Makalu Base Camp Trek – Complete 2027 Guide

Trek Overview

The Makalu Base Camp trek reaches the base of the world's fifth-highest mountain at 5,250 metres in the remote Makalu Barun National Park of eastern Nepal. The route climbs the Arun river valley, crosses the Shipton La at 4,210 metres, and traverses the Barun glacier valley to a base camp with close-up views of Makalu's south face and a distant Everest on the horizon. The park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas in Nepal, with 25 of the country's 30 rhododendron species and 300+ bird species.

Why Visit

Makalu sees fewer than 500 trekkers a year, a tiny fraction of the Everest or Annapurna numbers. The mountain itself is a perfect pyramid, one of the most beautiful 8,000-metre peaks, and the base camp sits directly under its 3,000-metre south face. The Barun glacier valley is a deep gorge with hanging glaciers and waterfalls that feels wilder than almost anywhere else in Nepal. The route also crosses the Shipton La, a historic pass first explored by Eric Shipton in 1952.

Best Time to Trek

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the reliable seasons. Spring offers rhododendron bloom in the lower valleys and clearer mornings; autumn has the most stable weather. Winter closes the upper Barun valley with snow, and monsoon turns the Arun valley into a humid, leech-filled jungle. Book spring 2028 departures by November 2027 because flights to Tumlingtar sell out.

Difficulty Level

Rated Strenuous. Days are long, the trail above Tashigaon is rough and steep, and you sleep above 4,500 metres for several nights. Solid fitness, previous trekking experience above 4,500 metres, and a tolerance for basic conditions are required. The route is suitable for fit trekkers looking for a quieter alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek.

Duration

Plan 18 to 22 days including flights and road transfers, with most groups allowing 20 days on the trail. Build in two buffer days for weather and acclimatisation.

Route Details

From Tumlingtar the route drops to the Arun river at Num, crosses the river at Seduwa, and climbs steeply through Rai and Sherpa villages to Tashigaon (2,200 m), the last permanent village. Above Tashigaon the trail crosses the Shipton La (4,210 m) and the Keke La, then drops into the Barun valley. From there you climb through Khoang, Mumbuk, Yangri Kharka, and Sherson to Makalu Base Camp at 5,250 metres. You retrace the same path back to Tumlingtar.

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar
• Day 2: Trek to Num (1,560 m)
• Day 3: Trek to Seduwa (1,493 m)
• Day 4: Trek to Tashigaon (2,200 m)
• Day 5: Trek to Kauma (3,470 m) over Shipton La
• Day 6: Trek to Mumbuk (3,550 m)
• Day 7: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3,610 m)
• Day 8: Trek to Sherson (4,615 m)
• Day 9: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (5,250 m)
• Day 10: Acclimatisation, hike to viewpoint
• Day 11-17: Retrace to Tumlingtar
• Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

Maximum Altitude

The high point is Makalu Base Camp at 5,250 metres (17,224 feet), with an optional acclimatisation hike to a viewpoint at around 5,500 metres. Acclimatise at Sherson and consider a rest day at Yangri Kharka.

Weather

Daytime temperatures at base camp range from minus 5 to plus 5 degrees Celsius, with nights dropping below minus 15. Lower valleys are warm (15 to 25 degrees) and humid. Mornings are usually clear, with cloud building by 11 a.m.

Accommodation

Basic tea houses exist along the lower route to Tashigaon. Above Tashigaon the lodges are very simple or absent, and most groups choose to camp with a full crew from Tashigaon upward.

Tea Houses

Tea houses below Tashigaon are family-run with a heated dining room. The menu is dal bhat, momos, and noodles. Above Tashigaon, expect shared shelter lodges or camping.

Camping

Camping is recommended from Tashigaon to Makalu Base Camp because tea houses are very basic. Your agency supplies two-person tents, a dining tent, kitchen gear, a toilet tent, and a cook team. Bring an insulated sleeping pad with an R-value of 4 or higher for the base camp nights.

Food

On tea-house nights, the menu is dal bhat, momos, and pasta. On camping nights, the cook team prepares rice, lentils, vegetables, soup, and tea. Carry energy bars, chocolate, and electrolyte powder from Kathmandu.

Drinking Water

Boil or treat stream water. The Barun river is clean above Mumbuk but should still be filtered. Carry a backup SteriPen because cold temperatures reduce UV pen battery performance.

Electricity

Some villages below Tashigaon have grid or solar power. Above Tashigaon there is no power; carry at least two power banks and a small solar panel.

Internet & Mobile Network

Ncell works intermittently in the lower Arun valley. Above Seduwa there is no reliable signal until you return. A satellite messenger is recommended for safety.

Transportation

Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (40 minutes), then drive to Num (about 6 hours by jeep). Build in one buffer day for flight delays.

Required Permits

You need the Makalu Barun National Park Permit ($30) and the TIMS Card ($20). If you continue over a high pass toward the Everest region (Sherpani Col), additional permits may apply.

Packing List

• Four-season sleeping bag rated to minus 20 C
• Insulated sleeping pad, R-value 4 or higher
• Down jacket, shell jacket, insulated pants
• Ski goggles and warm mittens for base camp
• Trekking poles and microspikes for moraine
• Two power banks and a small solar panel
• Satellite messenger (inReach or Spot)
• First-aid kit with Diamox and dexamethasone

Budget Guide

Photography Tips

Makalu's south face from base camp at first light is one of the great mountain shots in Nepal, with the Barun glacier in the foreground. The Shipton La crossing offers wide panoramas of Chamlang and the surrounding peaks. The Barun valley gorge is dramatic in late afternoon light.

Wildlife

Makalu Barun National Park protects red panda in the lower forests, Himalayan black bear, and the elusive snow leopard. Blue sheep are common above the tree line. Birdlife includes 300+ species, with blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, and several species of laughing thrush.

Flora

The park has 25 of Nepal's 30 rhododendron species, dense in the lower valleys. Mid-elevations have oak, magnolia, and maple. Above 4,000 metres, birch, juniper, and alpine meadow dominate, with primulas and gentians in spring.

Local Culture

Lower valleys are Rai and Lhomi country with their own languages and shamanic traditions. Above Seduwa the culture shifts to Sherpa and Tibetan Buddhist, with prayer flags and small gompas at Tashigaon and in the Barun valley. The Lhomi are a small Tibetan-Burmese group found only in this region.

Local Villages

Key stops include Tumlingtar, the regional airstrip; Num, on the rim of the Arun valley; Seduwa, the last large village; Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement before the high route; and Sherson, the high camp below Makalu Base Camp.

Safety Tips

• Travel with a licensed guide; the route is remote and complex.
• Carry a satellite messenger; mobile signal is unreliable.
• Build in two buffer days for weather and acclimatisation.
• Watch for rockfall on the Barun valley moraine.
• Carry a four-season bag and full cold-weather kit.
• Treat all water, even at tea houses.

Altitude Sickness Guide

You sleep above 4,500 metres for several nights and reach 5,250 metres at base camp. Rest day at Sherson is essential. Carry Diamox (125 mg twice daily from 3,500 m) and dexamethasone for emergencies. Descend immediately if anyone shows confusion, severe headache, or breathlessness at rest.

Emergency Contacts

Nearest hospital with surgery capacity is in Dharan or Biratnagar, a day's drive from Tumlingtar. Himalayan Rescue Association: +977 1 4440292. Fishtail Air rescue: +977 1 4360531. Your insurance must cover helicopter rescue above 5,000 metres.

Responsible Tourism

Hire local Rai and Sherpa porters from Num and Seduwa so the communities benefit. Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid plastic. Pack out all rubbish including gas canisters. Do not buy wildlife products. Tip crew about 10 to 15 percent of the trek cost in Nepali rupees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the questions we hear most often about the Makalu Base Camp route.

Summary

• 18 to 22-day out-and-back from Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp.
• Maximum altitude 5,250 m at base camp.
• Crosses Shipton La at 4,210 m.
• Camping recommended above Tashigaon.
• Budget $2,400 to $4,200 for a guided 20-day package.
• One of the most remote and biodiverse treks in Nepal.

Conclusion

The Makalu Base Camp trek is the quiet 8,000-metre base camp trek in Nepal, and we recommend it for trekkers who have already done the Everest or Annapurna circuits and want something wilder and less crowded. Pair it with the Arun Valley trek or the Milke Danda trek for a longer eastern Nepal itinerary, or attempt the high Sherpani Col route toward Everest if you have expedition experience. Book spring 2028 departures by November 2027 because flights to Tumlingtar sell out.