Short answer: The Makalu region in east Nepal is the Arun and Barun valleys under Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Our Makalu Base Camp trek is 19 days, from USD 1,450 per person for 2 to 4 trekkers.
- The whole route is inside Makalu Barun National Park; permits are included in our price
- The standard route is not a restricted area
- Insurance: cover to 5,000 m
- Lodges are basic and confirmed before each departure
Related: Makalu Base Camp Trek, 19 days
Makalu is the trek I suggest when someone tells me the Everest trail feels too busy. You fly to Tumlingtar in the Arun valley, take a jeep to Num, then walk through the villages of Seduwa and Tashigaon, over the Shipton La and up the Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 m, right under the south face of Makalu.
It is remote, and I want to be honest about what that means. There are few lodges and few other trekkers, and there are no ATMs after Tumlingtar and Khandbari. The lodges higher up are simple, and some only open in season, so we confirm them with the owners before each departure instead of promising them months ahead.
That quiet is the reason to go. It is also why our itinerary has two rest days and one spare day, in case snow holds us at the Shipton La or the Tumlingtar flight is cancelled.
If you are thinking about Makalu, message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly whether it suits you.
Cover photo: Makalu Base Camp and the Barun river, by Shubhamnp, Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
