To the foot of the world's fifth-highest peak, through Makalu-Barun National Park — the greatest elevation range of any protected area on Earth.
Makalu-Barun National Park holds the greatest elevation range of any protected area on Earth — from subtropical forest at under 500 m to Makalu's 8,485 m summit, inside a single park boundary. This trek climbs the whole of that range on foot, through some of the least-crowded high country left in Nepal, to stand beneath the world's fifth-highest mountain.
The approach begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, followed by three days climbing through Rai and Sherpa farming country to Tashigaon, the last permanent village before the high route. From there, the trail crosses the Shipton La into the Barun valley — a glacial corridor of waterfalls, rhododendron forest, and increasingly stark alpine terrain — before reaching Makalu Base Camp itself, with Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse rising directly above.
Two full days are held at Base Camp rather than one, and the return follows the same route back to Tumlingtar and a flight home. This is a wilderness trek first and a summit-adjacent trek second: the biodiversity of the Barun valley, and the genuine solitude of the route, are as much the point as the mountain itself.
Sleep altitude each night — the acclimatization pattern at a glance.
No scheduled dates for this trek yet — we run it on the dates that suit you. If you’re planning a trek for a group of friends or family, talk to our specialist and we’ll build it around you.
Talk to our specialistThe route
7 stops · 2 flights · 7 trekking sections
20 days on the trail, mapped one by one — no need to expand anything.
Day of 20
Arrival in Kathmandu
Overnight: Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. A welcome meeting and orientation follow, with dinner in the evening.
Kathmandu — Preparation
Overnight: Kathmandu
Permit processing and a final gear check, with a briefing on Makalu-Barun National Park's ecology and the trek ahead.
Fly to Tumlingtar
Kathmandu → Tumlingtar (flight)
Overnight: Tumlingtar
A scenic flight to Tumlingtar, the gateway to the eastern hill country and the trek's starting point.
Trek to Num
Tumlingtar → Num
Overnight: Num
Drive and trek through Rai hill-farming country to Num.
Trek to Seduwa
Num → Seduwa
Overnight: Seduwa
Descend to and cross the Arun River, then climb steeply to Seduwa, the entry point to Makalu-Barun National Park.
Trek to Tashigaon
Seduwa → Tashigaon
Overnight: Tashigaon
Trek to Tashigaon, the last permanent Sherpa village before the high route.
Crossing Shipton La
Tashigaon → Kongma Danda
Overnight: Kongma Danda
A long, steep climb over the Shipton La ridge to an overnight camp at Kongma Danda.
Into the Barun Valley
Kongma Danda → Yangle Kharka
Overnight: Yangle Kharka
Descend into the Barun valley through rhododendron and birch forest to an overnight camp at Yangle Kharka.
Up the Barun Valley
Yangle Kharka → Langmale Kharka
The valley narrows and the terrain turns increasingly alpine, with Makalu's upper slopes coming into view on the trek up to Langmale Kharka.
Makalu Base Camp
Langmale Kharka → Makalu Base Camp (Shershong)
Overnight: Makalu Base Camp (approx. 4,870 m)
Trek to Makalu Base Camp, with Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse rising directly above.
Base Camp — Full Rest Day
Overnight: Makalu Base Camp (approx. 4,870 m)
Held deliberately, not rushed — a full rest and acclimatization day, with time to take in the surroundings.
Base Camp — Viewpoint Day
Overnight: Makalu Base Camp (approx. 4,870 m)
A second day at Base Camp for those who want to push higher toward the Sherpani Col viewpoint, or simply sit with the mountain. A ranger-led session on the park's biodiversity and conservation work runs alongside the optional hike.
Return to Yangle Kharka
Makalu Base Camp → Yangle Kharka
Begin the return trek, retracing the route down the Barun valley.
To Kongma Danda
Yangle Kharka → Kongma Danda
Continue the return trek to Kongma Danda.
To Tashigaon
Kongma Danda → Tashigaon
Cross back over the Shipton La to Tashigaon.
To Seduwa
Tashigaon → Seduwa
Continue the return trek to Seduwa.
To Num
Seduwa → Num
Descend to and cross the Arun River again on the way to Num.
To Tumlingtar
Num → Tumlingtar
Overnight: Tumlingtar
Final trek and drive day back to Tumlingtar.
Return to Kathmandu
Tumlingtar → Kathmandu (flight)
Overnight: Kathmandu
Flight back to Kathmandu, with a farewell dinner in the evening.
Departure
After breakfast, depart to the airport for the flight home.
Talk to a specialist who has personally trekked every route we sell — no call center, no script.
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