Makalu Base Camp Luxury Trek
Overview
Trek to the base of the world's fifth highest mountain through some of Nepal's most pristine and least-visited wilderness. The Makalu Base Camp trek passes through the Makalu-Barun National Park — the only protected area in Nepal encompassing a complete transition from subtropical forest to permanent ice. This luxury expedition provides experienced guides, full camping support where needed, and an unforgettable encounter with raw Himalayan wilderness.
Route
Kathmandu → Tumlingtar → Num → Seduwa → Tashigaon → Kongma → Dobato → Yangri Kharka → Makalu BC → return → Tumlingtar → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Stand at Makalu Base Camp (5,009m) beneath the stunning pyramid of Makalu (8,485m)
- Trek through Makalu-Barun National Park's pristine and biodiverse wilderness
- Cross the Shipton La (4,210m) with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu
- Experience one of Nepal's least-visited trekking regions
- Walk through the world's deepest valley (Arun Valley) and highest peaks
- Encounter rare wildlife including red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahr
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 20 Days / 19 Nights
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Group Size
- 2-6 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,009m
- Best Months
- April-May, October-November
- Starting From
- $6,000 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive and transfer to luxury hotel. Expedition briefing for this remote trek. Gear check and welcome dinner.
Fly to Tumlingtar
Scenic mountain flight to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal. The flight offers views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Transfer to lodge and explore this Rai and Limbu market town in the Arun Valley.
Drive and Trek to Num
Jeep transfer along a rough mountain road toward Num, the gateway to Makalu-Barun National Park. The road climbs dramatically above the Arun River with stunning valley views. Arrive in Num, a ridge-top village with views of Makalu.
Trek to Seduwa
Descend steeply to the Arun River (480m) and cross via suspension bridge. Climb the opposite valley wall through terraced farmland and subtropical forest to Seduwa (Sedua), a Rai village.
Trek to Tashigaon
Trek through farmland and enter the forest zone. Climb to Tashigaon, the last permanent village on the route — a small Sherpa settlement perched on a steep hillside surrounded by dense forest.
Trek to Kongma (over Shipton La)
The toughest day — steep climb through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest to the Shipton La (also called Kauma La, 4,210m). Views from the pass of Makalu, Chamlang, and Peak 6. Descend to the Barun Valley and Kongma.
Trek to Dobato
Continue through the magnificent Barun Valley, one of Nepal's most pristine wilderness areas. Trek through moss-draped rhododendron forest alive with birds. Cross streams and climb gradually to Dobato in an alpine meadow.
Trek to Yangri Kharka
Trek along the Barun River through open alpine terrain. The valley widens with increasingly dramatic views of Makalu, Peak 6, and Peak 7. Reach the yak pasture of Yangri Kharka beneath glaciated peaks.
Trek to Langmale Kharka
Continue up the Barun Valley through boulder fields and alpine scrub. Views of Makalu and its satellite peaks become increasingly dramatic. Reach Langmale Kharka, a high-altitude camp near the Barun Glacier.
Trek to Makalu Base Camp
Cross the Barun Glacier moraine to Makalu Base Camp (5,009m). The massive south face of Makalu towers above — a pyramid of rock and ice that is one of the most impressive sights in the Himalayas. Spend time absorbing this extraordinary location.
Exploration Day at Makalu BC
Full day to explore the base camp area. Hike toward the Swiss Base Camp or along the glacier for different perspectives of Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Peak 6. Photograph the stunning ice formations. Return to base camp.
Descend to Yangri Kharka
Begin the return journey, descending along the Barun Valley to Yangri Kharka.
Trek to Dobato
Continue down through the alpine meadows and forests to Dobato.
Trek to Kongma
Trek back through the pristine Barun Valley forests to Kongma.
Cross Shipton La, Trek to Tashigaon
Recross the Shipton La (4,210m) and descend steeply through the forest to Tashigaon.
Trek to Seduwa
Descend through farmland and forest to the Rai village of Seduwa.
Trek to Num
Descend to the Arun River, cross the bridge, and climb back to Num. Final night on the trail with a farewell celebration.
Drive to Tumlingtar, Fly to Kathmandu
Jeep transfer to Tumlingtar. Afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to luxury hotel.
Kathmandu Leisure Day
Rest and recovery day. Optional spa, shopping, or heritage sightseeing at Bhaktapur.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your international departure.
What's Included
- All accommodation in best available lodges/camps and 5-star hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Two private licensed high-altitude guides experienced in Makalu region
- Porter service and kitchen crew for remote sections
- Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit and Restricted Area Permit
- TIMS card
- Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu domestic flights
- Tumlingtar–Num ground transfers
- Camping equipment for remote sections (tents, mats, kitchen equipment)
- Emergency satellite phone and comprehensive first aid kit
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue/helicopter insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- Tips for guides, porters, kitchen crew, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.