• Meritable trek is kick off from Kathmandu to Arun valley.
• 5th highest mountain on the earth to encounter.
• Lifestyle of locals is utterly untouched by the modern life.
• Whiteout several mountains all the way to sight.
• Ritual culture of heterogeneous groups is enlightenment.
• Nearly,30000 sorts of flora and fauna is confined by the National park.
• In the end,happiness dinner in Kathmandu with cultural events.

Deep in the eastern wilds of Nepal, where the Himalayas stand as silent sentinels, the Makalu Base Camp Trek beckons with a siren call to those who yearn for untamed beauty and solitude. This 20-day expedition, artfully curated by Skyline Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., is a passage into the pristine heart of the Makalu-Barun National Park, a sanctuary cradling the world’s fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu, at 8,485 meters. Far from the well-trodden trails of Everest or Annapurna, this off-the-beaten-path journey weaves through remote valleys and rugged passes, offering a raw, unfiltered communion with nature’s grandeur. It is a trek for the intrepid, where every step unveils a canvas of towering peaks, ancient cultures, and a wilderness that hums with life, promising an adventure etched into the soul.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a kaleidoscope of landscapes, each more breathtaking than the last. From the subtropical lowlands of Tumlingtar, where the Arun River carves its path, the trail ascends through lush rhododendron forests, their blooms painting the spring hills in fiery hues. Higher still, the terrain shifts to alpine meadows and rocky moraines, where the air grows thin and the vistas vast. The trek’s pinnacle, Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 meters, offers a front-row seat to the pyramid-like majesty of Makalu, flanked by giants like Chamlang, Baruntse, and distant glimpses of Everest and Lhotse. Crossing the Shipton La Pass at 4,210 meters, named for the legendary explorer Eric Shipton, adds a thrill of conquest, while the sacred Barun Valley enchants with its waterfalls, glaciers, and serene high-altitude lakes. Skyline Treks ensures this demanding journey is supported by seasoned guides, basic yet cozy tea house stays, and a deep respect for the region’s delicate ecosystem.

This trek is a tapestry of cultural encounters as rich as its landscapes. In the lower reaches, the Rai, Limbu, and Newar communities welcome trekkers with warm smiles and traditions untouched by time, their terraced fields a testament to harmony with the land. Higher up, the Sherpa and Tibetan Buddhist villages, like Tashigaon, pulse with spiritual life, where prayer flags dance in the wind and ancient monasteries offer moments of quiet reverence. The Makalu Barun National Park, a biodiversity haven, teems with rare treasures—red pandas, snow leopards, and over 3,000 species of flora, from orchids to towering firs. Each village, each forest, tells a story of resilience and reverence, inviting trekkers to pause and connect with a world that feels both ancient and eternal.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a call to those who seek challenge and serenity in equal measure. Spanning 20 days, this itinerary allows for careful acclimatization, essential for tackling the high altitudes and steep ascents that define this strenuous route. Best embarked upon in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November), when clear skies frame the Himalayan giants and temperatures are kind, the trek promises moments of profound awe sunrises over Makalu, starlit nights in remote tea houses, and the quiet triumph of standing at base camp. Skyline Treks’ comprehensive package, including permits, flights to Tumlingtar, and expert local guides, transforms this dream into a reality. For adventurers craving a journey where the mountains whisper secrets and the trails lead to the edge of the wild, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable voyage into Nepal’s untamed soul.

How do I get to Makalu base camp?

To reach Makalu Base Camp, you’ll typically start your journey from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.

Here’s a general guide on how to get there:

1. Flight to Tumlingtar: Most expeditions to Makalu Base Camp begin with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Airport. Several domestic airlines operate flights to Tumlingtar, and the duration is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Drive to Num or Chichila: From Tumlingtar, you’ll need to take a flight or jeep or bus ride to the starting point of your trek. Depending on your itinerary, you might head towards Num or Chichila. The road journey can take several hours, as the roads may be rough and winding.
3. Trekking: The actual trekking to Makalu Base Camp begins from Num or Chichila. From Num, you’ll trek through picturesque villages, lush forests, and rugged terrain, gradually gaining altitude. The trail passes through places like Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Khongma, Mumbuk, and Nehe Kharka before reaching Makalu Base Camp.
4. Acclimatization and Rest Stops: It’s crucial to plan for acclimatization days during your trek to avoid altitude sickness. Your itinerary should include rest stops in villages along the trail, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
5. Final Ascent to Makalu Base Camp: After days of trekking through stunning landscapes, you’ll finally reach Makalu Base Camp. The base camp sits at the foot of Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers before embarking on your return journey.

It’s essential to hire a licensed guide and obtain the necessary permits before undertaking the trek to Makalu Base Camp. Additionally, ensure you’re adequately prepared with appropriate gear, clothing, and provisions for the trekking adventure.

Makalu Base Camp trek short itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Khandbari  via  Itahari

Day 2: Khandbari commences trek to Chamla Kharka

Day 3: Chamla Kharka to Tashi Gaun

Day 4: Tashi Gaun to Khungma

Day 5: Khungma to Yangle Kharka

Day 6: Yangle Kharka – Shivadhara

Day 7: Shivadhara – Langmaale Kharka)

Day 8: Langmale – Makalu base camp (Setopokhari) – Phemathang

Day 9: Phemathang – Tashi Gaun

Day 10: Tashi Gaun – Num – Khadbari

Day 11: Khandbari – Itahari – Kathmandu

We at Skyline have carefully designed our itinerary to let you enjoy the quality time in high altitude and in the areas of base camp too. However, if you want to explore the beautiful ‘Chago glacier’ then we can also extend the trip as per your need.