GHT Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek with Arun Valley

Makalu Barun National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. The rewards of trekking here are fantastic, but hard won – this is remote wilderness trekking for the experienced.

The trail to Makalu Base Camp takes you deep into the high Himalayas with the giant of Makalu, The Great Black, looming above you and Everest, Lhotse and Baruntse in view. The verdant Arun and Barun river valleys lead to Makalu Base Camp.

The trail starts in Tumlingtar and is either ascending or descending, there are really no flat walking sections, which makes for quite arduous trekking. However, the natural surroundings are stunning. The upper reaches of the trail resemble the Yosemite Valley – towering polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers and overflowing with waterfalls. In the lower reaches of the trail you’ll come across some of the most colorful rhododendron forests you’ll ever see. Trekkers who have been there claim it is the prettiest hike they’ve ever done.

Plan Your Trek

plan your trek

Trek Facts

  • Duration

    18 Days

  • Altitude

    5000

  • Seasons

    March, April, May, September, October, November

  • Accommodation

    Camping, Teahouse/Lodge

  • Starting Point

    Tumlingtar

  • Ending Point

    Tumlingtar

  • Level of Difficulty

         

    Hard

  • Permit Needed

    Restricted Area Trekking Permit for Sankhuwasabha District
    (if visiting Upper Arun Valley) and Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit

View Itinerary

  • Day 1 Flight Kathmandu - Tumlingtar (360 m), drive to Num (1500 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 2 Num (1500 m) - Simma (1300 m) via Dovan to cross Arun River, 6 hrs
  • Day 3 Simma (1300 m) - Yakuwa (Ekuwa) (2300 m) 5 hrs
  • Day 4 Yakuwa (Ekuwa) (2300 m) - Buje (1900 m) 8 hrs
  • Day 5 Buje (1900 m) - Dhap (3000 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 6 Dhap (3000 m) - Baule Pokhari (4000 m) 7 hrs
  • Day 7 Baule Pokhari (4000 m) - Yangle Kharka (3600 m) 7 hrs
  • Day 8 Yangle Kharka (3600 m) - Merek (4570 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 9 Merek (4570 m) - Shersong (4660 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 10 Shersong (4660 m) - Makalu Base Camp (5000 m) 3 hrs
  • Day 11 Explore MBC and return to Shersong (4660 m) 3-5 hours
  • Day 12 Shersong (4660 m) - Yangle Kharka (3600 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 13 Yangle Kharka (3600 m) - Thulo Pokhari (4000 m) 7 hrs
  • Day 14 Thulo Pokhari (4000 m) - Tashigaon (2070 m) 7 hrs
  • Day 15 Tashigaon (2070 m) - Seduwa (1610 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 16 Seduwa (1610 m) - Num (1500 m) 7 hrs
  • Day 17 Num (1500 m) - Tumlingtar (6 hrs drive)
  • Day 18 Morning flight Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Specialised Operators offering this itinerary

Makalu-Himalayan Glacier
Makalu-Langtang ri Trekking
Makalu-Sherpa Heritage Trails
Himal Eco Treks- Makalu Basecamp

You may like

Related Stories