Enter Nepal's rawest ecological sanctuary. Trek through subtropical Arun cloud forests, cross the rugged Shipton La Pass (4,216m), and stand beneath the sheer 3,000m granite walls of Mount Makalu (8,485m) — the world's 5th highest mountain. Explore Geography →
Spanning 1,500 km² with an 830 km² buffer zone in eastern Nepal, Makalu Barun National Park is the only protected area in the world with an elevation gain exceeding 8,000 meters — rising from tropical river valleys at 435m to the summit of Mt. Makalu (8,485m).
The wilderness is defined by dramatic geographic transitions:
Lush cardamom plantations, terraced rice paddies, bamboo groves, and cascading waterfalls inhabited by Rai and Limbu communities.
Dramatic alpine crossing into the enclosed Barun Valley, where vertical 2,000m granite cliffs and tumbling icefalls frame the giant pyramid of Makalu.
From the classic 18-day Makalu Base Camp expedition to the extreme Sherpani Col alpine traverse.
CLASSIC EXPEDITION
The quintessential expedition following the Arun and Barun valleys, crossing Shipton La Pass (4,216m) to reach the base camp directly under Makalu's South Face and Kangshung face of Everest.
EXTREME 3 PASSES
Nepal's most challenging high-altitude mountaineering trek, traversing technical glaciated passes (Sherpani Col 6,180m, West Col 6,143m, and Amphu Laptsa 5,845m) into the Everest Khumbu.
CULTURAL & BIODIVERSITY
Explore the deepest river valley in the world (Arun Gorge) nestled between Everest and Kanchenjunga, celebrating rare avian species, lush orchids, and traditional Rai homestays.
Straightforward entry permits with no expensive restricted area fees.
Approx. USD $25 per person. Mandatory National Park entry clearance verified at Seduwa Checkpost.
Approx. USD $16 per person. Local government regional conservation and trail maintenance permit.
Ascending from the Arun riverbed to the high alpine cirque of Makalu Base Camp (4,870m).
Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November) are the only safe windows for crossing Shipton La Pass.
| Season | Months | Makalu BC Temp | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr – May | -5°C to +10°C | Lush rhododendrons, blooming orchids in Arun Valley, and warming daytime temps. | Prime Season |
| Autumn | Oct – Nov | -10°C to +8°C | Crisp crystalline skies, dry pass conditions, and razor-sharp mountain visibility. | Best Clarity |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | +5°C to +15°C | Heavy monsoon rain in the Arun gorge; active leeches and swollen rivers. | Avoid |
The lower foothills of Num, Seduwa, and Chichila are populated by Kirat Rai and Limbu farmers who cultivate rich mountain soils and honor ancestral nature spirits. Higher up in Tashigaon, the community transitions to high-altitude Sherpa families whose expertise has supported international Makalu climbing expeditions for decades.
Makalu Barun houses 3,128 species of flowering plants, 25 of Nepal's 30 rhododendron species, 440 species of birds, and endangered wildlife including the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and Himalayan Black Bear.
Simple rustic community lodges operate across the trail up to Makalu Base Camp.
Basic wooden twin rooms with foam mattresses. Uncrowded dining halls heated by central kerosene or wood stoves in Yangri Kharka and Langmale.
Fresh Dal Bhat, boiled mountain potatoes, egg fried noodles, Tibetan bread, and hot ginger lemon honey tea prepared daily.
Satellite communication devices, pulse oximeters, and comprehensive high-altitude wilderness first aid kits carried on every departure.
Due to severe elevation changes and cold pass winds, full four-season equipment is necessary.
Everything you need to know about national park permits, travel logistics from Tumlingtar, teahouse comfort, and safety.
Trekking in Makalu requires two standard permits: (1) Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000 / ~USD $25) and (2) Makalu Rural Municipality Entry Fee (NPR 2,000 / ~USD $16). Makalu is not a restricted area with expensive minimum weekly quotas like Mustang or Dolpo, making it an affordable wilderness destination.
We take a 35-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Airport (518m) in the Arun Valley, followed by a scenic private 4WD jeep drive up through Khandbari and Chichila to the mountain ridge settlement of Num (1,560m), where our foot trek begins.
Shipton La Pass is a series of interconnected high-altitude passes (including Keke La at 4,170m and Lake Kalo Pokhari at 4,000m). The climb from Khongma Danda involves steep stone staircases and alpine moraines. Our itineraries include proper rest and staging days at Khongma to ensure complete acclimatization before crossing into the Barun Valley.
The best windows are Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November). Spring offers lush blooming rhododendrons in the cloud forest, while Autumn delivers pristine mountain visibility of Makalu's Kangshung face and Everest.
Yes. Basic community teahouses operate throughout the route up to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m). They provide twin rooms with mattresses and hearty meals (dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, porridge). Sleeping bags are recommended for warmth at high camps.
We recommend booking at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance to secure Kathmandu-Tumlingtar domestic flights, which have limited daily seats on small STOL aircraft during peak trekking months.
Our Kathmandu operations team and veteran high-altitude guides are available 24/7.
Connect with our Kathmandu expedition operations team to arrange domestic flights to Tumlingtar, secure veteran Sherpa lead guides, and lock in your departure date.
