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| 2–3 trekkers | $2,300 |
| 4–6 trekkers | $2,275 |
| 7–9 trekkers | $2,250 |
| 10+ trekkers | $2,225 |
This trip is fully customizable
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging and remote 17–22 day adventure through the untouched wilderness of eastern Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Makalu (8,485m)—the world’s fifth-highest mountain—and passes through some of the most diverse and pristine ecosystems in the Himalayas.
Unlike popular routes like the Everest or Annapurna treks, the Makalu Base Camp trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, high-altitude alpine meadows, and glacial moraine landscapes with minimal crowds. Highlights include the Barun Valley, views of Mount Everest and Lhotse, and a profound sense of solitude in the shadow of towering peaks. The journey begins with a flight to Tumlingtar and a drive to Num, from where the trek follows a steep and scenic trail through the Makalu-Barun National Park—a protected area home to red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and over 3,000 species of flowering plants.
This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers seeking high-altitude adventure, biodiversity, and cultural immersion in one of Nepal’s last great Himalayan wildernesses. With proper acclimatization and an expert guide, the Makalu Base Camp Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience far from the commercial trekking circuits.
Flight Time: 45 minutes | Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
Take a scenic morning flight to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal. From there, drive through mid-hill landscapes, remote villages, and subtropical forests to reach the village of Num—the starting point of the Makalu Base Camp trek.
Overnight: Teahouse in Num
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Descend steeply through terraced fields and forest to cross the Arun River via a suspension bridge. Then begin a steady climb up to Seduwa, passing cardamom farms and bamboo groves. Seduwa is the entrance to Makalu-Barun National Park.
Overnight: Teahouse in Seduwa
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Continue the trek uphill through a series of small villages and forests rich with rhododendron and bamboo. Tashigaon is the last permanent settlement en route to the base camp.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Climb steeply through lush forest, crossing multiple stone staircases and ridges. The trail eventually opens up to alpine terrain, reaching Khongma Danda—a high ridge with stunning mountain views.
Overnight: Teahouse in Khongma Danda
Optional Hike: 1–2 hours
Take a well-earned rest day to adjust to the altitude. Short hikes above camp offer panoramic views of surrounding valleys and peaks. Essential for safe acclimatization before crossing high passes.
Overnight: Teahouse in Khongma Danda
Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
A challenging day crossing three high passes: Keke La (4,170m), Shipton La (4,229m), and Tutu La (4,080m). Descend through rhododendron forests to the remote outpost of Dobate.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobate
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Descend into a lush gorge and follow the Barun River through mossy forests and past waterfalls. The trail then climbs gradually to the yak pastures of Yangri Kharka.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yangri Kharka
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Gradual ascent through alpine meadows, passing herders’ huts and mani walls. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks en route to Langmale.
Overnight: Teahouse in Langmale Kharka
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Follow glacial moraines and rocky terrain to reach Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Mt. Makalu (8,485m)—the world’s fifth highest peak—along with surrounding giants like Peak 6 and Baruntse.
Overnight: Teahouse at Makalu Base Camp
Optional Hike: 2–3 hours
Spend the day exploring glacial lakes, ridges, and viewpoints near base camp. Side hikes offer closer views of Makalu's south face and the Barun Glacier.
Overnight: Teahouse at Makalu Base Camp
Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
Retrace your steps down through alpine terrain to Yangri Kharka, passing Langmale and the yak pasturelands along the way.
Overnight: Teahouse in Yangri Kharka
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Continue descending through forested trails along the Barun River gorge, with lush vegetation and waterfalls marking the return path to Dobate.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dobate
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
A long ascent over the high passes again—Shipton La and Keke La—rewarding you with final views before returning to Khongma Danda.
Overnight: Teahouse in Khongma Danda
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Descend steeply through forest and rhododendron to reach the Sherpa village of Tashigaon once again, where greenery and lower altitude feel refreshing.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tashigaon
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Retrace your steps down to Seduwa and climb back up the ridge to Num. This marks the final trekking day of the journey.
Overnight: Teahouse in Num
Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
Take a long and scenic jeep ride back through hill villages and winding mountain roads to reach Tumlingtar. Enjoy a relaxing evening before your flight the next day.
Overnight: Lodge in Tumlingtar
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Take a morning or mid-day flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy final views of the Himalayas from the air as you return to the capital city.
Trip Ends: Connect to your hotel or onward travel
October 10, 2025
““Jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter” We have had the absolute pleasure to trek with “above and beyond” on 2 occasions (3 passes trek 2019 and manaslu circuit 2025). I would recommend Sam and his company to anyone as the ONLY way to trek in Nepal. For the 3 passes we trekked with the absolute gentleman Gopal and we had an incredible experience doing the very challenging passes. Gopal was always kind, encouraging and knowledgeable with his information. For Manaslu we trekked with the legend that is Sam himself - not only was the trek beautiful, we had epic company in Sam! He was fantastic at telling us about the local area, ensuring we had great places to stay, pacing us on the walk, providing great encouragement and brilliant entertainment. He even helped us learn some more Nepali and compose some trekking songs, most notably “jam, jam, honey, honey, peanut butter!!””
November 2, 2025
“Having sampled trekking in Nepal last year on a section of the Everest trail one view of our son and daughter-in-law’s pictures of their Manaslu trek was enough to make us want to give it a go. Sam at Above and Beyond had been their guide and so on their strong recommendation we contacted him to help us on this trip. From the very start it was clear our kids had given us very good advice. Keeping in touch with Sam during the booking process was easy and he took care of all the necessary permits and advised on equipment for the trek so that all we had to do was turn up in Kathmandu at the right time. From there he had all transport, accommodation and portering sorted. The trek itself is amazing, walking along side thundering rivers through a changing landscape as you climb from 900 metres to over 5000 metres during the course of this adventure. It is a true experience on so many levels. The scenery is breathtaking; you gain an insight into Nepali life; you face a testing physical challenge. Throughout this Sam is there as much as a friend as a guide, helping us to get the most out of our journey. So if you would like to do something that is truly special email Sam and ask him to take around the Manaslu circuit.”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”
