16-Day Makalu Base Camp Camping Trek in Makalu Barun National Park

16 Days Round trip from Tribhuvan Int'l airport Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Embark on a true wilderness adventure with fully supported tented camping
02 Trek to the base of majestic Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak
03 Journey through the stunningly diverse and protected Makalu Barun National Park
04 Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga from high passes
05 Cross challenging high passes like Shipton La (4,210m) and Keke La (4,170m)
06 Experience the solitude of a pristine Himalayan trail with far fewer trekkers

For those who have trekked the popular trails and now seek a deeper, more profound Himalayan experience, this 16-day Makalu Base Camp Camping Trek is the ultimate adventure. Journey deep into the remote and magnificent Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal, leaving the crowded trails behind for pristine forests, dramatic river gorges, and high alpine meadows. This challenging, fully supported camping trek rewards intrepid trekkers with solitude and breathtaking close-up views of Makalu (8,485m), the world's fifth-highest mountain, along with spectacular panoramas of Everest and Lhotse.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 16 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Makalu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Transfer to your hotel for rest and a trek briefing.

Day 02

Flight to Tumlingtar and Drive to Num

Take an early morning scenic flight to Tumlingtar. Upon arrival, board a jeep for an adventurous drive along a mountain road to the village of Num.

Accommodation: Basic Lodge

Day 03

Trek from Num to Seduwa

The trek begins with a steep descent to the Arun River, followed by a tough climb up to the village of Seduwa.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge

Day 04

Trek through Fields and Forests to Tashi Gaon

A pleasant walk through terraced fields and forests leads to Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement on the trail.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge

Day 05

Climb to Khongma Danda

A challenging day of climbing through dense forests to a high ridge at Khongma Danda. This is where the true wilderness begins.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 06

Acclimatization at Khongma Danda

A crucial rest day to allow your body to adjust to the altitude before tackling the high passes. Enjoy the views and take short walks.

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 07

Cross the High Passes to Dobate

The toughest day of the trek. Cross four passes, including Shipton La (4,210m) and Keke La (4,170m), with stunning views throughout. The trail then descends to Dobate.

Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 08

Descend to Yangle Kharka

Descend through a rhododendron forest and follow the Barun River into a beautiful high-altitude valley to reach Yangle Kharka.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 09

Trek into the Alpine Zone to Langmale Kharka

A steady climb up the valley with dramatic mountain scenery. The vegetation becomes sparse as you enter the alpine zone.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 10

Final Push to Makalu Base Camp

The final push to Makalu Base Camp. The trail follows the lateral moraine of a glacier, with the stunning south face of Makalu coming into view.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 11

Explore Makalu Base Camp

Spend the day exploring the magnificent surroundings. Hike to a viewpoint for breathtaking close-up views of Makalu, Peak 7, and the Everest massif in the distance.

Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 12

Return Trek to Yangle Kharka

Begin the return journey, retracing your steps back down the valley.

Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 13

Trek Back to Dobate

Continue the descent, heading back towards the high passes.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 14

Re-cross the High Passes to Khongma Danda

A challenging day as you re-cross the high passes from the other side before reaching the campsite at Khongma Danda.

Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 15

Long Descent to Seduwa

A long day of descending back to civilization. Pass through Tashi Gaon and continue down to Seduwa.

Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge

Day 16

Trek to Num, Drive to Tumlingtar, and Fly to Kathmandu

A very long final day. Trek down to Num, take a jeep back to Tumlingtar airport, and catch an afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and farewell dinner.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Tribhuvan Int'l airport 2 cities · 16 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pickup and drop-off services
All ground transportation as per the itinerary (jeep)
An experienced, government-licensed English-speaking guide
Full camping crew: professional cook, kitchen staff, and porters
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Makalu Barun National Park permits
All government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu)
Nepal entry visa fee and international airfare
Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (except for welcome/farewell dinners if applicable)
Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear and clothing
Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, battery charging)
Tips for the guide and entire trekking crew

What to bring

Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
4-season sleeping bag (-15°C / 0°F)
Layering clothes (thermals, fleece, puffy down jacket)
Waterproof & windproof shell jacket & pants
Duffel bag & daypack with rain covers
Headlamp with spare batteries
Trekking poles
Water bottles & purification system
Sun hat, beanie, gloves & sunglasses
Personal first-aid kit & medications
Passport, cash & high-altitude insurance papers
Large power bank

Know before you go

This is a combination trek. While the lower sections may have very basic lodges, the higher elevations are devoid of any settlement. This is a fully supported camping trek where our experienced crew will set up tents, a dining tent, and prepare all meals.

This trek is rated as strenuous and is suitable only for experienced trekkers with excellent physical fitness and mental resilience. Days are long, the terrain is rugged, and you will cross high passes.

You will be trekking in a very remote area with no access to modern amenities like WiFi, electricity for charging, or extensive food menus. You must be well-prepared and self-sufficient.

The weather in the Makalu region is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snow on the high passes, even outside of peak winter. Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary and is crucial for success.

The trek begins with a flight to the mountain airstrip at Tumlingtar. These flights are dependent on weather and can be delayed. We advise having a buffer day in your overall travel plans.

Logistics