Makalu Base Camp Trek

Information

Distance

120.0 km

Duration

16–22 days

Max elevation

4,870 m

Country

Nepal (NP)

Difficulty

Strenuous to very strenuous — one of the most challenging and remote treks in Nepal; extreme altitude, the trail passes through tropical forest to the glacier zone; a licensed guide has been required since 2023

Best Season

March–May (rhododendron blooms, clear skies) and October–November (autumn, best views); avoid December–February (snowy trails) and June–August (heavy monsoon rains)

Permits & Fees

Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000); TIMS Card; a licensed guide has been mandatory since 2023; all permits can be arranged in Kathmandu or in Tumlingtar before starting the trek

Description

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an expedition-grade multi-day journey to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest mountain, set within the remote Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. Starting with a short flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (740 m), the route climbs dramatically through the Arun Valley — one of the most biodiverse corridors in all of the Himalayas, sheltering over 3,000 plant species, 440 bird species, red pandas, and snow leopards within a vertical span from tropical forest at 800 m to glacial terrain above 4,800 m. After traversing Rai and Sherpa villages, dense rhododendron forests, and two high passes — Shipton La (4,200 m) and Keke La (4,127 m) — trekkers arrive at South Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), where the southern wall of Makalu fills the skyline and distant Lhotse and Everest are visible at the head of the Barun Glacier. Compared with the Everest or Annapurna regions, this trail receives only a few hundred visitors per year, making it one of the most authentic and solitary Himalayan trekking experiences still available.

Trail Highlights

Makalu (8,485 m) — the world's 5th highest mountain — visible directly from base camp; the Arun Valley with extraordinary biodiversity (440 bird species, red panda, snow leopard, 3,000+ plant species); the Barun Glacier with Lhotse and Everest in the background; rhododendron and bamboo forests from 800 m to 4,000 m; Shipton La (4,200 m) and Keke La (4,127 m); far quieter than EBC or Annapurna