Makalu Region Treks Nepal | Thamel Travels and Tours

Makalu Region Treks are high altitude trekking trips into the remote Makalu Barun National Park in eastern Nepal, leading to the base of Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,485 m. The routes pass through Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu villages, dense rhododendron forest, and the glacial Barun Valley, crossing high passes such as Keke La and Shipton La before reaching Makalu Base Camp. From here, trekkers get close views of Makalu, Chamlang, and the eastern side of the Everest range. The best seasons for Makalu trekking are autumn, from September to November, and spring, from March to May, when the weather is stable and mountain views are clear.

At Thamel Travels and Tours, we offer the 20 day Makalu Base Camp Trek. It starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and a drive to Num, then climbs through Seduwa and Tashigaon to Khongma Danda, where you rest for a day before crossing Keke La and Shipton La. From Dobato you descend into the Barun Valley and walk up through Yangle Kharka and Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 m, with a rest day to explore toward the Barun Glacier. The trek is challenging and needs good fitness and some high altitude trekking experience.

You will need the Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and Sankhuwasabha area trekking permit, along with an experienced licensed guide. We arrange both permits and your guide, and they are included in our package. We give you clear advice and honest information before you book, with a clear view of what the price includes, so there are no surprises. Our local team knows these villages, trails, and seasons well. With careful arrangements and support you can rely on until your last day, you can enjoy one of Nepal’s least crowded trekking regions, away from the busier Everest and Annapurna trails. Browse our Makalu Region Treks below to find the right itinerary for your trip to the base of the world’s fifth highest peak, check the best seasons to travel, or contact us.

What Makes These Treks Special

Explore the remote Barun Valley, Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and high passes on a journey through one of Nepal’s least crowded trekking regions.

A Short Flight Into the Hills
You will fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num, which saves days of road travel and puts you on the trail on Day 4.
Villages of the Arun Valley
You will walk through Seduwa and on to Tashigaon, a traditional Sherpa village and the last permanent settlement before the higher Makalu region.
Cross Keke La and Shipton La
You will rest for a full day at Khongma Danda, then cross Keke La and Shipton La into the open alpine country above the forest.
Face to Face With Makalu
You will walk up the Barun Valley to Makalu Base Camp at 4,870 m and stand below the south face of the fifth highest mountain in the world.
Local Knowledge, Personal Support
You will travel with an experienced local guide and porters, with permits and arrangements handled by one team you can rely on.

Package Highlights

Package	Grade	Route Highlights
Makalu Base Camp Trek, 20 Days	Challenging, good fitness and high altitude experience needed	Flight to Tumlingtar, Num, Seduwa, Tashigaon, Khongma Danda rest day, Keke La and Shipton La, Barun Valley, Langmale Kharka, Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)

Makalu Trek Permits and Nepal Visa Fees 2026

Requirement	Who needs it	Cost	Good to know
Nepal tourist visa, 15 days	Most foreign passport holders	US$30	Valid for multiple entries. Not enough for the 20 day trek.
Nepal tourist visa, 30 days	Most foreign passport holders	US$50	Right for the 20 day trek, with a buffer if the Tumlingtar flight is delayed.
Nepal tourist visa, 90 days	Most foreign passport holders	US$125	For longer stays.
Visa for Indian and SAARC citizens	Indian and SAARC passport holders	Indian citizens need no visa.	Other SAARC citizens, except Afghan citizens, get up to 30 days free on a first visit in a visa year.
Visa extension	Anyone who stays longer	US$3 per day, with a minimum of 15 days	Done at the immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Makalu Barun National Park entry permit	Every foreign trekker	NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, about US$23. NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals.	Children under 10 are exempt. Included in our package.
Sankhuwasabha area trekking permit	Every trekker in the Sankhuwasabha area	US$20 per person per week for the first four weeks, then US$25 per week	Available at the checkpoints in Num or Seduwa. Included in our package.
Licensed guide	Every foreign trekker	Included in our package	Required inside national parks since April 2023.