Makalu Base Camp Trek
A wild, low-traffic trek to the foot of the world's fifth highest peak
Makalu Base Camp Trek overview
Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth highest peak, sits in one of Nepal's most pristine and least-trafficked wilderness areas, protected within Makalu Barun National Park. This trek flies into Tumlingtar and follows the wild Arun and Barun valleys through some of the greatest biodiversity in the Himalayas — from subtropical forest and terraced Rai villages to alpine meadows and finally the raw moraine of the Barun Glacier at Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m, known locally as Sherson). Two high passes, Shipton La and Keke La, add a serious physical test early in the trek, ensuring the route sees only a fraction of the trekkers found on Everest or Annapurna trails. The reward at trail's end is a full, unobstructed view of Makalu's massive pyramid rising directly above camp, framed by Chomo Lonzo and Peak 6/7. This is a genuine wilderness trek for experienced, well-conditioned trekkers seeking solitude at extreme altitude.
Country
Nepal
Duration
18 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
4,870 m (Makalu Base Camp, Sherson)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel. Equipment check and trek briefing.
Price includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu flights
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Full porter/camping crew with tents for the high sections beyond Tashigaon
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and restricted area permit
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Emergency high-altitude rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance with high-altitude coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking and camping gear
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Wi-Fi and communication costs (largely unavailable on this route)
- Tips for guide and porters (customary)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from