Makalu High Pass Trek

Your journey on the Makalu High Pass Trek, one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayan terrain begins the moment you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Kathmandu might sit at just 1,400 meters, but the energy you can feel here already hints at the mountains waiting ahead. The airport area can feel chaotic at first, but once you meet the representative from Eco Holidays Nepal, the transition becomes smoother. 

A short drive from the airport through the lively streets will lead you to your hotel in Thamel. Take your time to adjust to the environment and relax after the long flight. You can then take a short stroll across the lively streets of Thamel and visit our office for a short trek briefing. This day is for settling in and soaking in the rhythm of this beautiful capital before taking off to join the eastern Himalayan route. 

Your second day in the Makalu High Pass Trek Itinerary keeps things light but important. This is your time to complete trek preparations, check your clothes, make sure you have the right gear and confirm all essentials are in order. Since the Makalu region is far more remote than the standard trekking route, preparing adequately makes a huge difference.

Once your preparations are sorted out, you will have the rest of the day to explore Kathmandu’s cultural sites. Many trekkers take a short stroll around the Thamel area on this day. If you want, you can also explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, or Kathmandu Durbar Square. By evening, the excitement starts to build up. Tomorrow, you will leave the vibrant buzz of Kathmandu to join the rural foothills of the Makalu High Pass Trek route. 

Your morning starts on this day with a short but scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. Unlike Lukla or Jomsom Airports, this airstrip lies in the lower hills. So, the flight will feel calmer and grounded as you will get a chance to admire the beauty of the lush, diverse landscape in Nepal. As you make your descent to Tumlingtar, you will see the Arun Valley stretching to the horizon. 

After stretching your legs and admiring the beauty that feels different from the hilly region, you will then begin your driving journey. From Tumlingtar, a one-hour drive on the winding road will take you to Khadbari. This is a lively hill town and a major administrative center of the region. This is where your Makalu High Pass Trekking starts to feel real. Khadbari is not just a place to sleep tonight; this will be your cultural introduction to eastern Nepal. 

This is the first trekking day of the Makalu High Pass Trekking, it is a perfect warm-up introduction to the Makalu region. After leaving Khadbari, you will follow the trail that first passes small settlements and terraced farmlands. Along the way, you will encounter villages like Bhotebas and Manebhanjyang. Each of these villages offers a glimpse into rural life in the countryside. The route then gradually starts to climb, but the terrain remains friendly, weaving through forest patches and scattered houses overlooking the Arun Valley. 

As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the landscapes start shifting from subtropical greenery to a mix of pine forest and mountain terrain. By the time you arrive at Chichila, a charming hill village perched on a ridge, the scenery opens up beautifully. This settlement is peaceful, with traditional houses and quiet surroundings, making it a perfect first overnight spot on the trekking stretch. Chichila also feels like the gateway to the real Makalu wilderness that is about to unfold in the coming days. 

After leaving Chichila, the trail rises gently through lush forested ridges. As you traverse the scenic trekking route, you will notice how the air feels fresher here. This stretch is a mix of pine and oak, and creates the classic mid-hill fragrance. Along the way, the path passes through small hamlets and scattered terraced farms. Locals from surrounding villages often use this trail for daily travel. So, you will meet shepherds, farmers, and school kids as you walk on the route. 

The final portion to Num becomes more open as the trail ascends to a ridge. Num is perched on a narrow spine that overlooks the deep gorge of the Arun River. This is a lively settlement compared to previous stops. You will find a mix of local houses and small tea shops here. From  Num Village, you can already see Seduwa on the opposite side, your destination for tomorrow.

Today is one of those classic days in the Makalu High Pass Trek Itinerary. After enjoying breakfast in Num, you will follow the trail that drops sharply down to the Arun River. The trekking path zigzags across the forest and farmlands. You will pass a few isolated houses and resting spots along the way. But for the most part, the terrain feels quiet and untouched. Once you reach the riverbank, a small bridge will mark the halfway point of this day’s trek. From here, you will make your gradual ascent toward Seduwa.

The trail climbs through terraced fields and lush woodlands. The region becomes more human again as you approach Seduwa. This is the official entrance to Makalu-Barun National Park. Seduwa is an important checkpoint, and it marks your entry into a protected zone of the Makalu Himal region. 

Leaving Seduwa, you will follow the trail that moves above the Barun River valley. You will pass through farmland, bamboo groves, and traditional houses scattered along the hillside. The trek on this day of your Makalu High Pass Trek is gradual at first. Your legs will get a gentle start after yesterday’s big ascent. The route then becomes a mix of forested sections and open terraced fields as you make your way towards Tashi Gaon.

This is considered a special transition point. Beyond Tashi Gaon, the settlements become sparse, and the trek enters the higher and more rugged section of the Makalu region. Tashi Gaon sits among terraced slopes and offers stunning views of the lower valley. 

This day of your Makalu High Pass Trek itinerary marks the start of your true climb into the high mountains. You will Tashi Gaon after breakfast and follow the trail heads straight into the forest. You will pass through rhododendron woods and moss-covered trunks as you climb higher. In the stretch of the higher altitude, the forest gradually starts to thin out and the terrain turns more alpine. You will continue your climb past a few traditional herder shelters; there are no major villages beyond Tashi Gaon in this section. 

As you move higher, the views become increasingly dramatic with every step. Kauma Danda sits on an open ridge and offers panoramic scenery. This is a strategic acclimatization zone where trekkers can rest, adapt to the rising altitude and prepare for the even higher passes ahead. 

The trail from Kauma Danda climbs through open meadows leading toward Shipton La. Today, you will cross several small passes. This part of the Makalu High Pass Trek route is considered one of the most scenic sections of the lower alpine zone. Your evey step opens up views toward snowy peaks and sweeping valleys. The route feels remote and raw, with no settlements, but you will occasionally pass a few shepherd huts used seasonally. 

This area is known for its high-altitude lakes and undulating rocky terrain. After crossing the final ridge, the path then drops steeply into a forested trail toward Mumbuk. This high-altitude village is surrounded by fir trees and cliff walls. Mumbuke feels like a tranquil small village that is secluded from the rest of the world. This is an important rest point before you dive deep into Barun Valley. 

After leaving Mumbuk Village, you will walk on the trail that drops sharply through dense forest toward the narrow entrance of the Barun Valley. This descent can feel damp and shadowy as you traverse the thick forested stretches. Once the forest opens up, the valley starts to widen. The vegetation gradually thins out, and towering rock walls stretch on both sides of the trail. You are now entering the Barun Valley, one of the raw and untouched valleys in Nepal.

Along the trekking stretches, there are villages, just seasonal pastures and isolated herder shelters. You will then continue following the Barun River upstream on a terrain of mixed rocks and wide meadows. After several hours of gradual ascent, you will arrive at Nehe Kharka. This is a beautiful open pasture that is used by herders during warmer months. Nehe Kharka feels peaceful and wild; it is surrounded by high cliffs and thin forests.   

From Nehe Kharka, the Makalu High Pass trek route continues deeper into the Upper Barun Valley. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more alpine with less vegetation. You will trek along the river and cross rocky stretches and flat meadows that have been made by the glacial flow for centuries. There are no villages on today’s trail, just the vast openness of the valley. The surreal views continue to stretch as you approach the base of Baruntse and Peak 6.

The final stretch of this day’s trail brings you to Shershong. It is a broad and grassy plain that is surrounded by mountains. This is one of the last open camps before you climb higher to the harsh terrain near Makalu Base Camp. 

Today is a shorter but incredibly rewarding day in your Makalu High Pass Trek itinerary. From Shershong, the trail leads gradually up across rocky sections, glacial moraines, and high-altitude plains to Makalu Base Camp. The terrain on this stretch looks dry and rugged, an alpine desert. As you approach Makalu Base Camp, the sheer size of Mt. Makalu (8,485 m) dominates the skyline. The closer you get to the mountain, the more the mountain reveals its massive black rock faces and snow-clad ridges.

Makalu Base Camp is a scattered stretch that has few tea houses, used by both trekkers and occasional climbing expeditions. Despite the harsh environment, the camp has a peaceful charm. The prayer flags flutter in the wind, yaks wander nearby, and the silence of the high Himalayas feels surreal. 

This is a crucial altitude acclimatization day in your Makalu Himal Trekking. Today, you will do short hikes above the base camp, exploring viewpoints that offer panoramic views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6, and Barun Glacier. This acclimatization hike will prepare you for the higher sections of the Makalu High Pass Trekking. Today’s acclimatization day is slow, intentional, and meant for recovery. You will stay hydrated, rest well, and give your body time to adjust to the high-altitude atmosphere.  

After leaving Makalu Base Camp, the trekking route turns more technical and challenging. Your trekking path will follow the edge of the Barun Glacier and stretch across rocky slopes and moraines. The higher you climb, the smaller the world feels, just you, the glacier, and the towering walls of Makalu. The Swiss Base Camp is not a village or settlement but a mountaineering-style camp set on a flat and sheltered area beside the glacier.

Swiss Base Camp is rugged, cold, and exposed, precisely the kind of landscape high pass trekkers can expect. You will feel the scenery shifting from trekking terrain to a full-on expedition environment.

Today’s trek is demanding both mentally and physically as you climb even higher. The trail continues across glacial debris and snow patches, where you need to be careful with your footing. As you gain altitude, oxygen levels drop, and the surrounding peaks rise dramatically on all sides. So, it is important to stay hydrated and keep yourself warm to avoid any risk related to altitude sickness. You pass no villages along the way, just ice, rock, and the raw Himalayan world. 

By the time you reach Sherpani Col Base Camp, you will be standing at one of the most remote corners of Nepal. This is the doorway to one of the highest and most challenging non-technical passes in the Himalayas. The camp is basic here. Everything feels sharper here, the cold, the wind and the anticipation of crossing the pass. This is where trekkers mentally prepare for the major crossing ahead.

Today is another acclimatization day in your Makalu High Pass Trek Itinerary. This rest day is not just about relaxation. It is also about the strategic preparation to cross the pass. On this day, you will review your gear and mentally prepare for the crossing of Sherpani Col, a high and demanding alpine pass. The altitude makes everything slower, so eating well, drinking enough, and conserving energy need to be your top priority. 

The camp sits in a high glacial basin and is surrounded by icy walls and snow slopes. This environment feels more like an expedition base than a trekking stop. You will turn in early for the night to start your climb early. Tomorrow marks one of the biggest days of the entire Makalu High Pass Trek route.

This is one of the biggest days of the entire trek; this day’s adventure is long, technical, and unforgettable. From Sherpani Col Base Camp, you will move along the trail that rises sharply toward the glacier. You will then traverse across snow, ice, and mixed terrain under towering walls of Makalu and Baruntse. The climb to Sherpani Col is steep and demanding; you may be required to use fixed ropes depending on conditions. As you reach the top of the pass, you will be greeted with a panorama of glaciers and ice fields that feel almost Antarctic. 

From the top of the pass, you will be able to relish stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Pumori. After enjoying the view, you will then prepare for the descent journey. Like the ascending route, the descent on the opposite side is equally challenging. You will need to follow the path that weaves down steep snow slopes and crevassed areas before it finally eases at the wider glacial plateau. You will end your trek at Baruntse Base Camp. This is a raw and isolated base camp surrounded by massive ridges.  

From Baruntse Base Camp, the trail stretches across an icy plateau before climbing steadily toward West Col. This is another high pass that links the Barun side with the Amphu Lapcha region. The terrain here is all glacier and moraine. There is no vegetation, no houses and no traces of human settlement. Crossing West Col feels like moving through a frozen world that has been sculpted by centuries of wind and snow. 

Once you reach the top of the pass, a steep descent on the other side drops you into the wide basin that leads toward Amphu Lapcha Base Camp. This camp lies on the snowfield beneath the towering ridge of Amphu Lapcha. It is isolated and feels dramatic and full of expedition energy. This is your final staging point before taking on the last major technical challenge of the Makalu High Pass Trek.

Today, you will cross another exciting high pass of the eastern Himalayas. Leaving the Amphu Base Camp, you will follow the route that climbs toward the pass. You will traverse across the steep ice slopes and narrow ridges using fixed ropes (depending on conditions) to reach the top of the pass. At the top, you stand on a dramatic notch where the landscape shifts instantly. Behind you lies the remote Makalu region, and the path ahead opens up the iconic Khumbu Valley. The view of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Nuptse, Baruntse, Island Peak, Chamlang and Ama Dablam feels otherworldly from here.

The descent is steep and technical as you drop onto the Imja Valley side. Once the ice gives way to rocky paths, the terrain starts to gradually soften. Then, you will enter the more familiar trekking zone of the Everest region. By the time you arrive at Chukung. By the time you reach Chukung, you will be back in a world of tea houses, familiar trails, and the warm hospitality of the Khumbu. After days of isolation in the remote Makalu region, the presence of a real settlement with hot meals and a comfortable bed feels like a luxurious reward.

After enjoying a warm breakfast in Chukung, you will leave the village following the gorgeous Imja Valley. Along the way, you will pass yak pastures, stone-walled fields, and small herder shelters. After days of isolation on the remote corner of the mountain, the landscape feels alive again with trekkers, locals, and prayer stones. You will make your descent across Dingboche Village. It is a large Sherpa village that sits on a wide and wind-swept valley. 

Dingboche is a lively place with multiple lodges and farmlands that are guarded with stone fences. From here, the trail descends steadily toward Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the region. Pangboche Village has a rich cultural feel, with traditional homes, vibrant Sherpa culture, and an ancient monastery. After days in the wilderness, joining this mainstream Everest Base Camp Trek route feels like re-entering civilization.

Leaving Pangboche, you will follow the classic Everest Base Camp route and pass through Debuche Village. Then, you will begin your climb to the monastery ridge of Tengboche. This is one of the Khumbu’s cultural highlights and a spiritual hub. From here, you will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views that stretch from Everest to Ama Dablam.

From Tengboche, the trail drops sharply through rhododendron forests to Phunki Tenga. You will stop briefly at this riverside rest point before climbing again toward Kyangjuma. The final stretch into Namche Bazaar feels vibrant and full of life. It has bakeries, lodges, and bustling energy. After weeks in remote valleys and high passes, this day, arriving in Namche feels like a celebration.

After weeks in some of Nepal’s most remote and isolated terrain, you will begin the gradual descent back toward civilization. This day’s Makalu High Pass Trek route retraces parts of the classic Everest route and you will pass through beautiful hamlets and forested valleys. You will then arrive at Monjo, the park checkpoint village. The landscape becomes noticeably greener as you approach Lukla. 

The pine forests will give way to terraced fields and small villages. Arriving at Lukla feels both lively and intimate after the solitude of Barun Valley and Sherpani Col. This is a bustling little town perched on the edge of the mountains, with tea houses, lodges, and the air of conclusion before heading back to Kathmandu. 

Today, you will take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. From the plane, you will be able to enjoy one last breathtaking perspective of the Himalayas. Enjoy the surreal scenery of the river carving through deep valleys and vast wilderness, and you will make your way back to the bustling sprawl of Kathmandu. After landing, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you can get your much-deserved comfy rest.

After that, you can stroll the narrow streets of Thamel, savour local cuisine, or just enjoy a laid-back evening on a rooftop restaurant reflecting on your incredible Himalayan journey. You can end the night on a high note, enjoying the traditional Nepali meal.

Your Makalu High Pass Trek concludes as you make your way to Tribhuvan International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will come to receive you at the airport. If you have some time in the morning, you can explore the nearby cultural sites or visit temples. Leaving Nepal after a long Himlayan endeavour might be a bittersweet feeling, but the surreal beauty of the Himalayas and those stunning high passes will stick with you even long after the journey ends.

We hope to see you again for your next adventure. Have a safe flight.