Arrival in Kathmandu and 19-Day Trek Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your comfortable 3-star hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you may rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel for last-minute shopping. Later, you are welcome to visit our office for a detailed briefing about the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Day 2: Trek Permit Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast, meet your trekking guide for a pre-trip briefing covering trek details, safety, and logistics. Trek permits will be prepared; please bring your passport, three passport-size photos, and travel insurance details.
Free time is available for rest or optional sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Drive to Num
Flight: 35 minutes | Drive: 3-4 hours
Take a scenic morning flight to Tumlingtar, enjoying aerial views of hills and mountains. From Tumlingtar, drive through Khandbari and Chichila, passing forested ridges and small settlements. After permit verification at Chichila, continue on a rough mountain road to Num.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Trek from Num to Seduwa
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 8 km
A steep descent on stone steps leads to the Arun River. After crossing the suspension bridge, climb uphill through bamboo forests and villages to reach Seduwa. Entry formalities are completed at the Makalu-Barun National Park checkpoint.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 8 km
The trail passes through rhododendron forests, mani walls, cardamom farms, and Sherpa villages. After crossing streams and uneven forest paths, reach the scenic village of Tashigaon.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 7.2 km
A challenging ascent through dense rhododendron forest leads to Dhara Kharka (lunch stop). Continue climbing past Unshisa to reach Khongma Danda, where spectacular mountain scenery and possible snowfall await.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Khongma Danda
A crucial acclimatization day. Hike to Khongma La (3,890 m) and return to Khongma Danda. This helps prepare your body for the upcoming high passes.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (Crossing High Passes)
Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 7.6 km
Cross four high passes - Khongma La, Sano Pokhari Danda, Shipton La, and Keke La. Enjoy breathtaking views of Makalu and Chamlang before descending to Dobate.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 9.7 km
Descend through forests and cross Barun Khola. Pass waterfalls and meadows before reaching the open alpine grazing land of Yangri Kharka.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 10.5 km
Walk along the Barun River with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and prayer flags. Peaks 4, 6, and 7 dominate the skyline as you reach Langmale Kharka.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 8.7 km
A gradual ascent through rocky terrain brings you to Shershong and finally to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m). Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mount Makalu's massive south face.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Optional hikes to nearby ridges (up to ~5,300 m) offer panoramic views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks. Easier walks to lakes and viewpoints are also available.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 16 km
Descend past Shershong, Langmale, and Merek, retracing your route through alpine valleys and forests.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate
Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 9.3 km
Follow the river, cross landslide areas, and climb steadily back to Dobate through rhododendron forests.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Dobate to Danda Kharka
Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10.3 km
Cross the high passes again - Keke La, Shipton La, Sano Pokhari Danda, and Khongma La - before descending to Danda Kharka.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Danda Kharka to Seduwa
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 12 km
A long descent through forests, terraces, and villages brings you back to Seduwa, leaving the high mountains behind.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Trek from Seduwa to Num and Drive to Tumlingtar
Duration: 4-5 hours trek + drive
Descend to the Arun River and climb back to Num. Drive through scenic hills and farmland to Tumlingtar.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Flight: 35-40 minutes
Return to Kathmandu by scenic flight. In the evening, Marvel Treks hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful trek.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 19: Final Departure
Transfer to the airport in a private vehicle for your onward flight. Trip extensions are available upon request.
