Remote wilderness, pristine Barun Valley, and the world's 5th highest peak
A demanding journey through the Makalu-Barun National Park to the foot of the world's 5th highest peak. The route passes through incredible biodiversity — from subtropical jungles to alpine meadows — before opening up to raw glacial scenery and the towering wall of Makalu's south face.
Makalu Base Camp is Nepal's great undiscovered trek — technically challenging, biologically extraordinary, and visually stunning. The sheer variety of terrain and ecosystems crossed makes this one of the most complete and scientifically fascinating wilderness routes in the country.
Untouched Himalayan wilderness – fewer crowds, dense rhododendron forests, and jaw‑dropping views of Makalu (8,485m).
Makalu Barun National Park
5,150 m (Base Camp)
16–20 days KTM–KTM
~160–180 km trekking
Moderate–Strenuous
High pass, remote
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Clear skies, stable
Makalu (8,485m) · Barun Valley · Arun River · Chamlang · pristine rhododendron forests
Five 8,000m peaks can be seen on clear days – Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga.
| Peak Name | Height (m) | Visible From |
|---|---|---|
| Makalu | 8,485 | Base Camp, Barun Pass |
| Everest | 8,848 | Near Mera La, high ridges |
| Lhotse | 8,516 | Same as Everest |
| Kanchenjunga | 8,586 | Barun Pass (east) |
| Chamlang | 7,319 | Entire upper Barun Valley |
| Baruntse | 7,162 | Near Mera La & Base Camp |
Makalu Barun National Park permit + TIMS. No restricted area permit (unlike Upper Dolpo).
| Permit | Cost (NPR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Makalu Barun National Park | 3,000 | ~$23 |
| TIMS Card (individual) | 2,000 | ~$15 |
| Total ~$38 | ||
| Style | Cost (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎒 Independent (budget) | $640–830 | Flights, basic teahouses, no guide |
| 🚐 Standard (agency + guide) | $1,050–1,350 | Flights, guide, porter, permits, meals | ✨ Luxury (private) | $1,500+ | Private jeep, best lodges, extra days |
From Tumlingtar to Num, through rhododendron forests, Barun Valley, and to the foot of Makalu.
Makalu is remote – lodges are very basic above Mumbuk. Bring a warm sleeping bag (comfort -10°C).
Temperatures drop to -10°C at Base Camp. Expedition‑ready layering required.
Acclimatize properly at Khongma Danda and Base Camp. Drink 4–5L water daily.
Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, ataxia = descend 500m immediately.
Drink 4–5 liters of water daily. Dehydration mimics and worsens AMS.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,000m.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 5,500m. Rescue from Makalu BC ~$4,000–6,000.
125mg twice daily – consult doctor. Start one day before reaching 3,500m.
Flights to Tumlingtar are weather‑dependent. Keep 2–3 extra days.
The region is home to Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa communities. Ask before photos, remove shoes.
Tumlingtar → Num → Tashigaon → Khongma Danda → Mumbuk → Barun Valley → Makalu BC → return
Book your Makalu Base Camp trek with Lila – experienced high‑altitude guides, responsible camping, and the wilderness you've been seeking.