The 19-Day Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging and remote journey that takes you deep into the pristine Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. This trek offers a unique blend of mountain cultures, high-altitude terrain, and panoramic Himalayan views, including Mount Makalu (8,485m), the world's fifth-highest peak. Traversing through less-trodden trails, this adventure culminates at the base camp at 4,870m, providing an unparalleled Himalayan experience for seasoned trekkers.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal takes you deep into the Himalayas to one of the least explored regions of the country. Located in the eastern part of Nepal, this trek is a serene journey across the Makalu Barun National Park, where you can experience the true wilderness and tranquility of nature.
Your 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, the journey takes you on a descent following the Arun River valley. Contrary to the busy trails of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, this journey offers immense solitude and deep immersion in unspoiled nature as you traverse through remote villages, dense sub-tropical rhododendron forests, and high alpine terrain.
Considering the remoteness and demanding nature of this trek, we recommend the 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek only to experienced trekkers. Despite the difficulty, our itinerary includes strategic acclimatization stops to minimize the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness.
Upon reaching the Makalu Base Camp (4,870 meters), you will find rewarding views of awe-inspiring icy giants. You can relish the close-up views of Mount Makalu (8,485 meters), the world’s fifth-highest peak, alongside Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours manages all complex logistics to ensure a hassle-free journey. Our travel experts arrange your domestic flights, specialized government-issued permits, and comfortable accommodation throughout the trek.
Experience an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure to one of the most remote destinations in Nepal. Book this remarkable 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Contact our travel experts now!
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a demanding journey into one of the most remote and isolated locations in the Himalayas. This remarkable trek introduces you to diverse landscapes and offers a unique cultural immersion, promising an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Here are the top reasons to book this incredible 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal.
Close-up View of the World’s Fifth-Highest Peak: The base camp of Mount Makalu (4,870 meters) is the climax of your trek. As the trek culminates in this spectacular destination, you get a close-up view of the south face of the world’s fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu (8,485 meters). From this high-altitude vantage point, you will also find breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and other surrounding peaks.
Explore Makalu Barun National Park: Your journey takes you along the protected areas of the Makalu Barun National Park. As you make your way across the pristine landscapes of the national park, you will find a remarkable range of biodiversity, from the sub-tropical forests of the lower region to the arid terrain of the high altitudes. Along your journey across this biological haven, you can spot numerous unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Red Panda.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a secluded journey, different from the commercial Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks in Nepal. As this is a less-frequented trail, you will find true wilderness and solitude, along with authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw form of nature, deep into the Himalayas, away from the bustling trails.
Unique Cultural Immersion: The 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you into traditional and isolated communities of Num, Seduwa, and Tashi Gaun. Home to the indigenous Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu communities, each day offers a new and unique way of life, traditions, and heritages. Despite the diversity, you will find warm hospitality and hearty cultural experiences throughout your journey during the Makalu Base Camp trek.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is strenuous but immensely rewarding. Each day offers new experiences along the pristine trails of this isolated region in Nepal. Your day during the trek begins at around 6:00 AM, with the sight of the majestic Himalayas and crisp mountain breeze. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your teahouse before heading on the vast trekking trails along the Makalu Barun National Park.
Trekking typically starts at around 7:30 AM and involves ascents and descents across the diverse terrain. Depending on the elevation, you will trek across the lush sub-tropical forests or arid rocky trails toward your overnight destination.
Lunch is served around midday at a local teahouse en route to your destination. This is your opportunity to rest and reenergize for the remainder of the day’s trek. The afternoon trek is typically shorter and gets you to your teahouse by late afternoon or early evening.
Upon reaching your teahouse, you can relax, enjoying the sights of the Himalayan giants. You will gather in the communal area, warmed by a stove, where you can share stories with your fellow trekkers over a hearty dinner. After dinner, your expert guide will give you a briefing on the next day’s trek. You will be informed about the elevation gain, challenges, and highlights before you head to bed for a much-deserved rest.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive Makalu Base Camp Trek 2026/2027. Our package includes transportation, all necessary permits, an expert local guide, and accommodation (in the Himalayas and Kathmandu), as well as full-board meals during your trek.
However, the cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is subject to change based on your interests and necessities. The price of the trek mainly depends on the number of trekking days, group size, hotel and transportation upgrades, and other personal preferences.
For budget reference, you can check out our Makalu Base Camp fixed departure treks. Or, for the most accurate quote, contact our travel expert.
Nature Lovers Treks and Travels expertly crafted the 19-day Makalu Base Camp to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience. Our all-inclusive package covers all ground transfers, domestic flights, guides, accommodation, and meals during the trek. However, we understand that the preferences of travelers can differ.
Considering the diverse interests and necessities of different travelers, we offer a fully customized Makalu Base Camp Trek. By customizing your trek, you can include extra acclimatization days, upgrade private transfers from Tumlingtar, or arrange a helicopter return for time efficiency.
Contact our travel experts to discuss your preferences. Together, we will create a fully tailored Makalu Base Camp Trek that best suits your interests.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal begins upon your arrival in Nepal. In the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will find our representatives who will welcome you and help transfer you to your hotel in the tourist district of Kathmandu, Thamel.
Check into your room, and take some time to rest. Alternatively, you can explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, you will meet the representatives of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours for trek briefing.
Today is an eventful day. Your day begins with an early transfer to the domestic airport for a scenic morning flight to Tumlingtar. Enjoy the dramatic views of the diverse landscape and the first glimpses of the Himalayan range. Upon landing in Tumlingtar, you will take a private vehicle to Num.
The journey to Num, the gateway to the Makalu region, consists of a 3 to 4-hour drive. During your drive, you will get a glimpse into Nepal’s eastern region and the Rai and Limbu communities as you arrive at the small hillside village. You will spend a night at Num before heading out onto the vast trails leading to Makalu Base Camp.
Your trek along the trails to Makalu Base Camp officially begins today. The challenging adventure across the diverse terrain begins with a steep descent along a rocky and slippery trail toward the Arun River. Upon crossing this formidable river via a suspension bridge, prepare for an equally challenging ascent toward your overnight destination of Seduwa.
Today’s trek is relatively shorter and more pleasant. Your journey takes a gradual climb across terraced fields. You will continue through charming Rai and Sherpa communities along the ridge, soaking in the views of the surrounding landscapes. The trek continues through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests before reaching the last permanent Sherpa settlement of Tashi Gaun along the Makalu Base Camp trail.
Upon checking into your teahouse, take the time to explore the local monastery, interact with the villagers, and relish the warm hospitality of the local community.
After a day of relaxing trek, you will prepare to take on the more demanding trails. Leaving Tashi Gaun behind, you will journey through the physically challenging forests of rhododendron and fir. This is a remote trek into the heart of the wilderness, where you won’t find any settlements within this stretch. Continuing along the steep terrain, you will eventually exit the dense forest and enter the alpine zone as you head toward Khongma Danda.
Today, you will traverse several high passes as you make your way to Mumbuk. Soon after leaving Khongma Danda, you will encounter the Ghungru La Pass (4,050 meters). This is the first of the three passes you will cross today.
Upon conquering the Ghungru La Pass, a steep descent awaits, before climbing again toward the challenging Shipton La Pass (4,200 meters). This pass, which is often covered in snow, offers the first distant views of Makalu from its vantage point.
You will finally cross the Keke La Pass (4,127 meters) and begin a steep descent through the dense forests. The trails are damp and slippery; careful footing is highly advisable. After 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will finally reach the isolated camp of Mumbuk, your overnight destination.
From Mumbuk, your journey continues along the Barun Nadi River, taking you deeper into the more pristine wilderness of the Barun Valley. The trail mostly consists of dense forests and follows the winding river, leading you to a dramatic increase in vegetation. As you reach Yangri Kharka, you will encounter a gradual ascent, where a stunning yak grazing pasture awaits.
Today, you will experience a major gain in elevation. As your journey continues through the Barun Valley, you will find the dense jungle transitions into alpine terrain with sparse vegetation. You will find the landscape opens up, giving you unobstructed views of several peaks, including the east face of Mount Makalu.
After a 5 to 6-hour trek, you will reach Langmale Kharka. However, the final stretch of today’s trek can be challenging, due to the immense increase in altitude.
Today’s itinerary is designed to facilitate the crucial acclimatization before the final push to the Makalu Base Camp. Your trek consists of a gradual and comfortable ascent from Langmale Kharka to Sherson, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Along your journey, you will pass high-altitude passes and open glacier moraines, experiencing a drastic increase in the cold climate, especially as the clouds roll in.
Upon reaching Sherson, you will get adequate rest as you prepare for the pinnacle of your entire 18-day Makalu Base Camp trek.
You have come to the pinnacle of your trek. Your journey toward Makalu Base Camp is short but strenuous. The trek requires you to navigate a rocky and icy path across the rugged high-altitude terrain.
Following the careful guidance of your expert guide, you will reach the Makalu Base Camp (4,870 meters). Soak in the majestic sight of the South-West Face of Mount Makalu (8,485 meters) and towering peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
You will spend the night in the base camp in a basic tent or teahouse (depending on the situation).
Today’s itinerary is dedicated to a full day of rest, crucial for proper acclimatization. You can take your time to fully absorb the incredible surroundings of Makalu Base Camp by exploring the immediate vicinity or taking a short hike to a nearby ridge. Enjoy the panoramic views of the glacier systems and the Himalayan giants, and don’t miss the photo opportunity to commemorate this extraordinary achievement.
It is now time for a downhill journey from Makalu Base Camp to the lower elevation regions. The descent is rapid and requires careful footing for safety. Today’s descent takes you out of the alpine region and back to the Barun Valley. The significant drop in altitude provides you with a sense of ease. You will experience greater comfort and be able to enjoy the Himalayan landscapes from a better perspective.
The journey back to Yangri Kharka retraces your steps past Sherson and Langmale Kharka before eventually reaching your overnight destination.
The descent continues and takes you out of the Upper Barun valley. You will pass through the familiar trails, including dense forests of the lower valley. After a 5 to 6-hour hike, you will eventually reach the secluded camp Mumbuk. Enjoy the sub-alpine environment before tackling the high passes again tomorrow.
Prepare for another day of ascent. You will cross the three high passes of Keke La, Shipton La, and Ghungru La to reach Khongma Danda. Before taking on the final descent, enjoy the views of the Barun Valley from the Shipton La Pass vantage point.
After traversing the three passes, you will find a gentle descent to your overnight destination at Khongma Danda.
Today, you will experience a dramatic decrease in altitude as you take a steep 2000-meter downhill hike from Khongma Danda to Narbugaun. You will leave the alpine zone behind and descend through the dense forests toward Tashi Gaun. The descent continues along the narrow ridge through terraced fields toward Narbugaun.
Enjoy the Himalayan trails one last time, as you have come to the end of your trekking days on the Makalu Base Camp trail. Today’s hike involves a gentle descent from Narbugaun to Seduwa. You will register your exit from the conservation area and begin a steep downhill journey to the Arun Valley floor. Continuing your journey, you will reach Num after a 5 to 6-hour hike.
Upon checking into your lodge, you can celebrate your remarkable achievement with your fellow trekkers and support team.
Enjoy a hearty mountain breakfast at your Num teahouse before boarding a local or private vehicle back to the small airstrip in Tumlingtar. The 3 to 4-hour drive is scenic and takes you back along the winding road through the sub-tropical region of the Arun Valley floor.
You will reach your destination in the afternoon. Take the time to relax and reflect on your incredible experience on the challenging trails of Makalu Barun National Park.
Your incredible 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek ends today. After an early morning breakfast in Tumlingtar, you will board a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon landing in Kathmandu, our representatives will assist in transferring you to your hotel.
You have the rest of the day to yourself. Take the time to explore the ancient heritage sites of Kathmandu, or engage in last-minute souvenir shopping.
Your 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek officially concludes today. Prepare to leave the hotel for the airport at least 3 hours before your boarding time. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours representative will assist in transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle.
Hire a strong helper and trek with ease—your porter carries up to 25 kg in total: 20 kg for you and 5 kg of their own.
Planning the most suitable time for the Nepal Makalu Base Camp Trek is crucial for a safe and successful journey across the diverse Himalayan landscape. The ideal seasons for this immersive journey are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Trekking the Makalu Base Camp in spring offers moderate temperatures and longer daylight hours. The lower-elevation sub-tropical regions of the Makalu Barun National Park boast magnificent blossoms of rhododendron and wildflowers, engulfing the landscapes. You will find good visibility, but there are chances of occasional rain.
Autumn is the peak trekking season for the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The autumn months are characterized by crisp visibility, less rainfall, and more stable weather. As you travel across the vast trails, you can relish the uninterrupted views of the Himalyan giants, including Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and many more. Daytime temperatures are generally pleasant, but nights can get significantly colder, especially at higher elevations.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a strenuous trek that demands excellent physical fitness and mental strength to successfully conquer the challenging trails. Although non-technical, the continuous ascents and descents over the diverse landscapes, combined with the remoteness of this trek, make it more difficult than most treks in Nepal.
The trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 4,870 meters at Makalu Base Camp. Each day requires 5 to 6 hours of challenging hikes over varied terrain. Trekking at a steady and comfortable pace is essential to avoid the risks of altitude sickness. To further mitigate these risks, we have included strategic acclimatization stops.
The 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek is designed for travelers with excellent physical fitness looking to explore the pristine Himalayan landscape. This trek is suitable for:
Throughout the 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will traverse the diverse terrain that takes you across different climatic zones. Packing layered clothes, the required gear, and essentials is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trek in the secluded trails of this trek.
Here is a list of gear and equipment you will need for the 19-day Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal:
