Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp Trek Route | Itinerary Guide

Want a journey in the remote river valleys of Arun and Barun? Then the trek from Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp is perfect. It is a less popular trekking trail inside Makalu Barun National Park. It has a winding trekking trail that climbs steadily from Tumlingtar into dense subtropical forests before gaining altitude on rocky switchbacks. For 18 days, you’ll trek through remote Sherpa communities and cross high passes, offering genuine mountain solitude.

There are teahouse lodges for most of the trekking days, where you can rest. We also offer reserve acclimatization days at places like Seduwa and Yangri Kharka to help your body adjust to the high altitude. The higher you go, the more rustic the teahouse becomes, and eventually stops after Langmale Kharka. The final approach to base camp offers broad moraine fields and close-up views of the world’s fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu (8,485 m).

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Getting to Tumlingtar of Makalu Region

Tumlingtar is a small hill town located in eastern Nepal. You can easily reach here by taking a direct flight from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. But you can also take an optional overland journey via Dharan passing Dhulikhel, Sindhuli Gadhi, Bardibas, Dharan Bazaar, Leguwaghat (Arun River bridge), and Khandbari. More details are below:

By Air

Currently, only Buddha Air has direct flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (TMI). It operates one non-stop service per day. The total airtime is 30–35 minutes. Check the departure schedule as it changes seasonally. It typically departs from KTM at 07:15 or 09:40 local time (one slot per day). Here are some more details about the flight and its processes:

Aircraft & Class
– Flights use ATR-42/72 turboprop aircraft.
– Only Economy class is offered.
Ticket cost
– One-way tickets generally range from NPR 8,000 to NPR 12,000 (~USD 65–100). However, the prices fluctuate with the season.

Tip: Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during peak trekking season (September–November and March–May) to secure seats. You can also check Buddha Air’s website or local travel agencies for combo deals that include onward transfers to Tumlingtar Airport.

By Road (optional)

Another option is to drive to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. Most trekkers opt to fly to Tumlingtar, but you can also take an overland journey. You may take a private vehicle, but it will be more cost-effective to use local buses instead. However, note that only a few operators offer direct buses to Tumlingtar. And these, too, are infrequent and take 15–18 hours.

So, if you choose to take the local bus route, you will need to travel from Kathmandu via Dharan and then from Dharan to Tumlingtar.

Jeep Ride (KTM → Tumlingtar)
– The total road distance from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar by jeep is approximately 416 km. You drive on the East–West Highway and mountain roads.
– The journey takes around 9-11 hours when driven door-to-door with intermediate stops.
– A private 4×4 jeep costs roughly NPR 15,000–22,000 for the entire trip (fuel price dependent).
– This direct service does not require an overnight stop in Dharan, making it ideal for travelers with heavy luggage or tight schedules.
Local Bus (KTM → Dharan) + Shared-Jeep (Dharan → Tumlingtar)
– Travelers first take a bus from Kathmandu to Dharan, covering about 500 km, which takes roughly 10 hours and costs NPR 1,500–2,000 per seat.
– From Dharan, shared jeeps depart each morning from the northern bus park and cover the 116 km to Tumlingtar in about 2 hours, charging NPR 300–500 per person.
– Combined, this multimodal trip covers approximately 616 km and requires around 12 hours of travel time at a total cost of NPR 1,800–2,500.
– While more economical, this option requires an early start and a vehicle change in Dharan.

Trek Route from Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp

The Makalu trek from Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp can be completed in 16–18 days (round trip). You have to climb from ~435–520 m (Tumlingtar) to 4,870 m (Makalu Base Camp) beginning in the deepest Arun–Sabha valley. You continue through subtropical forests, remote Sherpa settlements, and terraced farmlands. As the Makalu Base Camp Trek is often overlooked by trekkers, there are fewer crowds on the route. Then you reach Seduwa, the official entry point to Makalu Barun National Park.

The route has many soaring ridges from where you can witness distant views of peaks like Kanchenjunga and Chamlang. As you go up, you travel through wildlife-rich rhododendron groves. You have to make a steep ascent to Khongma Danda and cross the rocky Shipton La Pass at 4,216 m. After that, at the Base Camp, you are greeted by sweeping moraine fields and the sheer south face of Makalu. In this way, the journey offers genuine solitude in one of Nepal’s most pristine conservation areas located in the Himalayas.

Day-by-Day Itinerary to reach Makalu Base Camp

Day	Route
1	Tumlingtar to Chichira
2	Chichira to Num
3	Num to Seduwa (entry point of Makalu Barun National Park)
4	Seduwa to Tashigaon
5	Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (steep climb)
6	Khongma Danda to Dobato (via Shipton La Pass – 4,216 m)
7	Dobato to Yangri Kharka
8	Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka
9	Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m)
10	Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp
11	Makalu Base Camp to Langmale Kharka
12	Langmale Kharka to Yangri Kharka
13	Yangri Kharka to Dobato (via Shipton La Pass – 4,216 m)
14	Dobato to Khongma Danda
15	Khongma Danda to Tashigaon
16	Tashigaon to Seduwa
17	Seduwa to Chichira (via Num)
18	Chichira to Tumlingtar

Accommodation and Meals during the Makalu Base Camp Trek

Along the trek, you’ll find simple, family-run tea houses that offer basic rooms with beds, shared bathrooms, and hot water (when available). However, above Langmale, the facilities become more rustic. You may need to stay in tented camps to get to Makalu Base Camp.

Tea Houses: They are accessible to Langmale Kharka. Like typical tea houses, they offer essentials such as beds, shared bathroom facilities, and hot showers sometimes. Although simple, they are designed to cater to the basic needs of travelers. They provide a comfortable place to rest in this rural region.
Tented Camps: In more remote areas in higher altitudes above Langmale Kharka, you’ll need to camp. It’s because the small Sherpa settlements end around 3,800 m. Plus, building and operating lodges are impractical due to the harsh terrain and strict conservation regulations of Makalu Barun National Park.

Either way, you get to experience a warm evening atmosphere. Take the chance to connect with fellow trekkers and foster stronger bonds. The trek will teach you cooperation.

When it comes to meals, they are simple but hearty, designed to fuel long days of trekking. Most tea houses and camps in the Makalu Base Camp trek route serve Nepali staples and familiar comfort dishes to keep you energized, such as:

Dal Bhat: Steamed rice served with a lentil soup (dal) and simple vegetable or meat curry.
Porridge: Made from oats or local grains, served hot with milk or water.
Eggs: Fried, boiled, or as fluffy omelettes.
Pancakes or Chapati/Roti: Served warm with jam or honey for a sweet start.
Hot Beverages: Tea (milk, masala, butter), coffee, hot chocolate, and herbal infusions (ginger, lemon).
Noodles: Instant wheat or rice noodles, stir-fried with veggies or in a light broth.
Soup: Warm broth made from local vegetables or chicken stock, flavored with garlic and ginger.
Potatoes: Boiled, fried, or mashed local potatoes, lightly seasoned with butter and mild spices.

Note: Carry snacks and backup food (such as energy bars, nuts, or chocolate) to boost your energy during the trek.

Highlights of the Trek from Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp

Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m): A campsite located at the bottom of Makalu’s southern face, providing close views of its grand granite cliffs.
Makalu Barun National Park: A protected UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve, containing diverse wildlife, including rhododendron forests and unique fauna.
Shipton La Pass (4,216 m): A mountain pass above the Barun River that gives you beautiful views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks.
Local ridges in Seduwa(~1,500 m): Spots from where you can look out at the Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse peaks.
Alpine Meadows (Yangri Kharka): Wide grassy areas with yak herds, ideal for peaceful stops in the afternoon.
Moraine Fields to Base Camp: The last part of the trek over glacial debris, offering closer looks at the massive southern face of Mount Makalu.
Wildlife Encounters: A chance to see rare animals like the red panda, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer in the wild.
Barun River Gorge: Stunning valleys with clear waters that have cut through ancient rock.
Remote Sherpa Villages: Real mountain communities where you stay in family-owned lodges and experience traditional Sherpa life without the Everest region treks.
Clear Night Skies: As the area remains unpolluted, it offers incredible views of the starry sky at night.

Conclusion

If you love exploring remote mountain areas, then the Makalu Base Camp trek is definitely for you. It offers an amazing adventure in one of the beautiful wilderness areas in Nepal. From your first steps in the Arun Valley to the sunrise view from Makalu Base Camp, each day offers unique sights, culture, and genuine adventure away from the crowds. Are you ready to experience the peace, stunning views of the mountains, and explore the Makalu Barun National Park? Let’s start planning for your Makalu Base Camp trek in Nepal today!

FAQs

Is the trek to Makalu Base Camp more difficult than the trek to Everest Base Camp?

Both treks involve high altitudes and long days of trekking. However, in comparison, Makalu Base Camp is steeper overall. It has longer stretches with fewer lodges and requires crossing the technical Shipton La Pass (4,216 m). The path is less travelled, so you need to carry more gear and navigate carefully through unmarked sections. So, it is considered more difficult than the well-developed Everest route.

Can beginners do the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

No, Makalu Base Camp is a strenuous trek. Only very fit beginners with 1–2 months of regular cardio and strength training should try it. You need good stamina and also prior experience with multi-day trekking at elevations over 3,000 m. Otherwise, you can not tackle the challenging terrain of the Makalu region.

What permits and fees are required for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

You’ll need a Makalu Barun National Park permit and a Makalu Rural Municipality permit. You also need a TIMS card for additional safety, and it must be issued through your licensed guide. The fees are:

Makalu-Barun National Park entry: NPR 1,500 (SAARC) / NPR 3,000 (other foreigners)
Makalu Rural Municipality trekking permit: US$ 20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks, then US$ 25 per week (≈ NPR 2,600 – 3,300)
TIMS card: NPR 1,000 (SAARC) / NPR 2,000 (other foreigners)

How reliable is mobile and emergency communication along the route?

As the region is remote and located at higher altitudes, coverage is quite limited and patchy here. You’ll have 2G or 3G around Seduwa and Dhap, but as soon as you get past Khongma Danda, you won’t get signals in most parts. So, our guides carry satellite phones for emergencies; consider renting one for direct access.

Can I hire porters or yaks to assist with luggage support on this trek?

You can hire high-altitude porters from local agencies for around $20 to $25 per day up to Dobato. Then, above Langmale Kharka, yaks will transport the entire group’s gear to Base Camp. Your personal porter will separate from the group at about 4,000 meters.