Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu, 8485 m, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. The trekking route leads to its southern base camp through the Makalu Barun National Park. This is eastern Nepal, noticeably less visited than the Everest or Annapurna regions. There are fewer lodges here, the road logistics are longer and more is asked of the participant, but there is no constant flow of groups and no commercial infrastructure at every stage.

The journey begins in Kathmandu; the group then flies to Tumlingtar and drives to Sedhuwa. The walking section passes through Tashigaon and Kauma into the Barun valley. As altitude increases, subtropical vegetation gives way to rhododendron forest, high pastures and rocky glacial terrain. On the remote part of the trip the nights are spent at campsites, so everyday comfort is lower than on the classic Everest trek.

The main objective of the route is Makalu Base Camp at about 4870 m. It opens the southern side of Makalu, and in clear weather other high peaks of the region are visible. A separate day is kept in the itinerary for exploring the base camp area. It gives the group more time at altitude and partly protects the main objective against a short spell of poor weather, but it does not override the guide’s decision to turn back in dangerous conditions.

The route is not a mountaineering ascent and does not involve reaching the summit of Makalu. Its difficulty comes from length, remoteness, altitude, uneven trails, steep climbs and limited infrastructure. Some stages require confident movement over rocky ground. Before the trip it is useful to study the prevention of altitude sickness and to prepare for several days without the usual urban conveniences.

The national park is home to the red panda, the snow leopard, the Himalayan bear, the tahr and other animals, but the trek is not a safari: the chance of an encounter depends on the season, the weather and luck. The strength of the route is not guaranteed wildlife watching but the combination of solitude, the natural zones of the Barun valley and close views of an eight-thousander.

The trip is designed for participants with experience of multi-day walking and steady physical condition. If you want a first Himalayan route with more infrastructure, it makes sense to compare Makalu with the Annapurna Base Camp trek. A Mountain Guide team leader works with groups of four participants or more; a group of up to three people is accompanied by a Nepali guide.

The remoteness of the Barun valley makes advance preparation especially important. If this is your first trip to the Himalaya, start with the practical advice for a first journey to Nepal, then agree your baggage, footwear and acceptable level of self-reliance with the guide.

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu.

Participants fly into Kathmandu international airport independently, where a team representative meets them and takes them to the hotel. After check-in there is an introduction to the guide, an equipment check and a discussion of the onward logistics. The day is set aside for recovery after the flight and for preparation. Night at the hotel.

Day 2. Preparation in Kathmandu.

The free day is used for a final check of equipment, for obtaining anything missing and for preparing baggage for the domestic flight. If time allows, participants may explore Kathmandu independently. Night at the hotel. the confirmed package includes only two nights in Kathmandu for the whole trip, so payment for this additional night must be clarified before booking.

Day 3. Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Sedhuwa.

The group flies from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. the published itinerary gives the flight time as about 50 minutes. On arrival participants change to local off-road vehicles and drive to Sedhuwa. Different editions of the trip give the drive as four to five hours and as about seven hours, so the exact time depends on the road and is confirmed before the trip. Night at a lodge.

Day 4. Trek from Sedhuwa to Tashigaon.

The walking part of the route begins after breakfast. The stage to Tashigaon is about 12 km and takes roughly four to five hours. A calm first trekking day helps everyone find a working rhythm and check how they feel after the flight and the drive. Night at a lodge.

Day 5. Trek from Tashigaon to Kauma.

The trail gains altitude noticeably and in places climbs steeply. The group covers about 15 km during the day, with an estimated duration of six to seven hours. An even pace is needed to conserve strength and adapt gradually before entering the Barun valley. Night at a lodge.

Day 6. Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk.

The group works through a series of climbs and enters the remote part of the Barun valley. The stage of about 16 km takes roughly six to seven hours. The familiar lodge infrastructure ends here, so participants stay at a campsite and adjust to simpler conditions. Night at a campsite.

Day 7. Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka.

The route continues along the Barun valley through open sections and small watercourses. The stage is about 14 km and takes six to seven hours. The day brings the group closer to the high-altitude part of the route without a sharp increase in load. Night at a campsite.

Day 8. Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shershong.

The group climbs into the upper part of the valley to Shershong beside the lower Barun Glacier. Steep rocky ground appears on some sections, so the guide sets the pace and the line of travel. About 8 km take six to seven hours because of the altitude gain and the difficulty of the trail. Night at a campsite.

Day 9. Walk out to Makalu Base Camp.

From Shershong the group walks out to Makalu Base Camp along a rocky trail. the published itinerary gives about 4 km and three to four hours for this stage. After looking round base camp participants return to Nehe Kharka. The day requires careful monitoring of how everyone feels at the highest point of the route. Night at a campsite.

Day 10. Exploring the Makalu Base Camp area.

The day is intended for an additional outing in the base camp area and for watching Makalu if the weather is suitable. The exact length and direction are set by the guide, taking account of the condition of participants, visibility and the previous day’s route. If conditions are unsafe, the high-altitude outing is shortened or cancelled. Night at a campsite.

Day 11. Descent to the Shipton La camp or Dobate.

The group begins the return through Nehe Kharka and Mumbuk to the camp near Shipton La or to Dobate. The stage is about 10 km and takes six to seven hours. After the high-altitude section it is important to stay attentive: fatigue and a long descent increase the risk of mistakes on a rocky trail. Night at a campsite.

Day 12. Descent to Sedhuwa.

The route passes sections with climbs and descents and then drops into a greener zone. the published itinerary gives about 11 km and six to seven hours. Losing altitude helps recovery, but the day remains physically demanding. Night at a lodge.

Day 13. Trek from Sedhuwa to Mure.

After breakfast the group continues its return through the Num valley towards Mure. The stage is about 9 km and takes roughly six hours. The task of the day is to complete the final walking section without overloading after the accumulated fatigue. Night at a lodge.

Day 14. Drive from Mure to Tumlingtar.

The group changes to local off-road vehicles and drives to Tumlingtar. the published itinerary gives about 30 km and one to two hours, but the actual duration depends on the state of the road. On arrival participants rest before the domestic flight. Night at a lodge.

Day 15. Flight to Kathmandu.

Participants fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu; the estimated time in the air is about 50 minutes. On arrival there is a meeting, a transfer and check-in. The rest of the day is needed for rest, for drying kit and for preparing for the international flight. Night at the hotel.

Day 16. End of the trip.

At the agreed time there is a transfer to Kathmandu international airport. Participants check in for their flight independently. The international ticket must be chosen with a sufficient margin in case the domestic flight or the road logistics change.

• A Mountain Guide team leader with groups of four participants or more
• A Nepali guide for groups of up to three participants
• Meeting and seeing off at Kathmandu airport
• Accommodation in a four-star hotel in Kathmandu – two nights
• Lodge accommodation on the trek
• Campsite accommodation on the stages the trip provides for
• Group equipment – first aid kit, satellite navigator and other necessary team kit
• A duffel bag for personal belongings – provided on site
• The permits, authorisations and entry fees required for the confirmed route
• The group transfers set out in the itinerary
• The domestic flights Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu

the published service list does not set out the composition of the camp team, the tented equipment or the catering arrangements in the Barun valley. These conditions must be obtained in written confirmation before payment.

• International flights
• Nepal visa – $50 for a 30-day visa, which matches the length of the trip
• Medical insurance covering trekking to at least 4870 m, search and rescue and helicopter evacuation
• Meals during the trek
• Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
• A personal porter for participant baggage – $30 a day including transport. In a trekking group one porter may carry the belongings of two participants
• The additional night in Kathmandu, if it is not included when the sixteen-day trip is confirmed
• Single occupancy
• Early check-in, late check-out and additional nights
• Tips for the local team
• Personal expenses, drinks, communications, charging, showers and laundry
• Costs arising if you leave the trip early
• Additional costs caused by flight delays, road conditions, weather or a forced change to the itinerary

The trek to Makalu Base Camp can be arranged for a closed group, a family, a club or a corporate team. A bespoke format lets you choose the dates in advance and agree the language the group is led in, how the baggage is shared out, the type of transport and any extra nights needed in Kathmandu. The route can be adapted in pace and in the standard of accommodation, but without a risk assessment the high-altitude stages cannot be shortened, the days needed for recovery cannot be removed, and the domestic flight cannot be tied to the international one without enough time in hand. Any change must preserve the sequence in which height is gained and the ability to turn back safely. For a group of 4 or more you can ask for a Russian-speaking leader from the Mountain Guide team. For a smaller group there is a more economical format with a Nepali guide. The make-up of the team, the camping arrangements, meals, porters and the final price are confirmed in an individual quote. When you get in touch, tell us your intended dates, the number of participants, your experience of multi-day treks and the kind of guiding you would like.

Prepare your documents before buying any non-refundable tickets. The trip includes an international flight to Kathmandu and domestic flights to Tumlingtar, so changing one segment can disrupt everything that follows. The entry rules depend on your nationality. The current procedure and cost of a tourist visa should be checked on the website the Nepal Department of Immigration. The route in Makalu Barun National Park requires permits; arranging them is part of the confirmed fare.

Documents:

• A passport with enough validity for the trip
• A Nepali tourist visa, or the documents needed to obtain one
• International air tickets to Kathmandu and back
• Confirmation of the Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu domestic flights
• Medical insurance for trekking to at least 4870 m
• Confirmation that search and rescue and helicopter evacuation are covered
• Your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour emergency contact details
• Copies of your passport, visa, tickets and insurance on your phone and in cloud storage
• Waterproof document wallet

The given name and surname on every ticket and on the policy must match the spelling in your passport. Check the visa, transit and health requirements again immediately before you fly.

The main seasons for this route in Makalu Barun National Park are March-April and October-November. In spring the rhododendrons are in flower on the lower part of the trek, and in autumn dry weather and good visibility are more often settled. Even in the main season, clear days are not guaranteed. In April and May it can be hot at lower altitudes. From June to September the monsoon continues: the rain worsens the state of the roads and trails, increases the risk of delays and complicates the domestic flights. Conditions for a particular departure need to be judged against the current forecast and the state of the route. In the Barun valley and near base camp the weather changes quickly. Rain, snow, strong wind and a sharp drop in temperature are all possible. Choose your clothing and sleeping bag for the coldest, wettest part of the route, not for the weather in Kathmandu. The decision to set out, to shorten a stage or to turn back rests with the guide.

Two nights in a four-star hotel in Kathmandu, in twin rooms, are confirmed. The sixteen-day itinerary contains one further night in the city that does not appear in the list of included services. Before booking, obtain written confirmation of exactly which night is charged separately. On the accessible parts of the trek the group stays in simple lodges. In the remote Barun valley the trip camps. The type of tents, how many people share one, whether there is a mess tent and a kitchen team, and what camp equipment is provided must all be confirmed for the particular departure. Meals on the trek are not included in the package. At the lodges, dishes are ordered from whatever menu is available. On the camping stages, how food is bought, prepared and paid for must be agreed in advance, since the usual lodge menu may not exist there. Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are also paid separately. Diets, allergies and food restrictions must be reported before booking. The higher and more remote the overnight stop, the narrower the choice of food and the less scope there is to substitute a dish without preparing for it beforehand.

In Kathmandu the usual hotel facilities are available. At the lodges the level of comfort is markedly simpler: heating in the room, hot water, Wi-Fi and charging are not treated as guaranteed and may cost extra. At the camps in the Barun valley the facilities are minimal.

Showers and washing: a hot shower is not possible at every lodge. On the camping stages there may be no proper shower at all; participants use the water carried and their own toiletries. Whether hot water is available is confirmed before departure.

Toilets: the lodges have both seated and squat toilets. At the camps a field toilet is used, where one is part of the camp equipment. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser.

Electricity and charging: in the villages, charging may be available for a charge. On the remote part of the route you cannot count on a power socket. You need a power bank, spare battery packs and protection for your electronics against damp and cold.

Internet and phone signal: mobile signal and internet are unreliable and absent on parts of the route. A satellite navigation device is part of the group equipment, but it is no substitute for personal communications and is not a permanent internet service.

Laundry: in Kathmandu you can use the hotel laundry or one in town. On the trek, washing clothes is limited by the weather, the water and the time available for drying. For the remote part of the route you need enough dry underwear and socks.

You bring all of your own personal equipment. Your choice of boots, sleeping bag and outer clothing must be agreed with your guide. Crampons, an ice axe, a climbing harness and rope equipment are not part of the basic kit for this trek; if conditions on a particular departure call for anything more, the team will tell you before the trip.

Documents

• Passport
• A visa, or the documents needed to obtain one
• International and domestic air tickets
• Medical insurance covering evacuation
• Digital copies of your documents
• Waterproof document wallet

Baggage and personal equipment

• A soft holdall for your luggage – provided by the team
• A 35-45 litre summit pack
• Waterproof rucksack cover
• Dry bags for clothing and electronics
• Sleeping bag with a comfort rating no higher than -10 °C
• Folding trekking poles with baskets
• Water containers holding at least 2 litres in total
• Light footwear for the lodge and camp
• Your own snacks for the longer days

Clothing and footwear

• Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
• Light spare footwear for Kathmandu
• Quick-drying base layer, top and bottoms
• Quick-drying T-shirts and a long-sleeved top
• Fleece jacket
• Warm down or synthetic jacket with a hood
• waterproof shell jacket with a hood
• waterproof shell trousers
• Quick-drying trekking trousers
• Thin gloves
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Warm hat
• Buff or warm scarf
• Sun cap or brimmed hat
• Synthetic or wool trekking socks
• A supply of dry underwear and socks
• Gaiters

Useful extras

• Head torch with at least 12 hours of battery life
• Spare batteries or a rechargeable cell for your torch
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sun cream
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Power bank and charging cables
• Adapter for Nepali sockets
• Quick-drying towel
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper in a waterproof bag
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
• A personal first-aid kit suited to your own medical needs
• Elastic bandage or a personal support brace
• Blister prevention and treatment

How to distribute the weight and choose the right size is explained in our piece on rucksacks for trekking in Nepal. On a route with long descents it is also worth choosing your trekking poles in advance.