Makalu Base Camp Trek

We use this day to arrange your Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and any local permits, and to complete a final gear check. Missing items can be bought or hired in Thamel. Your guide briefs you on the route, the passes, acclimatisation and the simple teahouse conditions in the Barun Valley. In your free time you can visit Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight in Kathmandu.

A flight of about 40 minutes takes us east to Tumlingtar, set on a broad plateau above the Arun River, with mountain views on a clear morning. From there a jeep climbs through Khandbari, the district headquarters, along a winding road to Num, a village on a ridge high above the Arun valley. The drive takes 4-5 hours depending on road conditions. Overnight in a teahouse.

The day begins with a steep descent of several hundred metres through farmland and forest to the Arun River, which we cross on a suspension bridge. An equally steep climb on the far side brings us to Seduwa, where national park permits are usually checked. The walk takes 6-7 hours and is tougher than the altitude suggests. Overnight in a teahouse.

A shorter day of 4-5 hours climbs through terraced fields, cardamom gardens and patches of forest, passing small Rai villages along the way. Tashigaon is the last permanent village on the route, a Sherpa settlement with views back down the valley. In the afternoon you can rest and prepare for the long climb ahead, as the next few days take us well away from villages. Overnight in a teahouse.

One of the hardest days of the trek, with a steep climb of 6-7 hours and a gain of around 1,400 metres. The trail climbs through forest of oak and rhododendron, past small clearings used by herders, to the ridge at Khongma Danda. We walk slowly, rest often and drink plenty of water. On a clear evening the views across the hills are excellent. Overnight in a teahouse.

After the big height gain of the previous day, a rest day is essential before crossing the passes. We take a short hike up the ridge above the lodge for views of Makalu, Chamlang and the surrounding peaks, then return to rest. Following the rule of climbing high and sleeping low helps your body adjust. Your guide checks everyone's wellbeing in the evening. Overnight at Khongma Danda.

We climb to the Shipton La (approx. 4,200 m) and continue over the Keke La, crossing rocky ridges and passing small alpine lakes, including Kalo Pokhari. Snow can lie on this section in spring and late autumn, so your guide sets a careful pace. After the passes we descend to Dobato, a small settlement in forest above the Barun Valley. Allow 6-7 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.

A steep descent through forest of rhododendron and fir brings us down into the Barun Valley, where we turn upstream beside the Barun River. The valley is spectacular, with sheer granite walls, waterfalls and patches of forest. After 6-7 hours we reach Yangle Kharka, a grazing area with a few simple lodges. Overnight in a teahouse.

We continue up the Barun Valley as the trees thin and give way to open yak pastures and moraine. Peaks such as Peak 6 and Peak 7 rise above the valley, and the scale of the landscape grows with every hour. The walk takes 6-7 hours with a steady gain in height, so we keep the pace slow. Overnight in a basic teahouse at Langmale Kharka.

A shorter walk of 3-4 hours follows the valley over moraine and past the Barun Glacier to Makalu Base Camp, set beneath the vast south face of the mountain. The first sight of Makalu at close range is unforgettable. The afternoon is free to rest, take photographs and walk gently around camp, keeping exertion low at this altitude. Overnight in a basic teahouse at base camp.

A full day to explore the area. With your guide you can hike onto the ridges and moraine above base camp for wider views, where on a clear day Lhotse and Everest appear to the west alongside Baruntse and Chamlang. Alternatively, walk beside the Barun Glacier or simply rest and enjoy the scenery. We return to base camp for the night. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

We begin the return journey down the Barun Valley, retracing our route past Langmale Kharka to Yangle Kharka. The walk takes 6-7 hours, mostly downhill, and the thicker air at lower altitude makes the going feel easier. Look out for blue sheep and Himalayan tahr on the slopes and for the waterfalls along the valley walls. Overnight in a teahouse.

We follow the Barun River downstream before climbing steeply out of the valley through forest back to Dobato. The climb takes effort after several days of descent, so we take it steadily. The walk takes 6-7 hours, and the forest is full of birdlife, especially in spring when the rhododendrons are in flower. Overnight in a teahouse.

We cross the passes again, this time in the opposite direction, passing the alpine lakes and enjoying fresh views of Makalu, Chamlang and the peaks to the east. The trail is rocky and can hold snow, so care is needed on the descent. After 6-7 hours we reach Khongma Danda on its ridge. Overnight in a teahouse.

A long, steep descent of 5-6 hours takes us down through the forest to Tashigaon. Trekking poles are a great help on this section, which is hard on the knees. Returning to the village, with its fields, houses and the sounds of daily life, feels very welcoming after the high, empty country of the Barun Valley. Overnight in a teahouse.

We descend through farmland to Seduwa and continue down to the Arun River, then face the final steep climb up to Num. The walk takes 7-8 hours. Depending on road conditions, part of this section may now be covered by jeep. In the evening we celebrate the end of the trek with the guide and porters. Overnight in a teahouse.

A jeep takes us back along the winding road via Khandbari to Tumlingtar, a drive of 4-5 hours depending on conditions. The afternoon is free to rest in the warm air of the Arun valley, wash clothes or walk through the small bazaar. Your guide reconfirms the next morning's flight to Kathmandu. Overnight in a lodge in Tumlingtar.

A short morning flight returns us to Kathmandu, where we transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is free for rest, shopping or a visit to one of the city's heritage sites. Flights can be delayed by weather, so we keep the rest of the day flexible. In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner to celebrate the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Depending on your flight time, there may be a few hours for souvenir shopping or a final visit to Boudhanath. Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in good time for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay with a safari in Chitwan, a few days in Pokhara or another trek, we are happy to arrange it.