# Makalu Base Camp Trek: Into the Wild Barun Valley

_Published 30 March 2026_

East of Everest, in one of the wildest corners of Nepal, rises **Makalu (8,485 m)**, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Its four-sided pyramid of granite is one of the most striking shapes in the Himalaya. The **Makalu Base Camp trek** follows the Arun River up through Rai and Sherpa villages, crosses the high **Shipton La** and descends into the pristine **Barun valley**, protected by the **Makalu Barun National Park**, before reaching base camp beneath Makalu's enormous south face.

It is one of the least-visited teahouse treks in Nepal, offering wilderness, solitude and some of the richest biodiversity in the Himalaya. Here's the route, what to expect, how hard it is and how to plan.

**Quick answer:** the Makalu Base Camp trek takes about **16–20 days** from Kathmandu, reaching **Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)** after crossing the **Shipton La (Keke La, about 4,200 m)**. It requires the **Makalu Barun National Park permit** and a licensed guide. It is graded **challenging**, with basic lodges, and is best in **October–November** and **April–May**. A guided trek costs about **US$1,800–2,500**.

## Makalu Base Camp at a glance

FactDetailsDuration16–20 days from KathmanduHighest pointMakalu Base Camp, 4,870 m (optional viewpoints higher)High passShipton La / Keke La, about 4,200 mGradeChallengingStart and finishTumlingtar (flight from Kathmandu), then road to Num or beyondPermitsMakalu Barun National Park permit, local feesAccommodationBasic teahousesBest timeOctober–November, April–May## Recommended itinerary

DayRouteAltitude1Arrive Kathmandu1,400 m2Fly to Tumlingtar, drive to Num1,560 m3Trek to Seduwa1,540 m4Trek to Tashigaon2,100 m5Trek to Khongma Danda3,500 m6Acclimatisation day3,500 m7Cross Shipton La to Dobato3,650 m8Trek to Yangle Kharka3,557 m9Trek to Langmale Kharka4,410 m10Trek to Makalu Base Camp4,870 m11Explore base camp and viewpoints4,870 m12–16Return via Yangle Kharka, Dobato, Khongma, Seduwa and Num—17Drive to Tumlingtar, fly to Kathmandu1,400 mHave a look at our [Makalu Base Camp Trek](/makalu-base-camp-trek) for a full itinerary.

## The Barun valley

The heart of the trek is the **Barun valley**, a deep glacial valley running north towards Makalu. After crossing the Shipton La, the trail descends through dense forests of fir, rhododendron and birch into a valley of waterfalls, towering cliffs and alpine meadows. As you climb upstream, the valley opens into wide pastures (*kharkas*) used by herders in summer, with views of peaks such as Chamlang, Peak 6 and Peak 7. Finally, the trail climbs onto the moraine and reaches Makalu Base Camp, where the colossal south face of Makalu towers above the Barun Glacier.

## Makalu Barun National Park

**Makalu Barun National Park**, established in 1992, protects one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Himalaya, ranging from subtropical forests below 500 m along the Arun River to glaciers above 8,000 m. It is home to red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards, musk deer and more than 400 species of birds, as well as dozens of species of rhododendron and orchids. Trekkers often see langur monkeys, pheasants and, with luck, red pandas in the forests below the Shipton La. The park's buffer zone includes Rai, Sherpa and other communities who manage forests and benefit from tourism.

## Difficulty

The Makalu Base Camp trek is **challenging**. It involves long days with large altitude changes, especially the steep climb from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda and the crossing of the Shipton La, which can be snowy in spring. Lodges are basic and far apart in places, and the terrain is remote. Previous trekking experience and good fitness are recommended. We cover this in our [training guide](/blog/how-to-train-for-everest-base-camp).

## Permits

You need the **Makalu Barun National Park permit** (about NPR 3,000 for foreigners) and local rural municipality fees. Although Makalu is not a restricted area, trekking with a licensed guide is required in national parks and strongly advisable given the remoteness. For the details, read our [permits guide](/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-guide).

## The journey, day by day

The adventure begins with a flight from Kathmandu to **Tumlingtar**, a small town on a plateau above the Arun River in eastern Nepal. From the air, you may glimpse Makalu, Everest and Kanchenjunga on clear mornings. From Tumlingtar, a jeep road climbs through Khandbari, the district headquarters, to the ridge-top village of **Num**, perched high above the Arun valley. Roads are extending further each year, which can shorten the walking days.

From Num, the trail drops steeply through terraced fields and forest to the Arun River, crosses a long suspension bridge and climbs just as steeply to **Seduwa**, the entry point to the Makalu Barun National Park buffer zone. The next day continues through Rai villages, cardamom plantations and forest to **Tashigaon**, the last permanent village on the route. Here, you stock up on supplies and meet the last settled families before entering the high country.

The climb from Tashigaon to **Khongma Danda** is one of the toughest days of the trek, gaining around 1,400 m through dense rhododendron forest and bamboo to a ridge with views of Makalu and Chamlang. After an acclimatisation day, you cross the **Shipton La** area, including the **Keke La**, passing sacred lakes such as Kalo Pokhari and Sano Pokhari, with sweeping views of Kanchenjunga to the east on clear days. A steep descent through forest brings you to **Dobato** and **Yangle Kharka** in the Barun valley.

The Barun valley section is the highlight. The trail follows the river upstream past waterfalls and cliffs, through meadows used by yak herders in summer, to **Langmale Kharka** and finally **Makalu Base Camp**. From here, you can explore the moraine and hike to viewpoints above camp for views of Makalu's south face and, on clear days, Everest and Lhotse to the west. The return follows the same route, giving you a second chance to enjoy the forests and villages.

## Views from Makalu Base Camp

Makalu Base Camp sits right under the mountain's south face. The south face of Makalu, a vast wall of rock and ice, rises more than 3,500 m above the Barun Glacier. From ridges above camp, trekkers can see the summits of **Everest** and **Lhotse** to the west, as well as **Chamlang**, **Baruntse** and many unnamed peaks. At sunrise and sunset, Makalu glows red and gold. It's very quiet and very remote, and a night there stays with you.

## People and culture

The lower part of the trek passes through the homeland of the **Rai** people, one of the Kirati groups of eastern Nepal, with their own languages and a nature-based religion that honours ancestors and natural forces. Villages such as Seduwa and Tashigaon have terraced fields, bamboo houses and a strong community spirit. Higher up, **Sherpa** communities practise Tibetan Buddhism. Along the Arun valley, you may also meet Gurung, Chhetri and other communities. Along the way you pass through Rai, Sherpa and other communities that see few tourists.

## Lodges and food

Teahouses now operate along the Makalu route, but they are among the most basic in Nepal. In the lower villages, family homes and simple lodges offer rooms and dal bhat. In the high sections, such as Khongma Danda, Dobato, Yangle Kharka, Langmale and base camp, lodges are small huts or stone buildings with dormitory or twin rooms, shared toilets and limited supplies. Menus are short: dal bhat, noodle soup, potatoes, eggs and Tibetan bread. In peak season, lodges can be crowded, and some trekkers still choose to camp for more comfort and flexibility. Bring snacks, energy bars and supplementary food from Kathmandu, and carry cash, as there are no ATMs beyond Khandbari.

## Acclimatisation and safety

The trek climbs quickly from the low Arun valley (under 1,000 m) to high country above 3,500 m, so acclimatisation is vital. The rest day at Khongma Danda and the gradual approach through the Barun valley help. Walk slowly, drink three to four litres of water a day and report any symptoms of altitude sickness to your guide. The Shipton La crossing should be attempted only in good weather; in snow, route-finding can be difficult and the trail slippery. Because the area is remote, serious emergencies require helicopter evacuation, so your insurance must cover trekking to at least 5,000 m and helicopter rescue. Our [altitude guide](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking) and [insurance guide](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nepal-trekking) go into more detail.

## Packing for Makalu

Pack for everything from hot, humid lowlands to freezing nights at base camp. Bring lightweight clothing and a sun hat for the Arun valley, warm layers and a down jacket for the high country, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a sleeping bag rated to about −15°C, sturdy boots, gaiters, microspikes for the pass in spring or late autumn, trekking poles, a head torch, water purification and a comprehensive first-aid kit. Leech socks and insect repellent are essential in the lower forests in spring and summer. See our [packing list](/blog/nepal-trekking-packing-list).

## Costs

A guided Makalu Base Camp trek costs about **US$1,800–2,500** per person, including flights to Tumlingtar, jeep transport, permits, guide, porter, lodges and meals. Costs are higher than for popular treks because of the flights, remoteness and longer duration. Our [cost guide](/blog/cost-of-trekking-in-nepal) goes into more detail.

## Makalu compared with Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is higher, more famous and more comfortable, with good lodges and many trekkers. Makalu Base Camp is lower but wilder, with basic facilities, fewer people and far richer forests and wildlife. EBC has the cultural highlights of the Sherpa heartland and mountaineering history; Makalu has the solitude and biodiversity of a national park rarely visited by tourists. For trekkers who have done EBC and want something different, Makalu is an excellent next step.

## Guides and porters

A licensed guide is required and essential on this remote route. Choose a guide who has walked to Makalu Base Camp before, knows the lodges and the Shipton La crossing, and can manage your acclimatisation. Porters from the region carry luggage and supplies; make sure your trekking company provides them with warm clothing and proper footwear for the high pass. Have a look at our guide to [hiring a guide and porter](/blog/hiring-guide-and-porter-in-nepal).

## Common questions

**Can beginners do the Makalu trek?** We recommend it for trekkers with previous experience at altitude. **Is there mobile signal?** In the lower villages; very limited higher up. **Can I combine Makalu with Everest?** Experienced mountaineers can cross the Sherpani Col and West Col to the Everest region, a technical expedition route. **Are there leeches?** Yes, in the lower forests in spring and the monsoon.

## Best time

**October–November** offers clear skies and stable weather. **April–May** brings rhododendron blooms in the lower forests, but the Shipton La may still have snow. Winter snow can block the pass, and the monsoon brings heavy rain and leeches to this very wet eastern region.

## Crossing the Shipton La

The crossing from Khongma Danda to Dobato is the most demanding day of the trek. The route climbs steeply from Khongma to the **Shipton La**, named after the British explorer Eric Shipton, who travelled in the area in the 1950s, and continues across a high, undulating plateau via the **Keke La** and past several small sacred lakes, including **Kalo Pokhari** ("black lake"). The views here are superb on clear mornings, stretching from Makalu and Chamlang in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. After the last col, a long, steep descent through rhododendron and fir forest brings you to Dobato.

In spring and late autumn, the Shipton La area can be covered in snow, which makes route-finding harder and the descent slippery. Your guide will decide whether it is safe to cross, and you may need microspikes. In poor visibility, the plateau can be disorienting, so never attempt the crossing without an experienced guide. Start early to allow plenty of time, as the day can take eight to nine hours.

## Flora of the Makalu Barun region

Botanists love the Makalu Barun region. The lower slopes along the Arun River are covered in subtropical forest with sal, chir pine and alder, and terraced fields of rice and millet. Higher up, temperate forests of oak, maple, magnolia and chestnut give way to vast rhododendron forests, where dozens of species bloom from March to May in shades of red, pink, white and yellow. Above 3,500 m, fir, birch and juniper grow, before the landscape opens into alpine meadows filled with primulas, gentians, edelweiss and blue poppies in summer. Many medicinal plants grow in the region, and local communities have long used them in traditional healing.

## The Arun valley

The Arun River, which the trek follows at the start and end, is older than the Himalaya: it kept cutting its gorge as the mountains rose. It rises in Tibet and cuts right through the main Himalayan range in a deep gorge between Makalu and Kanchenjunga, making it older than the mountains themselves: the river kept eroding its bed as the Himalaya rose. The Arun valley is hot and humid at low altitude, with banana trees, rice paddies and cardamom plantations, a striking contrast to the glaciers of Makalu Base Camp just a few days' walk away.

## Weather and seasons

Eastern Nepal receives more monsoon rain than the west, and the Makalu region is particularly wet from June to September, with landslides, leeches and cloud hiding the mountains. **Autumn** (October–November) is the best season, with clear skies and dry trails. **Spring** (April–May) is warmer, with rhododendrons in flower, although snow may linger on the Shipton La and clouds often build in the afternoon. **Winter** (December–February) is very cold at base camp, and heavy snow can close the pass.

## Training and fitness

The Makalu Base Camp trek involves many long, steep ascents and descents, such as the drop to the Arun and the climb to Tashigaon, the steep ascent to Khongma Danda, and the descent into the Barun valley. You need strong legs, good stamina and the ability to walk six to eight hours a day for more than two weeks. Train for at least 12 weeks with long hikes carrying a pack, steep uphill and downhill walks, stair climbing and cardio. For the details, read our [training guide](/blog/how-to-train-for-everest-base-camp).

## Money, connectivity and practicalities

Bring all the cash you need from Kathmandu or Khandbari, as there are no ATMs on the trail and lodges only accept cash. Mobile coverage is available in lower villages but becomes unreliable above Tashigaon, and there is little or no internet in the upper Barun valley. Charging is limited, often by solar power, so bring a power bank. Water should be purified; carry tablets or a filter. Flights to Tumlingtar are weather-dependent, so keep a spare day at the end of your trip.

## Responsible trekking

The Makalu Barun region is one of the most pristine environments in Nepal, and trekkers have a responsibility to keep it that way. Carry out all plastic and non-biodegradable waste, use water purification instead of bottled water, stay on trails and avoid disturbing wildlife. Support local communities by staying in their lodges and buying local produce, and respect sacred sites such as the lakes on the Shipton La, which are important to local people. Ensure porters are well equipped and treated fairly.

## Photography tips

The Makalu trek offers superb photography: terraced hills and villages in the Arun valley, rhododendron forests in bloom, waterfalls and cliffs in the Barun valley, and the monumental south face of Makalu. Get up early at base camp: the first light on Makalu is the shot. Bring spare batteries and a power bank, and protect equipment from moisture in the forests.

## Booking tips

Book two to three months in advance for autumn departures, and ensure your itinerary includes acclimatisation and a spare day. Choose an operator with experience on the Makalu route and good relationships with lodges. We can also combine the trek with a visit to Kathmandu's heritage sites or a Chitwan safari.

## A night at Makalu Base Camp

Arriving at Makalu Base Camp, most trekkers are struck first by the silence. There are no crowds, no bustling lodges, just a few simple stone huts, prayer flags and the enormous presence of Makalu filling the northern sky. In the afternoon, clouds may drift across the face, revealing and hiding the summit ridge. As the sun sets, the granite glows orange and red, and the temperature drops sharply. Nights are cold, often well below freezing, and the sky is filled with stars. At dawn, the first light strikes the summit of Makalu while the valley is still in shadow, one of the most beautiful sights in the Himalaya. Many trekkers spend an extra day here to hike to viewpoints on the moraine, from which Everest and Lhotse appear to the west.

## What trekkers say about Makalu

Trekkers who have walked to Makalu Base Camp often say it felt like a true expedition, a journey into wild country rather than a walk between villages. They remember the rhododendron forests alive with birdsong, the thrill of crossing the Shipton La, the grandeur of the Barun valley and the overwhelming scale of Makalu's south face. Many also mention the kindness of the few lodge families in the high country and the sense of camaraderie with their guides and porters. For many, Makalu becomes their favourite trek in Nepal.

## Makalu for mountaineers

Makalu Base Camp is also the starting point for expeditions to Makalu, first climbed in 1955 by a French expedition led by Jean Franco, and for climbs of neighbouring peaks such as Baruntse and Mera from the Hongu side. In spring and autumn, you may meet climbing teams heading to advanced base camp. Experienced mountaineers can cross from the Barun valley to the Hongu and Khumbu via the Sherpani Col, West Col and Amphu Labtsa, a technical expedition-grade route.

## Insurance

Because the Makalu region is remote and the route reaches nearly 5,000 m, make sure your travel insurance covers trekking to at least 5,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation. More on this in our [insurance guide](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nepal-trekking).

## Getting to Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar is served by daily flights from Kathmandu, taking about 45 minutes, with mountain views on clear mornings. Alternatively, it can be reached by a long road journey via Hile.

## Should you trek to Makalu?

The Makalu Base Camp trek goes into one of the last real wildernesses of the Nepal Himalaya: thick forests, the Barun valley and the huge south face of Makalu, with very few other trekkers. It asks for fitness, patience and a tolerance for simple lodges, but it rewards you with solitude and beauty found on few other treks. [Contact us](/contact-us) to plan your Makalu adventure.

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Makalu Base Camp trek?
About **16–20 days** from Kathmandu.

### How high is Makalu Base Camp?
About **4,870 m**.

### How high is Makalu?
**8,485 m**, the fifth-highest mountain in the world.

### Is the Makalu trek difficult?
It is **challenging**, with remote terrain, big climbs and basic lodges.

### Do I need a special permit?
You need the **Makalu Barun National Park permit** and local fees; it is not a restricted area.

### Are there teahouses on the Makalu trek?
Yes, basic teahouses along the route.

### How do I get to the start?
Fly from Kathmandu to **Tumlingtar** and drive to Num or beyond.

### When is the best time?
**October–November** and **April–May**.

### Is the Makalu trek crowded?
No, it is one of the quietest treks in Nepal.

### What wildlife lives in Makalu Barun National Park?
Red pandas, snow leopards, black bears, musk deer and over 400 bird species.

### How much does the Makalu trek cost?
About **US$1,800–2,500** with a guide and porter.

### What is the Shipton La?
A high pass (about 4,200 m) between the Arun and Barun valleys.


Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/blog/makalu-base-camp-trek-guide