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Makalu Base Camp Trek - 16 Days Itinerary & Cost 2026

The World's Fifth Highest Mountain

From$1,925

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8592

EXCELLENT

Based on 20 reviews

David Hanke

Our travel with Nepal Adventure Trail was outstanding. Porgi was the best guide one could ask for. And the way we experienced Tibet as a family was one of our favorite trips ever. I would highly recommend this company for the full experience of traveling in Tibet. David U.S.A.

Michael Eisenbach

I went to Nepal with two of my sons, and the 12-day trip organized by Nepal Adventure Trail was absolutely fantastic. The itinerary was diverse and well-balanced, including guided tours of Kathmandu and Pokhara, a thrilling jungle safari on foot in Chitwan, and a breathtaking 3-day trek to the Australian Camp in the Himalayas. We were fortunate to have two superb guides, one for Kathmandu and Chitwan, and another for Pokhara and the trek. Both of them were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. This journey left us deeply impressed and eager to return to Nepal. Highly recommended!

markov40plus

Хорошая компания исполняющая взятые на себя обязательства. Путешествовать с ними большое удовольствие!

suzanne leza benadie

I have had a long standing business relationship with the team at Nepal Adventure Trail. A very porfessional company that offers a wide range of tourism services. I highly recommend them for planning and executing unique itineraries.

Purushottam Dawadee

Nepal Adventure Trail is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked with. We had an incredible experience with this trail, During our trip to Annapurna Base Camp on April-May, 2025. Very good experience, robust knowledge and friendly staff who helped us every aspect of our journey and mission. Mr. Sapkota, pragya & his entire team is dedicated and very professional. I would strongly recommend that if you’re interested doing something interesting like Hiking, trekking or exploring nature of virgin mountain, please go ahead with this company.

Sanjeeb Subedi

Amazing EBC trek was organised by Nepal Adventure Trail for us (a group of friends from London) in March 2025. As you can imagine, when there are 8 individuals, 16 different ideas pop ups and the company was accommodating our changes while going through such as change from standard route to Cho La Pass and via Gokyo Lake, arranging helicopter ride back Kathmandu and getting refund to airline ticket from Lukla.... It was an once in lifetime achievement for me and thanks for making my dream true and helping on the way through.

Gregory Bolotin

My wife, our friends, and I had the most unforgettable adventure trip to Mustang, Nepal last year, and it was all thanks to the exceptional organization and accompaniment of Nepal Adventure Trail. This company truly delivered everything they promised, seamlessly blending adventure, comfort and exploration. The 12 days itinerary was perfectly crafted, utilizing jeeps which allowed us to cover significant ground and witness the breathtaking landscapes of the region. The inclusion of a thrilling short rafting experience and hiking added exciting dimension to our trip. What truly set Nepal Adventure Trail apart was their incredible team. Our guide Progi and drivers were not just professionals, they were passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about ensuring every member of our group of 9 had a safe, enjoyable and enriching journey. They handled all logistics with remarkable efficiency, from accommodations to meals. Their local insights brought the history, culture and traditions of Nepal and specifically Mustang region to life, making every stop more meaningful. If you are planning a trip to Nepal, especially an adventure like exploring Mustang, I would definitely recommend Nepal Adventure Trail. They go above and beyond to create personalized and memorable travel experiences.

piki dayan

We had an unforgettable experience combining the Mustang Jeep Tour with the Ghorepani Trek, all arranged by Nepal Adventure Trail. The contrast between the rugged Mustang landscapes and the lush forests of Ghorepani was simply breathtaking. Everything was perfectly managed—from the comfy jeep rides to the peaceful mountain lodges. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel safe and inspired every step of the way. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey!

Karpachou / Карпачев Ми� аил

Progi is excellent guide and travel organizer!!! We traveled with him twice and have a very good service!

Ajay Agrawal

Progi guided my group to Muktinath and was a thoughtful, considerate and knowledgeable guide. He was able to cater to all the diverse needs of the group expertly and always with a smile.

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DestinationNepal
Accommodation2N Hotel in Kathmandu/ 12N Tea House / Lodge during the trek
RegionMakalu Region
Best SeasonMarch - May / September - November
Days16
Group2-15 Persons
DifficultyStrenuous — High Altitude, Remote Terrain
Start / EndKathmandu - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu
Daily Walking Approx. 4-6 hrs Walking
Max. Altitude4870m
Meals IncludedBreakfast in Kathmandu Hotel / all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
Total Distance110-120km

Why Choose the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is not for everyone — and that’s exactly why serious trekkers love it. While thousands flock to Everest and Annapurna every season, the Makalu region remains Nepal’s best-kept secret: a raw, untamed corridor of glaciers, rhododendron forests, and towering 8,000-meter peaks.

This 16-day Makalu Base Camp Trek package takes you deep into the Makalu-Barun National Park — a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot where red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears still roam free.

You’ll cross three high passes — Kauma La (3,637m), Tutu La (4,125m), and Keke La (4,170m) — before descending into the Barun Valley and standing face-to-face with Mt. Makalu (8,481m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain.

Unlike the busy trails of Everest, here you’ll share the path with yak caravans, Rai and Sherpa villagers, and maybe a handful of other trekkers. The Makalu Base Camp trek route is remote, physically demanding, and utterly unforgettable.

Makalu Barun Trek Highlights

Up-Close Views of Mt. Makalu (8,481m) — See the mountain's iconic four-sided pyramid from base camp
Rhododendron Forests in Spring — The lower trails explode with Nepal's national flower (Mar–May)
Wildlife Spotting — Red pandas, musk deer, and over 400 bird species in Makalu-Barun National Park
Three High Passes — Kauma La, Tutu La, and Keke La offer panoramic Himalayan vistas
Mt. Everest's East Face (Khangshung) — Rare view of Everest's hidden eastern face
True Wilderness — No WiFi, no crowds, no commercialization. Just you and the Himalaya

Makalu Barun Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2: Fly to Tumlingtar [50 minutes] | Drive to Num [ approx. 50kms, 03-04 hrs.]

Day 3: Trek to Seduwa [1500m, approx. 8kms, 5-6 hrs]

Day 4: Trek to Tashi Gaon [2100m, approx. 8.5 kms, 4-5 hrs]

Day 5: Trek to Khongma Danda [3580m, approx. 7kms, 7-8 hrs]

Day 6: Trek to Dobate [3650m , approx. 8kms,7-8 hrs] via Shipton La pass [4250m]

Day 7: Trek to Yangle Kharka [3610m, approx. 9kms, 7-8 hrs]

Day 8: Trek to Langmale Kharka [4440m, approx. 8kms, 7-8 hrs]

Day 9: Trek to Makalu Base Camp [4870m, approx 9kms, 8- 9 hrs]

Day 10: Explore Makalu Base Camp

Day 11: Trek back to Yangle Kharka or Pemathang [3610m, approx. 17-19km, 9-10 hrs]

Day 12: Trek to Khongma Danda

Day 13: Trek back to Seduwa

Day 14: Trek to Num | Drive back to Tumlingtar.

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 16: Final Departure

Inclusions in the Trek

Accommodation & Meals

2 nights in Kathmandu (4-star hotel, breakfast included).
13 nights in mountain teahouses (twin-sharing basis).
All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Welcome dinners in Kathmandu.
Tea/coffee during all meals on trek.

Transportation

Arrival and Departure, sightseeing as per itinerary.
Tumlingtar to Num to Tumlingtar - using local private jeep
Kathmandu - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu airfare with taxes

Professional Guide & Porter Service

Experienced English-speaking Trekking guide.
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers, max 25kg).
Guide and porter insurance, meals, and accommodation.
Comprehensive first aid kit with guide.

Permits & Documentation

TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.
Makalu Barun National Park & Local Government Permits.
All government taxes and fees.

Special Inclusions

Free Nepal Adventure Trail Cap and t-shirt
Pre-trip briefing and trek preparation
24/7 emergency support

Price Excludes

International airfare to/from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fees ($30-50).
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory).
Personal trekking equipment and gear.
Extra night accommodation due to early arrival/late departure.

Additional Costs During Trek

Hot showers in teahouses ($3-5 per use)
WiFi and battery charging ($3-5 per use)
Laundry services ($5-10 per kg)
Hot drinks and snacks outside planned meals
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

Helicopter rescue in emergency (insurance should cover)
Additional porters for personal items
Single room supplements ($20-30 per night)
Tips for guide and porters (customary $100-150 total)
Photography/video fees at monasteries

Extra accommodation/meals due to flight delays.
Alternative transportation costs.
Additional permits for route changes.
Emergency evacuation costs.
Trip extension due to weather/personal reasons.

Trek Map of Makalu Base Camp Trek

Key Route Highlights:

Tumlingtar — Your gateway via a scenic 35-minute flight from Kathmandu
Num Bazaar — The last roadhead before the trail begins
Seduwa & Tashi Gaon — Authentic Rai and Sherpa villages with terraced farming
Khongma Danda — Acclimatization stop before the high passes
Barun Valley — One of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalaya
Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) — Standing beneath the south face of Mt. Makalu

Pro Tip: The Makalu Base Camp trek map shows the classic route via the Arun River basin. We also offer the Barun Valley variation (14–16 days) for experienced trekkers wanting a shorter approach.

Photos of the Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek cost 2026

Group Discount Prices

The per-person cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek decreases as group size grows, with rates ranging from $1,925 for pairs down to $1,645 for groups of 15 or more. Larger groups share fixed costs like guides, permits, and Tumlingtar flights, making it more affordable to trek together.

No of people	Price P.P
2	$1,925
3 – 4	$1,870
5 – 6	$1,765
7 – 9	$1,695
10 – 14	$1,680
15 & more	$1,645

Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Spring (March – May)

Weather: Mild days (10–15°C), cold nights (-5 to -10°C at base camp)
Highlights: Rhododendron forests in full bloom, clear morning skies
Crowds: Low to moderate — never crowded like Everest
Best Month: April — stable weather + peak rhododendron blooms

Autumn (September – November)

Weather: Dry, stable, crystal-clear skies
Highlights: Post-monsoon clarity, best mountain photography, Dashain & Tihar festivals
Crowds: Moderate — the most popular season
Best Month: October — guaranteed clear skies, perfect temperatures

Winter (December – February)

Weather: Very cold, heavy snow above 3,500m
Reality Check: Many teahouses close. Passes can be snow-blocked. Only for experienced winter trekkers.
Verdict: Possible but not recommended for most travelers.

Monsoon (June – August)

Weather: Heavy rain, leeches, landslide risk, zero mountain views
Verdict: Avoid. Trails are muddy, rivers swollen, and clouds obscure everything.

Our Recommendation: Book October or April for the best balance of weather, views, and trail conditions.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty — Is This Trek For You?

Let’s be honest: the Makalu Base Camp trek is strenuous. This is not a beginner trek. Here’s what you need to know:

Factor	Rating	Details
Physical Fitness	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	You need cardio endurance + leg strength
Altitude	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Max 4,870m — significant AMS risk
Technical Skill	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	No climbing gear needed, but steep trails
Remote Factor	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	No rescue roads, limited medical facilities
Weather Exposure	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Cold nights, unpredictable mountain weather

Who Should Do This Trek?

You’re a good fit if you:

Have completed at least one high-altitude trek (4,000m+) before
Can hike 6–8 hours per day with a light daypack
Are comfortable with basic teahouse conditions (shared rooms, squat toilets)
Understand that Makalu is remote — no pizza, no WiFi, no rescue helicopters on speed dial

Bottom Line: If you can handle the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, you can handle Makalu. It’s harder because it’s more remote, not because the trail is technical.

Safety, Permits & Practical Info

Required Permits:

Permit	Cost (Foreigners)	Cost (SAARC)
Makalu Barun National Park Entry	NPR 3,000 (~$23)	NPR 1,500 (~$12)
TIMS Card	NPR 2,000 (~$15)	NPR 1,000 (~$8)
Total	~$38 USD	~$20 USD

We handle all permit applications — included in your package.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Acclimatization days built into the itinerary
Daily Oximeter checks by your guide
“Climb high, sleep low” principle followed
Emergency evacuation plan (helicopter rescue available at extra cost)

Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

You must have insurance covering:

Emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m
Medical treatment and hospitalization

Recommended Providers: World Nomads, IMG, or Global Rescue (high-altitude specialists)

Gears Needed for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Essential Packing List

Category	Items
Footwear	Broken-in hiking boots (waterproof), camp shoes, 4–5 pairs wool socks
Clothing	Base layers (merino), fleece jacket, down jacket (-15°C rated), rain jacket, trekking pants x2, thermal underwear
Head & Hands	Warm beanie, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter, waterproof gloves + liner gloves
Sleeping	Sleeping bag rated to -15°C (can rent from us), sleeping bag liner
Daypack	30–40L daypack with rain cover, 2L water bladder or bottles
Trekking Poles	Highly recommended — saves 30% knee impact on descents
Sun Protection	SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses (UV400), lip balm with SPF
Electronics	Headlamp + extra batteries, power bank (solar recommended), camera
Medical	Diamox (altitude sickness), blister kit, personal medications, water purification tablets
Extras	Snacks (energy bars, nuts), book/kindle, playing cards

Gear Rental Available: We provide duffel bags at no extra cost. Everything else, please bring or buy in Kathmandu (Thamel has great gear shops).

FAQ's for Makalu Base Camp Trek

How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is strenuous — harder than Everest Base Camp due to its remoteness and rapid altitude gain. You need prior high-altitude trekking experience, strong cardiovascular fitness, and mental preparation for basic teahouse conditions. The three high passes (up to 4,170m) and the 4,870m base camp elevation make acclimatization critical.

What is the best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best seasons. October offers the clearest skies, while April delivers spectacular rhododendron blooms. Avoid monsoon (June–August) due to rain and leeches, and winter (Dec–Feb) unless you’re an experienced cold-weather trekker.

How much does the Makalu Base Camp Trek cost?

Our 16-day Makalu Base Camp Trek package starts at USD $1,650 per person for groups of 5–8. Solo travelers pay around $2,450. The price includes flights, permits, teahouse accommodation, meals, guide, and porter. International flights, travel insurance, and personal gear are extra.

Do I need a guide for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Technically no, practically yes. The Makalu trail is remote, poorly marked in sections, and has no road access for rescue. A licensed guide provides navigation, altitude monitoring, emergency response, and cultural interpretation. We strongly recommend hiring both a guide and porter for safety and enjoyment.

What is the maximum altitude of Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp sits at 4,870 meters (15,978 ft). You’ll also cross three high passes: Kauma La (3,637m), Tutu La (4,125m), and Keke La (4,170m). Proper acclimatization is essential.

Can beginners do Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Not recommended. This trek is best suited for trekkers with prior experience at altitudes above 4,000m (e.g., Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit). Beginners should start with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Langtang Valley Trek first.

What gear do I need for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Essential gear includes: a -15°C sleeping bag, waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing (base layer + fleece + down jacket), trekking poles, sun protection, and a 30–40L daypack. We provide sleeping bags and down jackets if needed. A full gear list is provided after booking.

How do I get to Makalu Base Camp?

Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (35 minutes), then drive to Num (1,560m) — the trek starting point. The trail follows the Arun River through villages, forests, and high passes before reaching base camp. Return via the same route.

Is there WiFi or phone signal on the Makalu trek?

Very limited. Some lower villages (Num, Seduwa) may have sporadic Ncell signal. Above Tashi Gaon, expect no connectivity until you return. This is a true digital detox trek — embrace it!

What wildlife can I see on the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu-Barun National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. Possible sightings include red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, langurs, and over 400 bird species. Snow leopards exist but are extremely rare to spot.

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