Himalaya Safety Treks
Makalu Base Camp Trek 18 Days -
18
/Days
Makalu Base Camp Trek 18 Days
The 18-Day Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote wilderness expedition to the base of the world's fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu (8,485 m). Situated in the protected biodiversity corridor of Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal, this route passes through subtropical river valleys, dense cloud forests, and rugged granite gorges. Crossing the high alpine crests of Shipton La (4,229 m) and Keke La, the trail enters the Barun Valley—a glacial sanctuary flanked by vertical cliffs and hanging icefalls. From Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), you will take in close-up vistas of Makalu's south face, Chamlang, Baruntse, and a panoramic view of Everest's rarely seen Kangshung Face.
Availability
Includes
What's Included
- Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and Makalu Rural Municipality Entry Fees
- Round-trip domestic flights (Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu)
- Private 4WD ground transportation (Tumlingtar – Num – Tumlingtar)
- Government-licensed mountain trekking guide and porter support team
- 17 nights lodge and teahouse accommodation along the route
- All three daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek days
- Daily pulse oximeter blood oxygen saturation monitoring and comprehensive first aid kit
- Emergency satellite phone support, staff insurance, and government taxes
What's Not Included
- International airfare and Nepal tourist visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance with high-altitude helicopter evacuation coverage
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu outside the set itinerary
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees at rustic lodges
- Personal trekking gear, minus-20°C sleeping bag, bottled drinks, and tips for mountain staff
Itinerary
Follow our carefully planned Makalu Base Camp Trek 18 Days itinerary, designed with proper acclimatization and comfortable trekking days throughout the journey.
Board a morning flight from Kathmandu along the eastern Himalayan chain to the subtropical valley airstrip of Tumlingtar. Meet your Sherpa guide, porters, and private 4WD vehicle. Drive past terraced cardamom fields, bamboo groves, and the ridge town of Khandbari before climbing along the scenic crest to the hilltop village of Num overlooking the deep Arun River canyon.
Day 1
Begin with a steep descent down stone steps through terraced fields and humid subtropical forest to the Arun River (620 m). Cross the suspension bridge over the churning river and begin a sustained uphill climb through bamboo groves and small Rai farmsteads to the ridge village of Seduwa, where national park permits are registered at the checkpoint.
Day 2
Climb gently along the ridge dividing the Kasuwa and Ipsuwa rivers. The trail passes through terraced rice fields and oak woodlands, crossing small streams over wooden bridges. Arrive early at Tashigaon, the last permanently inhabited Sherpa village before entering the uninhabited wilderness of the high Barun national park.
Day 3
A steep and demanding uphill ascent climbing through dense cloud forests of moss-draped rhododendron, birch, and oak. Pass the seasonal herding shelter at Dhara (Unshisa) and break out of the dense tree line onto the exposed high mountain ridge of Khongma Danda, opening up vistas across the snowcapped Arun valley ridges.
Day 4
Spend a crucial acclimatization day resting and adapting to the altitude before tackling the high pass crossings. Take a short morning hike along the ridge toward the Shipton La trail for views of Chamlang and Kanchenjunga in the distance, then return to your lodge to rest and hydrate.
Day 5
Cross four consecutive high alpine ridgelines in a single day. Climb past the stone memorial chorten to Ghungru La (4,050 m), drop past the holy glacial lake of Kalo Pokhari, and ascend to the crest of Shipton La (4,229 m). Traverse to Keke La (4,170 m) before making a steep descent through rhododendron and fir woods to the river clearing of Dobate.
Day 6
Descend through dense fir and bamboo forests to the Barun River gorge. The trail traverses a rugged landslide area before emerging onto the flat, grassy pastures of the Barun Valley floor. Walk alongside the meandering river flanked by vertical granite rock walls that soar thousands of meters to reach the summer pasture settlement of Yangle Kharka.
Day 7
Follow the widening U-shaped glacial valley past seasonal yak herders' kharkas at Merek. Walk through open juniper scrub beneath giant waterfalls plunging from hanging valleys. The peak of Peak 4, Chamlang, and the black granite pyramid of Makalu begin to dominate the head of the valley as you reach the alpine clearing of Langmale Kharka.
Day 8
Climb across lateral moraine hummocks and rocky glacial plains along the Barun Glacier. The landscape turns into a stark, lunar world of ice, boulders, and scree. Pass the serene glacial lake of Shershon to arrive at Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), standing directly beneath the colossal, sheer south face of Mount Makalu (8,485 m).
Day 9
Take a morning excursion up the rocky ridge on the northern lateral moraine of the Barun Glacier to an elevation of 5,250 meters. From this vantage point, take in views of the eastern Kangshung Face of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, Baruntse, and the complete Makalu glacier basin before returning to base camp.
Day 10
Begin retracing your route down the Barun Valley. Descend through the moraines past Shershon and Langmale Kharka, following the Barun River as it flows through the towering granite cliffs. The increase in oxygen makes walking pleasant as you arrive back at Yangle Kharka.
Day 11
Continue descending the canyon along the Barun River, crossing small streams and forested sections. Climb out of the main river basin on the steep forest switchbacks to reach the quiet wilderness teahouses at Dobate.
Day 12
An early start to tackle the return crossing of the high passes. Climb steadily up the rhododendron gorge over Keke La, cross the ridge of Shipton La (4,229 m), pass the dark waters of Kalo Pokhari, and descend the ridge trail to check into your lodge at Khongma Danda.
Day 13
Descend the long, steep forest trail through Dhara back to the Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Continue down through terraced farmlands and bamboo groves, contouring around the hillside to reach the administrative village of Seduwa.
Day 14
Make the final steep descent through agricultural plots to the suspension bridge over the Arun River (620 m). Cross the river gorge and tackle the strenuous uphill stone staircase climb through forest and terraced slopes to reach Num village on the ridge.
Day 15
Board your private 4WD vehicle in Num for the scenic drive along the ridge highway. Descend past Khandbari bazaar down to the wide subtropical river plain of Tumlingtar to check into your hotel and celebrate the successful expedition with your crew.
Day 16
Transfer to Tumlingtar Airport for your morning flight over the Himalayan foothills back to Kathmandu. Meet our airport representative for private transfer to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.
Day 17
A buffer day in Kathmandu to safeguard against mountain weather disruptions in Tumlingtar. Enjoy a free day for sightseeing around ancient durbar squares and souvenir shopping in Thamel before a farewell dinner.
Day 18
Things To Know
Requires Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and Makalu Rural Municipality Entry Registration. Maximum elevation reaches 4,870 m at Base Camp (5,250 m at the panoramic ridge viewpoint). While rustic teahouses operate along the Barun Valley, amenities are basic, and crossing Shipton La requires solid high-altitude stamina and microspikes if early snow is present.
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