An 18-day guided trek in eastern Nepal from Tumlingtar and Num, over the Shipton La ridge and up the Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) below the south face of the world's fifth-highest mountain. It is remote and quiet, with simple lodges and very few other trekkers.
An 18-day guided trek in eastern Nepal from Tumlingtar and Num, over the Shipton La ridge and up the Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) below the south face of the world's fifth-highest mountain. It is remote and quiet, with simple lodges and very few other trekkers.
Makalu (8,485 m) is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, a four-sided pyramid on the border with Tibet, and the trek to its base camp runs through Makalu Barun National Park, one of the least-visited protected areas in Nepal. The route climbs from rice terraces and cardamom fields at around 1,000 m to the glacier moraine at the foot of the south face, crossing forest, high ridges and a long glacial valley along the way.
We fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num, where the trek starts. The first days cross the deep Arun gorge to Seduwa and climb through Rai and Sherpa villages to Tashigaon, the last permanent settlement. From Khongma Danda we cross the Shipton La ridge, with Keke La and Shipton La at about 4,200 m, and drop into the Barun valley. The trail then follows the Barun river up past Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp. We return the same way.
The itinerary is paced for the altitude. We spend two nights at Khongma Danda before the ridge crossing, gain height gradually up the Barun valley, and spend two nights at base camp, with an optional climb onto the ridge above camp to around 5,250 m. Walking days are mostly five to seven hours, with the hardest work on the long climb from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda and the pass day to Dobato.
Facilities are basic. Above Tashigaon the lodges are small and seasonal, with simple rooms, a shared dining room and a short menu, and there is little or no phone signal in the Barun valley. In return you get a wild valley with waterfalls, red panda forest and huge rock walls, and the south face of Makalu with no crowds at all.
This trek suits fit hikers with previous multi-day trekking experience. There are 15 walking days, most of five to seven hours, with long climbs and descents: the first day drops about 800 m to the Arun and climbs back up, the day to Khongma Danda gains about 1,400 m, and the Shipton La crossing takes six to eight hours above 4,000 m. Trails are steep, rocky and sometimes muddy, and can hold snow on the ridge in spring and late autumn. Start training at least three months before departure with regular hill walks carrying a 6–8 kg pack, building to back-to-back days with 1,000 m or more of ascent and descent. Stair work and leg strength exercises help with the long descents. Previous time above 3,500 m is helpful but not required, as long as you follow the acclimatisation plan.
We meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Your guide briefs you on the route and checks your kit in the evening, and we finalise the national park and municipality permits.
A short flight east takes us to Tumlingtar, on a wide terrace above the Arun river. From there a jeep climbs through Khandbari and along the ridge past Chichila to Num, a village perched high above the Arun gorge. The road is unpaved after Khandbari and the drive takes four to five hours.
We drop steeply through terraced fields and forest to the suspension bridge over the Arun, around 800 m below Num, then climb just as steeply up the far side to Seduwa. The national park checkpoint is here, and your guide registers our permits. It is a short distance but a hard first day, so take the climb slowly.
An easier day climbing gently through cardamom plantations, millet terraces and small Rai and Sherpa hamlets. Tashigaon is the last permanent village on the route, and the last place to buy simple supplies.
A long, steady climb of about 1,400 m through oak and rhododendron forest, with stone steps in places, to the ridge-top clearing of Khongma Danda. The air thins quickly on this stretch, so keep a slow, even pace and drink plenty.
We spend a second night at Khongma Danda to adjust before the high crossing. In the morning we walk up to Khongma La (about 3,890 m) for views over the Arun valley and the ridges ahead, then come back down to rest.
The hardest day of the approach. We cross a chain of high points on the Shipton La ridge, passing the lakes of Kalo Pokhari, with Keke La at about 4,170 m and Shipton La at about 4,220 m, then descend through rhododendron to the small clearing of Dobato. On a clear morning you see Makalu, Chamlang and Kanchenjunga from the ridge. Snow can lie here in spring and late autumn.
We descend steeply through forest into the Barun valley and then follow the river upstream past Mumbuk and Nghe to the open pastures of Yangle Kharka. The valley walls rise straight up on both sides, with waterfalls pouring off the cliffs.
The valley widens above the treeline. We walk past Riphuk and the yak pastures of Merek, climbing steadily to Langmale Kharka, where the first views of Makalu open up at the head of the valley.
We follow the Barun river past glacial moraines and small lakes to Makalu Base Camp, on a flat area beside the Barun glacier. The south face of Makalu (8,485 m) rises above the camp, with Chamlang and Baruntse to the west. Lodges here are very basic and open only in the trekking season.
A full day at base camp. If everyone is feeling well, your guide leads a climb onto the ridge above camp, to around 5,250 m, for wider views of Makalu, the Barun glacier and the Everest group to the west. Otherwise we walk along the moraine near camp and rest.
We walk back down the Barun valley, past Langmale and Merek, to Yangle Kharka. It is a long day, but it is downhill most of the way and the thicker air helps.
We follow the river back down through the forest past Nghe and Mumbuk, then climb out of the Barun valley to Dobato.
We climb back onto the Shipton La ridge and recross the passes and the Kalo Pokhari lakes, then descend to Khongma Danda. With full acclimatisation this crossing feels easier than on the way in.
A steep descent of about 1,400 m through the forest back to Tashigaon. Poles help on the stone steps. The afternoon is free in the village.
A relaxed walk down through the farming villages to Seduwa, with time to look around the village in the afternoon.
We descend to the Arun bridge and make the last steep climb up to Num, where our jeep is waiting. We then drive back along the ridge road to Tumlingtar for the night.
A morning flight returns us to Kathmandu, and we transfer you to your hotel. If weather delays the flight, we wait at Tumlingtar for the next service or drive out if the delay is long.
Permits we arrange: Makalu Barun National Park, makalu_rural_municipality, TIMS card
You need a Makalu Barun National Park entry permit, the Makalu Rural Municipality entry permit and a TIMS card. The park permit is checked and registered at Seduwa. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks must trek with a licensed guide, so independent trekking is not allowed. The standard route from Num to Makalu Base Camp does not need a Restricted Area Permit; that permit applies to the restricted wards near the Tibetan border, which we do not enter. We arrange all permits in Kathmandu from a scan of your passport and visa.
You sleep at 4,410 m at Langmale Kharka and 4,870 m at base camp, and can reach around 5,250 m on the ridge above camp. The big jump comes early, from Tashigaon (2,100 m) to Khongma Danda (3,560 m), which is why we spend two nights at Khongma Danda before crossing Shipton La. Your guide checks your oxygen saturation and symptoms each evening. Tell your guide straight away about headaches, nausea or unusual tiredness; if symptoms get worse, we go down.
We fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, then drive four to five hours to Num on a road that is unpaved beyond Khandbari. Tumlingtar flights are usually reliable, but the mountain road can be slowed by rain and landslides early and late in the season. If the return flight is cancelled, we take the next flight or drive back to Kathmandu, which takes a long day. Allow a spare day in Kathmandu before your international flight.
There are no ATMs beyond Khandbari. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu for drinks, snacks, charging, showers and tips. Lower villages have some mobile signal and power; in the Barun valley charging is limited, often solar and paid, and there is little or no phone signal. Bring a power bank and keep batteries warm at night.
Above Tashigaon there are no villages, only seasonal lodges, and the nearest road is several days' walk away. The Shipton La ridge can hold snow and the trail into the Barun valley is steep and slippery when wet. In an emergency the fastest way out is a helicopter, which bad weather can delay. Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation to at least 5,500 m, and we need your policy details before the trek starts.
The best months are March to May and October to November. Autumn has the clearest views; spring has rhododendrons in flower in the forests below Khongma Danda. Lodges above Tashigaon are small and seasonal, and some close outside the main seasons, so we do not run this trek in the monsoon or in winter, when snow on Shipton La can block the route.
The park protects forests that are home to red panda, musk deer and a wide range of birds. Stay on the trail, carry out all your rubbish, and use a water filter or purification tablets instead of buying plastic bottles. Firewood is scarce at altitude, so lodges cook with limited fuel; ordering the same dishes as the rest of the group helps.
Everything is yours to bring, except items marked “We provide” or “Rent locally”.
Base layer tops and leggings (merino or synthetic)
Two sets
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Down jacketWe provide
On loan; needed every evening above Khongma Danda
Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
Trekking trousers, shorts and quick-dry shirts
The Arun valley is hot
Warm hat, sun hat and buff
Liner gloves and insulated gloves
Trekking socks
Four to five pairs
Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
Camp shoes or sandals
Gaiters
For mud in the forest and snow on Shipton La
Four-season sleeping bag (comfort around -10°C)We provide
On loan
Daypack of 30–35 litres with rain cover
Duffel bag for the porterWe provide
Keep it under 10 kg per person
Trekking polesRent locally
Strongly recommended for the steep descents
Headtorch with spare batteries
Two one-litre water bottles and a water filter or purification tablets
Power bank
Charging is limited in the Barun valley
Category 3–4 sunglasses
Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm
Personal first aid kit, blister care and insect repellent
Leeches are possible in the lower forest after rain
Personal medication, plus altitude medication if prescribed by your doctor
Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and quick-dry towel
Passport valid for six months, with spare passport photos
Needed for the permits
Travel insurance policy and emergency number
Nepali rupees in small notes
No ATMs beyond Khandbari
No. The standard route from Num through Seduwa, Tashigaon and the Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp needs the Makalu Barun National Park permit, the Makalu Rural Municipality permit and a TIMS card. Restricted Area Permits in Sankhuwasabha apply to the wards near the Tibetan border, which this trek does not enter.
Not without a guide. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks must trek with a licensed guide. You can book this as a private trek for one person with your own guide and porter, or join one of our group departures.
It is the toughest day of the approach: six to eight hours from Khongma Danda to Dobato, crossing Keke La and Shipton La at about 4,170 m and 4,220 m. There is no technical climbing, but the trail is rocky and can hold snow, and the descent to Dobato is steep. We cross it after two nights at Khongma Danda.
Num, Seduwa and Tashigaon have simple village teahouses. Above Tashigaon, the lodges at Khongma Danda, Dobato, Yangle Kharka, Langmale Kharka and base camp are small, seasonal and basic: shared rooms, a dining room with a stove and a short menu of dal bhat, noodles, potatoes and eggs. Hot showers are rare above Tashigaon.
Yes. Base camp sits beside the Barun glacier below the south face of Makalu, with Chamlang and Baruntse nearby. Clouds often build in the afternoon, so the clearest views are usually in the early morning. On our exploration day you can climb onto the ridge above camp for a wider view.
Our jeep takes us as far as Num, and we walk from there. Road building continues in the Arun valley and vehicles sometimes go further, but the tracks are rough and change from season to season, so we plan the trek from Num.
October and November give the clearest views and the most stable weather. March to May is also good, with rhododendrons flowering in the forests, though afternoon cloud and occasional snow on Shipton La are more common. The monsoon and winter are not suitable.
There is mobile signal in Tumlingtar, Khandbari and Num, and patchy coverage around Seduwa and Tashigaon. Above that, expect to be out of contact for about ten days. Your guide keeps in touch with our office whenever there is signal.
Your guide monitors everyone daily with a pulse oximeter. Mild symptoms often settle with rest at the same altitude. If symptoms get worse, the person descends with a member of staff, and in a serious case we arrange a helicopter evacuation through your insurer.
Makalu Base Camp Trek
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