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Makalu Base Camp Trek | Remote Wilderness & Sherpa Culture
Overview
The Makalu Base Camp Trek ventures into Nepal’s eastern Himalayas, circling the world’s fifth-highest peak, Makalu (8,485m). Traverse lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys while experiencing Sherpa and Rai cultures in one of Nepal’s least-visited regions.
🏔️ Makalu Base Camp Trek – Into the Heart of Eastern Himalayas
Region: Makalu-Barun National Park, Eastern Nepal
Trip Duration: 20–22 Days
Max Altitude: 5,100m (Makalu Base Camp)
Difficulty: Strenuous & Remote
Best Season: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Accommodation: Teahouse + Tented (limited facilities)
Permits: Makalu-Barun National Park Permit, TIMS Card
🔑 Highlights
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Trek to the remote Makalu Base Camp (5,100m) below Mt. Makalu (8,485m) – the 5th highest mountain in the world
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Explore the Makalu-Barun National Park, one of Nepal’s most pristine and biologically diverse protected areas
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Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Baruntse from the upper Barun Valley
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Authentic wilderness trekking through unspoiled valleys, alpine meadows, and glacial basins
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Less commercialized trail – ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and raw Himalayan wilderness
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Visit traditional Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan Buddhist settlements
🧭 Trek Details
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Total Distance: Approx. 150–160 km round trip
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Highest Point: 5,100m at Makalu Base Camp
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Trail Type: Remote, steep, and high-altitude terrain with limited infrastructure
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Physical Requirements: Excellent fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience are strongly recommended
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Scenery: High waterfalls, rhododendron forests, alpine lakes, and massive glacial valleys
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Wildlife: Red panda, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, snow leopard (rare sightings)
FAQs
Q: Is prior trekking experience required?
A: Yes! Remote trails, high passes, and camping demand prior high-altitude experience.
Q: Are teahouses available?
A: Basic teahouses exist in Seduwa and Tashigaon; camping is required in higher areas.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Airport pickup, hotel check-in, trek preparation, welcome dinner.
Day 2: Kathmandu Cultural Tour
- Activities: Visit UNESCO sites (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath); trek briefing.
- Key Sights: Sacred Hindu and Buddhist landmarks.
Day 3: Fly to Tumlingtar (760m); Drive to Chichila (1,840m)
- Activities: 35-minute flight to Tumlingtar; 4-hour drive to Chichila.
- Key Sights: Terraced farms, Arun River Valley.
Day 4: Trek to Num (1,490m)
- Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Descend through subtropical forests; cross the Arun River.
Day 5: Num to Seduwa (1,540m)
- Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Enter Makalu-Barun National Park; ascend through terraced fields.
- Key Sights: Traditional Sherpa villages.
Day 6: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,070m)
- Distance: 8 km (4-5 hours)
- Activities: Steep climb through rhododendron forests.
- Elevation Gain: +530m
Day 7: Acclimatization in Tashigaon
- Activities: Hike to nearby viewpoints; interact with Sherpa communities.
Day 8: Tashigaon to Khongma (3,560m)
- Distance: 10 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Cross Shipton La Pass (4,216m); descend to Khongma.
Day 9: Khongma to Mumbuk (3,570m)
- Distance: 12 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Traverse alpine meadows; spot Himalayan pheasants.
Day 10: Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3,557m)
- Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Descend to Barun River Valley; camp near yak pastures.
Day 11: Yangle Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
- Distance: 10 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Final ascent to Base Camp; panoramic views of Makalu and Chamlang.
- Key Challenge: Rocky glacial terrain.
Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp
- Activities: Sunrise photography, glacial lake visits, and optional hikes.
Day 13: Return to Yangle Kharka
- Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Retrace steps through the Barun Valley.
Day 14: Yangle Kharka to Mumbuk
- Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours)
- Activities: Ascend through juniper forests; farewell to high-altitude vistas.
Day 15: Mumbuk to Tashigaon
- Distance: 18 km (8-9 hours)
- Activities: Cross Keke La Pass (4,170m); steep descent to Tashigaon.
Day 16: Tashigaon to Seduwa
- Distance: 12 km (5-6 hours)
- Activities: Gentle descent through forests; cultural interactions.
Day 17: Seduwa to Tumlingtar
- Distance: 18 km (7-8 hours)
- Activities: Final trek to Tumlingtar; celebrate with a cultural dinner.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu
- Activities: Morning flight to Kathmandu.
What's included
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Domestic flights: Kathmandu ↔ Tumlingtar (round trip)
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Private jeep or local transport: Tumlingtar ↔ Num
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Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
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TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System)
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Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
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Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
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Accommodation (lodges, homestays, or camping where necessary)
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Tents and kitchen crew (in camping-based areas)
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Guide/porter salary, insurance, food, and accommodation
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First aid kit and emergency support
What's not included
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International airfare
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Nepal visa fees
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Travel insurance (with emergency rescue coverage)
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Extra accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
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Personal trekking gear (boots, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc.)
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Tips for guide and porter
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in remote areas (where available)
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Book Your Makalu Adventure!
📞 +977 9856011727 | ✉️ info@amazingnepaladventure.com
Extend your trip with an Everest Helicopter Tour or Bhutan cultural exploration!