19-Day Makalu Base Camp Trek through Makalu Barun National Park

19 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a 19-day Himalayan adventure to the base of Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak, through one of eastern Nepal's most remot...

Duration: 19 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Strenuous · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Kathmandu, Khandbari, Makalu · Languages: English

Know before you go: Please bring your passport, three passport-size photos, and travel insurance details for trek permit preparation.

About Makalu

Nepal

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.

Explore Makalu Nepal All destinations

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
3 nights' accommodation in Kathmandu (standard hotel)
Domestic flights: Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu
Tea house / homestay accommodation during the trek
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
One experienced, English-speaking trekking guide
All trekking permits and paperwork
Government and local taxes

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Lunch and dinner while staying in Kathmandu
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Porter service (available on request and can be added at the time of booking)
Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, hot showers, and optional extra porters
Tips for trekking guides and porters (customary and expected at the end of the Makalu Base Camp Trek)

Itinerary

1

Day 01

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 ThamelMeals: Breakfast Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Drive to Num Flight: 35 minutes | Drive: 3-4 hoursTake 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Trek from Num to Seduwa Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 8 kmA 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 8 kmThe 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 7.2 kmA 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 / LodgeMeals: 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 8: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (Crossing High Passes) Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 7.6 kmCross 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 9: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 9.7 kmDescend through forests and cross Barun Khola. Pass waterfalls and meadows before reaching the open alpine grazing land of Yangri Kharka. Accommodation: Tea House / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 10.5 kmWalk 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 8.7 kmA 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 / LodgeMeals: 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 / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 16 kmDescend past Shershong, Langmale, and Merek, retracing your route through alpine valleys and forests. Accommodation: Tea House / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 14: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 9.3 kmFollow the river, cross landslide areas, and climb steadily back to Dobate through rhododendron forests. Accommodation: Tea House / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 15: Trek from Dobate to Danda Kharka Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10.3 kmCross the high passes again - Keke La, Shipton La, Sano Pokhari Danda, and Khongma La - before descending to Danda Kharka. Accommodation: Tea House / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 16: Trek from Danda Kharka to Seduwa Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 12 kmA long descent through forests, terraces, and villages brings you back to Seduwa, leaving the high mountains behind. Accommodation: Tea House / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 17: Trek from Seduwa to Num and Drive to Tumlingtar Duration: 4-5 hours trek + driveDescend to the Arun River and climb back to Num. Drive through scenic hills and farmland to Tumlingtar. Accommodation: Tea House / LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 18: Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu Flight: 35-40 minutesReturn to Kathmandu by scenic flight. In the evening, Marvel Treks hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful trek. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 19: Final Departure Transfer to the airport in a private vehicle for your onward flight. Trip extensions are available upon request.