Explore the Makalu Base Camp Trek Route with Visit Himalaya Treks. Discover a complete day-by-day trekking route through the remote Barun Valley, Shipton La and Keke La passes, rich biodiversity, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes beneath Mt. Makalu.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the most distant and challenging trekking trails in Nepal, which takes you into the untouched wilderness of the Makalu Barun area. The less-visited trekking trail of the Makalu Base Camp trek will take you to the foot of the world’s fifth-highest mountain, Mt. Makalu, which has an elevation of 8,485m.
The trek passes through typical Rai & Sherpa villages, Rhododendron & Bamboo forests, alpine meadows, & glacial valleys of the Barun River. The trek passes through high passes like Shipton La & Keke La, which offer spectacular views of Tu Tse (Peak 6), Saldim Peak, Yaupa, Sherson Peak, Honku Peak, and Mount Makalu.
Unlike other trekking trails, the Makalu Base Camp Trek requires trekker endurance, patience, and a preference for solitude. The trek has been designed in a manner that allows trekkers to acclimatize to the high altitude in a safe manner, at the same time giving them the opportunity to experience the unspoiled trekking destination in Nepal. Visit Himalaya Treks has designed a suitable route for the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek Route Map.
Makalu Base Camp Trekking Route Summary;
The trekking trail to the Makalu Base Camp passes through a very isolated area of eastern Nepal, starting from the village of Tumlingtar and gradually climbing to the villages of Num, Seduwa, and finally to the village of Tashigaon. This trail leads to the protected area of the Makalu Barun National Park, which is one of the most biodiverse regions of the Himalayas of Nepal.
After crossing the high passes of Shipton La and Keke La, the trek leads to the beautiful Barun Valley, a glacial valley with Himalayan peaks towering on all sides. The trek then proceeds through the alpine pastures of Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka before reaching the base camp of Makalu, situated at the base of Mt. Makalu. The trek back also follows the same trail, offering a different perspective on the same breathtaking views.
- Distance: Approx. 120–130 km. ((74-80 miles)
- Duration: 20–22 days.
- Highest Point: Makalu Base Camp 4870 meters / Swiss base camp dayhike 5213 meters.
- Start Point: Tumlingtar / Num.
- End Point: Num / Tumlingtar.
Major Stopovers along the Makalu Base Camp Trek
Tumlingtar, Num, and Seduwa.
The adventure kicks off with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and then a drive to Num. The trail then leads to a steep descent followed by a gradual ascent through the terraced fields and cardamom plantations to Seduwa. This part of the journey provides an insight into the rural way of life in the eastern part of Nepal and represents the entry point to the Makalu Barun National Park.
The Tashigaon village is 2175 meters.
The last permanent settlement on the trail, Tashigaon, marks the beginning of the high mountain region. The Sherpa village is set among lush hills and far-off mountains. It is an important preparation place before embarking on the high mountain trek to Makalu Barun Valley.
Khongma Danda 3637 meters.
Khongma Danda is a ridge with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The acclimatization day spent at this point enables the trekkers to acclimate to the altitude, as they enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Shipton La and Keke La Passes.
Crossing the Shipton La and Keke La Passes is one of the most adventurous parts of the trek. The trekking route takes you through rough terrains, rocky routes, and alpine meadows before finally descending to Dobate. These mountain passes bring you into the spectacular Barun Valley.
A beautiful Yangle Kharka Valley old Buddhist monastery and prayer flags(Barun Valley) en route to Makalu Base Camp.
Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka.
These grazing areas are located deep inside the Barun Valley. Surrounded by waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks, Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka are some of the most beautiful camping and teahouse destinations along the trek route.
Makalu Base Camp and Barun Glacier.
Below the south face of Mt. Makalu is known as Makalu Base Camp. Trekkers can continue onto Barun Glacier, Barun Pokhari, and Swiss Base Camp while enjoying close-up views of Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan vista from there. This is the ultimate highlight of the trek and a true high-Himalayan experience.
Return via Barun Valley and Khongma Danda.
It retraces the way uphill through the Barun Valley on its return, and thus, trekkers get to see familiar landscapes from different perspectives. Descending down to Khongma Danda, Tashigaon, and Seduwa gradually puts them into warmer climes and lush verdure.
Tumlingtar and Departure.
Having arrived at Num, a vehicle returns trekkers to Tumlingtar, then a plane to Kathmandu. The trek ends with days of relaxation to absorb having finished one of the most isolated and satisfying trips in Nepal.
Is the Makalu Base Camp Trek suitable for you?
The Makalu Base Camp trek is perfect for adventure-seekers who want to experience the Himalayas in a remote and challenging manner. The Makalu Base Camp trek is recommended for experienced trekkers who have strong physical health and can handle trekking for longer durations with less infrastructure and simple lodges. The trek is perfect for people who want to experience the wilderness of the Himalayas and do not need many amenities.
Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers will find the area’s richness in biodiversity, geographical features, and proximity to Mt. Makalu fascinating. Although the trek does not require any technical climbing experience, the trek is very demanding in terms of stamina and adaptability.
What to Expect on the Makalu Base Camp Trek?
Remote and Untouched Trails.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is one that leads to areas very secluded from trekker trails, allowing days of peaceful trekking through virgin forests, meadows, and glacier valleys.
Diverse Landscapes and Biodiversity.
The trail ranges from subtropical forests and terraced hillsides through alpine meadows and glaciers in one of Nepal’s most biodiverse regions, which is home to the Makalu-Barun National Park.
Traditional Eastern Nepal Culture.
The lower part of the region consists of Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa people. You will experience typical village life and hospitality along the trekking route.
Stunning Himalayan Views.
The trekking route presents breathtaking views of Tu Tse (Peak 6), Saldim Peak, Yaupa, Sherson Peak, Honku Peak, and Mount Makalu, as well as glaciers that fill valleys and massive walls of mountains that surround the region.
Physical Challenge and Endurance.
For this journey, there are long days of walking, mountain climbing, high passes, and difficult terrain. It’s an actual adventure for people who want something different from the usual routes that people take.
Accommodation is very basic en route to the Makalu Base Camp trekking route in Nepal.
Simple Mountain Accommodation.
The kind of places you’ll stay in begins with teahouses and ends with camping-style lodges towards the top. The services offered aren't much, keeping in mind the unrefined quality of the trek itself.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty.
Makalu-Barun National Park is home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and diverse bird species. There is also seasonal wild flora that blooms during the season.
A True Wilderness Experience.
This trek provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the less-explored regions of the Himalayas in Nepal, and offers adventure, isolation, and scenic views of the Himalayas.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Route Summary.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is an incredible odyssey into one of the most isolated and breathtaking areas of the Himalayas. With its lush villages of the lower hills to alpine passes and glaciers of the frozen world beneath Mt. Makalu represents a true nature trek that can’t be found anywhere else. This represents a great trekking option for anyone looking to be alone and immerse themselves in nature.
With Visit Himalaya Treks, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is designed in such a manner that it will keep your safety and acclimatization in consideration. This exciting experience will yield fruitful results for the trekkers as it will treat them with breathtaking scenery, the majestic Himalayas, and the accomplishment of one of the challenging treks in Nepal.
