Makalu Base Camp
Description
This remote and challenging trek takes adventurers to the base camp of Mt. Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak at 8,485 meters. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, from tropical forests to high alpine terrain. Trekkers will encounter diverse wildlife, pristine rivers, and dramatic views of peaks like Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse. Due to its isolation, this trek is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
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Makalu Base Camp
Makalu Base Camp
Makalu Base Camp
Trek Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp
Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, Drive to Chichila (1,980m / 6,496 ft)
Morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (approx. 40 minutes).
Drive from Tumlingtar to Chichila, a small village and the starting point of the trek.
Overnight stay in Chichila.
Day 2: Trek from Chichila to Num (1,560m / 5,118 ft)
Begin the trek through lush forests and terraced fields.
Descend to the village of Num, enjoying views of the surrounding valleys.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay in Num.
Day 3: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,500m / 4,921 ft)
Steep descent to the Arun River, followed by a climb to Seduwa village.
Pass through dense forests and cross suspension bridges.
Register at the Makalu Barun National Park checkpoint in Seduwa.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay in Seduwa.
Day 4: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m / 6,890 ft)
Continue ascending through terraced fields and small villages.
Reach Tashigaon, the last settlement on the way to Makalu Base Camp.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours.
Overnight stay in Tashigaon.
Day 5: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m / 11,482 ft)
A challenging day with a steep climb through rhododendron and bamboo forests.
Pass through Danda Kharka and other viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours.
Overnight stay in Khongma Danda.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Khongma Danda
A rest day to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Optional short hikes to nearby viewpoints for better acclimatization.
Overnight stay in Khongma Danda.
Day 7: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3,650m / 11,975 ft) via Shipton La Pass (4,220m / 13,845 ft)
A strenuous day crossing multiple passes: Keke La (4,170m), Shipton La (4,220m), and Tutu La (4,080m).
Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Makalu and other surrounding peaks from the passes.
Descend to Dobate for the night.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours.
Overnight stay in Dobate.
Day 8: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m / 11,670 ft)
Descend through dense rhododendron forests and rocky terrain.
Reach Yangri Kharka, a scenic valley along the Barun River.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours.
Overnight stay in Yangri Kharka.
Day 9: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m / 14,468 ft)
Continue ascending along the Barun River valley with beautiful views of waterfalls and alpine landscapes.
Reach Langmale Kharka, a high-altitude pasture area.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay in Langmale Kharka.
Day 10: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m / 15,978 ft)
A gradual ascent to Makalu Base Camp, with close-up views of Makalu and other peaks like Baruntse and Everest in the distance.
Explore the base camp and enjoy the surrounding glacial landscapes.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 11: Explore Makalu Base Camp
A rest and exploration day at Makalu Base Camp.
Explore nearby viewpoints for spectacular views of Mount Makalu, Baruntse, and the surrounding glaciers.
Overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.
Day 12: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka
Begin descending along the trail back toward Yangri Kharka.
Retrace your steps and enjoy different perspectives of the valley.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours.
Overnight stay in Yangri Kharka.
Day 13: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate
Continue descending, following the same route back.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours.
Overnight stay in Dobate.
Day 14: Trek from Dobate to Num via Seduwa
Retrace the trail back to Num, passing through Seduwa village.
Trekking time: 7-8 hours.
Overnight stay in Num.
Day 15: Drive from Num to Tumlingtar, Flight to Kathmandu
Drive from Num to Tumlingtar and take a flight back to Kathmandu.
Arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon.