A wild trek through the Makalu Barun National Park, from subtropical forest to the base camp of Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest mountain. Remote, quiet and tough.
The route
Makalu (8,485 m) is the world's fifth-highest mountain, a huge four-sided pyramid in eastern Nepal. The trek to its base camp is one of the wildest in the country. You walk from rice terraces and subtropical forest by the Arun River up to high alpine pastures and glaciers in the Barun Valley.
Experienced trekkers who want true wilderness and do not mind simple lodges. It is not for first-timers.
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num. The trail drops to the Arun River and climbs to Seduwa and Tashigaon, the last village. A huge climb leads to Khongma Danda. Then you cross Keke La and Shipton La, at about 4,200 m, into the Barun Valley. You follow the valley up to Yangle Kharka, Langmale and Makalu Base Camp at about 4,870 m. You return the same way.
October to November and April to May. Shipton La can be snowbound from December to March.
Hard. Big height gains and losses in the lower section, followed by high camps. Do not rush the Shipton La section, which is high and exposed.
You need the Makalu Barun National Park permit (NPR 3,000). The Nepal Tourism Board lists some wards of Makalu Rural Municipality as restricted, and agencies handle the paperwork differently, so confirm the exact permits with your agency. The price on this page is a typical starting price; message us for a quote.
The national park falls under the 2023 licensed-guide rule. Given how remote it is, you need a guide here anyway.
Stay in Thamel before you fly to Tumlingtar. See our Kathmandu hostels, such as Alobar1000.
For another remote eastern trek, see Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Day by day
Down to the Arun River and up again.
The last village.
A big climb.
Over Keke La and Shipton La (about 4,200 m).
Into the Barun valley.
Views of Makalu's south face, plus Everest and Lhotse from nearby ridges on a clear day.
Good to know
Usually 16 to 20 days from Kathmandu.
Hard. Long climbs, a high pass section over Shipton La and basic facilities.
Yes, simple lodges now exist along the route, but they are basic and limited. In peak season some groups still camp.
Makalu Barun National Park falls under the 2023 licensed-guide rule. The remoteness makes a guide essential anyway.
The Makalu Barun National Park entry permit. Some parts of the area may need extra local or restricted permits; confirm with your agency before you go.
October to November and April to May. Shipton La can be snowbound in winter.
Expect around US$1,600–2,500 with guide, permits and flights.
The park is home to red pandas, musk deer and many birds. Sightings are rare but possible.
From ridges near base camp, on clear days you can see Everest and Lhotse in the distance.
Thamel. See our Kathmandu hostel list.
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