You begin your journey with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a small airport in eastern Nepal, offering magnificent views of the Arun River valley and the surrounding hills. Upon arrival, we will take you on a scenic 4-hour drive to Chichila. The trail leads you through an irrigated agricultural field, tiny villages, and well-forested hilly terrain, giving you a picture of what life in Nepal is like in a rural setting. The mountainous roads follow the rivers and gorges, offering panoramic photo opportunities on the route. After arriving in Chichila, sit down and enjoy a cup of tea at one of the local teahouses, have a hot meal, and take a walk around the village to stretch your legs and get accustomed to the surroundings. It is an ideal night to have a rest before the trek gets serious. 

 The expedition commences with a slow journey towards the valley of the Arun River. The path goes through small Rai villages and their terraced farms, and local agriculture emphasizes the agrarian way of life of the area. You would pass many wooden suspension bridges across clear mountain streams, which not only provide a certain adventure but also offer stunning views.

The path is not very difficult, and it features some gradual inclines. When you cross Num, you will see that the landscape has changed from a lower river valley terrain to a more forested land. Num is a small town in which teahouses serve as the rudimentary accommodations and local dishes. This day will give you time to acclimatize to the trekking routine and spend your first full day living in the Himalayan villages. 

The walk now is an even, graded ascent up out of the valley to the lower hills of the Makalu district. It is a pleasant walk in the midst of green trees, rhododendrons, pines, and oaks, which is particularly good in the springtime. You will find small streams and bridges, with villagers engaged in their day-to-day activities, making the trip a cultural experience. The trail offers a view of the Himalayan mountains in the distance, and the local homestays in Sajuja are very welcoming. The hiking is neither too slow nor too fast, and there is ample time to take in the landscape and appreciate the people, who are very hospitable to visitors. The evening at Seduwa is calm, and there is just time to rest before the longer ascents that lie ahead. 

The path now slowly passes upwards through a succession of thick woods and clear skids. You will be surrounded by prayer flags and tiny Buddhist monasteries, and the cultural impact of the Sherpa and Tibetan populations is highly evident in this area. The woods are filled with the sounds of birds, and the scent of pine makes this experience plunge even further into the realm of an immersive experience. Tashi Gaon is located at 2,100 meters and offers teahouse facilities where one can experience local cuisine. It is an active medium trek combined with exposure to the culture, and offers a glimpse of the high Himalayan way of life before the more rigorous climbs commence. 

It is a demanding day with considerable altitude gain before climbing up the mountain to Khongma Danda, departing from Tashi Gaon. It is a path through a thick wood that is slowly replaced by open alpine fields and rocky ridges. You will start to witness the panorama of Makalu, Baruntse, and other mountains, and this is a dream for photographers.

The route will be full of switchbacks and steep uphill climbs, so one will need to be well-endowed. On the other side of Kyoto is Khongma Danda, a site with the bare minimum of teahouses, which will be your initial high-altitude stop to enable trekkers to acclimatize to the lighter air and lower temperatures. The night is perfect when there is a sunset view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. 

A day in Khongma Danda allows your body to acclimate to high altitude, which means you may be less susceptible to altitude sickness. Activities include short ups and downs to the neighbouring ridges, where you encounter proximity to the glaciers, peaks, and valleys. Trekkers usually take time to take pictures of the scenery, meditate, or take a nap. Light footing and sightseeing enable your body to acclimatize while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful natural environment. It is also a great day to connect with local guides and other trekkers to learn more about the culture and geography of the Makalu area. 

The hike is now moderate, with slight uphill and downhill climbs, which lead to Dobato, located at the same elevation as Khongma Danda. The path traverses an open meadow and rocky landscape, offering magnificent views of Makalu's north face and the surrounding mountain range. Dobato is a small village and a resting point for further acclimatization and an ultimate climb to Base Camp. The hike involves walking through glacial rivers and hilly ridges; therefore, trekking poles are recommended. Sightseeing of the sunsets in the evening over the peaks is a memorable experience at high altitude. 

The journey today is an even climb to the top, through high pastoral meadows which we call kharkas. You will go through a Tibetan kind of settlement decorated with prayer flags and meet yaks grazing on the slopes of the grass. The road is made up of rocky paths and grass, with the trail crossed by streams at various intervals. Yangla Kharka is a place where one can get simple lodges and a tranquil setting to sleep without worrying about the surrounding mountains. In this section, the cultural and natural fusion of the Makalu region is highlighted. 

Today, the journey becomes more difficult as you enter higher areas of the Alps. It is a rough road, and here and there, covered the snow patches, and through unfenced meadows and glacial moraines. The skyline is dominated by the panoramic views of Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse. Langmale Kharka is a remote camp with a few lodges or tents, where people will be fully immersed in the rugged Himalayan nature. Hiking at such heights requires maintaining a balanced pace and hydration to adapt to the thin air. 

Today is the most anticipated day of your trek. The trail climbs gradually over rocky terrain and glacial deposits, with the majestic face of Makalu growing larger with every step. As you approach base camp, the environment becomes stark, dramatic, and overwhelmingly beautiful. Makalu Base Camp sits in a wide glacial basin surrounded by icefalls, hanging glaciers, and iconic Himalayan peaks. After reaching base camp, you settle into the simple teahouses and enjoy the first evening in the heart of the Himalayas.

Spend a half-day in the Makalu Base Camp and its immediate environment. The peaks, glaciers, and valleys can be viewed at various points of vantage by short climbs to adjacent ridges. It is a participatory experience that gives one an idea of the difficulty of high-altitude trekking and the harsh beauty of the Himalayas. Another good idea is to socialize with guides and other trekkers, share experiences, and take photos.

Your descent begins today. Retrace your steps along the glacial valley, enjoying easier breathing as you lose altitude. The snow-covered peaks remain in view throughout the journey. An overnight at Langmale Kharka offers a peaceful rest after leaving the high base camp behind.

You continue descending through rocky terrain and wide alpine pastures. The trail returns to greenery, yaks grazing in the distance, and the familiar charm of Yangla Kharka. It is a relaxing day compared to the higher altitudes. 

Follow the trail back through glacial streams, meadows, and ascending ridges. Dobato’s strategic viewpoint gives you one last magnificent sunset over Makalu’s north face.

The trail takes you across ridges and through the pristine alpine environment, eventually re-entering forests near Khongma. The return feels easier, with the hardest climbs now behind you. Rest at Khongma Danda. 

A long descent through rhododendron forests and stone steps takes you back to Tashi Gaon. Re-enter Sherpa villages, prayer wheels, and warm hospitality. Enjoy a peaceful evening in the lower hills. 

Descend through terraced farmlands, crossing small streams and suspension bridges. The warmer climate and vibrant vegetation feel refreshing after days in the high mountains. 

Trek down to the Arun River valley, then ascend gradually back to Num. From here, a scenic drive takes you to Chichila and then onward to Tumlingtar. Celebrate your achievement of reaching one of Nepal’s most remote base camps. 

Early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayan ranges, marking a perfect conclusion to your Makalu Base Camp adventure.