Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Welcome to Nepal! Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by an Ultimate Himalaya representative and transferred to your 5-star. After settling in, the evening is yours to rest, explore the neighbourhood’s narrow winding streets, or simply recover from your journey. A welcome dinner will be hosted by our team where you will meet your fellow climbers, guides, and support staff.

Meals: Welcome Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel

Rest & Expedition Preparation in Kathmandu

Today is dedicated to final preparations. We hold a comprehensive expedition briefing covering the route, safety protocols, weather patterns, and emergency procedures. You will have time to sort personal equipment, rent or purchase any last-minute gear, and ensure all documentation — permits, insurance, and medical forms — is in order. Your climbing Sherpa will be introduced, giving you the chance to discuss strategy and build rapport before heading to the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel

Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar; Drive to Num (1,560m)

An early morning to the domestic airport for the spectacular flight to Tumlingtar (approximately 35 minutes), a small town perched above the Arun River Valley. On clear days, the flight offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range. From Tumlingtar, we drive by private 4×4 vehicle through terraced farmland and subtropical forest to the village of Num — a ridge-top settlement marking the true beginning of our trek. The drive takes roughly 4–5 hours on winding mountain roads.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Num to Seduwa (1,510m)

Our first day on foot begins with a steep descent from Num down a series of switchbacks through lush forest to the Arun River (approximately 800m descent). After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb gradually through sal forest and terraced fields to reach Seduwa, a small Rai and Gurung village. This day introduces us to the humid, subtropical climate of the lower Makalu region and tests our legs with a sharp descent and steady ascent.

• Trekking: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Change: −50m net (with significant descent and re-ascent)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Seduwa to Tashi Gaun (2,070m)

Leaving Seduwa, the trail enters the Makalu Barun National Park. After registering our permits at the park checkpoint, we ascend gradually through dense forest of rhododendron and oak, crossing several small streams. The climb becomes steeper in the final stretch as we approach Tashi Gaun, a traditional Sherpa village and the last permanent settlement on our route. The village offers stunning views south toward the Arun Valley and is surrounded by ancient birch and rhododendron forest.

• Trekking: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +560m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Acclimatisation Day at Tashi Gaun

A crucial rest day to aid acclimatisation before ascending above 3,000m. We take a short hike to higher elevation — typically toward the ridge above the village — then return to Tashi Gaun for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax, review climbing techniques, or explore the village and interact with the local Sherpa community. This day significantly reduces the risk of altitude illness on the days ahead.

• Activity: Short acclimatisation hike (+300m / −300m)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Tashi Gaun to Khongma (3,760m)

Today we leave the tree line behind. The trail climbs steeply from Tashi Gaun through dense rhododendron and hemlock forest to Unshisha, where the terrain opens into alpine meadows. From here, a series of stone staircases and switchbacks lead us sharply upward to the ridge-top settlement of Khongma, a small cluster of teahouses perched on a high saddle. The views of the surrounding hills and the Chamlang massif begin to open up. This is a demanding day with significant elevation gain.

• Trekking: 6–7 hours
• Elevation Gain: +1,690m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Khongma to Dobato (4,010m)

From Khongma, the trail continues its steep ascent through scrub and dwarf rhododendron to the Khongma La (also known as Shipton La), the first of three high passes we cross today at approximately 3,890m. We then traverse to Ghunta La and Tutu La, each offering dramatic views of Makalu, Chamlang, and the Barun Valley below. After crossing the final pass, we descend through moss-draped forest to Dobato, a beautiful meadow campsite with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valley.

• Trekking: 6–7 hours
• Elevation Gain: +250m (with multiple ascents and descents over passes)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Dobato to Yangle Kharka (3,640m)

A day of dramatic descents through pristine forest. From Dobato, the trail drops steeply into the Barun River Valley through dense forest of birch, oak, and rhododendron — one of the most biodiverse sections of the trek. We follow the river downstream, crossing several wooden bridges, until we reach Yangle Kharka, a broad grassy meadow at the confluence of two rivers. This valley marks the beginning of the high Himalayan terrain, with sheer cliff walls rising thousands of metres on either side.

• Trekking: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Change: −370m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,450m)

We now trek northward along the Barun River, entering the heart of the Makalu Barun National Park. The valley narrows dramatically, flanked by towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The trail crosses boulder fields and glacial moraine, with Makalu’s massive south face becoming visible ahead. We pass Merek, a small seasonal settlement, before arriving at Langmale Kharka — a vast yak pasture surrounded by 6,000m peaks. Keep an eye out for Himalayan tahrs, pikas, and the elusive red panda.

• Trekking: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +810m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Langmale Kharka to Makalu Lower Base Camp (4,850m)

The valley opens into a wide glacial basin as we approach the Lower Base Camp. The trail crosses open moraine fields and glacial streams, with views of Makalu, Baruntse, and the Chamlang massif dominating the horizon. We pass Shersong, a small settlement used by yak herders, before making the final push to Lower Base Camp. Here, our expedition team will have established the first camp, and the first views of Makalu’s towering pyramid from base level are truly awe-inspiring.

• Trekking: 5 hours
• Elevation Gain: +400m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tent

Acclimatisation at Lower Base Camp

Our first full rest day in the high mountains. We take a short hike above camp toward the terminal moraine of the Barun Glacier, exploring the surrounding area and allowing our bodies to adapt to the 4,850m elevation. Your Sherpa team will review ice climbing techniques, rope work, and ladder crossing in preparation for the upper mountain. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and finalising plans for the rotation to Higher Base Camp.

• Activity: Short acclimatisation hike to ~5,100m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tent

Acclimatisation at Lower Base Camp

A second acclimatisation day to ensure everyone is well-adapted before moving higher. We may hike further up the glacier or rest depending on the group’s condition. Equipment is checked and distributed, and the route to Higher Base Camp is discussed in detail. This is also an opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary wilderness of the Makalu region — a landscape of rock, ice, and sky rarely witnessed by outsiders.

• Activity: Optional glacier walk or rest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tent

Trek Lower Base Camp to Higher (Main) Base Camp (5,600m)

A significant day as we relocate to our Advanced Base Camp (ABC), also referred to as Higher Base Camp. The route follows the lateral moraine of the Barun Glacier, crossing loose scree and boulder fields. As we climb, the views of Makalu’s northwest ridge become increasingly dramatic — you can now trace the entire route to the summit with the naked eye. ABC is established on a broad, relatively flat area of glacial moraine with commanding views of the mountain. The kitchen and dining tents are set up, and we settle in for the climbing phase.

• Trekking: 4–5 hours
• Elevation Gain: +750m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tent

Acclimatisation Rotations (Base Camp – Camp III – Base Camp)

Over the next 16 days, we follow a carefully structured rotation schedule designed to optimise acclimatisation and maximise summit success. Rotations are the cornerstone of high-altitude climbing — they allow your body to produce red blood cells and adapt to extreme hypoxia before the final summit push.

Rotation I — Base Camp to Camp I (6,100m) and Back

• Day 15–17: We trek across the glacier from ABC to Camp I, navigating crevasses with fixed ropes and ladders. Camp I is typically established on a glacial bench at the foot of the headwall. We spend 1–2 nights here, climbing to the base of the headwall and returning to ABC to recover.

Rotation II — Base Camp to Camp II (6,500m) and Back

• Day 18–22: We climb the headwall — a steep section of 45–50° ice and snow requiring front-pointing and jumar ascension on fixed lines. At the top of the headwall, Camp II sits on a narrow ledge on the northwest ridge. We spend 2–3 nights here, sleeping at altitude and climbing toward Camp III before descending to ABC for extended rest.

Rotation III — Base Camp to Camp III (7,400m) and Back

• Day 23–27: Our highest rotation takes us through the technical rock and ice sections of the northwest ridge to Camp III, a small platform at the shoulder of the mountain. We touch Camp III and then descend all the way to ABC for a 5–6 day rest period. This “down time” is critical — your body continues to adapt while you recover at Base Camp, eat well, and monitor the weather.

Rest & Weather Monitoring at Base Camp

• Day 28–30: Full rest at ABC while our weather consultants at Meteotest, Bern provide twice-daily forecasts. The climbing Sherpas and route-fixing team continue to establish and secure the route above Camp III during this period. We fine-tune our summit plans based on the latest meteorological data.

Meals: Full Board | Accommodation: High Camp Tents / Base Camp Tent

Summit Phase (Base Camp – Summit – Base Camp)

With favourable weather confirmed, we begin our summit push. This is the culmination of six weeks of preparation, acclimatisation, and waiting.

The Push to Camp IV

• Day 31–33: We ascend from ABC through Camps I, II, and III, spending one night at each. By Day 33, we establish ourselves at Camp IV (7,800m) — a small, exposed camp on a narrow col near the top of the northwest ridge. Here, we rest for several hours, hydrate, and prepare for the summit bid.

Summit Day

• Day 34–36 (weather dependent): The summit push begins around 10:00 PM–12:00 AM from Camp IV. Climbing in the dark with headlamps, we ascend the final 685m of steep snow and ice on the upper northwest ridge. The route involves moderately technical mixed climbing at extreme altitude, with sections of 50–60° incline. As dawn breaks, the panorama unfolds — Everest, Lhotse, and Kangchenjunga visible to the east, and the Tibetan plateau stretching to the north.
• The Summit (8,485m): Standing on the small, pyramid-shaped summit of Makalu is an experience beyond words. After photographs, celebrations, and a moment of reflection, we begin our descent — a critical phase that demands full concentration.
• Descent to Camp II/ABC: We descend directly to Camp II or, if conditions and energy permit, continue down to ABC. The summit bid and descent typically span 18–24 hours of continuous effort.

Contingency & Spare Days

• Day 37–42: These additional days are built into the itinerary as weather contingency. If the initial summit window closes, we wait at ABC for the next opportunity. Climbers who summited early may rest, while others prepare for a second attempt if needed. This flexibility significantly increases our collective success rate.

Meals: Full Board | Accommodation: High Camp Tents / Base Camp Tent

Base Camp Clean-Up

A collective effort to leave no trace. We dismantle tents, pack equipment, remove all waste, and transport garbage down the valley in accordance with our environmental commitment and Nepal Government regulations. The afternoon is spent resting and celebrating the expedition’s achievements with the entire team — a well-earned gathering after weeks of intense effort.

• Activity: Camp dismantling and waste removal

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Tent

Trek Base Camp to Yangle Kharka

We retrace our steps down the Barun Valley, descending steadily through the moraine and glacier terrain. The return journey offers a chance to appreciate the landscape from a new perspective — with the pressure of the climb behind us, many climbers find this descent meditative and deeply satisfying. We camp at Yangle Kharka, enjoying the relative warmth and thicker air of the lower valley.

• Trekking: 5–6 hours
• Elevation Change: −1,210m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Yangle Kharka to Khongma

Continuing our descent, we trek from the valley floor back up and over the ridge system. The climb from the Barun River back to the ridge at Khongma is strenuous after weeks at altitude, but the changing vegetation — from alpine scrub back to dense rhododendron forest — provides a welcome reminder of the lower world. The views from the ridge remain spectacular.

• Trekking: 6–7 hours
• Elevation Change: +120m (with significant ascent/descent)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Khongma to Seduwa

A long descent day. From Khongma, we drop steeply through the three passes crossed on the ascent, then continue down through oak and rhododendron forest to Tashi Gaun for a midday break. After lunch, we descend the remaining trail to Seduwa, returning to the lush, green environment of the mid-hills. The temperature rises noticeably, and the sound of the Arun River returns.

• Trekking: 6–7 hours
• Elevation Change: −2,250m

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Trek Seduwa to Num; Drive to Khandbari

Our final day of trekking follows the familiar trail from Seduwa down to the Arun River, across the suspension bridge, and up the steep switchbacks to Num. From Num, our private vehicle drives us on winding mountain roads to Khandbari, the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha and a bustling hill town. A hot shower and a comfortable bed mark a welcome return to civilisation.

• Trekking: 4–5 hours | Driving: 3 hours
• Elevation Change: −50m net trek, then road descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lodge

Drive Khandbari to Tumlingtar; Fly to Kathmandu

An early morning drive takes us back to Tumlingtar airport. We board our return flight to Kathmandu, where the bustling streets of the capital feel almost surreal after six weeks in the wilderness. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. The evening is free — many climbers choose to gather for a celebratory dinner in Thamel.

• Driving: 3–4 hours | Flying: 35 minutes

Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

A full day to recover, decompress, and explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Popular activities include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Boudhanath Stupa, shopping for souvenirs in Thamel’s handicraft shops, or simply enjoying a long massage and a leisurely meal. In the evening, we hold our farewell dinner to commemorate the expedition and present summit certificates to successful climbers.

Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel

Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, an Ultimate Himalaya representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. If you are extending your stay in Nepal — whether for further trekking, a jungle safari, or cultural exploration — our team will be happy to assist with arrangements.

• Meals: Breakfast