Makalu Base Camp Trekking
Updated: Makalu Base Camp Trek Facts (2026)
| Feature | Details (Updated for 2026) |
| Duration of Trip | 20 Days (Standard) |
| Trekking Days | 18 Days |
| Type of Trek | Teahouse / Lodge stay |
| Max Altitude | 5,000m (Makalu Base Camp) |
| Grade of Trek | Strenuous (Medium-Hard) |
| Main Attraction | Unrivaled views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, and Mt. Lhotse |
| Guide Requirement | Mandatory (Licensed Guide required by Nepal Law) |
| Permit 1 | Makalu Barun National Park: NPR 3,000 (~USD 23-25) |
| Permit 2 | Makalu Rural Municipality: NPR 2,000 (~USD 15-18) |
| TIMS Card | Discontinued for this region (Replaced by Rural Municipality Permit) |
Experience the Untamed: Makalu Base Camp Trekking 2026
Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world (8,463m), offers one of the most rugged and rewarding trekking experiences in the Himalayas. Nestled within the Makalu Barun National Park—a massive 2,330 sq. km conservation area spanning the Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts—this trek is a journey into a pristine wilderness that remains largely untouched by modernization.
From the trail, you are greeted by an elite panorama of 8,000-meter giants, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and the dramatic pyramid of Mt. Chamlang.
Why Choose the Makalu Base Camp Route?
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a "strenuous" category adventure, making it ideal for seasoned trekkers looking to escape the crowded trails of Everest or Annapurna. Your journey begins with a scenic 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, the gateway to the deep Arun River basin.
As you ascend from the sub-tropical lowlands to the alpine heights, you will cross legendary high passes, including:
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Shipton La (4,127m)
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Keke La (4,230m)
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Tutu La (4,200m)
Culture & Biodiversity in the Barun Valley
This region is a living museum of Himalayan culture, home to the Sherpa, Rai, and Gurung communities. Unlike more commercialized routes, the trail through the Barun River valley offers authentic cultural encounters and a chance to see rare wildlife, such as the Red Panda or Musk Deer.
The final approach to Makalu Base Camp (5,000m) unveils a landscape of glacier lakes, the mysterious Hungu Valley, and the sheer granite face of Makalu itself—a sight often described by climbers as the most impressive in the world.
Trek with Encounters Nepal
At Encounters Nepal, we specialize in high-altitude logistics and safety. Our 20-day itinerary is carefully designed with essential acclimatization days at Nehe Kharka to ensure your body adjusts to the thinning air. Join our expert local guides for an exceptional journey that balances physical challenge with the profound silence of the high Himalayas.
