Trip Facts
Duration
19 days
Trip Grade
Expert
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5,250m
Group Size
2–10
Starts
Tumlingtar
Ends
Tumlingtar
Activities
Trekking, Nature
Best Time
Spring, Autumn
Highlights
- Journey through the remote and pristine Makalu-Barun National Park
- Explore the culturally rich villages of Num, Tashigaon, and Seduwa
- Cross high-altitude passes including Shipton La (4,220m)
- Camp at the magnificent Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu
- Encounter rare Himalayan flora and fauna in the Barun Valley
- Fewer crowds compared to other popular treks in Nepal
- Experience authentic Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan Buddhist cultures
Overview
The Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking offers a remote and challenging Himalayan adventure into the heart of eastern Nepal. Located within the Makalu-Barun National Park, this 19-day trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, raw nature, and dramatic mountain views. Unlike popular commercial routes, this trek takes you deep into a protected wilderness zone filled with cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, lush rhododendron forests, and high mountain passes.
Starting with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar and a drive to Num, the trail winds through terraced farmlands, isolated hill villages, and dense subtropical forests. As you climb higher, the landscape transforms into glacier-fed valleys and rocky terrain leading up to Makalu Base Camp at 4,870m. From the base camp, you can see Makalu, which is the fifth-highest peak in the world after Everest and Lhotse, more clearly than from anywhere else.
This trip will test your physical strength, but it will reward you with untouched landscapes, genuine hospitality, and mental peace. If you want to go trekking in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas but not on a well-known trail, the Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking is a great choice.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. After some rest, we’ll conduct a pre-trek briefing to discuss the route, safety precautions, and gear check. You’ll have time to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. Overnight at hotel. Dinner included.
We take a scenic 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, located in the lowlands of eastern Nepal. From there, we drive through hilly terrain, lush forests, and terraced villages to reach Num. The drive takes about 5–6 hours. Overnight in a simple teahouse. Dinner included.
We descend steeply to the Arun River, crossing a suspension bridge before climbing up through dense forests and small settlements to Seduwa. Seduwa is the official entry point of the Makalu-Barun National Park. We register our permits here. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
A relatively easier day, we follow a scenic trail through bamboo groves, terraced fields, and subtropical forests. The trail offers occasional views of distant hills and mountains. Tashigaon is a charming Sherpa village and the last permanent settlement on the route. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
A tough uphill climb today, as we ascend over 1,400 meters through thick rhododendron and cloud forests. The trail has several stone steps and rest points. Khongma Danda is located on a ridge and offers spectacular sunset views. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
To avoid altitude sickness, we take a rest day here. You can do short hikes to surrounding ridges to adapt to the elevation. This also offers stunning views of Makalu, Peak 6, and Chamlang. Hydration and rest are key today. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
One of the most thrilling days of the trek. We cross multiple passes: Ghungru La, Shipton La, and Keke La. These are marked by prayer flags and surrounded by alpine scenery. The trail then descends through scree and forest to reach Dobate. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
The trail leads downhill through mossy forests and past waterfalls as we follow the Barun River. We eventually reach Yangri Kharka, a pastureland used by yak herders. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
The scenery becomes more alpine today with glacier-carved cliffs and open meadows. We pass Merek and follow the river upstream to Langmale. The towering cliffs and snowy peaks become more prominent. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
The trail becomes rocky and barren as we cross glacial moraines. The final ascent is gradual but challenging due to the altitude. Reaching Makalu Base Camp is a rewarding experience, offering jaw-dropping views of Makalu (8,481m), Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse. Overnight at tented camp. Dinner included.
We stay a full day at base camp to explore the glacial surroundings. You can hike to viewpoints above the camp for panoramic views or rest and take photographs. The area is a true high-Himalayan amphitheater. Overnight at tented camp. Dinner included.
We retrace our steps back to Yangri Kharka. The descent is easier and faster, but the changing light makes the scenery appear new again. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
Following the Barun River again, we continue down through forests and pastures. Keep an eye out for blue sheep and Himalayan pheasants. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
We climb back across Keke La and Shipton La passes. Although familiar, the trail still challenges with its ascents. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
The long descent through rhododendron forest and stony paths takes us back to Tashigaon. After days in the wild, this feels like returning to civilization. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
We descend along a gentle trail through traditional farms and warm forested paths. Seduwa is a great place to relax after high-altitude trekking. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
Today we complete the circuit with the final descent to the Arun River and the steep ascent back to Num. Celebrate the successful completion of your trek. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.
We drive back to Tumlingtar and catch a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with the Eco Himalaya team. Overnight at hotel. Dinner included.
Depending on your flight time, we’ll transfer you to the international airport for your onward journey. Thank you for trekking with Eco Himalaya!
Cost Details
Included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu domestic flights
- All ground transportation as per itinerary
- Government-licensed trekking guide and porter
- All permits: Makalu-Barun National Park, TIMS
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- Tented accommodation at Makalu Base Camp
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- First aid kit and emergency contact support
- Government taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome/farewell dinner)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Extra nights in Kathmandu or en route due to delays
- Expenses due to unforeseen situations like weather or strikes
Useful Information
Trek Difficulty:
Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered strenuous. Expect long walking days, steep ascents/descents, and high-altitude passes. This trek is recommended only for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience and good physical fitness.
Altitude and Acclimatization:
The trek reaches 4,870m at base camp. Two acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to help your body adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Best Seasons:
The ideal months to trek are April–May (spring) and October–November (autumn). These periods offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and beautiful mountain views. Avoid the monsoon (June–September) and peak winter (December–February) due to snow and landslides.
Type of Accommodation:
You’ll stay in simple teahouses in the area. In places at a high elevation, rooms are simple and may be shared. We sleep and eat in tents at Makalu Base Camp because there are no fixed lodges there.
Food and Water:
You can expect simple but healthy meals like dal bhat, soups, pasta, fried rice, and noodles. Higher up, you won’t be able to get bottled water, so bring water purification pills or a SteriPen.
Electricity and charging:
There isn’t much power outside of Tashigaon. To charge your gadgets, you should use solar chargers or power banks. Some lodges may charge a small fee to use.
Communication:
After Seduwa, cell phone connections are spotty or not present at all. Don’t ask to connect to the internet. In case of an emergency, we use local satellite transmission.
Must Have Permits:
- You will need an entry permit to Makalu-Barun National Park.
Eco Himalaya takes care of all of your licenses and gives you a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
Porters and guides:
Our experienced guides know the area well and know how to give first aid at high altitudes. Porters will carry your carry-on bags, which can weigh up to 15 kg each. We follow the rules for ethical porters.
Guides and Porters:
In case of an emergency, there are no hospitals on the way. In case of an emergency, we set up an instant helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu (you must have insurance). The staff has all been trained in simple first aid for the outdoors.
Trekking Insurance:
You must have travel insurance that covers medical care, high-altitude trekking, and emergency helicopter transport.
Being responsible for the environment:
Makalu-Barun is a protected place. Please reuse bottles, don’t throw away plastic, and be kind to the wildlife and culture in the area.
FAQs
This is a physically demanding trek with steep ascents, high passes, and remote terrain, best suited for experienced trekkers.
Yes, you’ll need the Makalu-Barun National Park Permit and TIMS card, which we will arrange for you.
Only camping is available at Makalu Base Camp. All necessary camping gear will be provided.
Makalu Base Camp sits at 4,870 meters above sea level.
Yes, but our itinerary includes acclimatization days to help minimize the risk.
This trek is not recommended for beginners. Prior multi-day high-altitude trekking experience is essential.
You’ll get a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and simple Western food such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, and rice meals.