Makalu is a four-sided granite pyramid on the Nepal–Tibet border, 8,485 m high and 19 km east of Everest. Its base camp lies in the upper Barun valley, a glacial trough with sheer walls, waterfalls and moraine, at 4,870 m. The approach crosses some of Nepal's most varied country, from rice terraces and sal forest at 500 m near the Arun River to rhododendron and fir, then high pasture and ice, all within Makalu Barun National Park.
The trek begins at Tumlingtar, an airstrip in the Arun valley, with a jeep ride to Num and then several days through Rai and Sherpa villages to Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement. Above it the trail climbs steeply to Khongma Danda and crosses the Shipton La and Keke La saddles, around 4,100–4,200 m, before dropping into the Barun valley. From there it is a gradual climb past Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka to base camp.
Makalu is quieter and less developed than the Everest or Annapurna routes. Teahouses exist all the way, but they are basic, and some close in the off-season. The main permit is the national park permit, and since 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks are expected to trek with a licensed guide. The best views come in October and November; April and May add rhododendrons in the lower forest.
What to see and do
- Makalu's south face
From base camp the south face of Makalu rises directly above you, more than 3,500 m of rock and ice. Walk up the moraine towards the Swiss base camp for views of Everest and Lhotse's eastern side on clear mornings.
- The Barun valley
A deep glacial valley with near-vertical walls, waterfalls dropping hundreds of metres and yak pastures on the valley floor. Peaks such as Peak 6 and Peak 7 rise on either side, and blue sheep graze the slopes.
- Shipton La crossing
Named after the explorer Eric Shipton, the pass at about 4,200 m and the neighbouring Keke La give the first wide views of Makalu, Chamlang and Kanchenjunga far to the east, with small lakes between them.
- Arun valley villages
The first days pass through Rai and Sherpa villages, cardamom fields and terraced hillsides above the Arun, one of Nepal's deepest valleys, with the river below at under 1,000 m.
- Makalu Barun National Park
Created in 1992, the park covers about 1,500 sq km and protects an altitude range from under 500 m to the summit of Makalu, with red panda, musk deer and rich birdlife in its forests.
Experiences in Makalu Base Camp
How to reach Makalu Base Camp
Air
Fly Kathmandu–Tumlingtar (40–45 min, usually daily). Tumlingtar can also be reached by air from Biratnagar.
Road
From Tumlingtar, jeeps run via Khandbari to Num in about 4–6 hours on a partly rough road. By road from Kathmandu, Tumlingtar is ≈ 500 km and two days via Dharan, Hile and the Koshi Highway.
On foot
From Num it is about 8 walking days to base camp via Seduwa, Tashigaon, Khongma Danda, Shipton La, Dobate, Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka, including one acclimatisation day.
Helicopter
Charter helicopters fly to Makalu Base Camp from Kathmandu or Lukla for scenic flights and rescue, weather and payload permitting. Shared seats are rare on this route.
Where to stay
There are simple teahouses at Makalu Base Camp, Langmale Kharka, Yangle Kharka, Dobate, Khongma Danda and in the villages of Tashigaon, Seduwa and Num. Rooms are basic, often with plywood walls, shared toilets and a stove-heated dining room; some upper lodges open only in the main seasons. Tumlingtar and Khandbari have small hotels for the nights before and after the trek. Bring a sleeping bag rated to about −15 °C and enough cash for the full trek.
Tips from our trip managers
- Take the Khongma Danda acclimatisation day seriously: the climb from Tashigaon gains about 1,400 m.
- The crossing from Khongma Danda to Dobate is long and can be icy; leave early with microspikes in spring.
- Carry water purification: lodges are far apart and bottled water is expensive higher up.
- Book a buffer day for the Tumlingtar flight, which is sometimes cancelled by cloud or wind.
- In April and May, rhododendron forests between Tashigaon and Khongma Danda are at their best.
