Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp trek commences from Tumlingtar in the mid-eastern region. This high-altitude trek encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from the lush rhododendron forests and picturesque Gurung villages in the lower regions to the river valleys and the pristine expanse of the Makalu Barun National Park. As you ascend to higher altitudes, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayas, tranquil high-altitude lakes, and challenging mountain passes leading to the rugged base camp.

This trek is an extensive, varied, and demanding journey, ideally suited for dedicated trekkers and nature enthusiasts who prefer the serenity of unspoiled nature over crowded trails. Makalu Base Camp stands tall at an elevation of 5100m, making the gradual ascent through increasing altitudes an effective means of acclimatization.

At the base camp, you’ll be treated to remarkable views of the Barun Glacier, the imposing south face of Makalu (8,481m), and a complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. Ample time is allotted for exploration of the lakes and glaciers around the base camp before descending from this icy, rugged terrain back into the verdant forests and valleys.

During the return journey, trekkers traverse the Tutu La Pass (4,125m), now known as Shipton’s Pass, in honor of the renowned mountaineer Eric Shipton. Shipton played a significant role in numerous Mount Everest expeditions during the 1930s and was also part of the team that mapped out the now famous route over the Khumbu Glacier in 1951.

The Makalu Barun National Park boasts an astonishing biodiversity, with 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, wild yak, and the Himalayan Thar. With the possibility of wildlife encounters at lower altitudes, alongside picturesque pastures, villages, and forests, all set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and challenging terrain, this region also offers exceptional opportunities for photography enthusiasts!