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    • Home
    • About
      • The Challenge
      • Origin Story
      • Photo Gallery
      • Trekker Spotlight (soon)
    • 14 Base Camps
      • Map
      • 1. Mt Everest
      • 2. K2
      • 3. Kangchenjunga
      • 4. Lhotse
      • 5. Makalu
      • 6. Cho Oyu
      • 7. Dhaulagiri
      • 8. Manaslu
      • 9. Nanga Parbat
      • 10. Annapurna I
      • 11. Gasherbrum I
      • 12. Broad Peak
      • 13. Gasherbrum II
      • 14. Shishapangma
    • Resources
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  • Home
  • About
    • The Challenge
    • Origin Story
    • Photo Gallery
    • Trekker Spotlight (soon)
  • 14 Base Camps
    • Map
    • 1. Mt Everest
    • 2. K2
    • 3. Kangchenjunga
    • 4. Lhotse
    • 5. Makalu
    • 6. Cho Oyu
    • 7. Dhaulagiri
    • 8. Manaslu
    • 9. Nanga Parbat
    • 10. Annapurna I
    • 11. Gasherbrum I
    • 12. Broad Peak
    • 13. Gasherbrum II
    • 14. Shishapangma
  • Resources
    • Planning Tips
    • Gear List
    • Great Books
  • Base Camp Badges
  • Certificate
    • Request
    • Public Registry
    • FAQs
  • Store
    • T-Shirts
    • Mugs
    • Flags
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  • Contact

5. Makalu Base Camp Trek (Nepal)

Snow-covered mountain peak during sunrise with rocky foreground.

Trek Overview

This remote, demanding trek in eastern Nepal leads you to the base  of Makalu, the world’s fifth‑highest peak. Crossing the wild landscapes  of Makalu‑Barun National Park, you’ll navigate rugged terrain,  including the high Shipton La (4,125 m). Far quieter than the Everest or  Annapurna regions, the route offers a true wilderness experience—steep  climbs, isolated valleys, and dramatic Himalayan scenery.  

Key Information

  • Summit elevation: 8,485 m
  • Base camp altitude: 4,870 m
  • Highest trekking point: Makalu Base Camp
  • Duration: 16-18 days 
  • Difficulty rating: Hard
  • Best time to go: March-May and September-November 
  • Starting point: Num, Nepal 
  • Total trekking distance (return): Approx. 130 km

Example 18-Day Itinerary (start/end Kathmandu, Nepal)

  • Day 1: Fly to Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Tumlingtar (380 m), drive to Num (1,560 m)  
  • Day 2: Num to Seduwa (1,460 m)  
  • Day 3: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100 m)  
  • Day 4: Tashigaon (~2,100 m) to Khongma Danda (3,500 m)  
  • Day 5: Acclimatization day - Khongma Danda (3,500 m)  
  • Day 6: Khongma Danda, cross Shipton La (4,125 m) to Dobato (3,650 m)  
  • Day 7: Dobato to Yangri Kharka (3,557 m)  
  • Day 8: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410 m)  
  • Day 9: Langmale Kharka (4,410 m) to Shershong (4,615 m)  
  • Day 10: Shershong to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)  
  • Day 11: Exploration day - Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)  
  • Day 12: Makalu Base Camp to Shershong (4,615 m)  
  • Day 13: Shershong to Yangri Kharka (3,557 m)  
  • Day 14: Yangri Kharka to Dobato (3,650 m)  
  • Day 15: Dobato to Khongma Danda (3,500 m)  
  • Day 16: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon (2,100 m)  
  • Day 17: Tashigaon to Seduwa to Num, drive to Tumlingtar (380 m)  
  • Day 18: Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (1,400 m).

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Makalu Base Camp Trek - Photo Gallery

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