Makalu (8485 m)
The Big Black Giant
Earth's fifth-highest mountain — a sharp four-sided pyramid that rises in dramatic isolation from the Barun Valley. Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most beautiful and least-visited high-altitude trails.
Trips Starting from Makalu (8485 m)
Hand-crafted itineraries that start in Makalu (8485 m) — from a single sunrise day-trip to multi-week Himalayan expeditions.
A Pyramid Unlike Any Other
Makalu rises to 8,485 metres just 19 km east of Mount Everest — the fifth-highest mountain on Earth. The name comes from the Sanskrit Maha-Kala, a name of Lord Shiva meaning "Great Black". Unlike most Himalayan peaks, which present multiple summits, Makalu is a near-perfect four-sided pyramid visible from every angle around the Barun Valley.
The mountain was first climbed by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition on 15 May 1955, the entire team summiting in three days — an exceptional achievement for the era. The region is protected by Makalu Barun National Park (1,500 km²), which adjoins Sagarmatha National Park to form an unbroken stretch of protected Himalaya across the Nepal-Tibet border.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek (18–21 days) starts in the tropical lowlands at 435 m and climbs to the base camp at 4,870 m — one of Nepal's longest altitude gradients on a single trail. The route passes through ethnic Rai and Sherpa villages, deep rhododendron forest, and the otherworldly Upper Barun Valley with views to Everest's east face, Lhotse, and the bizarre cathedral-like Chamlang.
Things to do in Makalu (8485 m)
Standout experiences hand-picked by our local guides.
- 01Makalu Base CampAt 4,870 m, with a direct view of the south-west face — one of the most striking single-peak views in Nepal.
- 02Barun ValleyA glacier-walled valley said to have inspired Shangri-La. The upper meadows in spring are a wildflower carpet.
- 03Sherson & Hillary Base CampAn optional 5,300 m hike from MBC to see Everest's east face — a view fewer than 500 trekkers see each year.
- 04Rai & Sherpa VillagesTashigaon, Khongma — lower-altitude Rai villages with bamboo architecture; upper villages are Sherpa Buddhist.
- 05Shipton La PassThe 4,210 m pass crossing the ridge above Khongma — named for the British explorer Eric Shipton.
- 06Rhododendron ForestsSome of Nepal's finest rhododendron forests sit between 2,000 and 3,500 m on the Makalu approach — pure colour in April.
- 07Chamlang PeakA 7,319 m cathedral-like satellite peak whose west face dominates the upper Barun Valley.
- 08Tumlingtar AirstripThe 405 m airstrip in the Arun Valley — the starting point of every Makalu trek. The flight from Kathmandu skirts Everest's eastern flank.
Best time to visit Makalu (8485 m)
The trek's enormous altitude gradient demands stable weather. Autumn is the most reliable window.
- ★ BEST SEASONSpringMarch – MayRhododendron forests turn pink and red through April. Above 3,500 m, expect snow until May. The drier of the two seasons.-5°C – 18°C
- MONSOONSummerJune – AugustMonsoon. Heavy leeches, mud and landslides on the steep lower forest sections. Avoid entirely.8°C – 22°C
- ★ BEST SEASONAutumnSeptember – NovemberPeak season. Crystal-clear days, stable mountain weather and the warmest of the high-base-camp nights. The best window for views.-12°C – 15°C
- MONSOONWinterDecember – FebruaryUpper trails become impassable with snow. Lower Rai villages remain visitable but the base camp is closed by snow.-25°C – 5°C