An early mountain flight takes you to Lukla, where you meet your guide and porter. Instead of heading north to Everest, turn south through forest and villages to Paiya (Chutok) (4–6 hours). In peak season, Lukla flights may leave from Ramechhap (Manthali), a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu
Lukla to Makalu Base Camp Trek.
26
Days
Overview
The Lukla to Makalu Base Camp Trek links the Everest and Makalu regions of eastern Nepal on a quiet, little-known route. Instead of heading north to Everest with the crowds, you walk south and east from Lukla, across the hills of Solukhumbu, Khotang and Sankhuwasabha, and finish at the foot of Mt Makalu (8,463 m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
The first half of the trek crosses the Khari La and Pangum La passes through Sherpa and Rai villages, and climbs over the Salpa Pass past Salpa Pokhari, a sacred lake of the Kirat people. You then drop into the warm Irkhuwa and Arun valleys and walk up to Khandbari, MAST’s home town, for a rest day.
The second half follows the Makalu Base Camp route: from Seduwa through Tashigaon and Khongma, over Shipton La (4,216 m) and Keke La, and up the Barun Valley to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), surrounded by glaciers and the peaks of Makalu, Chamlang and Baruntse.
This is a long, remote trek for experienced walkers who want real solitude. You trek with a licensed guide, as required by Nepal’s trekking rules, and a local porter. Your trek supports the village families you stay with, and MAST’s profits fund schools and elderly care in the Makalu–Arun region.
Highlights
- • Fly into Lukla and walk away from the crowds on a little-used trail
- • Cross Khari La, Pangum La and Salpa Pass, and visit the sacred lake of Salpa Pokhari
- • Walk through Sherpa, Rai and Kirat villages and stay with local families
- • Rest in Khandbari, MAST’s home town, and see the community projects your trek supports
- • Cross Shipton La (4,216 m) and Keke La with views of Chamlang, Baruntse and Peaks 6 and 7
- • Reach Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) below the south face of the world’s fifth-highest mountain
Itinerary
A. Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 2,730m
- Day 6 1,680m
- Day 11 1,540m
- Day 16 3,600m
- Day 18 4,870m
- Day 21 3,550m
- Day 25 1,036m
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Net Gain/Loss | Trek Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu- Lukla -Paiya | 2730 | 0 | 4-6 |
| 2 | Trek from Paiya to Pangum | 2850 | 120 | 5-6 |
| 3 | Trek from Pangum to Najingdingma | 2650 | -200 | 4-5 |
| 4 | Trek from Najingdingma to Bung | 1900 | -750 | 4-5 |
| 5 | Trek from Bung to Sanam | 2850 | 950 | 4-5 |
| 6 | Trek from Sanam to Phedi | 1680 | -1170 | 7-8 |
| 7 | Trek from Phedi to Gothe Bazar | 775 | -905 | 6 |
| 8 | Trek from Gothebazar to Chewa Besi | 250 | -525 | 5-6 |
| 9 | Trek from Chewa besi to Khandbari | 1036 | 786 | 4-5 |
| 10 | Khandbari Rest Day. | 1036 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Travel from Khandbari to Seduwa (Drive) | 1540 | 504 | 5-6 |
| 12 | Trek From Seduwa to Tasigaun | 2070 | 530 | 5-6 |
| 13 | Trek from Tasi Gaun to Khongma | 3560 | 1490 | 3-5 |
| 14 | Trek from Khongma to Dobato | 3550 | -10 | 4-6 |
| 15 | Trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka | 3600 | 50 | 4 |
| 16 | Yangle Kharka (Rest Day) | 3600 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka | 4410 | 810 | 0 |
| 18 | Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp | 4870 | 460 | 0 |
| 19 | Makalu Base camp Exploration Day | 4870 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka. | 3600 | -1270 | 5-6 |
| 21 | Trek from Yangle Kharka to Dobato | 3550 | -50 | 5-6 |
| 22 | Trek form Dobato to Khongma | 3560 | 10 | 5-6 |
| 23 | Trek from Khongma to Tasigaun | 2072 | -1488 | 5-6 |
| 24 | Trek From Tasigaun to Seduwa | 1540 | -532 | 4-5 |
| 25 | Travle from Seduwa to Khndbari | 1036 | -504 | 5+6 |
| 26 | Travel from Khandbari to Tumlingtar, Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathandu | 0 | 0 | 40 (Minutes) |
B. Detailed Itinerary
Day 2 :
Paiya to Pangum (2,850 m)
Cross a suspension bridge and climb to Khari La (3,145 m) for views back towards the Khumbu peaks, then continue to the Sherpa village of Pangum (5–6 hours).
Day 3 :
Pangum to Najingdingma (2,650 m)
Cross Pangum La (3,173 m) and descend through Tropki Kharka, Sibuje (2,500 m) and Gai Kharka (2,300 m), then climb to Najingdingma, set in forest below the peaks (4–5 hours).
Day 4 :
Najingdingma to Bung (1,900 m)
A long descent through Surke, La Charakot and past Khiraule Gumpa to Bung, a large Rai village surrounded by terraced fields (4–5 hours).
Day 5 :
Day 5: Bung to Sanam (2,850 m)
Climb steadily past Gudel and through farmland and forest to Sanam (4–5 hours).
A long day. Climb to Salpa Pass and Salpa Pokhari, a sacred “wish-fulfilling” lake of the Kirat people, then descend through Bilbate (2,800 m) and Jaubari (2,040 m) to Phedi (7–8 hours).
Day 7 :
Phedi to Gothe Bazar (775 m)
Descend through Tallo Phedi and Dobhane (920 m) into the warm valley to Gothe Bazar (about 6 hours).
Day 08 :
Gothe Bazar to Chewa Besi
Follow the Irkhuwa Khola past Majuwa Besi, Baluwa Besi and Kateke Pul to Chewa Besi, near the Arun River (5–6 hours).
Day 09 :
Chewa Besi to Khandbari (1,036 m)
Climb to Mane Bhanjyang (4–5 hours), then take a jeep to Khandbari, the headquarters of Sankhuwasabha and MAST’s home town. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 10 :
Rest day in Khandbari
A well-earned rest. Wash clothes, stock up on supplies, and visit one of the schools or community projects that MAST supports.There are no ATMs after Khandbari, so bring enough Nepali rupees for the rest of the trek.
A reserved jeep drives about 4 hours to Num. Walk down to the Arun River, cross a suspension bridge and climb to Seduwa (about 4 hours). Register your TIMS card and pay the Makalu Barun National Park fee (NPR 3,000 per person).
Day 12 :
Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,070 m)
Climb through Chyaksedanda (1,890 m), cardamom fields and forest to Tashigaon, the last village on the route (4–6 hours).
Day 13 :
Tashigaon to Khongma (3,560 m)
A steep climb through Danda Kharka, Chipla (2,520 m) and Unshisa (3,180 m) to Khongma. The altitude gain is large, so walk slowly and drink plenty of water (4–6 hours).
Day 14 :
Khongma to Dobato (3,550 m)
Cross Ghungru La (4,045 m), Shipton La (4,216 m) and Keke La (4,150 m), with views of Chamlang (7,319 m) and Peaks 6 and 7, then descend to Dobato (4–6 hours).
Descend about 700 m through forest to Phematang, cross the Barun River and climb again to Yangle Kharka in the Barun Valley (4–5 hours).
A gentle climb up the valley through Nghe Kharka (3,750 m), Riphuk Kharka (3,930 m) and Jhak Kharka (4,210 m) to Langmale Kharka (4–5 hours).
Rest, or take a short hike above the camp and return to sleep at the same altitude. This helps your body adjust before base camp
Walk up the valley beside the Barun Glacier to Makalu Base Camp, with the huge south face of Makalu above you (4–5 hours).
Day 19 :
Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp
Hike to the viewpoint above Shersong (about 5,250 m), Barun Pokhari (4,950 m) or towards Hillary Base Camp for close views of Makalu, Everest and Lhotse. Return to base camp for the night.
Descend the Barun Valley to Yangle Kharka (5–6 hours).
Day 21 :
Yangle Kharka to Dobato (3,550 m)
Walk back down to the Barun River and climb to Dobato (5–6 hours).
Day 22 :
Dobato to Khongma (3,560 m)
Recross Keke La and Shipton La for one last look at the peaks, and descend to Khongma (5–6 hours).
Day 23 :
Khongma to Tashigaon (2,070 m)
A long, steep descent through forest to Tashigaon (4–6 hours).
Day 24 :
Tashigaon to Seduwa (1,540 m)
Descend through villages and cardamom fields to Seduwa (4–5 hours).
Day 25 :
Seduwa to Khandbari (1,036 m)
Take a jeep back to Khandbari. Celebrate the end of your trek with your guide and porter
Day 26 :
Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
A short drive to Tumlingtar airport and a 40-minute flight to Kathmandu, with views of the eastern Himalaya on a clear day.
Cost and Price Details
The price includes
- A licensed guide: daily wages, food, accommodation and insurance
- A porter (one porter per 2 guests): daily wages, food, accommodation and insurance
- Shoes, socks and gloves for your guide and porter
- TIMS card and Makalu Barun National Park entry fee (NPR 3,000 per person)
- Jeep Mane Bhanjyang – Khandbari and Khandbari – Num – Khandbari
- Hotel room in Khandbari
- MAST service charge and government tax (VAT) 15% is included
- A contribution to our community projects
The price does not include
- International flights
- Nepal visa (currently $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days check current fees)
- Flights Kathmandu – Lukla and Tumlingtar – Kathmandu
- Hotel and meals in Kathmandu; meals in Khandbari
- Food and accommodation on the trek (paid directly to tea houses and homestays, see below)
- Travel and medical insurance, including helicopter rescue
- Personal gear, drinks, hot showers, charging, laundry and snacks
- Tips for your guide and porter
- Costs caused by events outside our control, such as flight cancellations, landslides, strikes or road closures
Tea houses: pay as you go
Food and accommodation on the trail are not included in our price. You pay tea houses and homestays directly, so the money stays with local families. Budget around US$50 per person per day for meals, a room and hot drinks (paid in Nepali rupees). Prices are lower in the villages and higher in the Barun Valley.
Your Guide and Porter
Your trek is led by a licensed guide, as required by Nepal’s trekking rules. Our guides come from the Makalu–Arun region, know the villages and lodges on both halves of this route, and look after your safety at altitude.
For every two guests, a porter carries your main luggage (up to 20 kg in total, so you only need a daypack. Both are fairly paid and insured.
Altitude and Fitness
This is a long, strenuous trek. The first 9 days have many steep climbs and descents between 250 m and 3,400 m, which build your fitness. The second half climbs to 4,870 m at Makalu Base Camp, on remote trails with basic facilities. You should be fit, in good health and ideally have trekking experience. The itinerary includes rest days in Khandbari and Langmale Kharka. Tell your guide straight away if you have a headache, nausea or dizziness. Travel insurance with helicopter rescue up to 5,500 m is required
Lukla to Makalu Base Camp Trek Map
FAQs
General
It’s strenuous. It is 26 days long, with many steep climbs and descents, passes above 4,000 m and a highest point of 4,870 m. Good fitness and some trekking experience are recommended
Starting in Lukla lets you cross from the Everest region to the Makalu region on foot, through villages that very few trekkers see. If you have less time, our 18-day Makalu Base Camp Trek starts in Tumlingtar.
Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 m. On the exploration day you can hike higher, to about 5,250 m.
Yes. A licensed guide is now required for trekkers in Nepal’s national parks, including Makalu Barun National Park. All our treks include a licensed local guide and a porter
In simple tea houses and village homestays, and a hotel in Khandbari. Rooms are basic, with shared toilets. Bring a warm sleeping bag.
Usually 4–6 hours. A few days are shorter, and the Salpa Pass day is about 7–8 hours.
You can charge in most lodges, sometimes for a small fee; bring a power bank. Mobile signal is patchy on the first half, available around Khandbari, and usually works up to about Shipton La.
Only in Khandbari. Bring enough Nepali rupees for the first 9 days from Kathmandu, and withdraw more in Khandbari for the second half.
You pay tea houses and homestays directly, so you choose what you eat and the money goes straight to local families. It also keeps our price clear and fair
Yes. We can add rest days, shorten the route, or add the Mundum Trail or Upper Arun Valley. Extra days are charged at the daily rate for your guide and porter. Tell us what you’d like and we’ll send an updated itinerary and cost
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