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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek – Remote Himalayan Adventure in Nepal

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Country

Nepal

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Duration

15 Days

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Difficulty

Moderate
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Best Season

Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr, May

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Start / End Point

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

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Max. Altitude

4870m

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Nature Of Trek

Lodge to Lodge trekking

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Activity

Trekking

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Trek Duration

15

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Region

East Nepal Region

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Group Size

2 - 20

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Trip Code

MBC9

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Activity Per Day

5-7hrs

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Accommodation

Lodge
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Meals Included

Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
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Transportation

Flight

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Discover one of the most remote and unexplored hiking paths in Nepal.
  • Travel from dense subtropical rainforests to alpine scenery at high altitudes.
  • Take in breath-taking vistas of the world’s fifth-highest peak, Makalu (8,485 meters).
  • Discover the peaceful Barun Valley, which is renowned for its abundant biodiversity.
  • Engage in conversation with the Sherpa, Rai, and other ethnic people in the area.
  • Encounter rare flora and fauna in Makalu Barun National Park.
  • Pass across high-altitude passes like Keke La (4,127 m) and Shipton La (4,216 m).
  • Enjoy the friendliness of the locals by staying in traditional teahouses.
  • Experience a peaceful hike away from the busy paths of the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek passes through some of Nepal’s most beautiful and untouched areas. You will walk into the heart of Makalu Barun National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty, in the eastern section of the nation. A panorama of peaks including Everest and Lhotse, as well as Makalu (8,485 m), the world’s fifth-highest summit, is seen from the journey.

The opportunity for cultural immersion that the Trek to Makalu Base Camp offers is one of its distinctive features. While trekking to Makalu Base Camp, you will have the opportunity to engage with local populations, such as the Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu people, and experience their hospitality and traditional ways of life. Compared to the busier trekking routes in Nepal, the area’s solitude has fewer hikers and gives you a more genuine and peaceful experience.

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is a strenuous hike that calls for a high degree of physical preparedness. The base camp is well worth the effort, even if the path can be challenging at times, particularly at high levels. The ideal seasons to complete the journey are spring (April until May) and autumn (September until November), when the skies are bright and the weather is moderate.

The route of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is well-equipped with hotels and tea houses that provide adequate lodging and food services despite its isolated position. Due to this, the path is suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced travelers. The 15-day trek to Makalu Base Camp is perfect for you if you are looking forward to trekking in peace and enjoying the Himalayas and the cultures of the Himalayan regions.

Makalu Base Camp Trek – Remote Himalayan Adventure in Nepal

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-briefing

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Drive Distance

6km

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Drive Duration

20m

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Highest Altitude

1,350m

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Place

Kathmandu

After you arrive in Kathmandu, our team will be there to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. After you freshen up in your hotel, we will have a short pre-briefing regarding the trek. In this session, you can ask any questions that you have regarding the trek.

Day 2 :

Free Day

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Highest Altitude

1,350m

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Place

Kathmandu

This is a spare day for you to prep for the trek. On this day, you can explore Kathmandu or do any last-minute shopping before your trek. Kathmandu is a city that has a lot to offer. From cultural sightseeing to trying out local cuisines, the city offers visitors a varied range of activities. You can take this day to explore Kathmandu Valley and prepare for your trek.

Day 3 :

Fly to Tumlingtar (50-minute flight) and drive to Sedhuwa for 7 hours

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Drive Distance

55km

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Drive Duration

7 hrs

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Flight Hours

50 min

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Highest Altitude

1500m

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Place

Sedhuwa

Today, we will first take a flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. After that, from Tumlingtar, we will drive towards Sedhuwa. Before landing in Tumlingtar, where the subtropical climate and lively environment will welcome us, the flight provides expansive views of the Himalayan range.
From Tumlingtar, the journey continues with a scenic drive to Sedhuwa, where we’ll see terraced farms, little towns home to various ethnic groups, and lots of greenery. The drive to Sedhuwa will offer us views of rural Nepalese life and the stunning scenery that marks the start of the Makalu Base Camp journey.

Day 4 :

Trek from Sedhuwa to Tashigaon(2,070m), 5 hours

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Trek Distance

10km

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Trek Duration

5 hrs

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Highest Altitude

2,070m

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Place

Tashigaon

Today, after an early morning breakfast, we will trek to Tashigaon from Sedhuwa. As soon as we start the trek, we will pass through tiny communities as we gradually rise through terraced fields and lush forests. The walk offers views of animals and bird species as it travels through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests. The trail gets steeper as it goes on, eventually arriving at Tashigaon.

Day 5 :

Trek from Tashigaon to Kauma(3,470m), 6 to 7 hours

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Trek Distance

10km

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Trek Duration

6-7 hrs

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Highest Altitude

3,470m

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Place

Kauma

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will head towards Kauma, leaving Tahigaon behind us. The route climbs gradually as we proceed through thick trees and scattered villages. The landscape changes as we get higher, opening out into alpine meadows with sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks. We will finally arrive in Kauma after 6 to 7 hours of walking for our overnight stay.

Day 6 :

Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk(3,570m), 6 to 7 hours

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Trek Distance

9km

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Trek Duration

6-7 hrs

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Highest Altitude

3,570m

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Place

Mumbuk

Today, after an early morning breakfast, we will head towards Mumbuk. As we ascend via rugged trails and alpine meadows, we frequently come across calmly grazing yak herders and their animals. The route ascends steadily, providing expansive views of the surrounding Barun Valley and snow-capped peaks. The route takes us through thick rhododendron woods as we get closer to Mumbuk, which brightens the scenery.

Day 7 :

Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka(3,750m), 6 to 7 hours

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Trek Distance

9km

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Trek Duration

6-7 hrs

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Highest Altitude

3,750m

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Place

Nehe Kharka

As we head from Dingbuche, the pace becomes slower and we gradually trek upwards in the high altitude. Now, we are leaving the tree line and clutching towards the barren landscape. Several rocky cairns can be seen on the trail that are made in the memory of the people, who have passed away in the Himalayas. Passing the Khumbu glacier dominated landscape, we reach to Lobuche. O/N at lodge in Lobuche.

Day 8 :

Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shershon(4,615m), 6 to 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

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Trek Distance

8km

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Trek Duration

6-7 hrs

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Highest Altitude

4,615m

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Place

Shershon

Today, we will hike towards Shershon after an early morning breakfast. As we continue, we will travel through untamed landscapes and high alpine meadows with sweeping vistas of Makalu and other towering peaks. The path passes across stony roads and occasional moraines as it progressively climbs towards Shershon. We may see Himalayan wildlife and come across herds of yaks grazing in the high-altitude meadows along the route.

Day 9 :

Trek from Shershon to Makalu Base Camp(4,870m) 3 to 4 hours

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Trek Distance

5km

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Trek Duration

3-4 hrs

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Highest Altitude

4,870m

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Place

Makalu Base Camp

After an early morning breakfast, we will start our hike towards Makalu Base Camp. The route follows the Barun River upstream and climbs gradually, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the tall peaks of Makalu. The imposing shape of Makalu dominates the skyline, adding to the dramatic panorama as we get closer to Makalu Base Camp.

Day 10 :

Explore Makalu Base Camp 4,870m

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Highest Altitude

4,870m

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Place

Makalu Base Camp

Today we will explore Makalu Base Camp. This is a great way to refresh, relax and take a much needed break from all the trekking.

Day 11 :

Trek from Makalu Base camp to Shipton-La Camp(4,250m), 5 to 6 hours

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Trek Distance

8km

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Highest Altitude

4,250m

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Place

Shipton-La Camp

We will return from Makalu Base Camp today and head towards Shipton-La Camp. Beautiful views of the neighboring Himalayan peaks, especially the towering Makalu (8,485 meters), are seen as we continue the trek. Several high passes must be crossed, steep paths must be navigated, and there will occasionally be yak herders and limited alpine flora to see. The scenery changes from vast rocky stretches to isolated patches of resilient alpine vegetation, contributing to the trek’s attraction

Day 12 :

Trek from Shipton-La Camp to Mure(3,800m), 6 to 7 hours

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Trek Distance

12km

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Trek Duration

6-7 hrs

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Highest Altitude

3,800m

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Place

Mure

Today, from Shipton-La Camp, we will move towards Sedhuwa. We’ll descend across rocky terrain, alpine meadows, and occasionally narrow, steep routes. Broad views of the Barun Valley below and the surrounding Himalayan peaks can be seen throughout the descent. The route soon enters thick rhododendron and pine forests, offering plenty of shade and sporadic views of the local fauna. Trekkers encounter kind residents and get a genuine taste of the rural lifestyle of the area as they go through charming villages and terraced fields.

Day 13 :

Trek from to Mure to Sedhwa(1,500m), 6 hours

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Trek Distance

15km

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Trek Duration

6-8 hrs

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Highest Altitude

1,500m

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Place

Sedhwa

Today we will descend from Sedhuwa to Mure after breakfast. As we go, we’ll pass through small villages where the Rai and Sherpa populations live nearby, providing us with a window into their way of life. As you continue, the route climbs higher and offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Day 14 :

Trek from Seduwa to Tumlintar

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Drive Distance

55km

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Drive Duration

7hrs

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Place

Tumlintar

Today, after an early morning breakfast, we will drive from seduwa to Tumlintar. As we descend, we’ll pass past traditional villages home to Sherpa, Rai, and other ethnic groupings, as well as verdant woods and terraced slopes. The route wanders through picturesque valleys, providing sweeping vistas of the neighboring peaks and the verdant undergrowth at lower elevations. They get a peek at rural Nepalese life as we descend farther, passing by little towns and lively local marketplaces.

Day 15 :

Fly back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, 50 minutes

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Flight Hours

50 min

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Highest Altitude

1,350m

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Place

Kathmandu

Today we will return to Kathmandu from Tumlintar, ending our trek to Makalu Base Camp.

Cost Includes

Transportation:

  • Airport pickup and hotel transfers in a private vehicle
  • Flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Back to Karthmandu (Both ways)
  • Drive from Tumlingtar to Seduwa(both ways) by Local transport

Trek Permits and Expenses:

  • Makalu-Barun National Park / Conservation Area Permit
  • Makalu Rural Municipality Permit
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses

Accommodation:

  • In Kathmandu, accommodations on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast
  • During Trek: Total 12 nights on a twin/double sharing basis with Camping and teahouse.

Meals:

  • Breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Standard full Board Meals During the Treks
  • Fresh seasonal fruit served along the trail after dinner
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu

Guide and Porter:

  • Government-licensed holder, highly experienced, English-speaking guide
  • One assistant guide for more than 12 trekkers
  • 12.5 kg baggage allowance carried by porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • All staff’s insurance, salary, equipment, flight or transport, food, and accommodation

Medical Assistance:

  • Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
  • Medical kits, including an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels in high altitudes

Equipment and Extra:

  • Use of a Snow View Trek’s Team down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek (If needed)
  • One trekking duffel bag (70 L) per participant
  • Complimentary one Langtang route map and T-shirt
  • An appreciation certificate after the successful trek.

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fees
  • Domestic airfare and airport tax.
  • Int’l air fare
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, boiled water, shower, battery recharge ,
  • bar bills or extra porters)
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Rescue & Evacuation
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Extra night in Kathmandu (if you arrive early or late from the mountain)
  • Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Tips for guides and porters (for staff)
Altitude in:

Departure

Private Trip

Prefer a more personal journey? Our private packages offer flexible dates, custom itineraries, and dedicated support—perfect for those seeking a tailored travel experience.

Good to Know

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING MAKALU 15-DAY TREK

Along the Makalu Base Camp Trek route, lodging is mostly provided by teahouses or lodges that are spaced out along the trail. Usually, these places provide simple yet cozy accommodations like twin or dorm-style rooms with communal bathrooms.

After a long day of trekking, hikers can unwind and regenerate in the cozy, welcoming environment of teahouses, which are owned and operated by local families.

The amenities differ from location to location; some have hot showers (with an extra cost), dining places with large amounts of local and international cuisine, and common areas where trekkers can socialize and share stories.

Accommodations may become more basic and primitive as the trip goes farther into more isolated locations, highlighting the adventure and immersion of the trekkers in the Himalayan region’s natural splendor.

MEALS DURING MAKALU TREK

Meals are usually served at the teahouses or lodges along the route. The menu offers a wide range of filling foods that are ideal for hikers, from the basic Nepali dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and veggies) to spaghetti, noodles, soups, and occasionally even pizzas or pancakes. Eggs, oatmeal, bread, tea, or coffee are common breakfast fare.

To ensure freshness and authenticity, meals are made with ingredients that are acquired locally. The meals are tasty and catered to the nutritional demands of hikers doing difficult walks at high elevations, even though the alternatives may be modest when compared to urban places.

PERMITS REQUIRED FOR TREKKING TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Obtaining several permissions is necessary for hiking in the area and for accessing Makalu Barun National Park, which includes trekking to Makalu Base Camp. These are the permits that are normally needed:

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This card aids in trekkers’ safety and management. It may be acquired via an authorized trekking agency in Nepal.

Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: Since the path travels through this protected region, this permission is necessary to enter the park.

Restricted Area Permit: A restricted area permit can be needed for some portions of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, especially the portion that goes beyond Tashigaon and up to Makalu Base Camp. Trekking in regions that are near international boundaries or that the government deems sensitive requires this authorization.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS DURING TREKKING TO MAKALU

Given the high elevations attained during the trip to Makalu Base Camp, altitude sickness is a serious risk. Trekkers can get it as they travel to heights beyond 4,000 meters. It often happens above 2,500 meters. Headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, exhaustion, and dyspnea are among the symptoms.

It is essential to acclimate appropriately by taking rest days, climbing gently, and maintaining adequate hydration to reduce the danger. It is recommended that hikers pay attention to their body’s signals and return right away if symptoms increase because severe altitude sickness can be fatal. In addition to being beneficial, preventive measures like taking medicine like Diamox should only be utilized after consulting a healthcare provider.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR TREKKING TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Clothing:

  • Layered clothing (base, mid, and outer layers)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Warm down jacket
  • Trekking pants and shorts
  • Thermal underwear
  • Gloves, hats, and buffs
  • Sturdy trekking boots and camp shoes

Gear:

  • Backpack (with rain cover)
  • Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Water bottles or hydration systems

Health and Safety:

  • First aid kit
  • Personal medications
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • High-energy snacks and electrolyte supplements

Miscellaneous

  • Trekking permits and identification
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Maps and guidebooks
  • Toiletries and quick-dry towels
  • Lightweight, quick-dry towel

ROUTE OF MAKLU BASE CAMP 15-DAY TREK

Our Makalu Base Camp trekking itinerary starts with a flight from Tumlingtar and begins our trek to Khandbari. We will reach Sakurate by hiking across the picturesque countryside and setting up camp in the verdant rhododendron woodland.

We will cross suspension bridges from the secret Sakurate town and go over the Arun River in the direction of Num. The views of terraced agricultural fields are breathtaking as we rise to Sedhuwa from Num. As we ascend, you will encounter rough roads and an increase in height from Mumbuk.

As we travel towards Nehe Kharka, we should adopt a suitable acclimatization speed because the altitude increases from Mumbuk. This is in the famous Barun Valley, which is beautiful and full of greenery. We’ll soon cross Shershon and arrive at Makalu Base Camp. We will first explore the base camp before moving on to Nehe Kharka.

Once more, we will take a little climb to visit the 4,250-meter-high Shipton La Pass. The greatest views of the mountain sunsets are available from this pass. After that, we’ll head back to Sedhuwa. We will return to Khandbari via Mure to complete our journey. It takes three hours to hike to Tumlingtar from Khandbari, after which you will take a flight back to Kathmandu.

BEST SEASON FOR TREKKING TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is most enjoyable in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You will be treated to pleasant, consistent weather in the spring, with pleasant to warm daytime temperatures and refreshing evenings. The region’s vivid rhododendron woods in full bloom and lush green landscapes are also on display during this season, bringing some color to the journey. On the other side, autumn brings dry, consistent weather that is refreshing after the monsoon.

BOOK YOUR TREK TO MAKALU WITH US

We here at Snow View Trek provide an extensive range of opportunities for travelers to explore Nepal. Our Makalu Base Camp Trekking package is one of many packages that allows you to explore the Himalayas, adding to the thrill of high-altitude trekking.

With our team of experts and experienced individuals, we have carefully crafted this 15-day trekking package to Makalu Base Camp. From transportation, accommodation, meals and permits, we ensure to take care of everything, allowing you to have a safe and comfortable journey with us. For further queries or to book your journey to Makalu, please feel free to contact us.

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