--- title: Makalu Base Camp Trek url: https://creativeadventurenepal.com/trek/makalu-base-camp-trek updated: 2026-11-02T06:46:01.897Z --- # Makalu Base Camp Trek - Type: Trekking - Region: Makalu and Eastern Nepal, Nepal - Duration: 25 days / 25 nights - Price: From USD 2,230 per person · 1 people: USD 2,650 per person · 2–3 people: USD 2,490 per person · 4–9 people: USD 2,330 per person · 10–50 people: USD 2,230 per person - Maximum altitude: 6,180 m - Difficulty: Strenuous - Best months: March, April, May, September, October, November - Starts: Kathmandu · Ends: Kathmandu - Accommodation: Tea house and lodge - Meals: Included - Dates: private trip on your own dates — ask for group departures - Book online: https://creativeadventurenepal.com/book/makalu-base-camp-trek In Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is an untrodden trail. At 8,485 meters, Makalu is the fifth-highest peak in the world (27,838 ft). It is situated in the Mahalangur Himalayas, on the Nepal-China border, 19 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Mount Everest. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an incredible trekking route in the Makalu region, which is near to the Everest region and is yet mostly unexplored. It is also known as Arun Valley because of the Arun River. The Arun Valley is a stunning region known for its culture and natural beauty. This location is a haven for naturalists, and it is filled with rare flora, creatures, and birds. People in this rural location rely on farming, small-time trading, and herds of cattle. There are 32000 people living there. This population is made up of Sherpas, Gurung, Tamang, Magar, Newar, Brahmins, and Chhetris, among other castes and ethnic groups. ## Highlights - Trekking: 220 km - Stay: 19 nights in tea houses and lodges - Mountains visible: Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Jannu - Altitude gain: 1,030–6,180 m (3,379–20,276 ft) - Destinations: Khadbari, Chichira, Num, Seduwa, Tashigaon - Activities: Tea house stays, Sherpa and Himalayan village visits, Sunrise viewpoints, Prayer flags, stupas and monasteries ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel You will be met by our representative at the airport after which you will be driven to the hotel. ### Day 2: Sightseeing at Kathmandu We will spend our day sightseeing around some of the attractive world heritage sites within Kathmandu valley. We also complete all necessary paper works and other preparations required. ### Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar ane drive to Khadbari (1030 m) 1,030 m Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport (domestic terminal) for flight to Tumlingtar. After that, we take a short drive to reach the starting point of our Makalu Trek. Khadbari is a beautiful village mainly inhabited by Newar and Rai tributes community. There is also a Makalu – Barun National Park. ### Day 4: Trek from Khadbari to Chichira (1830 m) 1,830 m Leaving Khadbari, our trek passes a number of charming villages before reaching Mane Bhanjyang. Then, following a gentle ascending trail to scenic pass Bhotebas at 1740 meters we can have a view of Mt. Makalu if weather is clear. After crossing the pass, we start a smooth descent towards Chichila. There are a few number of tea houses and good camping site available. ### Day 5: Trek from Chichira to Num (1490 m) 1,490 m After Chichila, we follow the trail towards Num village. We pass the village of Kawapani and follow a gentle ascend ridge to reach and cross another scenic pass Daju La at 2100 meters. After the pass, we continue our trek through a descending trail surrounded by forests. Finally, reaching the large village of Num. ### Day 6: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1460 m) 1,460 m We continue our trek by following gradual descents until reaching the Arun River. We cross a suspension bridge there and start to ascend towards another charming village Seduwa. ### Day 7: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2070 m) 2,070 m We leave Seduwa by following an easy trekking trail through Murmi Danda. Along the route we can see local people going on with their daily activities. We follow an ascending trail towards Narbugaon which is a small village. We again follow a trail passing through agricultural farmlands, forests and scenic hills to reach at Tashigaon. Here, we can buy any necessary things since Tashigaon is the last village settlement of the trail. ### Day 8: Trek from Tashigaon to Kauma Danda (3470 m) 3,470 m After Tashigaon, we follow the trail that heads steeply climbing through beautiful forests. After a couple of hours, we reach Unshisa where there is a good campsite and a few tea shops which is only open in the main trekking season. Then, we further ascend to finally reach our campsite at Kauma Danda. ### Day 9: Trek from Kauma Danda to Mumbuk (3570 m) via Kauma La (3603 m), Tutu La (4125 m) and Keke La (4170 m) 4,170 m Our trek starts early in the morning since on this day we will be crossing three passes; Kauma La Pass, Tutu La Pass and Keke La Pass. First, we take an ascending path to cross Kauma La pass from where we can see spectacular views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jannu peak and many other snow-capped Himalayas. We further ascend to cross the highest pass of the day – Tutu La Pass at 4125 meters and we start to descend towards Kalo Pokhari – a large lake. After reaching there, we again climb towards Keke La Pass, from where we can have great views of Chamlang Himal, and Tibet to the north. We cross the pass and follow the rocky descending steps to reach our campsite at Mumbuk. ### Day 10: Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka (3700 m) 3,700 m Leaving Mumbuk, we continue our trail that begins with a gradual descent to reach Barun River. There we start ascending along the steep hillside which is often affected by landslides. We continue the trail that leads through slack ground where we have to be careful while walking. After there, few hours of walking will take us to Nehe Kharka. ### Day 11: Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shersong (4615 m) 4,615 m After breakfast, we leave Nehe Kharka and head towards Shersong. Our trek continues on loose trails until we reach and cross the Barun River and then to green grassy fields of Yangri Kharka. We continue the trek passing through the forest of rhododendron, pine and fir towards Langmale Kharka. Then, we walk through moraine followed by Barun River. To the left is the large glacial lake that fills the valley, an easy trail from here leads us to Shersong. ### Day 12: Trek from Shersong to Makalu Base Camp (4800 m) 4,800 m From Shersong, we start our journey by turning right and ascend through more moraine. After we reach the top, the trail dramatically starts to gradually descend and then we will cross a small bridge that continues toward the stone huts of Makalu Base Camp. From there, splendid views of world’s fifth highest mountain – Mt. Makalu 8485 meters and other Himalayan range. ### Day 13: Rest at Makalu Base Camp – For Acclimatization & Exploration. We take a day for acclimatization at Makalu Base Camp. ### Day 14: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Swiss Base Camp (5150 m) 5,150 m We follow the trail towards Hilary Base Camp. Then, we walk through a narrow trail along the Barun Glacier Valley on south side and finally reach Swiss Base Camp. ### Day 15: Trek to Sherpani Col Base Camp (5700 m) 5,700 m Leaving Swiss Base Camp, we head towards Sherpani Col Base Camp through a steep boulder filled gully. After a couple of hours ascending, we reach a small flat area. Then, we again take further ascents that lead us to Sherpani Col Base Camp. ### Day 16: Acclimatization at Sherpani Col Base Camp. We take a leisure day at Sherpani Col Base Camp to become properly acclimatized before heading towards the challenging passes. ### Day 17: Cross Sherpani Col (6180 m) to Baruntse Base Camp 6,180 m We cross the Sherpani Col Pass, starting our trek early in the morning and following the ascending trail through the ridge of glacier. We need to fix a rope and be ready with other essential gears to reach the top of Sherpani Col. After there, we start to gently descend down to West Barun Glacier. After crossing the glacier, we head towards Baruntse Base Camp campsite. ### Day 18: Cross West Col (6100 m) and trek to Amphu Labsta Base Camp (5400 m) 5,400 m We start our day following the trail that ascends through loose rocks and rock walls until we reach the top of West Col. Once we reach at the top, we start to descend down until we reach Honku Basin. There we start to decline vigorously to reach our campsite at Amphu Labsta Base Camp. ### Day 19: Cross Amphu Labsta Pass (5850 m) and trek to Chhukung (4730 m) 4,730 m Our trek follows an ascending trail towards crossing of a challenging pass – Amphu Labsta Pass at 5850 meters. The pass includes ice slopes and snow covered ridge where we need to have climbing equipments. After crossing the pass, we follow the downhill steps passing through rocky trail and Amphu Labsta glacier and finally at Chhukung. ### Day 20: Trek from Chhukung to Tyangboche (3867 m) 3,867 m After Chhukung, we start trekking towards Tyangboche, passing through several icy streams to reach Birbe. From Birbre, we continue walking along the stone walled fields and alpine landscape towards Dingboche. Dingboche is situated along the route of Everest Base Camp trail. After Dingboche, we descend toa fairly moderate trail towards Tyangboche. ### Day 21: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche bazaar (3440 m) 3,440 m Leaving Tyangboche, we follow descending trails to reach Namche Bazaar. A scenic walk through Khumjung leads us to Namche Bazaar. ### Day 22: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2800 m) 2,800 m Last day of our trek heads from Namche Bazaar to Lukla via Monjo and Phakding. We walk through pleasant trail, following few short ascents and gradual descents toward Bhote Koshi River.It takes us three hours to reach Lukla. ### Day 23: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu We take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic mountain flight after a wonderful trekking experience. ### Day 24: Free day at Kathmandu You have a free day in Kathmandu. Get an early to visit to the temples of Kathmandu. Go around the shopping area of Thamel. ### Day 25: Transfer to International Airport for departure Our representative will drop you off at the International Airport. ## Cost includes - Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle - Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Licensed trekking guide and porters - Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek - Tea house and lodge accommodation on the trail - Trekking permits and national park fees - Domestic flights or transfers as listed in the itinerary - First-aid kit and 24/7 support from our office ## Cost excludes - Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Extra nights in the city because of early return or flight delays - Hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trail - International flights and visa fees - Travel and rescue insurance - Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls - Tips for guides, drivers and staff - Meals not mentioned in the program - Any costs caused by weather, strikes or other events beyond our control ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need previous trekking experience? Not for most treks. Good general fitness is enough for routes like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. Each trip page shows its difficulty and maximum altitude; our team will tell you honestly which trips suit you. ### Which permits do I need, and do you arrange them? Most treks need a national park or conservation area permit, and some regions need a restricted area permit. We arrange the permits listed in each trip’s “Cost includes”. ### What is the best time to trek in Nepal? Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the clearest mountain views. Each trip page lists its best months. ### Is travel insurance required? Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking at the trip’s maximum altitude, including helicopter evacuation. ### Can I change the itinerary or book a private trip? Yes. Every trip can be run privately or adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — ask for a quote.