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Duration
24 days
Max Altitude
6.1 km
Difficulty
Expert
Best months to visit
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular and demanding high-altitude journeys, traversing the remote and pristine landscapes of the Makalu-Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. Spanning 24 days, this strenuous expedition takes trekkers from the lowland jungles of the Arun Valley — sitting at just 435 meters above sea level — to the formidable high passes and glacial terrain surrounding Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak at 8,463 meters. Within a horizontal distance of only 40 kilometers, trekkers experience one of the most dramatic altitude gradients on Earth, passing through extraordinary biodiversity zones that include some of Nepal's last remaining pristine forests, alpine meadows, and glaciated wilderness. The Barun Valley, one of seven valleys radiating from Makalu, is the ecological heart of this trek. The Makalu-Barun region covers 2,330 square kilometers and forms a critical component of a transboundary ecosystem shared with Sagarmatha National Park to the west and China's Qomolangma Nature Preserve to the north. Along the route, trekkers encounter rich communities including Sherpa, Bhotia (Shingsawa), and Rai peoples, each with their own distinct cultural traditions. The high-altitude circuit crosses three formidable passes — Sherpani Col (6,100m), West Col (6,135m), and Amphu Lapcha — before descending into the famed Khumbu region and exiting via Lukla. Full camping accommodation is provided throughout, with all tents, dining equipment, kitchen gear, and toilet facilities supplied. Professional English-speaking guides and a porter-to-trekker ratio of one porter per two persons ensure safety and support throughout the journey. The trek is best undertaken in autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May), when skies are clear and trails are most stable. Winter offers solitude and pristine snowscapes, while monsoon season presents lush greenery alongside slippery trails and limited visibility. This is a physically demanding adventure suited to experienced trekkers with strong cardiovascular fitness and a spirit of wilderness exploration.
What's included
✓ All ground transportation by private tourist vehicles
✓ Full board meals 3 times a day during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
✓ Tented camping accommodation and equipment (two-man tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent)
✓ Deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✓ Comfortable private vehicle as per itinerary
✓ Professional tour guide for Kathmandu day trip
✓ Monument entrance fees during Kathmandu city tour
✓ Government licensed English-speaking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 persons) including their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine
✓ Special Trekking Permit
✓ TIMS card (Trekker's Information Management System)
✓ Travel and rescue arrangement
✓ Farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance show
✓ All government taxes, VAT, official expenses, and service charges
Not included
✕ International flights, airport tax, and Nepal visa fee
✕ Major meals in Kathmandu city
✕ Personal expenses such as bar bills, bottled water, tea/coffee, snacks, hot shower, battery recharging, and laundry
✕ Personal clothing, gear, sleeping bag, and down jacket
✕ Tipping for guides and porters
✕ Costs arising from flight cancellation, emergency rescue, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, or re-routing beyond operator control
🌿 Cultural Note
The Makalu-Barun region is home to diverse ethnic communities including Sherpa, Bhotia (Shingsawa), and Rai peoples. Trekkers should respect local customs, dress modestly in villages, and ask permission before photographing individuals or religious sites. Mani walls and Buddhist monuments should be passed on the left-hand side. The region holds deep spiritual significance and visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and engage respectfully with local traditions.
Cancellation Policy — Moderate
Cancellation time is measured from your trip start date.
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