16-Day Makalu Base Camp Camping Trek in Makalu Barun National Park
About This Tour
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 ultima...
Duration: 16 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Kathmandu, Makalu · Languages: English
About Makalu
Makalu
Get a local guide to help you handle the 8,485-meter top of mighty Makalu. A brother of Everest, this one overshadows the beautiful Barun Valley with glacial peaks and ice-carved ridges.
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
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
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Transfer to your hotel for rest and a trek briefing.
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2Day 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 Accommodation: Basic Lodge
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3Day 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 Trekking Time: 6-7 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge
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4Day 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 Trekking Time: 4-5 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge
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5Day 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 Trekking Time: 6-7 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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6Day 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 Accommodation: Tented Camp
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7Day 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 Trekking Time: 7-8 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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8Day 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 Trekking Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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9Day 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 Trekking Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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10Day 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 Trekking Time: 6-7 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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11Day 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 Accommodation: Tented Camp
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12Day 12
Return Trek to Yangle Kharka
Begin the return journey, retracing your steps back down the valley. Trekking Time: 7-8 hours Trekking Time: 7-8 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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13Day 13
Trek Back to Dobate
Continue the descent, heading back towards the high passes. Trekking Time: 5-6 hours Trekking Time: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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14Day 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 Trekking Time: 7-8 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp Accommodation: Tented Camp
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15Day 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 Trekking Time: 7-8 hours Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge Accommodation: Tented Camp / Basic Lodge
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16Day 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.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Kathmandu, Nepal · Tour start: Tribhuvan Int'l airport — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.