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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek

From £2,685
Altitude 4,850m Grade: T4

This remote expedition approach enjoys wonderful views of several high altitude peaks and treks to the base of the world's fifth highest mountain, Makalu (8463m).

This is an expedition approach trek, where you will trek into Makalu Base Camp alongside our expedition team members.

The Makalu Base Camp trek is a remote trek to the foot of the fifth highest peak in the world, Mount Makalu (8463m). Taking in dramatic Himalayan landscapes, passing through hilltop villages and encountering rural Nepali culture, this trek explores one of the most secluded areas of Nepal. The Makalu Base camp trek is a true adventure for experienced trekkers, with 17 full days of trekking and camping.

On departing Kathmandu we fly east to Tumlingtar and then drive to the trek start. The route follows the Arun river valley up to Sedua and Num, before crossing the Shipton La Pass (4210m). This brings us into the beautiful upper Barun river valley where we are treated to a closer look at the Himalayan giants of Makalu and Chamlang Himal. The Barun valley is designated Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation area. Our path to Makalu Base Camp leads us through rhododendron forests, past waterfalls and over snow-covered passes adorned with Buddhist prayer flags.

Read more about the Makalu summit expedition

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Dates & Prices

Show prices in
All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

Dates
Flight Inclusive		AvailabilityDays
With Flight		Price
Land Only		Price
With Flight		Select
5th Apr 2025 - 27th Apr 2025 Spaces23 £2,685£3,585 Book Now
11th Oct 2025 - 2nd Nov 2025 Spaces23 £2,685£3,585 Book Now

* A deposit of £400 will be required at checkout.

Extras

Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date

ItemPriceDays
Everest from the Air £295
Chitwan Safari at Tigerland Resort (+4 days) £550+4 days
Chitwan Safari at Parkland Resort (+4 days) £450+4 days

* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip

What's Included

  • Estimated International flights from London (flight inclusive package)
  • Accommodation - hotel 3 nights, camping 17 nights
  • Meals - 20 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 evening meals
  • All camping equipment (excluding personal kit)
  • Park Fees as appropriate
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • All road transfers in country (unless indicated in 'exclusions')
  • Qualified UK group tour leader (subject to minimum numbers)
  • Local guides
  • Local trekking staff to assist (cook and porters)
  • Adventure Peaks gift
  • 24hr back-up and support from our UK staff
  • 15% Discount off the RRP on clothing and equipment purchased at the Adventure Peaks shop.

What's Excluded

  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal equipment
  • Drinks and personal spending
  • Tips for local staff
  • Meals if not indicated in inclusions
  • Visas (if required)
  • Museum and monument entry fees
  • Costs associated with an expedition/trek finishing early, or you leaving an expedition / trek early
  • Costs associated with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances including the cost of extra nights accommodation, and if required the helicopter cost to and from Lukla (including a share of the leaders cost)

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart UK Fly to Kathmandu

Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu and Transfer to hotel.

Day 3 Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num

Day 4 Trek Num (1490m) - Sedua (1460m)
The trail today descends steeply from Num through the cornfields of Lumbang. The landscape is rocky with corn and barley terraces, which we pass before a tough climb to Sedua. Camp

Day 5 Trek Sedua (1460m) - Tashi Gaun (2070m)
The trail crosses meadows and several streams, then climbs to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley. Camp

Day 6 Trek Tashi Gaon (2070m) - Kauma (3470m)
Today is a demanding day as we ascend on a trail through forests along a ridge before descending to Kauma where we camp.

Day 7 Rest and acclimatisation day in Kauma (3470m)

Day 8 Trek Kauma (3470m) - Mumbak (3570m)
We start today with a fair climb then through more gentle rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge. We will have superb views of Chamlang (7290 m), Peak 6 (6739 m) and Peak 7 (6105 m). Then we will have a final descent through a forest of fir trees and rhododendrons to Mumbuk. Camp

Day 9 Trek Mumbuk (3570m) - Nhe Kharka (3750m)
Today the trail descends beside a stream for about 500m. The trail is rough and rocky as it leads up the glacial valley. From here we will admire stunning views of Peak 6. Nhe Kharka is located on a large open grassy plain, where we will have wonderful mountain views. Camp

Day 10 Trek Nhe Kharka (3750m) - Sherson (4615m)
The trail today turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7168m) and Peak 4 (6720m) amongst others. Today is a big gain in terms of altitude so we take it gently.

Day 11 Trek Sherson (4615m) - Makalu Base Camp (5000m)
Today is a gradual climb to a pass, where we will have magnificent views of Makalu’s south face, together with the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. Camp

Day 12 Explore Makalu Base Camp

Day 13 Descend Makalu Base Camp to Nhe Kharka (3750m)
We retrace back down the Barun Valley. Camp

Day 14 Trek Nhe Kharka (3750m) to Mumbuk (3570m)
We continue descending back. Camp at Mumbuk

Day 15 Trek Mumbuk (3570m) - Kauma (3470m)
We trek across Shipton La and descend to Kauma

Day 16 Trek Kauma (3470m) - Tashi Gaon (2070m)
Today we walk a bit long to Tashi Gaon. Camp

Day 17 Trek to Pukuwa (1520m)
We walk through farming settlements to a Rai village, continuing through forests past several streams to Pukuwa. Camp

Day 18 Trek Pukuwa (1520m) - Bumling (1160m)
Today’s path through the forests follows some spectacular high and exposed narrow tracks as it climbs over rocky ridges. We camp across the Chhetri village of Bumling.

Day 19 Trek Bumling - Tumlingtar (860m)
We follow the east bank of the Arun and the route passes through Chyawabesi before making a short climb back to Tumlingtar. Camp

Day 20 Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Day 21 Free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing

Day 22 Depart Kathmandu

Day 23 Arrive home

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

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