Makalu Base Camp Trek

Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (400m) and drive to Num (1,560m).

In the morning, after breakfast, we will fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a 35 to 40-minute flight. After that, we will drive to Num village on the same day, which takes approximately 4 hours. The road from Tumlingtar to Khandbari is a highway, but the road from Khandbari to Num village is bumpy. After arriving at the tea house, we can see the view of the Kanchenjunga range. Also, we can see the sunset and sunrise from there.

Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,530m).

Early in the morning, we will have our breakfast and start our trek from Num village to Seduwa. It usually takes 4-5 hours to reach Seduwa. In between, we will cross the Arun River through the suspension bridge. The trail from Num village to the Arun River is steep downward. Further, after crossing the river, the trail is uphill. On this day, we need to update our entrance permit, as the Makalu National Park begins here. The forest on the way provides shade, as the temperature seems quite hot. We will arrange a tea house on Seduwa for our overnight stay.

Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon (2,065m).

Today we will be heading towards Tashi Gaon, which usually takes 4-5 hours of walking from Seduwa. The trail to Tashi Gaon is a gradual ascent. Likewise, we will walk through the forest and villages on the way. The cardamom plants throughout the route seem incredible and smell good. We will be going up to the ridge of Isuwa Khola to the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east.

In Seduwa, there is a check post where we will pay the conservation entry fee. Upon reaching Tashi Gaon, you will be overwhelmed by the mountains surrounding the place. Stay overnight at Tashi Gaon.

Trek from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda (3,562m).

Typically, we will walk for about 5-6 hours today from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda. In the morning, after freshening up and having our breakfast, we will head towards our next destination. This day of the trek is more complicated than the previous days because we have to walk steeply at a higher altitude. We will go upward, passing the forest to the stream and the ridge. From this point, the trail becomes tougher. Passing the Kharka where animals gaze, we will, at last, follow a stair and lake upward to the top of the ridge. From there, Khongma Danda is at a short distance. Stay overnight at Khongma Danda.

Acclimatization day in Khongma Danda. Hike to Khongma Village (3,620m).

Today is our rest day. We need to acclimate our bodies when we cross more than 3,500m. We will explore Khongma Village, practice meditation, and experience the local culture, food, and people. A majority of the Sherpa People inhabit this village, so you can learn something about the culture and their lifestyle.

Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobato (3,800m).

Starting our trek earlier in the morning, we will head towards Dobato from Khongma Danda, which is a 6-7 hour walk. The very day we will cross two passes called Tutu La (4,065m) and Keke La (4,152m). There is one glacier lake called Kalo Pokhari (4,022m) between Tutu La and Keke La. After passing Keke La, we will steep down to Dobato. The rhododendron forest welcomes us on the way, as we need to walk through it. We will stay overnight at Dobato.

Trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka (3,619m).

It usually takes 6 to 7 hours to trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka. The trail is almost flat. We will walk along the bank of the Barun River following the rhododendron and pine forest. Along the way, we can take in the impressive scenic panoramas.

Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m).

Passing the yak pasture, forest, fields, and following the usual way to the valley, we will trek to Langmale Kharka from Yangle Kharka. It usually takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Langmale Kharka from Yangle Kharka. The trail is gradually going up. At the beginning of the trek, the valley walls tower over us. Going through Merek, we will head toward where we will be surprised to see the view of Makalu V, Makalu VI, and Makalu VII on the way. There is only one tea shop on the way to Langmale Kharka.

Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m).

Today we will trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp, which is the central part of our destination. It takes approximately 6 hours to travel from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp. The trail to Base Camp is a gradual uphill climb. From Langmale Kharka, we will go up to Shershong and then to Makalu Base Camp. There is an icy glacier on the route. We will see many snowcapped mountains after Shershong starts. Likewise, throughout the day, the excellent view of Makalu is seen. The same day, we will stay at the tea house and rest. Additionally, we will visit Barun Pokhari (Dudh Pokhari), weather permitting.

Explore Makalu Base Camp (4,870m).

Today is our rest day. We will hike to Makalu View Point, where we can see Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, and the beautiful south part of Makalu. On the way to the viewpoint, we will also visit glaciers and lakes, where we can see the massive Barun Glacier. We will hike up to 5,300m and see the beautiful Makalu and other surrounding mountains. After our visit, we will go back to Makalu Base Camp again.

Trek back from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka (3,610m).

Today we will trek back to Yangle Kharka in the same way we walked before. We will pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek, and we need to walk for approximately 6 to 7 hours to get to the end. There is a beautiful pine forest on the way down to Yangle Kharka.

Trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobato (3,800m).

Today we will head back to Dobato from Yangle Kharka via Femathang Kharka and Mumbuk, enjoying the same view on the way down. We will walk through the Rhododendron Forest, a green forest with prayer flags, and past rocky mountains. Today, we need to trek for around 6 to 7 hours and spend the night at Dobato.

Trek from Dobato to Khongma Danda (3,562m).

Early in the morning, we will have our breakfast and follow the path to Khongma Danda, passing Keke La and Tutu La. We will follow the same way as we came to Dobato from Khongma Danda. We will see the stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the same Rhododendron forests on the way. Today, we will walk for approximately 6 to 7 hours downhill and spend the night at Khongma Danda.

Trek from Khongma Danda to Seduwa (1,530m).

Today, we will descend back to Seduwa from Khongma Danda, enjoying the same view, which takes a 7-8 hour walk. Finally, we will leave Barun National Park and cross some suspension bridges, mani walls, and some stone stairs on the way back to Seduwa.

Trek from Seduwa to Num and drive back to Tumlingtar (400m).

Today is the last day of our trek and drive. We will trek approximately 4 hours back to Num village from Seduwa and take a jeep ride back another 4 hours to Tumlingtar. We will pass through the Arun River and the Bamboo forest, take some beautiful pictures, enjoy the view of the hills, and gain experience on the mountain road. 

Fly back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (1,400m).

Waving goodbye to the beautiful place and amazing people, we will take a flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, which takes around 35 to 40 minutes. After arriving in Kathmandu, your guide will transfer you to the hotel in Thamel, and your trip will conclude here.