You are currently viewing 12. Unforgettable Adventure in the Makalu Region: A Guide to the Makalu Base Camp Trek
12. Unforgettable Adventure in the Makalu Region: A Guide to the Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary route is one of lesser known trekking routes in Nepal, protected by the Makalu Barun National Park that shelters the Makalu Base Camp basecamp, and home to more than 40 reptile species, 100 bird species, and over 90 mammal species including the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan wolf.

At 8,481 meters high, it is the fifth highest mountain in the world, located in Khumbu region in Nepal, sharing a side with the Tibetan plateau in China. In Makalu Base camp trek itinerary Among the peaks in this mountain are the Kangchungtse and the Makalu II, which are quite remarkable.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Makalu Base Camp trek begins

From the airport in Kathmandu, you take a taxi to your hotel to begin your Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary route adventure. It may be a good idea for you to take a city tour once you arrive in Kathmandu. The iconic sights to see include Pasupatinath, Boudhanath, the monkey temple, the Bhaktpur square, and the Durbar square.

Upon arriving at Tumlingtar Airport from Kathmandu Airport, you can begin your journey towards Khumalgaon, where you will pass the east side of the lake and reach the temple; you will then begin your journey down between Koshi Arun and Khola Sabha, ultimately reaching Khandbari, where you will spend the night.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

On the following day, you will start your walk between Khandbari and Chichila along a road that takes you to Naya Bazar and eventually to Mani Bhanjyang (1,095 m) where you will walk through bamboo forests, rhododendron forests, and fields until you reach Chichila.

After going up this hill, you’ll pass through settlements like Sherpa de Baisake, Kuwapani, and Sakuranti Majuwa Hururu where you can interact with the locals, and fall into the deep oak forests towards a stream on the way to Mure. The descend can be strenuous through a rocky path that takes you to Num.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

As soon as you arrive in Num, you will face a deep and tough descent through a path that leads to Lumbang, a point where the path becomes very difficult until you reach the suspension bridge over the Koshi Arun, where you must ascend to Sedua (1,530 meters).

In your next Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary route you will start walking towards Tashigaon, passing through Manigaon on the way to the West, then continuing to ascend over the Khola Kasuwa until the towns of Hindrungma and Ropesa before reaching Tashigaon.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Panoramic view of Mount Makalu above lake near Kongma La pass

After starting this ascent, you will pass through forests and streams until you reach Kharka and Unshisha, which will take you to Khongma (at 3,565m). In the next part of the path, you will ascend to Mumbuk and then zigzag path for some time at 3,840 m from which you will have a great view of Chamlang.

You will descend through a small lake and a forest of Mumbuk as you follow the mountain chain through rhododendrons to Khola Barun. Further, the walk continues through a slippery canyon along the way, so be careful, until you reach the lower part of the Barun Valley and a wooden bridge known as Yangle Kharka, which is a great meadow perfect for camping.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

On the following day in Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary route, you will start the section between Yangle Kharka and Merek, which is approximately 4,570 meters above sea level. Nghe Kharka is a vast plain covered in grass, connecting to Riphu Kharka at the same time as reaching the potato fields of Jhak Kharka and then eventually arriving at Merek. After Merek, you’ll climb through the sand to a stream while entering a valley from where you’ll be able to see Shershon point, where you’ll be able to acclimatize yourself during the rest of the day. 

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary route will be nearly complete once in Shershon, as the next stop will be the Makalu Base Camp (located at 4,990m). You can proceed to the right of the canyon through a gradual climb of 100 m above the Base Camp, descend through a stream, and then crossed the rocks to the Base Camp.

At this point you will be able to see an incredible view of the Makalu. You can set up your tent there if you wish to camp. It will be the best part of Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary route. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse mountains as well as their summits, a truly unique view.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Makalu

Makalu Base Camp Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Process Permits

Day 2: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar – Drive to Num

Day 3: Num (1490m) – Sedua (1460m 5/6 hrs hiking)

Day 04: Sedua (1460m) – Tashi Gaun (2070m – 5 hrs Hiking)

Day 05: Tashi Gaon (2070m) – Kauma (3470m – 6hrs Hiking)

Day 06: Kauma (3470m)

Day 07: Kauma(3470m) – Mumbak(3570m – 5 hrs Hiking)

Day 08: Mumbuk(3570m) – Neha Kharka – (3700m – 6hrs Hiking)

Day 09: Neha Kharka – (3700 m) – Sherson (4615 m – 7 hrs Hiking)

Day 10: Sherson (4615 m) – Makalu Base Camp (5000 m – 4/5 hrs Hiking)

Day 11: Explore Makalu Base Camp

Day 12: Makalu Base Camp – Neha Kharka – (3700 m)

Day 13: Neha Kharka – (3700 m) – Mumbak (3570 m)

Day 14: Mumbak (3570 m) – Kauma (3470 m)

Day 15: Kauma (3470 m) – Tashi Gaon (2070 m)

Day 16: Trek to Pakuwa (1520 m)

Day 17: Pukuwa (1520m) – Bumling (1160m)

Day 18: Bumling-Tumlingtar – 860 m

Day 19: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu