Makalu Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our Team Himalaya staff and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can take some time to rest or explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu.
In the evening, our team will hold a brief briefing on the trek and the upcoming adventure. Afterwards, you can relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

Today, you will fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a flight that takes about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you will continue by vehicle on a scenic drive to Khandbari, lasting around 4-5 hours through beautiful hills and river valleys.
After arriving in Khandbari, you will check into your hotel or guesthouse. You can relax, explore the town a little, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The rest of the day is free to prepare for the start of your trek.

Today’s trek begins with a steep walk down through a dense forest until we reach the Arun River. After crossing the river on a suspension bridge, the trail climbs uphill toward Seduwa.
Along the way, we will pass small villages, where you can see the daily life of local people. The path is mostly shaded by trees, but there are plenty of chances to enjoy views of distant mountains. Once we arrive in Seduwa, we will complete our trek permit registration and relax at a comfortable tea house, preparing for the days ahead.

Today’s trek leads us through charming terraced fields and quaint villages. The trail is gentle and steady, making today a more relaxed walk than yesterday. As we gradually ascend, the mountain air feels crisp and invigorating. 
Along the way, the landscape transforms as rhododendrons, oaks, and other native trees begin to appear, adding vibrant colours to the scenery. Tashigaon, the final sizable village before venturing into higher altitudes, warmly welcomes trekkers. Here, you can enjoy the hospitality of the local Sherpa community and savour some delicious traditional meals.

Today’s trek features a more challenging section as we ascend a steep trail at higher altitudes. The path winds through dense forest, then reaches a bubbling stream and continues upward to a scenic ridge. 
Upon arriving at Unshisa, we enter the pristine Makalu Barun National Park, a haven of natural beauty. From here, it is a relatively short 7-kilometre trek to Khongma Danda, also known as Kauma. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours due to the steeper terrain. Trekkers can relax and enjoy an overnight stay in a cosy teahouse surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

Today is a well-deserved rest day at Khongma Danda, allowing us to recover and enjoy the surroundings. You can take short day hikes from the village to explore nearby ridges, forests, and viewpoints. These excursions offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, as well as opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. The peaceful atmosphere of Khongma Danda makes it an ideal spot to relax, take photographs, and soak in the beauty of the high Himalayas. In the evening, we return to the teahouse to rest and prepare for the next stage of our trek.

Today, we leave Khongma Danda and begin our trek by crossing Siptung La Pass, reaching an elevation of 4,216 meters. This is one of the highest points on our journey, and the trail is steep and challenging. 
As we ascend, the panoramic views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Everest reward our efforts and make the climb unforgettable. Along the way, we will also pass smaller passes such as Keke La and Tutu La, where colourful prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze. After crossing the passes, we descend through lush rhododendron forests until we reach Dobate, a small settlement surrounded by towering peaks. Here, we rest for the day and enjoy the serene mountain environment.

Today, we continue our journey from Mumbuk-Dobate toward NeheKharka and YangleKharka. The trail gently climbs through forests and open meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
 Along the way, we pass small streams and traditional mountain settlements, giving us a glimpse of local life at high altitude. The trek takes around 5 to 6 hours, and the path becomes increasingly rugged as we approach Yangle Kharka. This serene settlement provides a perfect spot to rest, enjoy the mountain scenery, and prepare for the next stage of our trek.

Today, we continue our trek along the Barun River, gradually gaining altitude as we leave the dense forests behind. The landscape transforms into alpine terrain, with rocky paths and open pastures replacing the greenery of lower elevations. Along the way, we may spot blue sheep grazing in their natural habitat. 
As we approach Langmale Kharka, the air becomes thinner, and the trek grows more challenging. After overcoming these final obstacles, we reach Langmale Kharka, a high-altitude pasture that serves as an important stop for trekkers and climbers preparing for the Makalu Base Camp. Here, we stay in simple teahouses or lodges that offer basic but comfortable accommodations, providing a warm and restful overnight stop before the next stage of the journey.

Today is the final and most anticipated part of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, taking us from Langmale Kharka (4,410 m) to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m). The trek covers about 6–8 kilometres and usually takes one day. The trail gradually climbs through the barren alpine landscape along the Barun River valley. As we approach Shersong (4,572 m), the path flattens across a wide rocky plain, with stunning views of Mt. Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and surrounding peaks.
At Makalu Base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the world’s fifth-highest peak and its neighbouring mountains. The base camp is a temporary settlement of tents set up by climbers during the climbing season, which also serves as overnight accommodation for trekkers. You can explore the area, visit the Barun Glacier, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The trek is moderately challenging due to the high altitude and rugged terrain, but reaching the base camp is a true highlight and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Today is the most exciting highlight of the trek as we finally reach Makalu Base Camp. The trail climbs gradually through a rugged alpine landscape, with rocky ridges, glacial streams, and snowy fields creating a dramatic scene. As we move higher, the towering peak of Makalu dominates the skyline, and each step brings a stronger sense of achievement. The base camp, at 4,870 meters, offers close-up views of Mt. Makalu and surrounding peaks like Baruntse and Chamlang, making it a truly awe-inspiring destination.
Upon arrival, we spend time exploring the area, visiting nearby viewpoints, and soaking in the raw beauty of the Himalayas. The wide valley, surrounding glaciers, and rocky terrain create an unforgettable atmosphere. The overnight is spent at a simple campsite with very basic facilities, but the chance to sleep under the stars, surrounded by massive peaks and icefalls, makes for a magical and peaceful night in the heart of the mountains.

With two memorable nights at Makalu Base Camp behind us, we begin our descent toward Yangle Kharka. The day’s walk is steady but challenging, with rocky trails and glacial moraines demanding careful attention. 
Slowly, the thin air of the high mountains gives way to richer oxygen, and every breath feels lighter. At Langmale Kharka, we pause to take in one final, unforgettable view of Makalu, standing tall against the sky. By the time we arrive at Yangle Kharka, the valley greets us with warmer air, greenery, and a renewed sense of comfort.

On this day, the trail takes us from Yangle Kharka back up to Khongma Danda, crossing the high mountain passes of Siptong La and Keke La. The trek is long and demanding, with several steep ascents and descents, requiring a steady pace and endurance. The path winds through dense forests, rocky ridges, and alpine landscapes, offering occasional glimpses of snowy peaks along the way. Crossing the passes is the most challenging part of the day, but also the most rewarding, with panoramic mountain views stretching across the horizon.
After 6 to 7 hours of trekking, we finally reach Khongma Danda, where we settle in for the night. Accommodation here is simple, usually in teahouses, but it provides a comfortable rest after a tough day’s walk.

Today, we make a long descent from the ridge of Khongma Danda down towards Seduwa. The trail leads us through steep stone steps, dense forests, and occasional clearings with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. As we lose altitude, the landscape becomes greener and livelier, with rhododendron, bamboo, and other vegetation reappearing along the way.
After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, we arrive at Seduwa, the gateway to Makalu Barun National Park. Here, accommodation is available in simple teahouses, providing a comfortable place to rest after the long downhill journey.

Today marks the final day of our trekking adventure. We begin by descending through lush forests and terraced fields, enjoying the greenery as we head toward the Arun River. After crossing a suspension bridge, we make one last steep climb to reach Num, where the trekking part of our journey officially ends. 
From here, we board a jeep for a bumpy yet scenic drive back to Tumlingtar, following winding mountain roads and crossing rivers along the way. Upon arrival, we settle in at a tea house, where we enjoy our final dinner and spend the night resting after completing this remarkable journey. Throughout the day, all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided.

After an early breakfast, you’ll take a scenic morning flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. The journey offers a final opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, snow-capped peaks, and rolling hills of eastern Nepal. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the city’s amenities. The rest of the day is free for leisure; you may explore Kathmandu’s streets, visit cultural sites, or simply rest after your trek. In the evening, you can celebrate the completion of your Makalu adventure with a dinner alongside fellow trekkers, sharing memories from the journey.
Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation will be at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

Your final day in Nepal begins with a relaxed breakfast, giving you time to reflect on the journey you’ve just completed. Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to explore Kathmandu a little more, hunt for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the city’s sights at a leisurely pace. The energy of the bustling streets, the aroma of local cuisine, and the vibrant markets make for a memorable last glimpse of the capital. When the time comes, our guide or hotel staff will ensure a smooth transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
As you leave Nepal, take a moment to look back on the remote valleys, towering peaks, and quiet villages of the Makalu region. The trek offered not just breathtaking landscapes but also cultural encounters and personal achievements that will stay with you long after you return home. Carry these memories with you, along with a sense of accomplishment, and let the spirit of the Himalayas inspire your journey ahead.