The Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp: Days 9 to 14
Written by our trekking team
Photo: Remote Nepal Treks, Apr 2026.
The short version
After the Shipton La, six days take you up the Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp and give you a full day there. You drop from Dobato to Yangle Kharka (3,557m), climb to Langmale Kharka (4,410m) for a rest day, take a short day to Merek (4,570m) and walk the last 300m up the Barun Glacier's edge to base camp at 4,870m. Day 14 is spent at base camp, with an optional climb toward the Hillary Base Camp viewpoint. Then one long day takes you back down to Yangle Kharka.
The upper valley, day by day
| Day | Stage | Altitude | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Dobato to Yangle Kharka | 3,557m | ▼ 143m, lost and regained | Full day |
| 10 | Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka | 4,410m | ▲ 853m | 5–6 hrs, ~10km |
| 11 | Langmale Kharka, rest day | 4,410m | Acclimatization | Optional hike |
| 12 | Langmale Kharka to Merek | 4,570m | ▲ 160m | Short day |
| 13 | Merek to Makalu Base Camp | 4,870m | ▲ 300m | 4 hrs, ~6km |
| 14 | Makalu Base Camp, exploration day | 4,870m | Rest, optional viewpoint | Your choice |
| 15 | Base camp to Yangle Kharka | 3,557m | ▼ 1,313m | 7–8 hrs, ~20km |
Every night here is in camp.
Day 9: into the Barun
After the Shipton La crossing (we cover it in our Shipton La post), the trail drops steeply from Dobato into the Barun valley proper. The net change on the map is small, 143m down to Yangle Kharka at 3,557m, but you lose height and climb some of it back, so it's a real walking day. The vegetation changes quickly as you go.
It's a good day to let your legs recover from the passes. The big views are still ahead.
Days 10 and 11: Langmale Kharka
Day 10 climbs up the Barun valley's true left bank, about 10km and 5 to 6 hours, gaining 853m to Langmale Kharka at 4,410m. The tree line falls away behind you, and this is where your first real views of Makalu's south face appear.
Day 11 is a rest day at the same camp. You can climb toward the moraine above camp for some extra altitude and come back down to sleep, which is the same climb-high, sleep-low idea we use on all our routes. You'll find it explained in how acclimatization is built into our itineraries.
Two nights at 4,410m before going higher is what makes the next days feel manageable.
Photo: Remote Nepal Treks, Apr 2026.
Day 12: a short day to Merek
This day gains only 160m. The trail moves onto glacial moraine, the ground turns rocky underfoot and the air is noticeably thinner. You'll arrive early at Merek (4,570m) with the afternoon to rest, drink and eat.
Day 13: Makalu Base Camp
The last approach follows the edge of the Barun Glacier into the base camp cirque: about 6km and 4 hours, gaining 300m to 4,870m. It's the highest point of the trek.
What you see there is the reason the trek exists. Makalu's full southwest face rises straight above the camp, and across the glacier stand Chomo Lonzo and Baruntse. The camp is already going up when you arrive, and you have the rest of the day to take it in.
Day 14: a day at base camp
You spend a full day at base camp. It's a rest day for your body and a free day for you. The option is a climb toward the Hillary Base Camp viewpoint above the main camp, for a wider look at the Makalu-La climbing approach.
If you'd rather sit with a hot drink and watch the light on the face, that's a good use of the day too. Either way, a second night at 4,870m comes before the long way down.
Day 15: one long day down
The descent covers in a single push what took two days on the way up: 1,313m down and about 20km to Yangle Kharka in 7 to 8 hours. It's long, but downhill at altitude feels easier with every hour, and the air thickens as you go. Day 16 then re-crosses the Shipton La complex to Tashi Gaon.
A few practical notes
- Nights here are the coldest of the trek. A sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C and a heavy down jacket are on our Makalu packing list for these camps.
- Glacier-rated sunglasses matter on the moraine days.
- Your guide checks with a pulse oximeter, and the plan for an early descent is always there if anyone needs it.
The whole route is in the Makalu Base Camp Trek guide, and every day is on our Makalu itinerary.
Frequently asked
How high is Makalu Base Camp?
4,870m. It's the highest point of our Makalu trek, reached on Day 13 from Merek (4,570m).
What can you see from Makalu Base Camp?
Makalu's full southwest face rises directly above the camp, with Chomo Lonzo and Baruntse across the Barun Glacier.
Is there a rest day before Makalu Base Camp?
Yes. Day 11 is an acclimatization day at Langmale Kharka (4,410m), and Day 12 to Merek is only 160m of gain. There's also a full day at base camp itself on Day 14.
What is the Hillary Base Camp viewpoint?
An optional climb above the main base camp on Day 14, for a wider look at the historic Makalu-La climbing approach.
How long is the descent from Makalu Base Camp?
One long day back to Yangle Kharka: about 20km, 1,313m down and 7 to 8 hours.