Province No. 1, Nepal
Makalu Travel Guide
Remote eastern Nepal around Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak, where the Arun and Barun valleys cut deep through the pristine Makalu Barun National Park in Sankhuwasabha district.
Makalu is one of Nepal's last great wildernesses — a remote corner of Sankhuwasabha district in the far eastern Himalaya, built around Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak at 8,485 metres, and the pristine Makalu Barun National Park. Where Everest and Annapurna draw crowds, this region rewards self-reliant trekkers with deep river gorges, untouched forest and a feeling of genuine remoteness.
The classic way in follows the Makalu Base Camp trek route, which climbs from the subtropical Arun Valley around Tumlingtar through the bustling hill town of Khandbari bazaar, then sets off on foot from the twin trailheads at Num and Seduwa. Beyond them the trail enters the spectacular Barun Valley, a glacier-carved corridor of waterfalls, hanging forest and high pasture that leads to base camp itself, ringed by Makalu, Chamlang and the south face of Everest.
This is also some of Nepal's richest wildlife country. The park's forests are a celebrated red panda habitat, and the protected area shelters everything from snow leopard to musk deer across an extraordinary altitudinal range. Browse our pick of the top things to do in Makalu, then sort the practicals with our Makalu trekking guide, how to get to Makalu, where to stay and the best time to visit.
For the wider picture, see where Makalu sits among Nepal's best treks and remote Himalaya treks, and read up on altitude sickness before you commit to this high, demanding route.
Where to stay in Makalu
Sights & attractions in Makalu
Trekking & treks in Makalu
What to do in Makalu
Wildlife & nature in Makalu
Getting around in Makalu
Plan your trip in Makalu
Frequently asked questions
Is Makalu worth visiting?+
Yes — if you want true wilderness. Makalu is one of Nepal's least-trodden trekking regions, set around the world's fifth-highest peak inside the pristine Makalu Barun National Park. The reward is dramatic scenery, rich wildlife and a feeling of remoteness now rare on Nepal's busier trails.
What is Makalu famous for?+
Makalu is famous for being the world's fifth-highest mountain at 8,485 metres and for the Makalu Base Camp trek that approaches it through the Barun Valley. The surrounding Makalu Barun National Park protects an exceptional spread of habitats, from subtropical river gorge to high glacier, and is a known red panda refuge.
How do you get to Makalu?+
Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in the Arun Valley, then drive up through Khandbari to the trailheads at Num and Seduwa. From there the Makalu Base Camp trek begins on foot. There are no roads into the high valley itself.
How many days do you need for Makalu?+
The full Makalu Base Camp trek typically takes around 18 to 22 days return, including flights to and from Tumlingtar. It is a committing wilderness route with long, remote days, so allow extra time for weather and acclimatisation.
When is the best time to visit Makalu?+
Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to May) offer the clearest skies and safest conditions for the high passes and base camp. The monsoon brings leeches and cloud to the lower valleys, and winter buries the upper trek in deep snow.