Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking in Nepal

Makalu base camp & Barun valley trekking

Dhaulagiri circuit trek -Vertex Holiday

Renjola Pass

Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking
Trip Highlights of Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking in Nepal
- “ Adventure around Nepal Far Eastern Himalayas on the less ventured country.
- Picturesque scenery of beautiful landscapes and snow peaks on daily walks.
- Explore the rural villages and towns adorned with fascinating heritage cultures.
- From warm sub-tropical climates to cooler hills and towards the Arctic cold zone.
- At the world’s 5th highest peak base camp with rare views of Everest Eastern Face.”
We offer group discount
- 1 - 1 personUS$ 3200
- 2 - 4 peopleUS$ 2800
- 5 - 8 peopleUS$ 2600
- 9 + people 9999 US$ 1900
US$ 3200
Overview of Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking in Nepal
Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an adventure of two weeks duration. Besides trekking, it involves a smooth scenic flight from Kathmandu to land at Arun Valley at Tumlingtar Airport. Located around lower, warm sub-tropical areas of Arun Valley, the taking an exciting drive to the hill village at Num.
From the Num Village begins the trek to Makalu Base Camp and around Barun Valley. The walk leads down and up from one farm village to another until Tashi-Gaon. It is the last village and the permanent settlement of the highlanders, the Sherpa of Eastern Nepal Himalayas. The trail follows with a steep climb to Khongma Danda, a high and open exposed ridge facing views of Mt. Makalu. Include Baruntse and Chamlang Himal towards the North, with Kanchenjunga massive on the eastern horizon, after the climb to Khongma Danda through dense trees of pines, oaks, rhododendrons, and fir trees.
Makalu Base Camp Trekking From Khongma, the trail leads further North to follow a ridge line crossing a small pass of Tutu-la, Keke-la, and Shipton La. Reaching the icy ponds of Thulo and Sano Pokhari and from a small place of Dobato. The walk follows towards the scenic Barun Valley, enclosed by towering high rocky canyons, cliff walls, and snow peaks.
From here onwards to Makalu Base Camp, the tree lines give away to smaller shrubs and bushes. Few temporary exist around the beautiful Barun Valley for overnight stops like the Yangri Kharka and Lang-male or Shersong. Then, entering the main highlights, reaching Makalu Base Camp and the highest spots of the adventure.
Stand beneath and between staggering peaks of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang Himal amidst arctic zone landscapes terrains. It was covered in remorseless fields of moraine, rocks, snow with ice, and glaciers, including the frozen Baruntse Pond.
At Makalu Base Camp, with ample time to explore the hidden treasures of Barun Valley and Makalu’s unspoiled areas. From the viewpoints of Makalu Base Camp, trekkers can enjoy the rare and exclusive East Face of Mt. Everest.
Famously called the Khansung Face, the view is seen only from the Makalu Base Camp. Make this adventure even more special than any other trek around the Himalayas.
Makalu Base Camp Trekking Enjoying a fabulous time at Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley, return journey on the same scenic routes. On leaving the end of Barun Valley, a long climb to Khongma Danda, then downhill to human habitations. The walks lead to Tashi Gaon and Seduwa to reach Num for the last overnights around the high hills of Makalu region. An exciting drive from Num reaches Tumlingtar Town around the lower warm farm areas.
The next morning, a sweeping scenic flight brings you to the hustle and bustle of city life in Kathmandu, after, a most remarkable adventure of a lifetime experience at Makalu Base Camp Trekking.
Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking in Nepal - Route Map

Detail Itinerary of Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking in Nepal
On the first arrival via respective airlines, landing in Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport. Vertex Holidays staff and guide receives you for a short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Around the most exciting location at Thamel, on checking into your lovely rooms, after a refreshing rest from the Jet-Lag. Join the other members of Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trek. The group leader or guide will provide full information, and details regarding the treks, cultures, and terrains. Also the climate condition of various overnight stops and during the trek.
Evening a welcome group dinner as an introduction to Nepali authentic foods with live cultural programs. While you enjoy the dinner in the comfort of lovely harmony and exciting environment.
The adventure to Makalu starts with a scenic short flight to Tumlingtar Airport.
During airborne, sweeping panorama of the Himalayan range with views of Everest, Makalu, and as far as Kanchenjunga.
On landing at Tumlingtar airport, the guide and trekking staff receive you with a short walk to the town of Tumlingtar. After a short refreshing stop, an exciting drive takes you past farm villages to the town of Khandbari.
The headquarters of Sankhuwa Sabha district, and Makalu areas, from Khandbari Drive, continue heading high towards cooler green hills. Driving past Chinchilla village with views of Makalu then heads downhill to Num for an overnight stop. Num is a moderate farm village, it is slowly developing into a town, due to the construction of motorable road. At Num in the comfort of a simple nice lodge, with views of Jalajala Himal and Mt. Makalu.
First day trek begins with downhill to a Arun River gorge, then across the bridge.
As climb leads to a steep uphill for an hour through farm fields, terraces, and smaller villages. After few hours of climb then reach Seduwa village for overnight halt. A moderate size village with a primary school, and health post, rest of the day at leisure.
From Seduwa village, the morning walk starts to cover a few hours hike to reach Tashi-Gaon. The trail follows, on the winding trail past farm terraces of millets, one of the major crops. The walk continues with a short climb to Tashi-Gaon for lunch and for the overnight stop. Transfer to a nice simple lodge, and enjoy lunch having time to explore the permanent village. Mainly populated by the Sherpa tribe interwoven with Tibetan Buddhism religion, and culture.
After Tashi Gaon, leaves the last permanent settlement, the adventure leads to sheer mountain wilderness. Far and away from human civilization and villages, except for a few small settlements en route to Makalu Base Camp.
The walk follows through a dense forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and tall pine trees, past cattle herder’s camps of stone huts. Having time for a lunch stop, prepared by our trekking cook, afternoon a steep climb for few hours.
Then end the day’s walk on reaching Khongma Danda on top of a high ridge, from here tall trees drop. Only for short bushes of rhododendrons, juniper, and smaller birch trees. This high ridge offers a small lodge for overnight accommodation, but exciting views of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Baruntse Himal.
Morning from Khongma Danda, enjoying the glorious scenery the trek starts following the small path, and countering the ridge. But on a gradual trail, the walk proceeds with short ups and downs, reaching two small icy ponds.
It is called Thulo Pokhari (big) and Sano Pokhari (small), the trail climbs to cross,
over a small pass. Traverse of Tutu-La, Keke-La and Shipton-La at 4, 453 meters high, then end the day reaching Dobato. A small isolated spot with few small lodges to cater the travelers for overnight stops.
After a pleasant overnight stop at Dobato, the adventure continues with a long descent, heading through dense tree lines. After a few hours of downhill then reach the beautiful Barun Valley, famous for rare, and exotic plants and herbs.
On reaching the scenic Barun Valley, the walk leads to gradual ups past Yakherder’s summer camps. After a few hours of pleasant walk reaching a small settlement at Yangla Kharka overnight. Check into a simple and cozy room and enjoy the surrounding grand views of snow peaks and high rocky cliffs.
Barun Valley is situated on a deep basin, enclosed by towering rocky cliff walls and snow-clad peaks
Enjoying the first overnight in the heart of Barun Valley, getting closer towards the highlight, to Makalu base camp. A moderate day walk of some hours, the walk starts taking a slow pace, due to the rise in altitude. The trail follows across pastures and meadows, with short bushes of junipers, and rhododendrons or Azaleas.
After crossing, the same streams a couple of times, then reached our overnight stop at Langmale or Shearson. Which is close to Makalu Base Camp,
the last place with little vegetation of short bushes and grass.
At Langmale overnight in a small lodge with basic facilities, but the rooms are nice with simple food to enjoy.
Another short day, to reach the main highlight of the adventure to Makalu Base Camp. The walk follows with a short climb over a moraine of rocks, and glaciers to reach Makalu base camp. Enjoy the comfort of a small lodge with nice rooms,
situated close to a glacial pond of Baruntse glaciers. Enjoy the afternoon beneath the towering world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu, with a black rocky pyramid-shaped summit. Hence, the name Great Black for Mt. Makalu, the rest of the day marvel at the
spectacular scenery of arctic-like landscapes.
Enjoy the rest days for leisure hike, before heading back towards Tashi Gaon and Tumlingtar. A great place for rest day amidst dramatic scenery of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse Himal and of Peak IV. Take a short hike with climb to a high ridge, for great views of Mt. Everest East Face. Also known as the Khansung Face of Everest includes views of Mt. Lhotse.
Morning bidding farewell to the friendly and cheerful lodge owners, for the great services around this remote wilderness. The walk follows on a gradual down back to
Yangla Kharka, after a great scenic walk of the day,
From Yangla Kharka, leaving the Barun Valley as morning heads down to a river, and the climb starts. Reaching a small place of Mumbuk amidst forest surroundings, the uphill continues for another hour to reach Dobato. For the last overnights around
the high mountainous areas on the laps of the Himalayas.
Return journey back to human civilization after being around sheer mountain Wilderness, and pristine surroundings. The walk heads downhill with views of
Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga peaks, as trail leads through dense forest. Then reaching around the farm areas at Tashi Gaon for an overnight
halt. Enjoy the final overnight around the Sherpa villages before heading down
south to Arun Valley at Tumlingtar.
Last day and a long walk to Num with a drive back towards Tumlingtar Town, start early to reach Num on time. For the exciting drive to Tumlingtar, the walk follows Seduwa and then descends to the Arun River narrow gorge. After crossing the
the bridge above the raging Arun River, a steep last climb brings you to Num Village.
Having brief refreshing stops, then board the 4 Wheel Drive Jeep or similar, for a few hours of exciting drives. As the rough country road heads up to Chinchilla Village, and then down to Khandbari Town. From this big town, a short drive on
a winding downhill to Tumlingtar. Overnight in the comfort of a nice local hotel and
lodge arriving on time for dinner in Tumlingtar.
As the time for the flight to Kathmandu, transfer to Tumlingtar Airport, then board the aircraft. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Makalu, and Kanchenjunga with Everest as the plane heads west to land at Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu domestic
airport, transfer into a vehicle for a short drive to your hotel.
Enjoy the free day in Kathmandu after two weeks of exciting adventure at Makalu Base Camp. Interested people can join in for an interesting tour around
the world heritage sites of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your international flight time our staff transfer to the airport. Then bidding farewell to the crews of Vertex Holidays, after a wonderful adventure to Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley Trekking.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Two-night accommodation in Kathmandu(Twin sharing basis) at a 3-star hotel with Bed and Breakfast
- Two-way airfare for KTM-Tumlingtar-KTM
- Airport pick up and drop off for Tumlingtar flight by private vehicle
- All meals during the trek time in the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Accommodation during the trek with a sharing basis
- An experienced English-speaking, knowledgeable trekking guide.
- Porter to carry your luggage (max:-25kg) including all of their costs i.e. Transportation, salary, insurance,
- equipment, meals, and accommodation
- Necessary trekking and National Park entry permits (please bring 3 PP-size photos)
- Government taxes and office service charge
What's Excluded?
- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare
- Personal travel insurance
- All kinds of drinks and personal ordered food during the trekking time
- All kinds of personal expenses, mobile charging, Camera battery charge, etc
- Hot shower during the trekking if needed to pay
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking equipment
- Rescue charge (if needed)
- Tips for trekking staff
Add-ons & Options
- Comprehensive medical kit
- Duffle bag for Trekking
- Snack of seasonal fruit during the trek
- Welcome Dinner
Essential Information - Makalu Base Camp & Barun Valley Trekking in Nepal
Best Season for Makalu Base Camp Trekking
The best seasons for Makalu Base Camp trekking are Spring and Autumn / Fall. The spring begins in March and lasts till May, a lively season for scenic walks, with longer sunshine hours. It can get overcast in the afternoon sometimes, with chances of light rains and snowfalls.
Days are warmer with bright sunshine but cold morning, late afternoon, and nighttime. Depending upon the altitude and overnight stops en route to Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley.
Spring is the best time for nature lovers when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom. Especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors, from short bushes to tall trees.
The next best season is autumn/fall, when most days are bright, with sunshine and a clear view of the surrounding scenery. The autumn/fall of September until November is one of the high seasons in Nepal for trekking. Most days are fine with crystal clear blue sky but get dark soon due to short sunshine hours.
The morning and late afternoon are cold, including the nighttime, and chances of light snowfall above 3,000 m high.
Food and accommodation on Makalu Base Camp trekking
Trekkers must be aware that this trekking region is on off-the-beaten routes, where only a few groups seldom visit. In past years, from Tashi Gaon onward to Barun Valley and Makalu Base Camp. Lodges nor settlements exist, but over the past few years, few lodges have been built. It offers simple facilities to enjoy overnights after leaving the last village of Tashi Gaon.
All trekkers to Makalu Base Camp should compromise in whatever facilities are available around this remote mountain wilderness. The lodge accommodations at Num, Seduwa, and Tashi-Gaon village are simple, with a homely environment and hospitality. Tashi-Gaon is the last permanent village and settlement, offering only simple lodge accommodation. Includes the common toilets and bathrooms with extra charge for using hot showers or a bucket of hot water.
Makalu Base Camp Trekking From Tashi-Gaon en route to Makalu Base Camp, the accommodation is Spartan with small and neat rooms. The dining room is large and has a fireplace to keep the room warm and cozy. The food menu with limited items to choose from with simple meals, are served due to the nature of harsh terrains.
From Tashi-Gaon onwards, at Khoma, Dobato till Makalu Base Camp dining room, have lights from Solar Power. Enjoy simple, and healthy meals of few variations, noodle fried or with soup, and seasonal vegetables. Including eggs, or meats where available, chapattis, Pancakes, or Tibetan Breads, the bakery breads are scares in most places. Refreshments of hot and cold drinks are available, including tea of variation, coffee, drinking chocolates, and hot lemons.
The History of Mount Makalu
Makalu Base Camp Trekking Visit around Mt. Makalu is the world’s fifth-highest peak at 8,463 m / 27,766 feet. The first ascent to the summit of Mt. Makalu was on May 15th, 1955 by the French Expeditions. From then on, is climbed often by the wide-world interested mountaineers. It is one of the most technical mountains to challenge. Then, slowly, the foreign visitors, explorers, mountaineers, and trekkers began the adventurous journey around the Nepal Himalayas. The early John Shipton, a British explorer and pioneer, ventured into the remote area of Makalu. Hence, the name of the pass is known Shipton-La Pass. In between Khongma and Barun Valley, as you walk from Khongma Ridge to Dobato.
The Tibetans from Southeast Tibet used to bring their Yaks and other cattle to graze around the Barun Valley. The North side of Makalu is close to the border of Tibet around the province of Kharte. Which is on the back side of Mt. Makalu and as well as close to Mt. Everest and Lhotse Peak. At present, the high areas of Makalu are well preserved by the Makalu-Barun National Park & Conservation Area. Covering an area of 2,330 sq. km from Tashi-Gaon, it extends beyond Makalu Base Camp as far as Sagarmatha National Park.
The Makalu-Barun Valley, a Conservation Area, protects 47 varieties of orchids and 67 species of economically valuable medicinal and aromatic plants. Includes 25 varieties of rhododendrons, 19 species of bamboo, with 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose. Over 400 species of birds have been sighted, around the Makalu-Barun area.
The Wildlife includes the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, and elusive snow leopard. Substantial populations of Goral are the Himalayan Thar, wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan marmot, and languor monkey.
The History of Mt. Makalu is the same, as Himalayan Mountain ranges uplifted from the Tethys Sea. Rises high and separates the Indian Sub-Continent, and the Tibetan vast plates make the Himalayas, the youngest mountain range on Earth. The uplifting of the plates continues making the Himalayan peaks increase, a few centimeters every year.
Travel & Medical Insurance for Makalu Base Camp Trekking
Travel & Medical Insurance is important for traveling around the Nepal Himalayan region. Especially around remote areas, like Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley, as precautionary measures and for safe journeys. Around the mountainous zone of Nepal’s Far Eastern Himalayas, where roads can be blocked by sudden unfortunate landslides. As well other unfortunate incidents might occur, even trying to avoid them.
The Travel insurance will be a great support to claim the money, from the respective insurance. If the trip gets delayed or canceled due to unfavorable bad weather or other situations. Similarly, Medical Insurance will be a great support if someone gets sick from personal medical grounds or from Altitude Sickness. The Insurance is just a precautionary measure in case the situation arises on the tour. Check with your doctors when visiting Asian countries, where immunization and vaccines are required against certain diseases if necessary.
Remote Area Trekking in Nepal
Makalu Base Camp Trekking in Nepal and the Himalayan range extends across the country from the Far North West towards the Eastern horizon. But the most popular trekking areas in Nepal, are the Mid-East and Middle North West. Like Everest, Annapurna and Langtang including the Manaslu region are favorable areas for trekkers.
The Makalu Base Camp Trekking also called Remote Areas Trekking in Nepal falls around the Far Western Region of Dolpo, Limi Valley, and Api-Shaipal Himal. Due to its remoteness, trekkers seldom venture as it requires long drives or flights both ways. It also requires logistic support of camping equipment, food, and porters to ferry all the camping gear throughout the trekking. Similarly, the Far remote areas include Makalu and Kanchenjunga region also, where trek involves flights or long drives both ways.
| Location | Season | Months | Day (°C) | Night (°C) |
| Tumlingtar | Spring | Mar–May | 20°C to 28°C | 12°C to 18°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug (Monsoon) | 22°C to 30°C | 15°C to 20°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 18°C to 26°C | 10°C to 16°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 15°C to 22°C | 5°C to 12°C | |
| Num | Spring | Mar–May | 18°C to 24°C | 10°C to 14°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 20°C to 26°C | 14°C to 18°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 16°C to 22°C | 8°C to 12°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 10°C to 18°C | 2°C to 8°C | |
| Sedua | Spring | Mar–May | 15°C to 22°C | 7°C to 12°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 18°C to 24°C | 10°C to 15°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 12°C to 20°C | 5°C to 10°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 5°C to 15°C | -2°C to 5°C | |
| Tashigaon | Spring | Mar–May | 12°C to 20°C | 5°C to 10°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 15°C to 22°C | 8°C to 12°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 10°C to 18°C | 2°C to 8°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 0°C to 10°C | -5°C to 3°C | |
| Kongma Danda | Spring | Mar–May | 5°C to 12°C | -2°C to 5°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 7°C to 14°C | 0°C to 6°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 3°C to 10°C | -4°C to 2°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | -5°C to 4°C | -12°C to -2°C | |
| Dobate | Spring | Mar–May | 4°C to 10°C | -2°C to 3°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 6°C to 12°C | 0°C to 6°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 2°C to 8°C | -4°C to 2°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | -6°C to 2°C | -12°C to -3°C | |
| Yangri Kharka | Spring | Mar–May | 5°C to 12°C | -1°C to 4°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 6°C to 14°C | 2°C to 7°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 2°C to 10°C | -3°C to 3°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | -4°C to 2°C | -10°C to -2°C | |
| Makalu Base Camp | Spring | Mar–May | 0°C to 6°C | -8°C to 0°C |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 2°C to 8°C | -4°C to 2°C | |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | -2°C to 5°C | -10°C to -1°C | |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | -10°C to 0°C | -20°C to -8°C |
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
Depending upon the programs with itinerary days chosen as per your holidays for the treks. Trek from Tumlingtar to Tumlingtar takes two weeks both ways, the starting and ending point of the trek. For private groups, the company can provide tailored or Customized itinerary days for interested people.
Not at all it’s not hard or tough, except for one day with a climb to Khongma Danda.
The rest of the trek is moderate the adventurous grade is only due to the rise in altitude. Especially, after Khongma Ridge to Makalu Base Camp, which an enjoyable and moderate throughout the treks of two weeks.
The longest hours of maximum 6 to 7 hours, which is on the last day. From Tashi Gaon to reach Num Village, for the drive to Tumlingtar, but most of the walking day on the average of 5-6 hours. The shortest walk of 3-4 hours, is from Langmale or Shearson to Makalu Base Camp, including Seduwa to Tashi Gaon.
One of the best adventurous trekking, around unspoiled and undisturbed regions of the Far Eastern Himalayas. It is worth joining for Makalu Base Camp trekking, where every day is different with great contrast from cooler alpine hills to the arctic cold zone. The views of snow-capped peaks follow you from the beginning to the end of trekking. The local cultural villages are equally fascinating along with spectacular scenery in the comfort of local people’s hospitality.
Yes, it is best to carry your own warm sleeping bag with an inner liner which is more hygienic. Although most lodges provide blankets, using your own sleeping bag will be more of a comfort and make you feel much better. The company may provide the Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag, but it depends on the trip cost and policy of the company.
Yes, can be seen on flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and vice versa. As well from Makalu Base Camp, an opportunity to view the Khansung face of
or the rare eastern face of Everest.
Not allowed, all trekkers must join a reputable local government-regulated company in Nepal. Requires a guide approved and licensed, by the Ministry of Tourism, to accompany the whole trek.
Before booking or after signing up for the trek, keep fit and healthy with exercise for an hour. As well as daily exercise, before and after booking and joining the trek. Preparation after getting much detail and full information from your agents will suggest your clothing list, and medical history as well as buying travel and medical insurance back at home to make your trip safe and sound.
On this trek slight chance of catching altitude sickness, where walking leads to a slow pace and the altitude gains gradually. Stopping each night at certain heights supports and helps you to get acclimatized.
Ibuprofen is a pain killer, for sore ankles or muscles will be a great help to add to your own medical list. Diamox just carries as precautionary measures, as you won’t be needing them, but just in case.
Extra baggage or luggage with unwanted clothing or items not required on the trek, can be left in the hotel store room. As well as leave with Vertex Holiday staff for storage. Including valuables, which you do not need on trekking, can be left in the hotel safe deposit box.
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