Trip Duration

17 Days, 12 days trekking
Trekking Grade

5-6 (Challenging)
Max. Altitude

4,870m/15,978ft.
Best Season

Autumn (September to November & (Spring) March to May
Trip Start Point

TIA (Kathmandu)
Trip Ending Point

Kathmandu, Airport
Transportation

Mode: 4WD jeep, Flight or Tourist bus
Accommodation

Hotels, Teahouse/Lodges
Min. Group Size

2 - Maximum 12

Trip Highlights

Spectacular trek in eastern Nepal
Discover the rich diversity in flora and fauna
Base camp of the world’s fifth highest mountain
Close-up look of western face of Makalu

Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the spectacular treks in Eastern Nepal that takes us close to the world’s fifth-highest Makalu Mountain. Makalu Base Camp trek route progresses through Makalu Barun National Park that is renowned for its rare species of flora and fauna. In fact, Barun Valley provides shelter to some of the last remaining Himalayan meadows. Makalu Barun National Park is home to over 400 species of birds including rare wren babbler, and more than 75 species of mammals like Red Panda, Leopard and others. The Arun River that crisscrosses the park has more than 80 species of fish.

Opened for foreigners only since 1952, Trek to Makalu Base Camp is one of the least crowded trekking routes where one can still observe local life in its traditional form.

Eric Shipton was the first foreigner to visit this lost land by crossing the High Pass which was later named Shipton La to honour his memory. The Makalu region is one of the most culturally diverse areas. Makalu Base Camp trek allows the close-up look of the western face of Makalu. Base Camp allows scenic views of Makalu Mountain (8463m), Mount Everest (8850m), Lhotse Mountain (8516m), Baruntse Mountain (7220m) and other peaks and mountains. The journey takes us through deep Arun Valley located at 435m above sea level to the base of Makalu Mountain. Spring and Autumn are considered the best season for Makalu Base Camp Trek. The route is quite remote with not much permanent settlement.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1,350m) and transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar, and Drive jeep sharing to Num (1505m).
Day 3: Trek to Seduwa (1530m), from Num, 6–7 hours
Day 4: Trek to Tashi Gaon (2065m) from Seduwa 5 hours
Day 5: Trek to Khongma danda (3562m), from Tashi Gaon 6–7 hours)
Day 6: Trek to Mumbuk (3,540m), Khongma danda 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek to Nehe Kharka (3,750m), from Mumbuk 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek to Sherson (4,600m), from Nehe Kharka, 5-6 hours
Day 9: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), from Sherson 5-6 hours
Day 10: Trek to Yangre Kharka (3,645m), from Base camp 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Mumbuk (3,540m), Yangre Kharka 5-6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Khongma Ridge (3,500m), from Mumbuk 5-6 hours
Day 13: Trek to Seduwa (1493m), from Khongma Ridge 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek to Num (1,500m), from Seduwa 5-6 hours
Day 15: Sharing jeep drive from Num to Tumlingtar (518m).
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m), from Tumlingtar.
Day 17: Drop at the airport for the final departure.

Price for The Trip:

We could not include the cost of each package on the company’s website. The only question most of our customers have is why AlpineTrav Treks did not include the price in the package. Because, in order to provide you with a reasonable price and try to address your every need, we want to provide you with some information. Which will help your trip budget.

Please read below for more information.

The trip cost always depends upon group size, hotel accommodation of category and client’s desire budget.
The above itinerary is a standard guideline that AlpineTrav Treks provides you with advice and tips. And this itinerary can be modified according to your time and needs.
After our trip is confirmed, the price will be adjusted in our contract, if the customer wants to add some services, we will charge for those additional services and if he wants to reduce some services, we will reduce the fee accordingly.
Itinerary is published in full board operation services for clear understanding of the customer. Among many options such as hotel facilities in Kathmandu, the client can make own choice.
Cost - also depends on the number of porters and mode of transport. Let us know through email, whatsApp or message.
Please do not hesitate to contact AlpineTrav Treks for any information regarding your selected package. We'll work together to customize your trip to meet your exact requirement so that you have a memorable trip.
We're a local travel agency. When you book with us, you get best possible price, which is middle-man free.
We don't add hidden extra cost. Airport to Airport services and all trips include travel permit, lodging and fooding. There are no surprises with hidden costs.

Day 1 :

Arrive at Kathmandu (1,350m) and transfer to Hotel

Arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage at the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Please look out for a placard of your name at the exit of arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip.

Day 2 :

Fly to Tumlingtar, and Drive jeep sharing to Num (1505m).

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will drive to domestic terminal of Airport in Kathmandu. Taking 55 minutes of scenic flight close to Himalayas with breathtaking views of Mountains and peaks, we will take flight to Tumlingtar. Then sharing jeep drive to Num for overnight at Num.

Day 3 :

Trek to Seduwa (1530m), from Num, 6–7 hours

Lowering down from Num, we will walk past forest and terraced farmlands to reach Lumbang settlement. From Lumbang, we will take sharp descend further to Arun River. Many slopes covered in forest can be found in the narrow valley. We will follow the slippery path to Arun Koshi River. Crossing a suspension bridge, we will follow the ascending trail uphill to Sedua. We will stay overnight in a guesthouse in Sedua / Seduwa. Seduwa also serves as the entry point for Makalu Barun National Park. We need to show our trekking permits to officials in Seduwa.

Day 4 :

Trek to Tashi Gaon (2065m) from Seduwa 5 hours

Our Guesthouse in Sedua allows scenic views of surrounding mountains. We will take an easy walk passing through rivulets, Mani walls, meadows and terraces and reach the top of ridge over Ipsuwa and Kasuwa rivers. We will pass through crop fields in tiny Sherpa villages. Walking through the crop fields, we will reach Tashi Gaon village where we will stay overnight.

Day 5 :

Trek to Khongma danda (3562m), from Tashi Gaon 6–7 hours)

We will follow the ascending trail via colorful rhododendron and oak forest. We will cross rivulets at few points to arrive at meadow full of lush green vegetation. The meadow is used as grazing land for local cattle. The area is crowded with Shepherd huts (Chipla). We will follow the steep trail through Kharka and take stone steps to Khongma which is perched atop the ridge. Stay overnight in Khongma Danda.

Day 6 :

Trek to Mumbuk (3,540m), Khongma danda 5-6 hours

Lodge at Khongma Danda allows picturesque views of Chamlang Mountain (7321m) and other peaks. We will follow the scenic path decorated with prayer flags all the way to the foothill of Shipton Pass. We will travel along the ridge through a rhododendron forest to Ghungru La (4050m). Brief descend from Ghungru La will take us to small turquoise blue lake. We will cross Shipton Pass and arrive at Keke la Pass. Once we cross Keke La, we will lower down to valley full of rhododendron at Mumbuk where we will stay overnight.

Day 7 :

Trek to Nehe Kharka (3,750m), from Mumbuk 5-6 hours

We will leave our campsite at Mumbuk and walk through colorful rhododendron and fir forest. We will lower down from forest to the Barun River. The trail progresses along the small cave (3,250m). We will lower down from the cave and enter in Barun Valley. The valley is remote and accepts only few visitors each year. Walking through the valley, we will cross Barun River and reach Yangle Kharka. Brief walk from Yangle Kharka will take us to Nehe Karka where we will stay overnight.

Day 8 :

Trek to Sherson (4,600m), from Nehe Kharka, 5-6 hours

From Nehe Kharka, we will lower down and cross small pass to reach Piphuk Kharka (3,930m). The trail progresses along cascading waterfall to a meadow. We will cross the grazing land of Yak Kharka and pursue the trail along moraine from Barun glacier. The path is scenic that allows views of several peaks above 6,000 m height. Leaving the valley, we will cross rhododendron forest and reach Sherson where we will stay overnight.

Day 9 :

Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), from Sherson 5-6 hours

After early breakfast, we will follow the ascending trail to small pass that is located 100 m above Makalu base camp. We will lower down to river and reach the base camp that is located on the western edge of river. The Base Camp allows scenic views of southern face of stunning Makalu Mountain. The Base Camp is a desolate place where there is no vegetation. We will stay overnight in Makalu Base Camp.

Day 10 :

Trek to Yangre Kharka (3,645m), from Base camp 5-6 hours

Makalu Base Camp is our final destination for this trek so we will be pursuing a return trip from this day. We will leave Makalu Base Camp early in the morning and take a descending path via Sherson and Merek to reach valley. We will descend from the valley and follow the easy path to Yangre Kharka where we will stay overnight.

Day 11 :

Trek to Mumbuk (3,540m), Yangre Kharka 5-6 hours

Yangre Kharka which is also known as Yangle Kharka is the cattle grazing area. We will lower down through the lush green vegetation. After couple of hours of walk, we will arrive at rugged terrain which will eventually lead us to Mumbuk. We will stay overnight in Mumbuk.

Day 12 :

Trek to Khongma Ridge (3,500m), from Mumbuk 5-6 hours

Leaving Mumbuk early in the morning, we will walk through verdant forest of rhododendron and fir and reach base of Keke La Pass. We will climb Keke La and reach Shipton La from where we need to cross yet another pass named Ghungru La to reach Khongma where we will stay overnight.

Day 13 :

Trek to Seduwa (1493m), from Khongma Ridge 6-7 hours

We will lower down from Khongma ridge and follow the path lined with rhododendron forest. Exiting from the forest, we will move through rocky area. Continuing further through the grass land, we will arrive at Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon. We will exit from Tashi Gaon and walk through terraced fields. The path is scenic with views of mountains. We will lower down to Arun River and make it to Seduwa/ Seeduwa for overnight stay.

Day 14 :

Trek to Num (1,500m), from Seduwa 5-6 hours

When we leave Seduwa, we take a path through the green forest that goes up and down until we finally. Arun Koshi River crossing a suspension bridge, we will follow the ascending trail uphill to Num. Overnight at a local lodge.

Day 15 :

Sharing jeep drive from Num to Tumlingtar (518m).

Today we are going back to Tumlingtar, but we will stop for some time on the way, requesting for the driver. Because the last point to enjoy the view of the Himalayas is Chichila Danda. Then we go to Tumlingtar. We spend one night at a local lodge in Tumlingtar.

Day 16 :

Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m), from Tumlingtar.

It takes 55 minutes of scenic flight to reach Kathmandu Airport from Tumlingtar. Once we arrive at Domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport, you will be transferred back to the hotel for comfortable stay.

Day 17 :

Drop at the airport for the final departure.

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. You will be assisted in your last-minute preparation. Our staff representative will help you pack your luggage, drop you off at the international airport. And we wish you a safe flight. Likewise we hope to see you soon again!

Services we offer in a package:

Cost Inclusion

AlpineTrav Treks provides pick-up and drop services from international and domestic airports on your arrivals and departures.
Representative of AlpineTrav Treks will be waiting for you on arrived in international and domestic airports with a your name's placard so that you can easily find our person. And you will be transfers to your demanded Hotel in Kathmandu.
According to the trekking package schedule, AlpineTrav Treks will arrange 2 nights demanded category (from tourist star to five-star) of hotel accommodations in Kathmandu.
According to the trekking program, AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions arranged regular flight tickets from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu for trekking members and guides.
Transportation we will provided during the trekking or major city for members as per the itinerary. (with staffs for during trekking's)
AlpineTrav Treks will provide Experienced and government authorized (licensed holder) high altitude trekking guide during the trekking period.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will provided 1 porter for every 2 trekkers with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will provide you with a clean and cozy teahouse/lodge to stay in and eat during the trekking.
Most of the trekking trail, lunch is done on the way between the starting and ending the day of hiking while dinner and breakfast at the teahouse/lodge where you have overnight stay.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provides a clean, Nutritious, and fresh food (B, L, D) at the lovely teahouse/lodge throughout the trekking.
As Makalu Base Camp is at the Makalu National Park and restricted territory, AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provide you a permit for Makalu National Park and restricted area.
The Trekkers' Information Management Systems permit issued by the trekking agency association of Nepal is required to enter the area of Makalu National Park, so AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provide you a TIMS permit too.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provides all wages, equipment, and insurance for elaborate trekking staff.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions provide first aid medical kits for the group and the staff, taking care of your trekking and health safety.
AlpineTrav Treks for members convenience always provide maps of related trekking.
AlpineTrav Treks will provide clean and warm down jacket and sleeping bag during the trekking, taking care of your comfort and health. (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
The above offer package price includes our service charges, government charges, and all taxes and vat.
We want to offer you to have dinner with us before you departed from Kathmandu. It will be an opportunity for you to see and learn about Nepali culture and tradition.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions offer you farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant or AlpineTrav Treks with families Kathmandu before departure.

Cost Exclusion

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, since this city's offers high quality and delicious food from different countries and groups, we were hoping you could taste the meals you like. For that reason, during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will have to arrange lunch and dinner (except the farewell dinner).
Suppose you want to take any packed food, snacks, drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, and carbonated soft drinks, any types of alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, and nutria-bars during the trek. In that case, you have to buy it yourself.
Expenses incurred towards usage of Items of personal trekking equipment, laundry expenses, tips, Landlines, mobiles, satellite phones, and the internet service exclude in the package.
Trekking is an adventurous activity that always takes place in remote areas. So, safety is the primary factor for us. Therefore, you have to have your travel insurance covering the cost of emergency rescue, medical treatment, medical tests, and hospitalization before you arrive for the trip to Nepal.
The package cost offered above does not include your international flight ticket and Nepal's tourist visa, so that you have to pay for your international flight ticket and tourist visa yourself.
Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural disasters, landslides, political disturbances, changes in government regulations exclude.
The short sentence, "The services we provide in the above package cost inclusive," will cost extra if you want more than additional services you have to pay extra.
Those Employees who are involved in your trekking are hoping for tips, gifts, or something at the end of the trip, which is an opportunity to say how happy you are with our staff and what kind of service you have rendered.
Your guide and porters will expect the tips according to the international system in the trekking package for your information.

Tim Schneider

2020-04-19

A slightly different job I would like to thank Alpinetrav, Ram Tamang and his entire family for helping to organize the distribution of 1.8 tons of rice for people who are short of food due to the consequences of corona and the lockdown. You do a gread job!!! I am looking forward to going with you to the awesome mountains in Himalayan Best regards your friend Tim Schneider

Robin C

2020-04-05

AlpineTrav - the best experience of our life! Many thanks to Ram and his crew. we had an incredible time in Nepal and would like to thank you very much. we felt like family in the distance. we couldn't have imagined our tour better than with Ram Tamang. He was caring and made every wish come true. His entire family welcomed us warmly. We really want to come back and look forward to seeing you again. We wish Ram and his family the best and many new expeditions and trips through wonderful Nepal. Greetings from Germany - Robin, Marius, Uta

Frieder S

2020-03-12

Trekking Just finished the Langtang and Gosainkund Trek. The guided trekking was a lifetime experience and the guides were able to satisfy the needs and wishes of the group. The organisation of alpinetrav with Ram who managed the trip did a great job and everything was well organized. I'd highly recommend alpinetrav if you're going to visit Nepal. I also did paragliding which is an awesome adventure as well! If there is a chance for another trip to Nepal I'd book my activities with alpinetrav again!

Christoph Dorn

PV-Power Project in Mirge, Langtang/Gosainkund Trekking, Paragliding Pokhara Great organization! Working in Mirge definitely was fun. The villagers were super friendly by the way. Very informal atmosphere and a really fair price. We did the Langtang / Gosainkund Track with the fantastic guides Ginesh and Prem, everything went smoothly. Every question was answered and we spent some great local-wine-evenings with them. We also saw some lazy monkeys ;-) After that we were lucky and spent holi in Kathmandu. Last but not least we've been paragliding in Pokhara. Such a great time! We will be back!

Andrea M

2020-03-11

Project in Mirge and Langtang Trip As some people before I make a solar project in Mirge too. It was my second time. I also was for 1,5 years before there. In both time it was a good organisation from Ram. He also makes it possible that I can come a few days after the other of the group and go earlier. Also a big praise goes on our guids (Basnet Ginesh and Brämm (I don't know if I wrote them right ;)). On our trip we have big fun with them and they led us good through the mountains. We wantet to do after the solar project the langtang valley and the Gosaikunda Trek. But at the Gosaikunda was to much snow so we must to return before it gets to much snow. They do this good always in consulation with us. Thank you very much for all this experience.

Oliver K

2020-02-21

Highly customiced holiday experience in Nepal. I would not want to do this without inside management. We visited Nepal in groupe organiced by our University. Our trip was devided into two weeks of sotial aid where we installed solar panels in a mountain village called Mirge and in two weeks of induvidual trecking. My plan was to walk the Number-Chees-Surcuit solo and fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla Air Port. Ram from Alpintrav organized our hole trip. He picked us up from the Airport with a great Nepali welcome, brought us to our Hotel, organized our Transportation to and from Mirge. He checked on us often enaugh so that we felt safe at all times. Traveling in Nepal can be confusing due to horrible road conditions and overcroded streeds and because there is for me no recorgnizable strukture in the Bus sistem. So there where several situation where I was greatful to have a local at my side. For my trecking tour I did not need any gide or teehouses, only transportation. It was nice that Ram did not try to sell or convince me to book anything I had not planed to. Still he went carefully through my planned rout and could give me detailed information, for example if a campside did not have water at this time of year. Unfortinatelly I had to cancel my trip early during the first two weeks. But Ram adapted quick to my change of plan and acompined my to Kathmandu where I was his guest for one night and he brought me to the Airport the next day.

Herb51

2019-11-01

Exhilarating trek to Annapurna Base Camp A good friend of mine who did several multi-week treks in Nepal suggested Ram to me to organize our trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. I contacted him over email and every request and question were answered in a precise and timely fashion. His detailed plan included pickup at the airport, flying to Pokhara, 10-day trek itinerary, sight-seeing in and around Kathmandu and final drop-off at the airport. He organized for us an excellent team, a knowledgeable guide, and two wonderful porters. Ram was very accommodating with some of my special requests and he even reorganized our route during the trek due to a team member’s illness. He certainly is very service oriented and does everything possible to make every Nepal visit a success. I can highly recommend Ram and his company AlpineTrav.

OnAir19757

2019-10-28

Amazing Trek to Annapurna Basecamp We had a great time trekking with Ram and his group to the Annapurna basecamp. They took care of all the details and were very knowledgeable and fun to trek with. I would definitely recommend AlpinetTrav for your next Nepal adventure!

Linc_F

2019-10-22

Excellent 10 day trek to Annapurna Base Camp We were a group of 4 people who did a 10 day trek to Annapurna Base Camp in October 2019. Ram, the owner of AlpineTrav, arranged the details of our entire trip from the moment we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure. At one point, we needed to make changes to our travel plans and Ram was able to accommodate this without any issues. I would certainly recommend AlpineTrav for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Quick Fact of The Trip

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Services

Trip Info

Map

Trip Highlights

Trip Itinerary