Trip Facts
Duration:
18 Days
Max Altitude:
5,000 m
Activities:
Remote high-altitude trekking
Region:
Makalu (Makalu Barun National Park)
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Challenging
Group Size:
Min 2
Accomodation:
Basic teahouses on the trail, hotel in Kathmandu
Best Season:
March-May and September-November
Notice
This is a remote, wild trek to the base of Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain on earth. It is one of the toughest base camp treks in Nepal. The days are long, the climbs are big, and you cross Shipton La (4,220 m).
A licensed guide and the right permits are required: the Makalu Barun National Park permit, the local permit, and a TIMS card. Spade Himalaya sorts all of these. Note that Makalu is in Sankhuwasabha, not the Everest region, so no Khumbu permit applies.
The high point is Makalu Base Camp (about 4,870 m), with rest-day viewpoints up to about 5,000 m. Teahouses here are simple and far apart. So this trek suits fit, experienced trekkers who want real solitude.
Overview of Makalu Base Camp Trek 18-Days
Quick answer: The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote, challenging 18-day trek to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain, reaching about 4,870 m. It crosses the Shipton La pass, sees few trekkers, and is best in spring and autumn.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an 18-day wilderness trek to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain on earth. Makalu stands just 19 km southeast of Everest, in the Mahalangur Himalaya. It is one of the least-walked major treks in Nepal. So it feels like a real expedition into the Barun valley, with very few other people.
The reward is raw, untouched Himalaya. You walk past glaciers, waterfalls, and rhododendron forest. At the end of the trail, a ring of giant peaks opens up. The whole route lies inside Makalu Barun National Park, a 1,500 km2 park set up in 1992. It is the only protected area on earth with more than 8,000 m of elevation gain. It runs from warm forest in the Arun valley to the snow summit of Makalu. It is also home to snow leopard, red panda, and clouded leopard.
From Tumlingtar, the trail climbs through Sherpa and Rai villages. Then it crosses the high ridge of Shipton La (4,220 m). After that, it follows the Barun valley up to base camp. At Makalu Base Camp, you stand below a wall of ice and rock. Makalu’s two big neighbours, Kangchungtse (7,678 m) and Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m), rise across a high saddle. Baruntse (7,129 m) fills the head of the valley. On a clear day, you can even see the huge east face of Everest. Makalu was first climbed in 1955, and the trek still feels wild and pioneering.
Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Nepali guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day. Because Makalu is so remote, it suits fit trekkers with some past multi-day or high-altitude experience. Want a busier, more supported base camp trek? See the Everest Base Camp Trek and the longer Everest Base Camp via Kala Patthar. For the ultimate Khumbu loop, try the Everest Three Passes Trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers similar quiet on a teahouse loop.
Makalu rewards preparation. First, read our Makalu Base Camp guide. Then check costs and difficulty. Curious how it compares to the famous trail? Here is our Makalu vs Everest Base Camp verdict.
Trips Highlights
- Trek to the base of Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain on earth
- Walk one of Nepal's most remote and least-crowded trails, deep in the Barun valley
- Cross the high ridge of Shipton La (4,220 m) with wide mountain views
- See the great east (Kangshung) face of Mount Everest from the upper valley
- Stand below Kangchungtse (7,678 m), Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m), and Baruntse (7,129 m)
- Explore Makalu Barun National Park, the only park on earth with over 8,000 m of elevation gain
- Pass terraced fields, waterfalls, and rhododendron forest, then glacier and moraine
- Meet the people of remote Sherpa and Rai villages like Tashi Gaon and Seduwa
- Spot rare wildlife, from Himalayan tahr to signs of snow leopard and red panda
- Enjoy a full rest day at base camp in one of the great Himalayan amphitheatres
Route Details
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → fly to Tumlingtar (518 m), drive to Seduwa (1,500 m) → Tashi Gaon (2,100 m) → Khongma Danda (3,500 m) → Shipton La (4,220 m) → Dobate (3,068 m) → Yangri Kharka (3,557 m) → Langmale Kharka (4,410 m) → Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) → retrace via Yangri Kharka, Dobate, Khongma Danda, Tashi Gaon → Seduwa → drive to Tumlingtar → fly to Kathmandu.
In short, you climb from Tumlingtar to Khongma Danda. Then you cross Shipton La into the Barun valley. After that, you follow the river up through Yangri Kharka and Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp. Finally, you return the same way to Tumlingtar for the flight back.
Trips Itinerary
A Spade Himalaya guide meets you at the airport. Then a private car takes you to your hotel. You can rest or stroll around Thamel for any last gear. In the evening, you meet your guide for a briefing. They check your kit and sort the permit papers. So bring your passport, photos, and a copy of your insurance.
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
First, a scenic flight to Tumlingtar opens up the eastern Himalaya. Then you drive on rough mountain roads to the village of Seduwa. This is the gateway to Makalu Barun National Park. On the way, you pass terraced farms and small villages. It is a long travel day, but it carries you deep into a region few trekkers reach. Overnight in Seduwa.
- Duration: Flight plus driving: 8 to 10 hrs total
- Max Altitude: 1500 m
Now the walking begins. You climb gently through forest, farmland, and small villages. The day ends at Tashi Gaon, a Sherpa village. This is the last permanent village before the high country. So it is a gentle start and a fine first taste of the local culture. The big peaks are still hidden behind the ridges ahead.
- Duration: Walking: 5 to 6 hrs.
- Max Altitude: 2100 m
Today is steep and demanding. You climb through dense forest, cross streams, and gain a lot of height. The trail leads to the ridge-top camp of Khongma Danda. As you rise above the trees, the views open up. The big height gain is why a rest day follows. It is important not to push higher too fast from here.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs
- Max Altitude: 3500 m
This is an important rest day before the high ridge. Rather than sit still, you take short walks to higher ground. You climb a little, then return to sleep low. The open ridge gives wide views of the peaks around you. So the day greatly improves your chances of a safe crossing of Shipton La tomorrow.
- Duration: Walking: 2 to 4 hrs
- Max Altitude: 3800 m
This is the most dramatic day of the approach. You cross a series of small passes and the main ridge of Shipton La. There are glacial pools and wide mountain views all around. Then you make a long descent into the forested Barun valley to the camp at Dobate. The change from high ridge to deep valley is unforgettable.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs
- Max Altitude: 4220 m
You follow the Barun river up the valley. The trail runs through meadows, forest, and rugged ground. Waterfalls tumble from the cliffs, and peaks rise on every side. Yangri Kharka is a high pasture used by herders. So it is a calm place to camp, deep in the heart of the park.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs
- Max Altitude: 3557 m
The trail climbs steadily into a wilder, more open land. Here you get the first close views of Makalu and its neighbours. The ground is rougher and the air thinner now, so the pace slows. Langmale Kharka is the last stop before base camp. It sits among moraine and meadow, below the giants.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs ·
- Max Altitude: 4410 m
This is the big day. A hard walk over rocky, glacial ground leads to Makalu Base Camp. As you arrive, the full ring of peaks opens up. Makalu towers above, Baruntse fills the head of the valley, and Everest and Lhotse rise beyond. It is one of the great base camp arrivals in the Himalaya.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs ·
- Max Altitude: 4870 m
Today is a well-earned rest day. You can explore the base camp area and climb a little higher to viewpoints around 5,000 m. From there, you get the best angles on Makalu’s south face and the east face of Everest. So it is a photographer’s dream and a quiet reward for the long approach.
- Duration: Walking: 2 to 4 hrs
- Max Altitude: 5000 m
Now the return begins. You retrace the Barun valley, dropping through moraine, meadow, and forest. Losing height makes the walk easier and the air richer. The valley also shows new views in the other direction as you go. You finish the day back at Yangri Kharka.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs.
- Max Altitude: 4870 m
Today is a day of gentle ups and downs through forest and valley. The views of the land stay with you the whole way. By afternoon, you reach the camp at Dobate. The lower altitude and warmer air feel very welcome after the high days at base camp.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs.
- Max Altitude: 3557 m
Today you recross the Shipton La ridge. Then you return to Khongma Danda, back through meadow and forest. It is a shorter day. So you get a last chance to enjoy the high view before you drop below the treeline for good.
- Duration: Walking: 5 to 6 hrs ·
- Max Altitude: 4220 m
Today is a long descent through forest and small villages. You enjoy the last of the high Himalayan views on the way down. As you lose height, the greenery and birdsong return. So the walking becomes easy and pleasant. You finish back at the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon.
- Duration: Walking: 5 to 6 hrs.
- Max Altitude: 3500 m
The last trekking day drops gently through villages and terraced fields. Soon you are back at Seduwa, where the walk began. It is a relaxed finish. So you have time to thank your crew and reflect on the journey through one of Nepal’s wildest corners.
- Duration: Walking: 5 to 6 hrs.
- Max Altitude: 2100 m
Today you drive on rough mountain roads back to Tumlingtar. You watch the land change one last time on the way. Then you spend the night in Tumlingtar, near the airstrip. So you are ready for the morning flight.
- Duration: Driving: 7 to 8 hrs ·
- Max Altitude: 1500 m
A scenic flight takes you back to Kathmandu and closes the loop. The rest of the day is free to rest, shop in Thamel, and celebrate. In the evening, Spade Himalaya hands you a trip-completion certificate.
- Max Altitude: 1400 m
After breakfast, a Spade Himalaya guide drives you to the airport. Then you fly home with great photos and memories. So ends your Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Trips Include
- Airport transfers in a private vehicle
- 2 nights' hotel in Kathmandu (arrival and post-trek), twin share with breakfast
- Round-trip flights Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, with private airport transfers and domestic airport tax
- 1 night hotel in Tumlingtar with breakfast
- Tumlingtar to Seduwa and return jeep transport (shared)
- All teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trek, with occasional tented camps in the remotest sections
- Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), plus fresh fruit each evening
- Makalu Barun National Park entry permit, the local rural municipality permit, and TIMS card
- A licensed, English-speaking guide
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
- Drinks, snacks, and desserts on the trail
- Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- Excess baggage over 15 kg on the Tumlingtar flight
- Personal expenses and any costs from early return, trip extension, or unforeseen events (weather, landslides, strikes)
- Anything not listed under Trips Includes
Trips Altitude
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Puffy down jacket
- Duffel bag
- Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with a rain cover
Upper Body
- Warm hat or beanie that covers the ears
- Neck gaiter, buff, or scarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 to 60) and lip balm
- Technical base-layer tops (long and short sleeve)
- Fleece jacket or wool pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal base-layer trousers
- Comfortable trekking trousers
- Casual or sport trousers for camp
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated shell outer gloves
- Light gloves for using walking poles (optional)
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots
- 4 to 5 pairs of warm wool socks and sock liners
- Light shoes or sandals for camp
- Micro spikes or instep crampons (useful on Shipton La with snow)
- Gaiters (light for dust, heavier for snow)
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Thermal underwear set for cold nights
Choose Packaging List
First Aid Kits
Your guide carries a comprehensive kit, medication, and a pulse oximeter, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.
- Assorted adhesive and butterfly bandages
- Blister treatment cream and antiseptic ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain relief
- Altitude medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox), only if advised by your doctor
- Insect or anti-itch ointment
- Water-purification tablets
Others
- Passport, 4 passport-size photos, and a copy of your insurance and flight details
- Reusable water bottle and a water filter or purifier
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper, hand wipes, and soap
- High-energy snacks (bars, nuts, dried fruit)
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and electronics
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera with memory cards, charger, and spare batteries
Good to Know
Before you go
You only need a few things ready. First, bring your passport, four photos, and a copy of your insurance. Then Spade Himalaya can sort your park permit, local permit, and TIMS card. Also, carry enough cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu. There are no ATMs on this trek, and cards are not taken. So budget for drinks, snacks, charging, and tips. Last, train hard, because this is a remote, demanding route.
Makalu is one of Nepal’s quietest big trails. There are fewer teahouses and simpler food, often potatoes, rice, and Tibetan bread. There may be no signal for days at a time. The trade-off is real solitude and a sense of expedition that busier routes cannot match. So pack a little extra patience and self-reliance.
The plan follows the climb-high, sleep-low rule. So it adds a rest day at Khongma Danda and a steady approach to base camp. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, and walk slowly. Skip alcohol up high, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Carry altitude medicine if your doctor advises it. Because rescue here means a helicopter, good insurance is a must.
Accommodation. Basic teahouses lower down and simple lodges or tented camps higher up, with cold nights, so the provided or personal sleeping bag matters.
Food. Staples are potatoes, rice, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Choice is limited at altitude, and potatoes are an excellent energy source for the long days.
Drinking water. Refill and purify with tablets or a filter rather than relying on bottled water, which is scarce in such a remote park.
Weather. Conditions on Shipton La can change fast. Your guide checks the forecast and adjusts timing for a safe crossing.
Trips Reviews
A True Wilderness Trek for Those Who Love Remote Mountains
Trips FAQs
Why Choose the Makalu Base Camp Trek?
Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, at 8,485 m (Wikipedia, 2026). It stands just 19 km southeast of Everest, in eastern Nepal. Its base camp sits at about 4,870 m in the Barun valley, inside Makalu Barun National Park. The trek starts and ends with a flight to Tumlingtar.
Makalu is the wildest and least crowded of the big base camp treks. The Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are busier and more supported. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic high-pass loop. The closest match for quiet is the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trek Difficulty: Who Can Trek?
It is graded challenging, and it is one of the toughest base camp treks in Nepal. The Makalu Base Camp trek difficulty comes from long days, big climbs, and remote ground. You walk 6 to 7 hours a day for over two weeks. You also cross Shipton La at 4,220 m and reach base camp at about 4,870 m. There is no climbing skill needed, but you do need strong fitness.
Guide Requirement & Trek Regulations
You need three: the Makalu Barun National Park permit, the local rural municipality permit, and a TIMS card. Spade Himalaya arranges all of them. Makalu is not in the Everest region, so no Khumbu permit applies. A licensed guide is required too. That makes sense here, because parts of the trail are remote and unmarked.
Trekker's Well-Being & Safety
It is a real concern. You spend several nights above 3,500 m and reach a base camp near 4,870 m, plus the Shipton La crossing. So the plan adds a rest day at Khongma Danda and a steady profile. Your guide also checks you each day with an oximeter. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Going down is the best cure.
Yes, and it matters even more here. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking and a helicopter rescue, because a road rescue is not possible in this region. Many normal policies do not cover this, so check the wording first. Arrange it at home before you fly, and leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the briefing.
Remote Wilderness Experience & Accommodation
It is very remote. The Barun valley sees a tiny fraction of the trekkers on the Everest or Annapurna routes. You sleep in simple teahouses lower down. Higher up, you stay in basic lodges or tented camps. Food choice and connectivity are limited there. But that isolation is the whole appeal: real wilderness below an 8,000 m peak.
Best Time to Trek Makalu Base Camp
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. In these months, the weather is stable, the skies are clearer, and the Shipton La crossing is safer. Winter is severe and the high camps are bitterly cold. The monsoon brings rain, cloud, and leeches low down. For how winter affects high trekking, see our Annapurna winter guide.
Mountain Views & Trek Highlights
Yes. From Makalu Base Camp and the viewpoints around it, you can see the great east face of Everest, called the Kangshung face. You also see Lhotse, Baruntse, and Makalu’s neighbours Kangchungtse and Chomo Lonzo. So it is one of the few places to view Everest’s dramatic eastern side without a full expedition.
