Makalu Base Camp & Kanchenjunga Trek
$5,000

Makalu Base Camp & Kanchenjunga Trek

18 days Sankhuwasabha
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  • Tour code

    T17

  • Destination

    Sankhuwasabha

  • Group Size

    4-8

  • Grade

    5 – Hard

  • Altitude

    2,500 m - 5,200 m

  • Trip Region

    Easter part of Nepal

Overview

Description

Makalu Base Camp & Kanchenjunga Trek is a challenging and remote journey that explores two of the most untouched Himalayan regions in Nepal. This 18-day full camping trek offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and close encounters with high Himalayan peaks and pristine nature. Ideal for experienced trekkers, the trail combines high-altitude adventure with deep cultural exploration through the Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Bhote communities.

Package Cost

The trek is available in two package options:

  • Luxury Package: USD 5000
  • Deluxe Package: USD 4000

Both packages include full camping support, meals, experienced guides, porters, permits, and ground transportation. Optional domestic flights can be added depending on your final route and logistics.

Culture & Villages

This journey is also culturally enriching. You’ll pass through remote mountain villages with Tibetan-influenced culture. Communities like the Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Bhote will welcome you with their traditions, monasteries, prayer flags, and warm hospitality. You’ll also visit Olangchung Gola, one of Nepal’s least explored yet most beautiful high-altitude villages.

Transportation

The package includes ground transportation from Kathmandu to the trek starting point and return. Depending on your preferred itinerary and accessibility, domestic flights may also be arranged at an additional cost.

Best season

The best time for this trek is during:

  • Spring (March to May) – For rhododendron blooms and mild weather

  • Autumn (September to November) – For clear skies and spectacular mountain views

Permits

All necessary permits are included in the package:

  • Makalu Barun National Park Permit

  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP)

  • Restricted Area Permit (required due to proximity to the Tibetan border)

Accomodation

This is a full-board camping trek, meaning all accommodation is in tents set up by a support crew. You'll be provided with sleeping tents, dining tents, toilet tents, and kitchen services. Everything from food preparation to logistics is handled by the trekking company, allowing you to fully immerse in the experience.

Photos

Makalu Base Camp & Kanchenjunga Trek

Itinerary

This trek offers a diverse range of highlights. You’ll trek through vibrant rhododendron forests, explore remote valleys, and witness rare Himalayan wildlife like red pandas, leopards, and wild yaks. Cultural highlights include visits to traditional mountain villages inhabited by Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and Bhote people, where you can experience their unique customs, hospitality, and spiritual heritage. On the natural front, you’ll get spectacular views of some of the tallest mountains on Earth, including Makalu (8,481m) and Kanchenjunga (8,586m), along with Kumbhakarna, Yalung Khang, Mt. Baruntse, and the dramatic Makalu glaciers.


Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel, welcome briefing, and trek preparation.

Scenic flight to eastern Nepal. Drive through hilly landscapes to Num village. Overnight in camp.

Descend to the Arun River and climb up to Seduwa. Enter Makalu Barun National Park.

Pass through terraced fields and small settlements. Overnight in a beautiful Sherpa village.

Steep uphill through rhododendron forests. First real gain in altitude.

Rest day with short hikes to nearby viewpoints. Prepare for crossing high passes.

Cross several high passes including Shipton La. Stunning mountain views and glacial valleys.

Descend into lush alpine forest. Follow the Barun River valley.

Ascend gradually to reach the base of Mount Makalu. Enjoy panoramic views of Makalu, Baruntse, and glaciers.

Acclimatize and explore the glacier moraine, lakes, and surrounding peaks. Optional hikes to view Makalu’s south face.

Retrace your steps through the Barun Valley. Descend slowly to maintain acclimatization.

Return via the same forest trail. Rest before continuing east toward Kanchenjunga.

Cross a scenic and remote route to reach the beautiful Tibetan-style village of Olangchung Gola. Explore monastery and village.

Trek through wild terrain with stunning views of Kanchenjunga range. Prepare for joining the Kanchenjunga section.

Trek to a high ridge or viewpoint for stunning panoramas of Kanchenjunga and Yalung Khang. Highest point of the trek.

Begin descent toward settlements in the lower valley. Celebrate final night with the team.

Drive or fly from Taplejung back to Kathmandu, depending on weather and logistics. Transfer to hotel.

Transfer to airport for your international flight. End of trip.

Route Map

Makalu Base Camp & Kanchenjunga Trek

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • All airport transfers (arrival/departure).
  • All lodge accommodations during the trek (best available).
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Licensed and experienced English-speaking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket (returnable)
  • First aid kit, oximeter, and safety equipment.
  • Government taxes and official expenses.

Excludes

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
  • Travel and emergency evacuation insurance.
  • Extra nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara (if needed).
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, etc.).
  • Tips for guide and porter (recommended).

FAQs

The best time to go on the Makalu Base Camp is from late April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is usually clear and sunny, making for ideal trekking conditions.

No. This trek is considered challenging and is suitable for experienced trekkers due to its remoteness, high altitude, and long duration.

Accommodation is mostly basic teahouses and camping in some remote sections. It’s a great way to experience local culture but expect limited facilities.

You should be in excellent physical condition, able to hike 6–8 hours daily in high-altitude terrain. Prior trekking experience is highly recommended.

Yes. We offer customized itineraries based on your travel dates, fitness level, and interests. You can also add rest days or shorten the route if needed.
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