After your arrival at the TIA (Tribhuwan International Airport), Kathmandu, you are received with warm and hearty welcome by our friendly and accommodating staff along with welcoming banner stand sign outside the arrival terminal. Meanwhile, it is followed up by short welcoming procedure in a typical Nepali tradition and you are escorted to the luxurious hotel in Kathmandu. During this time period, you can feel the vibes of the bustling lifestyle of Kathmandu city. Various cultural heritages and ancient sculptures with magnificent monasteries are the center of attraction in Kathmandu city.  Furthermore, you are provided with pleasantly brief details regarding your stay in hotel. A comfortable and luxurious stay in hotel of Kathmandu for this night.

Drive duration: 30 minutes

Accommodation: Luxurious hotel in Kathmandu City

One of the explorative days begins with your breakfast and the wonderful morning vibes of the center of Kathmandu. Commence on an enriching cultural journey with Access the Asia Treks, exploring the timeless wonders of Kathmandu Valley with deeply rooted spirituality and stunning architecture. Our city sightseeing tour is designed to immerse you in the cultural and historical richness of Nepal. Highlighting Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath as the main attractions, with optional visits to Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kumari Ghar), Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square, this tour promises unforgettable moments.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Start your exploration at the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hill offering breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley. Known as the Monkey Temple due to its lively monkey inhabitants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a revered Buddhist sanctuary. The stupa’s white dome, golden spire, and the watchful eyes of the Buddha symbolize spiritual awakening. The surrounding shrines, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags create a tranquil ambiance, perfect for reflection and cultural immersion.

Pashupatinath Temple

A sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located along the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural marvel and spiritual hub. The temple’s golden pagoda roof and intricate woodwork captivate visitors, while the nearby cremation ghats provide a glimpse into Nepalese traditions and rituals. Though non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, they can experience its vibrant energy from across the river, soaking in the sacred atmosphere.

Boudhanath Stupa

The grand Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, stands as a beacon of peace and spirituality. Surrounded by a lively marketplace, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for Buddhist pilgrims and enthusiasts. The massive white dome and gilded spire, adorned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, create a majestic presence. Visitors can join the circumambulating devotees, spin prayer wheels, or simply admire the serene beauty as the stupa glows softly under evening lights.

Optional Destinations

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kumari Ghar)

Step into the medieval past at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards. The highlight is the Kumari Ghar, where the Living Goddess resides, offering a unique glimpse into Nepal’s living traditions. The square’s intricate woodcarvings, bustling atmosphere, and majestic Taleju Temple make it a captivating experience for history and culture lovers.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Renowned for its ancient charm, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a masterpiece of Newari architecture and culture. Explore the towering Nyatapola Temple, the intricately designed Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and the vibrant Pottery Square. Walking through the narrow lanes, you’ll discover artisans at work, traditional crafts, and local delicacies that capture the essence of Bhaktapur’s heritage.

Patan Durbar Square

Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Nepal at Patan Durbar Square. Famous for its stunning temples and courtyards, including the Krishna Mandir and Mul Chowk, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of craftsmanship. The Patan Museum, housed within the palace complex, offers fascinating insights into Hindu-Buddhist art and history, making this destination a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

With Access the Asia Treks, discover the timeless beauty of Kathmandu Valley, where every landmark tells a story of spirituality, artistry, and tradition. Let us guide you on a memorable journey through Nepal’s cultural heart.

City Tour: Entire day

Accommodation: Luxurious hotel in Kathmandu

Your journey to the Makalu Base Camp adventure starts with a delightful morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a town nestled relatively east within the hills of Nepal. The flight promises great views of majestic mountains like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, on a clear day.

After landing at Tumlingtar Airport (410m), you’ll get to meet your trekking crew and start off your off-roading adventure driving about four to five hours to the village of Num (1,560m). Winding mountain roads, terraced fields, and small traditional villages tell their own story of rural eastern Nepal.

Accompanying Num towards the top, the scenery becomes much rougher and views even more brilliant. Num is itself located on a narrow ridge and is surrounded with deep valleys and thick forests creating a dramatic setting, the true beginning for your trek into the Makalu Barun Conservation Area.

If you check into a local tea house or lodge, you can experience your first night here in the hills with a warm meal, gazing across the Arun River Valley. Tomorrow, it will really start with high trekking activities!

An overnight stay at Num.

Flight duration: 35 minutes

Drive duration: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse in Num

Your first full day of trekking after breakfast in Num begins with a steep descent through hillsides of lovely farm pastures and dense forests. The trail has steep drops and bends down to Arun River (approx. 770m), a colorful descent that tries your knees while giving something to compensate-the magnificent view of the valley and adjacent hills.

Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the roaring Arun River, the trail climbs steadily uphill through terraced fields and scattered villages. It is a steady but somewhat laborious climb through cardamom plantations and bamboo groves toward Seduwa (1500m).

Seduwa is a lovely village and one of the official entry points into the Makalu-Barun National Park. Here your trekking permits are registered at the park office. Mostly inhabited by Rai and Sherpa communities, you will soon begin to see a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist cultural influences in the area as you tour through the village.

Enjoy a peaceful evening in Seduwa with green hills surrounding you and the sounds of the river flowing far below. A place great for resting and attuning to the rhythm of the trail before wandering more scenic distances in the days ahead.

An overnight stay at Seduwa.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/teahouse in Seduwa

The way leaving Seduwa is on a late gentle ascent through forests of bamboo and rhododendron, crossing some streams while passing small farms and villages. The trekking will be moderate today, with enough time to interact with the locals and view rural life in the Himalayas.

In the garden, there will be quiet patches of forest and fields with sounds of birds and river streams to serenade your walk. Pass Chyaksa Danda and other small settlements till you arrive at Tashigaon, the last permanently inhabited village before Makalu Base Camp.

Tashigaon is painted in beauty and sprinkled leftover in dense forests and high on steep cliffs. Therefore, an enchanting place due to the views of the surrounding hills is an appropriate place to rest before the steep trips to come. Relish the night with some great local hospitality and the ease of the mountain.

An overnight stay at Tashigaon.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/teahouse in Tashigaon

This trek may be the toughest and rewarding of all days of the trip. Leaving behind the quiet Tashigaon Village, the trail rises up and climbs steadily through dense groves of rhododendron and oak forests into higher elevations. Since it is your first day to gain altitude massively, it is said that a slow and steady approach should be adopted.

The trail twists back and forth uphill, bypassing some rest spots and shepherd huts in their uphill procession. As you climb higher, the forest recedes, and so does the warmth of the air, exposing the rugged terrain of the Makalu-Barun region. After some time on the arduous climb, you will reach Unshisa, an age-old grazing ground, before making your way to Khongma Danda (3,500m), one of the beautiful vistas from where you can see different peaks rising like artillery shells above the hostile valley.

Khongma Danda is the doorway leading to the high mountain passes that lie ahead. No permanent settlements exist beyond this point, so accommodation might be simple teahouses or tented camps depending on the seasons. Please sit back and enjoy your hard-earned days of secluded abandonment among high ridgelines and the true sense of an 8,000ers area in the Himalayas.

An overnight stay at Khongma Danda.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/teahouse in Khongma Danda

We need one acclimatization day at Khongma Danda so that the body can adapt gradually to gain altitude before crossing the high passes. Resting here at an altitude of 3,500 meters reduces the risk for altitude sickness considerably before facing the tougher section along the Makalu Base Camp route.

After breakfast, a short acclimatization hike can be organized along the ridgelines above Khongma. The optional treks provide stunning views of Makalu, Chamlang, Peak 6, and the distant alpine valleys. The trails are quiet, making them perfect for a meditative walk to stimulate circulation without overdoing things.

Relax at the camp or a teahouse with some reading, journaling, or just soaking in the peacefulness of the mountain atmosphere. Your guides shall keep an eye on your health and offer suggestions to keep hydrating and to get ready for the forthcoming high-altitude traverse.

This rest day gets you set for the physical challenges ahead but is also a time where you can just sit and enjoy the stunning views and reflections in the high Himalaya, adding that extra touch to your overall trekking experience.

An overnight stay at Khongma Danda.

Trek duration: optional short hike (2-3) hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/teahouse in Khongma Danda

Gear up for a wonderful day, crossing some of the highest mountain passes in the region, including the famous Shipton La (4,216m), which was named after one of the first exploration pioneers to the region-Eric Shipton himself. The steep climb from the alpine terrains will slowly and beautifully open up into windswept ridges and expansive views of snowy peaks.

That trail climbs above 4 major passes:

Keke La (4,170m)
Tutu La (Shipton La) (4,216m)
Kongma La
And some smaller ridgelines in between

Each and every pass provides magnificent views over the Makalu, Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and the quite distant even glimpses of Everest on sunny days. That terrain suffers at places because it’s rocky and a bit exposed, and is characterized as a “trail often covered by snow when the season shifts”. Indeed, this part of the trek is an exhilarating and challenging deal, giving one a very real sense of remote Himalayan wilderness.

However, after crossing the last pass, you will descend abruptly through rhododendron and pine forest to the small settlement of Dobate (3,650m). Tucked into a sheltered valley, it is a perfect location to recharge batteries after a long day of high-altitude hiking.

You will spend the night at a simple teahouse or camp, enjoying your well-earned meal and the quiet of the mountains.

An overnight stay at Dobate.

Trek duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/teahouse in Dobate

Compared to high-altitude adventures like yesterday, today’s trek is a soft descent into the great Barun Valley. Leave Dobate, follow tracks through lush forests of rhododendron and fir, and flow with the Barun River. The place is so rich in biodiversity that while walking one might get the chance to spot some Himalayan wildlife and rare alpine flora as well.

As you go deeper down, the dramatic valley opens up-there are huge cliffs, thousands of waterfalls, glaciers hanging up above the plateaus, etc. The trail is sometimes narrow or rocky in parts, so caution is still required.

This beautiful grazing ground in the forest with gigantic mountain walls on either side houses Yangri Kharka (3,557m). It creates a secluded and quiet atmosphere that feels deep in the mountains and far removed from civilization.

Here will be your night stay at a simple teahouse or tented camp. With the fresh mountain air and sounds of the Barun River, it is time to prepare for the next leg of the journey-deeper into the alpine realm and ever closer to Makalu Base Camp.

An overnight stay at Yangri Kharka.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/teahouse in Yangri Kharka

As one goes high on altitude, transformation begins. First, there will be dense vegetation and then alpine meadows with a few scattered rock outcrops, followed by stunning views of Baruntse, 7220, and other peaks, including Makalu at a distance. The trail inclines ahead, and you will encounter numerous yak herding camps along the path.

After a few hours of steady ascent, you will reach Langmale Kharka (4420m), perhaps the most beautiful pocket in all of Nepal, surrounded by imposing ridges and alpine meadows. A very quiet and remote place has a perfect view of Makalu and surrounding mountains, so it would be a convenient point to settle for a bit of relaxation and acclimatization before the final effort up to Makalu Base Camp.

Here, you will be accommodated in simple little tea houses or camps; you will be provided with a hot meal, and you will sleep under the shining stars in this alpine beauty.

An overnight stay at Langmale Kharka.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse or camping in Langmale Kharka.

Today is the day when you approach Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), the point at which this incredible journey will end. An extensive trail takes you along a rugged path, crossing glacial streams and rocky terrain, consisting of a long ascending walk from Langmale Kharka for breakfast. The view promptly transforms into an amazing panorama of towering peaks, glaciers, and moraines.

Stepping onward from the trek, consisting of alpine meadows and boulder fields, it provides dramatic scenes of Mt. Makalu, Chamlang, and the Makalu Barun Glacier. Greater human footprints will end as the elevation ascends. It forms an authentic Himalayan experience, unspoiled and raw.

It is a steady allege that will finally take you to your destination-Makalu Base Camp (4870m)-perched in the high glacial valley beneath the Makalu southern face. The base camp views are spectacular: some incredibly steep ice walls, enormous glaciers, and all around snow-covered peaks make the setting jaw-droppingly impressive.

Take a moment when you reach base camp to think about all the incredible things you have seen. It is a pretty unique feeling of achievement and somewhere with quite some solitude in the heart of the Himalayas. This secluded quiet spot far away from the jamboree of the many famous trekking routes gives you a sense of accomplishment and solitude.

Put up your tent and enjoy a celebratory meal after that and bask in relaxation. It’s an experience that really makes someone forget how to breathe at the foot of the world’s tallest and most daunting mountains.

An overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse or camping in Makalu Base Camp.

This is actually a very important acclimatization exploration day at Makalu Base Camp. After many days of trekking and moving to higher altitudes, this is a rest day dedicated to enjoying the beautiful environment, relaxing, recuperating, and acclimatizing.

A short hike on the base camp area can add some great views of the nearby peaks and glaciers to the day. Among the common options are hikes to the Makalu Base Camp viewpoint, where you can get an even closer look at Makalu’s South Face and the adjoining Barun Glacier. Very remote, rugged, and pristine here-this place offers unbelievable picture-taking opportunities.

Those who are acclimatized and who feel strong can continue to higher lookout points in the area, such as Barun Glacier or South Col, to see the challenging terrain trekkers face on the summit route. But all this effort should be curtailed to prevent altitude sickness and leave some energy for the return trip.

Spend the afternoon relaxing alone in the peacefulness that the base camp offers. It is a rare time to reflect on your journey, enjoy the views, and savor the solitude of the environment. One would meet the guide to learn more about the natural history, culture, and wildlife of the area, enriching the experience even further.

After a long exploratory day, return to your campsite, eat hot food, and enjoy the silence of the base camp amidst giant peaks and glaciers.

An overnight stay at Makalu Base Camp.

Trek duration: Optional hike (2-3) hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse or camping in Makalu Base Camp

On leaving the full of exploration day at Makalu Base Camp, you’ll soon start a descent back down to the valley floor. It’s going to be a long trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka (3,557m) but a lovely one. Leaving behind the heights gradually, you’ll go through the lush lower areas of the Barun Valley.

It goes down quite steadily at the beginning of its route through alpine meadows and over rocky places, passing by glaciers and ice flows before a further, gradual downstream descent into forested country and grassy meadows. Dense stands of flora begin to evidence the heavy green-wash of more foliage and an increase in wildlife as you drop altitudes.

You will enjoy the vast cutouts of mountains of the region, Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse. Savor the trek as it grants you an opportunity to view these magnificent peaks more from a different angle after having visited them in the base camp.

When you finally arrive at Yangri Kharka, you will again have returned to a much more temperate zone, where below the floor of the valley will provide some warmth and quiet. The settlement is a welcome oasis of tranquillity after those hard days spent at altitude. Settle into your camping area or teahouse, enjoy a delicious meal, and contemplate the views of evening light on your next adventure ahead.

An overnight stay at Yangri Kharka.

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse at Yangri Kharka

This day’s journey is going to be a pleasant downhill walk from Yangri Kharka to Dobate (3,650m), nestled in a tranquil valley with incredible views of neighboring peaks. Following the Barun River, the trail takes you through dense forest and rolling hills.

You shall walk into meadows surrounded by forests of rhododendrons and pines, with views of the Makalu region. The surrounding high-altitude terrain gives way to a greener world as you descend from the higher elevations. While passing through the forest, keep a lookout for the local wildlife, including birds and occasional herds of yak.

Ending a moderately demanding day of walking in Dobate, you would be staying again in the teahouse or camping. This little village calls for some quiet reflection after the serious work you already have done in the high altitudes. It is now your best chance to unwind and rejuvenate before taking on the next section of your trek at lower altitudes.

An enjoyable hot meal, followed by a comfortable night, gazing at the beautiful forest that surrounds you and this peaceful little dwelling.

An overnight stay at Dobate.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse at Dobate

The walk today takes you from the silent alpine woods of Dobate to the tall ridgetop habitation called Danda Kharka (3,630m). While the height gain is pretty minimal, the path has many up and downs to negotiate across a series of ridges and forested hills.

The beginning is a very advancing route through a really thick rhododendron-and-fir forest along a really nice trail with great sights and quiet sounds. There will then be momentous views across the connecting valleys, as one sees farther and farther away through the Himalayan peaks featuring in their splendor.

What the climb may lack in elevation, it can still make up for in the fact that it may be strenuous dallying through undulating terrain and snow cover depending on the season. For you today, enjoy a fine, fascinating day of walking as quiet thrums down toward virgin alpine.

Once you have reached Danda Kharka, you will find a quiet and peaceful rest stop, nestled into the hills. It’s a cozy nook to settle into after a long day on the trail. You will be lodged in a simple teahouse or tent, treated to a hot meal, and then kick back under a clear mountain sky.

An overnight stay at Danda Kharka.

Trek duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse at Danda Kharka

With this trek, you will cherish the grand objective of coming down from the cold alpine zone and merging into the lush mid-hills, leaving Danda Kharka behind for the village of Seduwa. Treading downwards, the route meanders through thick forests, hillside terraces, and scattered local settlements.

Downhill through the colorful rhododendron groves, bamboo thickets become areas that are moss-lined and host a colorful palette of wildflowers that bloom particularly well in spring. Occasionally, you could come across local villagers engaged in their daily routines, thereby adding cultural fascination to nature’s elegance.

Crossing over several minor streams and ridges, the weather grows warmer, and flora begins to fill the air. The sights and sounds of lowland Nepal call back more comfortingly with every lowering step, softening the remoteness of alpine days.

Eventually, you will reach a lively village called Seduwa, a town high above the Arun River. Since this village marks the entry and exit point for Makalu Barun National Park, you will see increasing signs of local agriculture and community life.

Savor a warm meal and comfortable rest in a teahouse, and begin to contemplate on the great distance you have traveled-from glaciers and snowfields into the warm heart of eastern Nepal’s hills.

An overnight stay at Seduwa.

Trek duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse at Seduwa

On the last day of the trek, you will make the descent from Seduwa to the Arun River, cross a suspension bridge, and begin a final uphill climb back to Num. In elevation, it may not compare much to the earlier climbs; nevertheless, the trail offers great challenge, as is the classic blend of steep descents and ascents through forested hills, terraced farms, and small villages.

Having trekked for about 4 to 5 hours, you will reach Num (1,560 m). This is where your trek officially ends. Spend a few moments celebrating this amazing journey, from deep valleys and high passes to the very base of the world’s fifth-highest mountain.

From Num, we drive back to Tumlingtar (410 m) in jeeps or 4WD vehicles. Spectacles and a bumpy descent characterize the trip, which passes through dense forest and small hill villages, then gradual descent to the lowlands of eastern Nepal. It offers one last chance to enjoy the rural beauty and mountain views of the area.

Check in to a comfortable lodge or hotel and enjoy an evening sharing tales with your team over drinks and dinner while reflecting on this incredible adventure that you have just completed in the remote wilderness of the Makalu-Barun region.

An overnight stay at Tumlingtar.

Trek duration: 4-5 hours

Drive duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse at Tumlingtar

Long after a rejuvenating night slugging it out in Tumlingtar, it is time for you to transfer to the local airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. It’s those short flights that allow for a last view from above over the Himalayas, rural villages, and river valleys through which you passed in your journey.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’re going to be transferred to your hotel. Besides the visiting agents, you could spend this day relaxing, exploring the city, shopping for little gifts, or just have the comforts of a city after staying out in the petrified silks of the mountains.

This marks the official end of your Makalu Base Camp Trek with Access the Asia Treks. We hope the memories, challenges, and beauty of this adventure stay with you for a lifetime!

An overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Flight duration: 35 minutes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Luxury hotel in Kathmandu

Your incredible adventure to Makalu Base Camp comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy a relaxed morning, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply soak in the atmosphere of Kathmandu.

A representative from Access the Asia Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.

Thank you for trekking with Access the Asia Treks. We hope to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure!