Makalu base camp trek Nepal to scale MBC height

Trip ID: UM1013
DestinationMakalu, Nepal
Duration22 Days
DifficultyModerate to fairly challenging Persons
Group SizeMin 2 to Max 10
Maximum AltitudeMBC 4870 meters / 15978feet
Best TimeMarch, April, May & Sept, Oct, Nov
ActivitiesTrekking & Sightseeing
AccommodationTea houses / Camping
Meals3 Meals a day (BLD)
TransportationFlight, Drive & Hiking
Start fromKathmandu to Tumlingtar
End atTumlingtar to Kathmandu

Trip Overview

About Makalu base camp trek

The Makalu Base Camp tea house trek is one of the most awe-inspiring journeys to base camp of Mt Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, raging rivers, unique culture and remote villages of Eastern Nepal.

The journey to Makalu Base Camp is not for the faint of heart. The trail is steep up and down, challenging. Altitude can be a significant hurdle for novice trekkers. However, the rewards of reaching the base camp are unparalleled. The view of Makalu’s towering peak, surrounded by other snow-capped mountains, is breathtaking.

Makalu Base Camp Tea House Trek is a journey of a lifetime, offering trekkers an opportunity to experience the Himalayas’ natural beauty, wildlife, witness the unique culture and lifestyle of local societies. Makalu trek requires determination, endurance, and an adventurous spirit, but the rewards are well worth it.

Trip Highlight

  • Touch the base camp of Munt Makalu 8,481 meters / 27,825 feet, the fifth highest peak of the world.
  • Encounter diverse species of rare and exotic plant, birds and wildlife in Makalu Barun national park.
  • Witness the culture and rural life of ethnic people like Sherpa, Tamang, Rai, and Limbus in Nepal.
  • Traverse through beautiful forests, lush green forest and sparkling rivers, provide the sense of serenity and tranquility.
  • Pass through some notable villages, Arun valley and Barun valley, track some of endangered wildlife & plants species in the world.
  • Embark on off the beaten path, steep ascents and descents, narrow ridges, icy glaciers to make a thrilling adventure to MBC.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, Baruntse & other peaks of Himalayas.
  • Explore the Dudh Pokhari, Shiva Dhara, Green valley, Barun pokhari and peaceful villages in isolated areas of Himalayas.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal

    Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transfer you to hotel. As soon as we reach hotel, representative will give you a synopsis of plan and program agreement.  After a short rest & relax, you can explore the city and its cultural heritage.
    Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

  • Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation

    After breakfast, full day sightseeing journey in Kathmandu valley start with private vehicle and professional guide. There are many sights to see in Kathmandu Nepal. Among of them guide takes you to the selected destination like Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square etc. Kathmandu sightseeing trip covers major historical, and cultural monuments that beautifully crafted with various wood, metal, and stonework. The city is full of history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. After city tours, we will drive back to hotel and conduct Pre-trip meeting. You spent rest of the time for gear shopping, packaging, exploring streets of Thamel and sample local food.

  • Day 3 : Flight to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira 1,980 meters /6497 feet

    Makalu trek start with Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight or drive. Easy and fastest way to travel between Kathmandu to Tumlingtar is by flight and it takes about 35 minutes. Kathmandu to Tumlingtar road distance is about 425 kilometers / 264 miles and takes 8 to 10 hours of drive to reach. The road is mostly paved but there are some unpaved sections in poor condition. The best option to reach Makalu trekking start point depend on budget and time availability.
    From the Tumlingtar guide arrange a jeep to go to Chichira (Makalu trek start point) Total distance of Tumlingtar to Chichira is 120 kilometers, takes time 5 to 6 hours, again depends on road condition and traffic. Journey from Tumlingtar to Chichira is a beautiful and challenging one, offer stunning views of the farmland, people and lifestyle in the foothills of Himalayas.

  • Day 4 : Trek to Num 1,560 meters /5119 feet
  • Day 5 : Trek to Seduwa bazaar 1,500 meters /4922 feet
  • Day 6 : Trek to Tashigaon 2,100 meters /6890 feet
  • Day 7 : Trek to Khongma 3,500 meters /11,483 feet
  • Day 8 : Rest day for Acclimatization
  • Day 9 : Trek to Dobate via Keke La pass 4200 meters / 13779 feet
  • Day 10 : Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,557 meters / 11,670 feet
  • Day 11 : Trek to Nangmale 4,410 meters / 14,468 feet
  • Day 12 : Trek to Makalu base camp 4,870 meters /15,978 feet
  • Day 13 : Excursion around Makalu base camp
  • Day 14 : Trek from MBC to Yangle 3,557 meters / 11,670 feet
  • Day 15 : Trek to Dobate
  • Day 16 : Trek to Khongma Danda 3,500 meters /11483 feet
  • Day 17 : Trek to Tashigaon 2,100 meters / 6890 feet
  • Day 18 : Trek to Seduwa 1,500 meters / 4921 feet
  • Day 19 : Trek to Num village 1,560 meters / 5118 feet
  • Day 20 : Drive to Tumlingtar 285 meters / 935 feet
  • Day 21 : Flight back to Kathmandu
  • Day 22 : Airport transfer to depart Nepal

    Embark on your final day of journey! Three hours before the scheduled flight, we will escort you to international airport for final departure.
    “Have a safe flight! May your journey be free from stress and bring you home safely.”

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • Airports pick up on your arrival day by private vehicle
  • Kathmandu sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Round trip flight from Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu
  • Transportation from Tumlingtar to Chichira trek start point
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) 4 cups of hot drink each day on choice
  • Best accommodation at tea houses during Makalu trekking period
  • Professional English speaking guide trained by government of Nepal
  • Experience trekking staffs (2 guest = 1 porter basic) to carry your backpack
  • All necessary paperwork, trekking permits, TIMS and local taxes
  • Travel and rescue arrangements if require
  • Drop you to airport by private vehicle to depart Nepal

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • Visa fees / international airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Hotel, Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses phone calls, mineral water, bar bills, hot shower, battery recharge, extra porters & gears etc
  • Tips for guides, porters (Tipping are expected but not mandatory)

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