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Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

A wild, quiet trek through the Barun valley to the foot of the world's fifth highest mountain. A 18-day plan from Kathmandu with daily stops, altitudes and walking times, an altitude profile, warnings and permits. Pick your start date and add it to your calendar.

Duration

18 days

13 walking, from Kathmandu

Highest point

4,820 m

Makalu Base Camp

Difficulty

Strenuous

Makalu Barun (east Nepal)

Best months

March to May + October to November

Spring and autumn

Planning guide, not a substitute for a guide. Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources by 10 to 150 m and by an hour or more. Weather, trail damage and road changes alter plans. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Plan your dates

Add rest or spare days

Altitude profile

The height you sleep at each night. Dots: green rest day, amber and red a bigger climb than the usual guideline. Triangles mark the highest point of a day.

0k1k2k3k4k5k6k3,000 m: altitude guidelines startKhongma viewpoint pass (optional): about 3,890 mShipton La: about 4,200 mRidge above base camp (optional): about 5,300 mShipton La: about 4,200 mDay 1: Num, about 1,500 mDay 2: Seduwa, about 1,560 mDay 3: Tashigaon, about 2,100 mDay 4: Khongma Danda, about 3,600 mDay 5: Khongma Danda, about 3,600 mDay 6: Dobate, about 3,800 mDay 7: Yangri Kharka, about 3,600 mDay 8: Langmale Kharka, about 4,420 mDay 9: Langmale Kharka, about 4,420 mDay 10: Makalu Base Camp, about 4,820 mDay 11: Makalu Base Camp, about 4,820 mDay 12: Yangri Kharka, about 3,600 mDay 13: Dobate, about 3,800 mDay 14: Khongma Danda, about 3,600 mDay 15: Tashigaon, about 2,100 mDay 16: Seduwa, about 1,560 mDay 17: Khandbari, about 1,000 mDay 18: Kathmandu, about 1,400 m1357911131517Day

2 days climb faster than the usual guideline (about 500 m a night above 3,000 m, and a rest day roughly every 1,000 m). This is common on the standard route. Go slowly, drink plenty, and add the rest days above if you can.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Kathmandu to Tumlingtar to Num

    Sleep: Num · about 1,500 m (sources: 1,500 to 1,560 m)Flight about 35 to 50 min, then about 4 to 5 h by 4x4 jeep on a rough road

    Fly to Tumlingtar and drive up to Num. Your trekking permit is checked at Chichila (Chicula) on the way.

  2. Day 2

    Num to Seduwa

    Sleep: Seduwa · about 1,560 m (sources: 1,500 to 1,560 m)Walking 5 to 6 h

    A steep descent to the Arun river and a climb back up to Seduwa. The national park checkpoint is here.

  3. Day 3

    Seduwa to Tashigaon

    Sleep: Tashigaon · about 2,100 mWalking 4 to 6 h

    Through farmland and forest to Tashigaon, the last big village. There is a park store, and stoves and blankets can be rented here.

  4. Day 4

    Tashigaon to Khongma Danda

    Sleep: Khongma Danda · about 3,600 m (sources: 3,500 to 3,637 m)Walking 6 to 7 hSleeping altitude +1500 m

    A very steep, long climb of about 1,500 m. Go slowly. Sources give Khongma Danda between 3,500 and 3,637 m.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 1500 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  5. Day 5 · rest day

    Acclimatisation day at Khongma Danda

    Sleep: Khongma Danda · about 3,600 m (sources: 3,500 to 3,637 m)Reach Khongma viewpoint pass (optional) · about 3,890 m

    Do not skip it. An optional walk of about an hour reaches a viewpoint pass at about 3,890 m. Return to sleep at Khongma.

  6. Day 6

    Khongma Danda over Shipton La to Dobate

    Sleep: Dobate · about 3,800 m (sources: 3,520 to 3,860 m)Walking 6 to 8 hReach Shipton La · about 4,200 m (sources: 4,170 to 4,230 m)Sleeping altitude +200 m

    A long day over Keke La and Shipton La (about 4,200 m, sources 4,170 to 4,230 m). Sources give Dobate between 3,520 and 3,860 m.

  7. Day 7

    Dobate to Yangri Kharka

    Sleep: Yangri Kharka · about 3,600 m (sources: 3,557 to 3,630 m)Walking 4 to 6 h

    Descend through rhododendron forest into the Barun valley.

  8. Day 8

    Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka

    Sleep: Langmale Kharka · about 4,420 m (sources: 4,410 to 4,420 m)Walking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +820 m

    A steady climb up the Barun valley. The sleeping altitude rises about 800 m, so watch for altitude symptoms.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 820 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  9. Day 9 · rest day

    Acclimatisation day at Langmale Kharka

    Sleep: Langmale Kharka · about 4,420 m (sources: 4,410 to 4,420 m)

    Rest, or take a short local walk and return to sleep here.

  10. Day 10

    Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp

    Sleep: Makalu Base Camp · about 4,820 m (sources: 4,800 to 4,870 m)Walking 5 to 7 hSleeping altitude +400 m

    Follow the moraine, passing the Shershong camp (about 4,630 m), to the base camp, with Makalu, Lhotse and Chamlang around you. Accommodation is basic lodges or tents.

  11. Day 11 · rest day

    Rest day at Makalu Base Camp

    Sleep: Makalu Base Camp · about 4,820 m (sources: 4,800 to 4,870 m)Walking 4 to 5 hReach Ridge above base camp (optional) · about 5,300 m

    An optional climb to a ridge at about 5,300 m takes 4 to 5 hours round trip. Return to sleep at base camp.

  12. Day 12

    Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka

    Sleep: Yangri Kharka · about 3,600 m (sources: 3,557 to 3,630 m)Walking 6 to 7 h

    A long descent of about 16 km on the same trail.

  13. Day 13

    Yangri Kharka to Dobate

    Sleep: Dobate · about 3,800 m (sources: 3,520 to 3,860 m)Walking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +200 m

    Back up to the high camp below the passes.

  14. Day 14

    Dobate over Shipton La to Khongma Danda

    Sleep: Khongma Danda · about 3,600 m (sources: 3,500 to 3,637 m)Walking 6 to 7 hReach Shipton La · about 4,200 m (sources: 4,170 to 4,230 m)

    Cross Shipton La and Keke La again.

  15. Day 15

    Khongma Danda to Tashigaon

    Sleep: Tashigaon · about 2,100 mWalking 5 h

    A steep descent of about 1,500 m, hard on the knees.

  16. Day 16

    Tashigaon to Seduwa

    Sleep: Seduwa · about 1,560 m (sources: 1,500 to 1,560 m)Walking 4 to 5 h

    Down through farmland.

  17. Day 17

    Seduwa to Num to Khandbari

    Sleep: Khandbari · about 1,000 mWalking 5 to 6 hThen a jeep to Khandbari

    The last day of walking, via the Arun river crossing to Num, then a vehicle to Khandbari. Khandbari's altitude is approximate.

  18. Day 18

    Khandbari to Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

    Sleep: Kathmandu · about 1,400 mAbout 2 h by road to Tumlingtar, then a flight of about 35 to 50 min

    Fly back to Kathmandu. Tumlingtar flights are weather dependent, so keep a spare day.

Permits

  • Makalu Barun National Park entry permit
  • A TIMS card is listed by operators
  • One operator also lists a Makalu Rural Municipality entry permit, and sources conflict on whether a Sankhuwasabha restricted-area permit applies. Confirm the full permit list with a registered agency
  • Sources disagree on whether a guide is required, so plan on hiring a licensed guide

Fees and rules change, so this page does not quote prices. Check the current fee with your agency or the permit office.

Altitude sickness basics

  • Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night, and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing.
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness are early signs. Do not go higher with symptoms.
  • If symptoms get worse, or you feel confused or unsteady, go down immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and do not travel alone. Ask a doctor about medication before you go.

General information, not medical advice.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary from Kathmandu

Makalu (8,485 m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world. The Makalu Base Camp trek starts with a flight to Tumlingtar and a jeep to Num, then crosses the Arun river and climbs through Tashigaon and Khongma Danda, over the Shipton La and Keke La passes, into the Barun valley and up to the base camp at about 4,800 m.

It is one of the least visited major treks in Nepal, with simple lodges early on and basic lodges or tents near the base camp. The climb from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda gains about 1,500 m in a day, and the stage to Langmale Kharka is steep, so the route has rest days at Khongma and Langmale.

Day-by-day itinerary (18 days)

  1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar to Num. Sleep at Num (about 1,500 m). Flight about 35 to 50 min, then about 4 to 5 h by 4x4 jeep on a rough road.
  2. Day 2: Num to Seduwa. Sleep at Seduwa (about 1,560 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  3. Day 3: Seduwa to Tashigaon. Sleep at Tashigaon (about 2,100 m). Walking about 4 to 6 h.
  4. Day 4: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda. Sleep at Khongma Danda (about 3,600 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  5. Day 5: Acclimatisation day at Khongma Danda. Sleep at Khongma Danda (about 3,600 m). Reach Khongma viewpoint pass (optional) (about 3,890 m).
  6. Day 6: Khongma Danda over Shipton La to Dobate. Sleep at Dobate (about 3,800 m). Walking about 6 to 8 h. Reach Shipton La (about 4,200 m).
  7. Day 7: Dobate to Yangri Kharka. Sleep at Yangri Kharka (about 3,600 m). Walking about 4 to 6 h.
  8. Day 8: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka. Sleep at Langmale Kharka (about 4,420 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  9. Day 9: Acclimatisation day at Langmale Kharka. Sleep at Langmale Kharka (about 4,420 m).
  10. Day 10: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp. Sleep at Makalu Base Camp (about 4,820 m). Walking about 5 to 7 h.
  11. Day 11: Rest day at Makalu Base Camp. Sleep at Makalu Base Camp (about 4,820 m). Walking about 4 to 5 h. Reach Ridge above base camp (optional) (about 5,300 m).
  12. Day 12: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka. Sleep at Yangri Kharka (about 3,600 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  13. Day 13: Yangri Kharka to Dobate. Sleep at Dobate (about 3,800 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  14. Day 14: Dobate over Shipton La to Khongma Danda. Sleep at Khongma Danda (about 3,600 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h. Reach Shipton La (about 4,200 m).
  15. Day 15: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon. Sleep at Tashigaon (about 2,100 m). Walking about 5 h.
  16. Day 16: Tashigaon to Seduwa. Sleep at Seduwa (about 1,560 m). Walking about 4 to 5 h.
  17. Day 17: Seduwa to Num to Khandbari. Sleep at Khandbari (about 1,000 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h. Then a jeep to Khandbari.
  18. Day 18: Khandbari to Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Sleep at Kathmandu (about 1,400 m). About 2 h by road to Tumlingtar, then a flight of about 35 to 50 min.

Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Best time

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height.

Permits

  • Makalu Barun National Park entry permit
  • A TIMS card is listed by operators
  • One operator also lists a Makalu Rural Municipality entry permit, and sources conflict on whether a Sankhuwasabha restricted-area permit applies. Confirm the full permit list with a registered agency
  • Sources disagree on whether a guide is required, so plan on hiring a licensed guide

Altitude sickness

Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing. Do not go higher with symptoms, and descend if they get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the Makalu Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu?

This plan takes 18 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with 13 days of walking and the rest for travel and rest. Itineraries from operators vary, and you can add extra rest days on the page.

How high does the Makalu Base Camp Trek go?

The highest point most itineraries reach is Makalu Base Camp, at about 4,820 m.

What is the best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

March to May and October to November. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height.

Do I need a permit for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Barun National Park entry permit. A TIMS card is listed by operators. One operator also lists a Makalu Rural Municipality entry permit, and sources conflict on whether a Sankhuwasabha restricted-area permit applies. Confirm the full permit list with a registered agency. Sources disagree on whether a guide is required, so plan on hiring a licensed guide. Fees change, so confirm the current amounts with your agency.

How high is Makalu Base Camp?

About 4,800 to 4,870 m, depending on the source. The optional ridge above the base camp reaches about 5,300 m.

How long is the Makalu Base Camp trek?

This plan takes 18 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with rest days at Khongma Danda, Langmale Kharka and the base camp. Operators offer 19 to 21 day versions.

Do I need a permit for Makalu?

You need the Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and, according to operators, a TIMS card. Sources conflict on whether a restricted-area permit or a guide is required, so check with a registered agency.