US Dollar

British Pound

Euro

Australian Dollar

Nepalese Rupee

Russian Ruble

Yuan (Chinese) Renminbi

New Zealand

Japanese Yen

Pioneer Adventure

Makalu

Mt. Makalu Expedition

Asiana Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.

Lhotse

Lhotse 8516m+makalu Combined Expedition

Makalu Climb

Bochi-Bochi Trek

Makalu with Bochi-Bochi Treks

Everest Expeditions Nepal Pvt. Ltd.

Makalu Expedition

Bold Himalaya

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and beautiful experience. On a clear day, you will get panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Upon your arrival in Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, you will be greeted by a representative from Bold Himalaya who will pick you up from the Tribhuwan International Airport. Then, our member will accompany you and escort you to your hotel. Then, you can either take a rest or explore the busy Kathmandu. For the day, you can roam around beautiful Thamel and find yourself some typical local products to shop and get a close look at the bustling urban life.  You can also visit a variety of restaurants and café offering both Western and Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day-1 Arrival in Kathmandu

Today, we will explore the city as well as prepare for our adventurous trek. We will visit the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. They are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swyambhunath), and the Buddhist Stupa (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. City life is vibrant as the culture and heritage reflect their ethnic identity. Later, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader, guide, and other team members. Bold Himalaya will give us brief details regarding our trek as well as provide us with an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. We will prepare the permit on this day as well as make all the preparation necessary for this trip. You can also go for last-minute shopping for your trek. You will find every branded trekking gear at Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day-2 Kathmandu Sight-seeing and Trek Preparation

With thrills and adventures in our minds, we will drive to Kathmandu airport for our domestic flight to Tumlingtar. The flight usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes and the views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu along with hills and rivers are magnificent. Then after take-off, a four-hour drive through the beautiful Arun Valley leads to the trek’s starting point at the village of Num. We will drive for about half an hour on a spiraling road uphill to Kandbari, a main town in the district. We will witness a beautiful rural life as we head upwards along with fields of corn, bamboo, and sal trees. We will continue on a winding, dirt road to the highest point at 1,960m before descending to Chichira at 1,900m, a small town with a police checkpoint where we have to present our trekking permit. There are pleasant views of the surrounding, forested hillsides. The road deteriorates a bit from Chichira so it’s a bumpy ride from here to Num. We can get a slight glimpse of the Himalayas from Nu

Day-3 Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num

Today, on our first day of trekking, we will have a big, steep descent to the Arun River, which takes around 2 hours, and a big climb to Seduwa, losing and regaining the height in one day. The walk down to the river is through cardamom crops (the largest cash crop in the area), and the trail is on big stone steps to the river at 770m. It's very hot, but the scenery is at its best. We will cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River and begin the long, winding climb to Seduwa, passing groves of giant bamboo, and bustling village life. Our guide will need to visit the Makalu-Baron National Park checkpoint to deal with all kinds of legal permits for the trek. We will trek through dense forests of juniper and rhododendron passing a few villages to finally reach Seduwa. There is a school in Seduwa, as well as many houses, small shops, and a few tea houses dispersed across the hillside.

Day-4 Trek to Seduwa

Today's trek starts gently with stone steps and Mani walls, entering Sherpa country. We pass farms, cardamom plantations, bamboo, and rhododendron forests. After two hours, we reach Chyaksa Danda (1,900m), with a school and tea shop amid bird calls. Crossing streams on log bridges, we spot Tashigaon on the hill ahead. The undulating path leads us to descend to a log bridge before a final climb to Tashigaon's lodges. Perched high, we enjoy Dal Bhat with magnificent Himalayan views.

Day-5 Trek to Tashi Gaun

Today's trek is marked by challenging ascents starting from Tashigaon. We climb stone steps, cross a log bridge, and ascend through a picturesque rhododendron forest alive with birdcalls like verditer fly-catchers and sparrowhawks. As we gain altitude, April reveals colorful rhododendrons against snow-capped peaks, with Tashigaon shrinking below. After about three hours, we reach Dhara (2,867m) for lunch, our last stop before Kauma. Continuing, a steep hour-long climb brings us to Unshisa (3,200m), passing a landmark rock and prayer flags. The ascent steepens through more rhododendron forest until we reach Kauma (3,470m), adorned with lodges and possibly snow-covered terrain.

Day-6 Trek to Kauma

Today's trek offers spectacular views from Kauma as we ascend steep switchbacks and then more gently through rhododendron forests to a ridge adorned with a Mani wall and prayer flags. From here, Chamlang (7,319m), Mt. Baruntse (7,162m), and Mera Peak (6,476m) unfold before us. We follow a stone staircase past Thulo Pokhari and Sano Pokhari, ascending a rocky gully to Kike La (4,127m). Descending to another lake, we ascend steeply through boulders to Tutu La, then descend through sparse rhododendron forests to Mumbuk (3,570m). Nestled on a lush slope above a small stream, Mumbuk offers serene views of snow peaks peeking through the trees.

Day-7 Trek to Mumbak

The day begins with a sharp descent into a narrow valley, and then we will cross the Barun Khola just beyond Tamatan Kharka. We will then move left through fir forests, along the flank of the Barun Valley. Moving along the ill-defined trail, we will cross a 200-meter-long slide area, and then follow the river to a Kharka. Moving through forests of birch and scrub rhododendrons, we will reach Yangle Kharka. It’s a wild, remote, and windy spot. There is a monastery, which is closed, just down from the lodge, providing glamorous limelight for photos with the snowy mountains behind. Then, we will climb from Yangle Kharka, finally crossing to the north side of the Barun Khola to reach Nhe Kharka. There is a small Gompa on the south side of the valley that presents marvelous mountain views.

Day-8 Trek to Nhe Kharka

Beyond Nhe Kharka, we follow the north bank of the Barun Khola, crossing a small wooden bridge as the river curves northward through towering walls. The trail ascends smoothly to Ripok Kharka, transitioning from rhododendron forests to alpine tundra. Above Ripok Kharka, it crosses a rocky ridge with goths and parallels the Barun Glacier, offering views of Pyramid Peak (7,168m), Chamlang (7,290m), and others. Makalu comes into sight near Sherson (4,615m), the lower base camp, known for its cold but scenic surroundings and exceptional views of the peaks.

Day-9 Trek to Sherson

From Sherson, we stay to the right in a trench on the east side of the valley. It is a continuous descent to a trivial pass about 100 meters above Makalu Base Camp. We will then descend to a stream, and cross on boulders to the base camp on the west bank of the river. From here, we will get outstanding views of the south face of Makalu. The giant column of the south face rises across from the base camp. An ascent of this column returns the views of Peak 6, 7, and Baruntse (7220 m), Everest and Lhotse complete the panorama. As we would expect, the world's fifth-highest mountain, Makalu (8,481m), completely dominates the view. Many Tibetan snowcocks, black redstarts, hill pigeons, and mountain finches may be seen around the base camp.

Day-10 Trek to Makalu Base Camp

Today's adventure at Makalu Base Camp offers a variety of scenic explorations. We can marvel at glaciers and glacial lakes, stroll up to Barun Glacier, or take a side trip to the tranquil Barun Pokhari. For the most breathtaking panoramic views, a challenging climb to a viewpoint around 5,300m above the base camp awaits. After crossing the river on a log bridge and ascending an unclear path for about 3 hours, we'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and surrounding peaks like Peak 7, 6, and 4. After soaking in the mountain drama, we'll return to base camp. Alternatively, there are shorter hikes to nearby lakes or a small hill adorned with prayer flags, providing different perspectives of this awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape.

Day-11 Explore Makalu Base Camp

Makalu Base Camp is our eventual destination for this trek so, we will be following a return trip from this day. We will leave Makalu Base Camp early in the morning retracing our step down the Barun Valley towards Nhe Kharka. We will pass through beautiful landscapes, rhododendron forests, rivers, and glaciers along with the magnificent views of Peaks 6, 7, Baruntse (7220 m), Everest, Lhotse, Pyramid Peak (7,168m), Peak 4 (6,720m), Chamlang (7,290m), Peak 3 and Peak 5. We will pass via Sherson.

Day-12 Trek to Nhe Kharka

From Nhe Kharka, we will continue descending through the forests to Mumbuk. From here we will observe beautiful sunset views of Makalu and Chamlang. We will pass through beautiful rhododendron forests, also we can also see a large Mani wall adorned with prayer flags. We will witness superb views of Chamlang (7,290m), Peak 6 (6,739m), and Peak 7 (6,105m). Overnight at Mumbuk.

Day-13 Trek to Mumbak

Leaving Mumbuk, we will trek across the Shipton La and go down to Kauma. We will witness beautiful forests and magnificent mountain views on our way back to Kauma.

Day-14 Trek to Kauma

Today, we will make a long steep descent back to Tashi Gaon. At Tashi Gaon, we will spend the rest of the day relaxing to recover from the high altitude. We will pass through many small farms dotted across the hillside, cardamom plantations, and bamboo, and rhododendron forests. Overnight at Tashi Gaon.

Day-15 Trek to Tashi Gaun

We will walk through farming settlements to the spread-out Rai village. The trail descends to the Apsawa Khola and crossing it on a suspension bridge we will climb steeply to Chhayang, a pleasant Rai village with an extensive bamboo-pipe water supply at 800 m. The trail then crosses a stream at 590m and makes some ups and downs to reach Parangbu, a delightful camping spot among rice fields on the banks of the Arun River. We will continue through forests and pass several streams to reach Pukuwa.

Day-16 Trek to Pakuwa

The route now follows a trail through forests and some amazing high and disclosed narrow tracks as it climbs over rocky ridges. The route finally enters a region of extreme valley bottom cultivation and crosses a large landslide and some more jungle before descending to Tome (520 m). Below Tome, the Arun Valley becomes broader and more U-shaped. Then, the path ascends over another hill on a steep, narrow stairway of rock steps. From the top of the hill at 530m, the path descends to an enchanting camp on the banks of the Sankhuwa Khola (370m), across from the Chhetri village of Bumling.

Day-17 Trek to Bumling

The route passes over the fields of lower Bumling then ascends over a hill and goes down to the Inkhuwa Khola, crossing it on a shaky wooden plank bridge. The trail chases the river downstream to its union with the Arun. It then follows the Arun downstream, crossing a large suspension bridge. Then, succeeding the east bank of the Arun, the trail passes through Chyawabesi before making a short climb back to the Tumlingtar plateau. It is a few km of completely calm walking to the field.

Day-18 Trek to Tumlingtar

30-minute amazing scenic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel and you can take a good rest. Also, you can feel free to explore and enjoy. We will celebrate the successful completion of our trekking with a pleasant farewell dinner.

Day-19 Flight to Kathmandu

It's time to bid farewell to Nepal. After saying goodbye, our representative will assist you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your onward journey. If you're considering extending your stay for adventures like safari, rafting, biking tours, peak climbing, or trekking in other regions, we're here to assist. Thank you for choosing the Makalu Base Camp Trek experience in Nepal. Take care and goodbye.

Day-20 Final Departure

Makalu Base Camp

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Mount Makalu Expedition

Asia

Compare mountaineering and trekking expeditions with certified guides in Nepal and the Himalayas. See prices, dates, itineraries and authenticated reviews.

Makalu

Compare Mountaineering Expeditions to Makalu, Nepal