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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

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
10th Oct 2026 - 1st Nov 2026 Spaces23 £2,685£3,685 Book Now
3rd Apr 2027 - 25th Apr 2027 Spaces23 £2,785£3,785 Book Now
9th Oct 2027 - 31st Oct 2027 Spaces23 £2,785£3,785 Book Now

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

** Flight prices are estimated and will be confirmed prior to final payment.

Payment Schedule:
Initial Deposit as quoted above upon booking
Interim Deposit £400, due 4 months before departure
Final Balance due 10 weeks before departure

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 for any optional extras selected will be required at checkout, with the amount depending on the extras chosen.

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)
  • All team members will receive a free logoed gift (for clients residing outside of the UK a postage charge will be applied)
  • 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

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 Kathandu.

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

We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks Tel: 0207 938 1734
For Trekking Peaks under 7000m (such as Mera & Island Peak) ensure to contact them directly prior to purchasing a policy, including your trip itinerary to ensure your trip is covered

True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 020 3822 0200 for treks, some Nepali trekking peaks and low technicality higher peaks like Peak Lenin or Aconcagua
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111

World Trips: www.worldtrips.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/ 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: 0800 043 0020
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk (Online Only)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0333 005 1085 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

World Trips: www.worldtrips.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 020 3822 0200
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/ Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: (0) 330 678 3394
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) +1 833-362-0692
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients) Tel: +61 (0) 2 9312 5168

Insurance for Technical Peaks and High/Extreme altitude (7000m+) – you will find obtaining insurance for these peaks quite difficult, however Global Rescue is used by many clients and our expedition leaders

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:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/


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 – info@adventurepeaks.com

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