangement Only (should cover by your travel insurance)
All required paper works and government taxes
RP Adventures T-shirt
What's Excluded
nternational Flight
Nepal Travel Visa Fee
Personal Medical and Travel insurance (Should cover helicopter evacuation)
Guide, Porter and Driver tips
Personal Gears (equipment)
Personal bill
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
All other personal expense of beverages (hard and soft drinks)
All other things not mentioned in the inclusion
Equipment List
Clothing
Footwear & Sleeping Gear
Trekking Gear
Personal Essentials
Electronics & Food
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the best moderate and adventurous trek of all 8,000 m peaks base camps. Makalu base camp a little more than two week durations, on this trek without much problem of altitude sickness; or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The walk leads with gradual rise in altitude each day reaching the height at 4, 870 m / 15, 978 feet. The daily walk helps and supports acclimatization as well spending overnights at certain heights en route Makalu Base Camp.The only tough part of the trek is climbing uphill to Khongma Danda, Ridge and long downhill walks on return treks. During adverse weather conditions, it is not possible to traverse Kauma La Pass (4,000m), Tatula/Shipton Pass (4,125m), Kalo Pokhari (4950m), and Kiki La Pass (4,170m). However, with the assistance of local residents, we collaborate to clear the way and facilitate passage during such challenging situations.
All meals are served with care and hygiene in every lodge en route trekking, where our guides all makes sure that the meal is all right for you, meals served as per the menu provided by the lodge. Main meals Nepali Dal / Bhat (boiled rice-mild vegetable curry with Dal and pickles of your choice) vegetable serves depends upon season, meals include fried / boiled noodles with eggs / veg or plain of your choices. Continental dishes also available in most of the lodges on treks. Most lodges till Tumlingtar is simple rooms with common toilets and bathrooms. Where one has to pay extra for hot showers as well for charging electronic items.
The only hospital is in Khandbari, the major town and headquarters of the district around Makalu region. Rest of the villages have small health post but lacks experienced doctors or medical staff. On trek, our guide will carry comprehensive medical box with medications for general illness and wounds only.
At every lodge that you stay overnights, our guide and lodge owner will refill your water bottles with hot boiled (or cooled) water, which is safe for drinking purpose. Buying bottled water can be quite expensive on mountains area it will be a hazard with waste empty water bottles. As every trekking company are committed to Eco and Responsible Tourism, our guide discourages buying plastic water bottles, only in emergency situations.Purifying tablets does work only 30-40 % in Himalayan waters (due to heavy minerals contain like magnesium-iron and bi-carbonates), the only safe is way boiled cooled water.
In emergency cases, typically, primary treatment is administered first. Subsequently, an assessment of the condition is made, and depending on the severity, the individual may be transported via helicopter rescue or carried to a hospital in Khandbari or Kathmandu.
