Makalu Base Camp Trek — 18 Days
Duration
18 days
From
$2,850/person
Max Altitude
5,000 m
Difficulty
Extreme
Starts
Num (fly from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–8 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary(18 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 5,050 m · Day 11The Makalu Base Camp Trek ventures into the Makalu-Barun National Park — one of the most biodiverse protected areas on earth. The route passes through subtropical jungle, rhododendron forests, and high alpine terrain to reach the base of the 8,463m giant Makalu.
Why This Trek?
- Virtually no crowds — one of Nepal’s wildest routes
- Makalu-Barun National Park — UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone
- Barun Glacier and stunning 8,000m peak views
- Rich biodiversity: snow leopard, red panda habitat
Requires special restricted area permits. We handle all paperwork.
What's Included
Included
- Makalu Barun National Park entry permit
- TIMS card
- Government-registered English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu domestic flights
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Altitude illness kit and pulse oximeter
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
- Meals not listed in daily itinerary
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
The best window. October especially offers stable skies, crystal visibility to Makalu (8,485 m), and firm dry trails through Makalu Barun National Park.
Spring (Apr–May)
Second-best option. Rhododendron and magnolia in bloom at mid-altitude. Slightly higher chance of pre-monsoon cloud afternoons.
Winter (Dec–Jan)
Extreme cold above 4,000 m. High passes snowbound. Not recommended.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
Very wet, trails slippery and difficult, river crossings dangerous. Not recommended.
Permits Required
What to Pack
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the Trail
See it in motion
$2,850
/ person · all-inclusive