What is the Makalu Base Camp altitude?

The Makalu Base Camp sits at approximately 5,550m beneath the south face of Makalu (8,485m), the world's fifth-highest mountain. The approach passes through Makalu Barun National Park at various altitudes, from around 1,000m in the Arun valley to the high-altitude base camp above the Barun Glacier.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Q: When was Makalu opened to trekkers?

The Makalu Barun region was completely closed to the outside world until 1952, when Eric Shipton crossed what became known as the Shipton La pass. It was formally opened to trekkers in 1994. This relatively recent opening means the trail sees minimal visitor numbers compared to other major Himalayan base camps.

Q: What makes Makalu Barun National Park special?

Makalu Barun National Park is internationally recognised for the extraordinary diversity of its flora and fauna. It contains one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots, with ecosystems ranging from subtropical forest to high-altitude glacier, supporting species including the snow leopard, red panda, and numerous endemic plant species.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: The World's 5th Highest Mountain, Almost Nobody Goes

Makalu (8,485m) is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Its base camp gets a fraction of the visitors that Everest or Annapurna base camps receive, partly because Makalu Barun National Park was only formally opened to trekkers in 1994, and partly because the approach from the Arun valley in eastern Nepal requires genuine commitment. The park itself is recognised internationally as one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots, with ecosystems ranging from subtropical forest at 1,000m to permanent glacier above 6,000m, all within a single continuous protected area.

The 20-day route begins in the Arun valley and climbs steadily through a landscape of exceptional natural richness: rhododendron forests, giant magnolias, rare orchids, red panda habitat, and the upper reaches of the Barun Glacier before the high-altitude base camp at approximately 5,550m. Eric Shipton first crossed the Shipton La pass here in 1952, mapping terrain that was completely unknown to outsiders. The trail has not dramatically changed since: remote, demanding, and rewarding in inverse proportion to its popularity.

This is a trek for experienced trekkers who specifically want the experience of approaching a major Himalayan peak in near-total solitude through extraordinarily biodiverse national park terrain. For the nearby Kanchenjunga routes, see our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and Milke Danda Trek.

Makalu Base Camp Trek at a Glance

Duration: 20 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 5,550m (Makalu Base Camp) | Trek Grade: Strenuous — remote, exceptional biodiversity, minimal infrastructure | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card

PROGRAM ITINERARY
INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES
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Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary: Day by Day

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: Full day guided sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar (950m) and drive to Chilchila (1480m).

Day 04: Trek to Num (1500m).

Day 05: Trek to Seduwa (1493m).

Day 06: Trek to Tashigaon (2070m).

Day 07: Trek to Khongma (3560m).

Day 08: Trek to Mumbuk (3550m).

Day 09: Trek to Kehe Kharka (3750m).

Day 10: Trek to Shersong (4600m).

Day 11: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (5000m) and back to Shersong.

Day 12: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3600m).

Day 13: Trek to Mumbuk (3550m).

Day 14: Trek to Khongma (3560m).

Day 15: Trek to Tashigaon (2070m).

Day 16: Trek to Num (1500m).

Day 17: Trek to Chilchila and drive to Tulingtar.

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Final departure.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Cost

All of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like when in the year you will be travelling (High season, Low season), how far in advance you book, the number of people travelling in your group, the level of accommodation you choose etc. Please click on the next tab (INQUIRY/ BOOKING) and send us your inquiry. We will reply you with cost and other necessary details within 24 hours.

Cost Include(s)

All necessary ground transfers including all arrivals and departures.
Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the itinerary.
Guided cultural city tour in Kathmandu with entrance to the monuments.
Tea House accommodations while Makalu Base Camp Trekking period.
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the Makalu Base Camp Trekking.
All domestic flights as listed in the itinerary with airport tax.
All necessary paper works, Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card..
Experienced and First Aid trained trekking guide licensed by NATHM.
Strong, helpful porters (one porter for two people).
Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Makalu Base Camp Trekking map.
Insurance of all local staff including porters.
Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff including porters.
Complementary Makalu Base Camp Trekking T-shirts and trip duffle bag.
Makalu Base Camp Trekking certificate issued by us.
Travel and Rescue arrangements (paid by your Travel insurance company).
Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Cost Exclude(s)

Air travel to and from Nepal.
Purchases of bottled water while on the trek, gifts or alcohol.
Entry visas for Nepal (suggest getting 30 day tourist visa for Nepal on arrival into KTM).
Personal clothing and equipment.
Personal expenses whilst trekking such as laundry, showers, internet use.
All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (transport, extra hotel nights, etc).
Personal travel / trip cancellation insurance.
Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 20 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
Any rescue costs.
Gratuities.

Frequently Asked Questions - Makalu Base Camp Trek

What altitude does Makalu Base Camp reach?
Approximately 5,550m beneath the south face of Makalu (8,485m), the world's 5th highest mountain. The approach rises from around 1,000m in the Arun valley.

When was Makalu opened to trekkers?
The region was closed until 1952, when Eric Shipton crossed the Shipton La. Formally opened to trekkers in 1994. This late opening means minimal visitor numbers compared to other major Himalayan base camps.

What makes Makalu Barun National Park special?
One of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots, with ecosystems from subtropical forest to permanent glacier. Home to snow leopards, red pandas, and numerous endemic plant species.

How does this compare to Everest Base Camp?
Far more remote and sees a tiny fraction of Everest's visitor numbers. More technically demanding approach. Exceptional biodiversity gives this trek a completely different character from the Khumbu corridor.