Trekking · Makalu
Num & Seduwa Trailheads
The twin trailheads of the Makalu trek — the road-end at Num and the park-gate village of Seduwa across the Arun river.
Num and Seduwa are the twin trailheads for the Makalu Base Camp trek — the point where the road runs out and the wilderness begins. Num is the road-end village clinging to a ridge high above the Arun river; Seduwa lies on the opposite slope, at the gateway to the Makalu Barun National Park.
Where the trek begins
After the drive up the Arun Valley from Tumlingtar and through Khandbari bazaar, most groups reach Num by jeep. From here the Makalu Base Camp trek starts in earnest: the trail plunges down through terraced fields and forest to a suspension bridge over the Arun, then climbs steeply back up the far side to Seduwa. It is a demanding first day, with a thousand-metre descent and a matching ascent, but it sets the tone for the big, committing route ahead.
The park gateway
Seduwa marks the official entrance to the national park, where permits are checked and the country starts to feel genuinely remote. Beyond it lies Tashigaon, the last permanent village before the high passes, after which trekkers cross the Shipton La and Keke La into the upper Barun. Stock up and confirm your team here, because facilities all but disappear higher up.
Why it matters
Num and Seduwa are the hinge of the whole trek — the transition from road-served hill Nepal to roadless high Himalaya. Getting your logistics right at this point, from permits to porter loads, makes the rest of the journey far smoother.
Good to know
- Tough start: The Num–Seduwa day involves a steep drop to the Arun and a hard climb out; pace yourself.
- Road conditions: The jeep road to Num is rough and unreliable in the monsoon — see getting around Nepal.
- Permits: Have your park permit and TIMS card ready for the Seduwa checkpoint.
- Plan ahead: Read the full Makalu trekking guide and Nepal's trekking guide before setting out.
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Frequently asked questions
What are Num and Seduwa?+
Num and Seduwa are the twin trailheads of the Makalu Base Camp trek. Num is the road-end village high above the Arun river; Seduwa is the village on the far side, at the entrance to Makalu Barun National Park, where the foot trek truly begins.
How do you get from Num to Seduwa?+
On foot. From Num the trail drops steeply to a suspension bridge over the Arun river, then climbs equally steeply up the far slope to Seduwa. It is a tough first day with a big descent and ascent, but no road links the two.
How do you reach Num?+
Num is reached by jeep or bus from Khandbari, itself a drive up the Arun Valley from the Tumlingtar airstrip. The road is rough and weather-dependent, especially in the monsoon, and the final stretch can be slow.
Where do you get the Makalu trek permits?+
The Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and TIMS card are usually arranged in Khandbari or Kathmandu and checked at Seduwa, the park gateway. Carry copies, as checkpoints along the trail will ask to see them.
