Makalu Base Camp is approached from Tumlingtar or Num through the Barun valley, rhododendron, and the Shipton La toward the south face of Makalu. You camp or use basic lodges as villages thin out. Shipton La, the Barun rhododendron, and the south-face moraine are the Makalu Base Camp days.
The base-camp moraine under the fifth-highest mountain is the high point. You retrace to the Arun and fly back toward Kathmandu. Num and Sedua start the climb, and the Barun glacier tongue is the last approach before camp.
Bhagwat still leads when he can, and the sirdars he trains watch altitude illness on the Barun approach from Num through Tashi Gaon, Kohma Danda, and Sherson. You'll rest at Sherson, then walk to Makalu Base Camp and return to the same high camp rather than sleeping on the moraine.
Our Kathmandu office books the Tumlingtar flight and the Num jeep so the first walking day is about the Arun crossing. We'll share the next camp or lodge plan each evening, and your guide turns the base-camp morning around when weather closes the south face.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport we will receive you and transfer to your hotel. The drive is typically a short one, depending on the traffic conditions. After check in you will have time to rest and recover from your journey.
At the end, we will have a brief briefing with us explaining the trek plan and route as well as preparation. We will also check your gear and answer any questions you may have before the journey starts. This day is mostly for settling in and preparing for the trek.
If you get early, you can go for a short walk around your hotel area. The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins with proper preparation, and this day helps you start comfortably.
After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Tumlingtar. The flight is short and provides views of hills and distant mountains (when the weather is clear). Upon arrival, we will transfer to your teahouse and have some time to rest.
You will notice a change in surroundings while we move to the eastern part of Nepal. This day is not too difficult and gives your body an opportunity to adjust before trekking starts. We will pack your gear and get ready for the journey of the next day.
The rest of the day is free and you can relax on your accommodation or explore the surrounding area.
Today, we will start our drive from Tumlingtar to Num. The journey is along rough and narrow roads through hills, villages and forested areas. You will pass small settlements and get to see the daily life in rural Nepal on the way.
The drive is in some places long and bumpy and we will stop and take breaks if necessary. As we move higher the views start to change and the surroundings appear more distant. By late afternoon we will come to the village of Num, which is located on a ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys.
This is the start point of the trekking trail.
Today we will start our trek from Num. The trail begins with a steep descent towards the Arun River, then it gradually ascends to Sedua. This section includes uphill walking as well as downhill walking which helps your body to adjust to the trekking rhythm.
We will pass over suspension bridges and walk in small settlements along the way. The trail goes through forested areas and farmland, so you should get a good intro to the trail. Walking hours are moderate but the initial descent can be arduous.
By afternoon we will arrive in Sedua and check into our teahouse for the night.
After eating breakfast we will resume our trek towards TashiGaon. The path gradually ascends up through the woods and the little towns. You will see that there is a steady rise in altitude as we approach greater altitudes.
A stroll is maintained at a comfortable speed and one takes time to settle and appreciate the environment. On your way, you are able to see the terraced fields and old-fashioned houses. As we come near TashiGaon the scenery begins to open up slightly.
This village is among the final permanent settlements prior to the higher alpine areas. We will pause here and get prepared to the harder parts ahead.
Today, we will leave TashiGaon and start a steady climb towards KohmaDanda. The trail becomes increasingly difficult as we ascend with continued uphill hiking in wooded regions and winding paths. It is among the harder days physically and we will move at a slow pace.
As we climb up the environment begins to shift and the air becomes cooler. It has some steep points on the trail and we will take regular breaks to adjust. By the time we reach Kohma Danda, you will see the more open landscape, in comparison with the lower areas.
This stop is quite important for acclimatization when we will be preparing for higher altitude days ahead.
After the breakfast we will proceed further on our trek from KohmaDanda to Mumbuk. The trail involves crossing high ridges and passes, which may be physically demanding. We will walk through sections of forest, sometimes covered with moss and vegetation, creating a very different feeling from previous days.
The route is a mixture of both ascents and descents so we will move with caution and at a steady pace. Weather conditions may change at this altitude and we will be prepared for cooler temperatures. By afternoon, we will reach Mumbuk, a small settlement with a forest surrounding it.
This day helps your body to adjust more to the higher elevation.
Today, we will trek from Mumbuk to NheKharka. The trail at first descends and then we have a steady climb as we move out of the forest. As we gain altitude, the landscape starts to open out, and the surroundings are more alpine.
You will see fewer trees and greater views on your way along the trail. Walking is more gradual when compared to the previous day, but the altitude is a more important factor. We will take our time and maintain a comfortable pace.
By the afternoon, we will arrive in NheKharka, a peaceful area with simple accommodation.
After a breakfast we will continue our trek towards Sherson. The trail slowly ascends in open country and the views open up the higher we climb. This section is more remote with less settlements along the way.
The walking is easy but must be careful for the altitude. We will make frequent rest periods and go at a slow pace to let your body adapt. As we come closer to Sherson you will see the landscape becoming more open and less vegetated.
This is the last settlement before base camp and we will rest here before the next day's trek.
Today, we will go on an early morning trek to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is slow but more difficult because of altitude. We will move slowly and take breaks as we go along the way to the base camp.
After reaching the base camp, we will spend some time in the base camp and then return to Sherson. This is the highest point of the trek so we will be careful with pacing and energy. The return walk is easier as we descend.
By afternoon, we will reach Sherson and rest after taking this important part of the journey.
After breakfast, we will start our way back from Sherson. The walk is mostly downhill, and therefore easier than to walk compared to the previous days at higher altitude.
We will continue along the same route back, and we will pass through open landscapes and have to gradually return to areas with more vegetation again. Although the descent is easier on the breathing, it can be tiresome on the knees, so we will walk carefully and at a steady pace.
As we lose altitude, you will notice the air becoming a little warmer and more comfortable. By afternoon we will reach Yak Kharka where we will rest and spend the night.
Today, we will keep flying down from Yak Kharka to Mumbuk. The trail follows some familiar paths as we retrace our footsteps through alpine and forested sections. The walk contains a combination of easy slopes downhill and a few short hills.
We will drive through less crowded places, with less settlements, so that you can enjoy the surroundings at a slow pace. As we proceed downward, the environment starts to become greener once again. By afternoon, we will arrive at Mumbuk and check-in to our accommodation.
This day helps your body to recover as we are continuing to descend.
After breakfast, we will start trekking back to KohmaDanda. The trail consists of a mixture of uphill and downhill hiking with us crossing forested areas and ridge paths again.
We will maintain a constant speed, particularly on the climbs. The route can be more familiar, but the nature of the terrain still needs attention that there are uneven paths.
Weather conditions may change at this elevation, so we will be prepared accordingly. By afternoon we will come to KohmaDanda and rest after this day's walk.
Today, we will continue downwards to lower elevations. The trail goes through forested areas and small settlements as we descend from Kohma Danda. We will pass through Tash iGaon and proceed towards Nawa Gaon.
The descent is longer so we will keep it in our comfortable pace so as not to put too much strain. As we go down you will find warmer temperatures and more vegetation. This section is less demanding compared to days at higher altitude.
By late afternoon, we will arrive at Nawa Gaon and sleep for the night.
After breakfast we will continue our trek back towards Num. The trail is a combination of downhill and not steep sections as we pass through Sedua and other settlements near there.
This is one of the last trekking days and we will walk at a relaxed pace. The way becomes more familiar, as we see lower areas coming up, and you will notice the return to village life and farmland.
By afternoon, we will arrive at Num, which will be the end of the trekking part. We will rest here and get ready for the drive the following day.
After breakfast, we will start on our drive from Num back to Tumlingtar. The journey follows the same road taken before through hills, villages and forested areas. The road conditions can be rough in some places, so we will go at a comfortable pace and take breaks when necessary.
As we go down, you will notice the change in landscape and warmer temperatures. The drive is an opportunity to relax after several days of trekking. By afternoon we will arrive at Tumlingtar and transfer to our accommodation.
The remainder of the day is free to rest and to recuperate from the journey.
Today, we will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight is short and has views of hills and mountains afar if the weather is clear.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. Once you arrive in the hotel, you will be free to rest or explore the city.
This is a good opportunity to relax after the trek and also to have a comfortable environment. If required, we can also help you with your final arrangements or recommendations during your stay.
After breakfast we will take you to the Kathmandu Airport for your departure. The time will depend on your flight schedule, so we will put everything in order. If you have extra time before your flight you can relax at your hotel or take a short walk nearby.
This is the end of your journey. We will help you with your transfer and provide a smooth departure from Nepal.
Most guests fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Share your arrival time ahead of travel so a Thamel hotel transfer can be arranged, or make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Pre-trek briefings usually take place in Kathmandu before the Lukla flight or helicopter sector. Allow extra days after the trek in case mountain flights are postponed by weather.
Twin or double rooms in a comfortable Kathmandu hotel cover your first nights and your return from the trail, with breakfast on those city stays when included in the package. Briefings happen at the hotel, and airport collection from Tribhuvan is available when flight times are shared in advance.
Family-run teahouses or lodges line the route with twin beds and a shared dining room. Rooms get simpler and colder as you climb, with shared bathrooms common at higher villages. Hot water, Wi-Fi, and charging are paid at the lodge when offered.
March to May rhododendron bloom and October to November crisp air are peak windows for this itinerary. July and August mean leeches and cloud on lower slopes; December to February can ice steps above village level.
Your guide reads the forecast before long cols or sunrise hikes. Shoulder weeks need an honest weather call before high passes or dawn viewpoints.
You should be comfortable walking several hours a day on uneven paths with a daypack, including steady uphill sections as you gain height. Hill training and longer weekend walks in the months before travel help your legs and lungs on uphill trail days.
Hill training, stair climbing, and longer weekend hikes in the months before travel help your legs and lungs, even when acclimatisation days are built into the route. Break in boots before you fly and carry a light daypack on practice walks.
Guided trekking with licensed leaders, lodge nights on the trail, meals as described for walking days, and permits for the regions crossed are included when they are part of this trip. Domestic flights, porters, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip.
Domestic flights, road transfers, porter support, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip. Permits for the regions you cross are arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara when included.
International flights to Nepal, visa fees, compulsory travel insurance, personal trekking clothing, snacks and drinks outside included meals, and tips for crew are not covered. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging in lodges are usually paid locally when offered.
Charges for hot showers, Wi-Fi, or battery charging in lodges are paid locally when offered unless your trip notes say otherwise. International flights, visa fees, and personal insurance stay outside the trek package.
Share your Tribhuvan arrival time ahead of travel for a Thamel hotel transfer, or make your own way to the meeting hotel in the capital. Thamel hotels are the usual meet point; drivers need flight numbers to meet you at the international terminal.
Briefings cover Lukla bag weight, porter duffle limits, and what to wear on the mountain flight. Weather can shift daily plans, so your guide keeps a steady pace with regular breaks.
The itinerary builds rest days and climb-high, sleep-low hikes where the route requires them. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Tell your guide early if symptoms appear so tomorrow's stage can shorten or descent can start before conditions worsen. Trail conditions are checked each morning before the group moves.
Mountain weather can delay or postpone Lukla flights even in peak season, and Ramechhap diversions happen when the airstrip is congested. Allow a little extra time after the trek before international flights home in case mountain roads or flights move.
Build buffer days after the trek for international connections, and follow crew advice if schedules change or flights shift to Ramechhap. Monsoon cloud sits lower on the hills while winter brings ice on steps above village level.
Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu municipality permits apply in the Everest region. The team arranges paperwork in Kathmandu or Pokhara when you provide passport copies and trek dates.
Keep copies in your daypack for checkpoint stops. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Families join when children can manage the daily hours and terrain on this specific route. Pace and daily hours can be adjusted on private departures, though that may extend the calendar.
Ask our Kathmandu team if you are planning with younger walkers. Private departures can shorten daily hours, though that may add a day or two to the calendar.
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking to the highest altitude on your itinerary, medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue when applicable is essential. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name.
Read the wording before you travel so you can adjust cover if trekking above 5,000 metres is not named. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name, so read the wording before you fly.
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About the centre
Kathmandu
You'll travel with a Kathmandu-based team that plans treks, peak climbs, helicopter flights, motorbike journeys, and cultural trips across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Routes range from classic teahouse walks and high passes to luxury lodge itineraries and longer expedition-style climbs, with departures shaped around how you want to pace the mountains.
Licensed guides and office staff train regularly on mountain safety and guest care. Porters are insured, fairly paid, and equipped for the trail, with sensible load limits on lodge routes. We work with remote communities through sustainable tourism, including support for education in village areas, so your booking helps local people as well as your own adventure.
Operated by Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours, a partner of adventuro.
