Makalu Base Camp Trek — 18 Days

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening briefing covering the Makalu Barun National Park permit, the remote eastern Nepal approach, and logistics. Makalu (8,485 m) is the world's fifth-highest mountain — its base camp receives fewer than 200 trekkers per year.

Short flight to Tumlingtar in the Arun Valley — the gateway to the Makalu region. Drive from Tumlingtar to Num, the trailhead for the Makalu Base Camp approach. Permit inspection at the national park entry checkpoint.

Begin trekking with a dramatic descent from Num to the Arun River gorge, cross by suspension bridge, then ascend steeply to Seduwa. The Arun River is one of the world's deepest river valleys, cutting through the Himalaya from Tibet. Dense subtropical forest with birdsong.

Climb through terraced farmland and mixed forest past Nghe village to Tashigaon, the last permanent village on the Makalu route. Beyond here the trail enters the wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park — this is the last good resupply point.

A long and demanding day with a steep ascent through rhododendron and oak forest before emerging onto alpine meadows. The altitude gain is significant — over 1,400 m. Spectacular views of Makalu's south buttress appear for the first time. Khongma is a high pasture camp.

Essential rest day at 3,562 m with exploration of the surrounding ridge. Day hike to the Khongma La viewpoint (3,800 m) for panoramic views of Makalu, Chamlang (7,321 m), and the Barun Glacier. The alpine scenery is spectacular.

Continue north through high-altitude meadows and rocky terrain along the Barun Valley. Dobate is a seasonal yak herder camp at the entrance to the upper Barun Valley — the glacial landscape becomes increasingly dramatic.

Trek through the spectacular upper Barun Valley along the lateral moraine of the Barun Glacier. The valley is a designated Strict Nature Reserve — wildlife sightings of Himalayan tahr, snow leopard (rare), and red panda are possible. Camp near the Barun River.

Advance up the Barun Glacier moraine toward the base camp area. The scale of the Barun Glacier is immense — a 25-km river of ice descending from Makalu's upper flanks. Yangri is a high camp used by expeditions.

The culminating day — trek over moraine ridges and glacial terrain to Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 m. Makalu's near-vertical north-west pillar and north face tower directly above. The view is staggering: a 4,000 m wall of ice and rock from base camp to summit. Return to Yangri or overnight at BC.

Optional but highly recommended extension: ascend from BC to the Makalu La viewpoint at 5,050 m for panoramic views including Lhotse (8,516 m), Everest (8,849 m), Chamlang, and Baruntse. Return to base camp area for the night.

Begin the long return journey, descending rapidly through the altitude gradient. The Barun Valley feels even more spectacular on the return with fresh eyes. Camp at Mumbuk.

Continue retracing the approach through Dobate to Khongma. The descent through the upper Barun Valley reveals different perspectives on Makalu and Chamlang.

Long descent back through rhododendron and oak forest to Tashigaon. The altitude drop from 3,562 m to 2,100 m in one day feels dramatic. Village children come out to greet returning trekkers.

Retrace through Seduwa and the Arun River gorge back to Num. The descent and re-ascent across the Arun gorge is tiring on tired legs but the subtropical vegetation is beautiful. Vehicle waiting at Num.

Drive back to Tumlingtar airstrip for the morning flight to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu by afternoon for a celebration dinner. After one of Nepal's most remote and demanding treks, the city comforts feel well-earned.

Rest day and buffer for potential flight or weather delays. Visit Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath, or simply recover with a massage in Thamel. Transfer to hotel and preparation for onward travel.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Your Makalu Base Camp expedition — one of the most challenging and rewarding wilderness treks in all of Nepal — concludes.