Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our representative. Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax after your international journey.

• Altitude: 1,350 m
• Meals: Welcome/assistance; meals not included
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu 

Day 2: Kathmandu – Trek Preparation

A full day in Kathmandu for trek preparation, equipment checks, permits and briefing. You can also explore the surrounding area if time permits.

• Altitude: 1,350 m
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu 

Day 3: Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Num

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. This is a spectacular mountain flight with views toward Makalu and the eastern Himalayan ranges. From Tumlingtar, continue by private vehicle toward Num on rough mountain roads.

• Transport: Flight + Jeep, approximately 5–6 hrs total
• Altitude: 1,500 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 4: Num – Seduwa

Drive a short distance to the end of the road, then begin trekking. Descend through forest toward the Arun River, cross the suspension bridge and climb through agricultural land and cardamom plantations to Seduwa.

• Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +950 m / -235 m
• Altitude: 1,670 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 5: Seduwa – Tashigaon

A relatively moderate day following trails through villages and cultivated hillsides. The trail gradually climbs toward Tashigaon, one of the important settlements before entering the higher Makalu region.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain: +600 m
• Altitude: 2,100 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 6: Tashigaon – Kongma Danda

This is one of the first demanding days. The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and forest before reaching the Kongma Danda ridge. The final section opens into higher alpine terrain.

• Walk: Approximately 8 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,400 m / -50 m
• Altitude: 3,580 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 7: Kongma Danda – Shipton La – Keke La – Dobato

Cross two important passes today. Climb toward Shipton La (4,250 m), descend past Kalo Pokhari and then climb again to Keke La (4,180 m). Continue downhill through rhododendron vegetation to Dobato.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +950 m / -630 m
• Altitude: 3,896 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 8: Dobato – Yangri Kharka

Descend toward the Barun Khola and enter increasingly wild forest. The trail follows the river through rugged terrain with several ups and downs before reaching Yangri Kharka.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -600 m
• Altitude: 3,660 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camp/lodge 

Day 9: Yangri Kharka – Langmale Kharka

Follow the Barun Valley through forest and increasingly alpine surroundings. The trail gradually gains elevation toward Langmale Kharka, with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

• Walk: Approximately 4 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -35 m 
• Altitude: 4,430 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Camp/lodge 

Day 10: Langmale Kharka – Makalu Base Camp

Continue through alpine meadows and glacial terrain toward Makalu Base Camp. As you approach higher ground, the massive Makalu massif becomes increasingly dominant. Arrive at Base Camp and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery.

• Walk: Approximately 3 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +520 m / -100 m
• Altitude: Approximately 4,850 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 11: Makalu Base Camp – Makalu Pattar – Makalu Base Camp

A spectacular acclimatization and exploration day. Climb toward the eastern moraine and, if conditions and fitness allow, continue toward Makalu Pattar at approximately 5,795 m. From the high viewpoint there are exceptional views of Makalu, surrounding glaciers and the Everest region. Return to Base Camp.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -1,000 m
• Maximum altitude: Approximately 5,795 m
• Overnight: 4,850 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camp/lodge 

Day 12: Makalu Base Camp – Langmale Kharka – Yangri Kharka

Descend from Base Camp through Langmale Kharka and follow the Barun Valley back toward Yangri Kharka. This is primarily a downhill day and provides a good recovery after the previous high-altitude excursion.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +100 m / -1,400 m
• Altitude: 3,530 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Camp/lodge 

Day 13: Yangri Kharka – Phemathang Kharka – Korlangue Kharka

Return along the Barun Valley before taking a more remote trail. The route includes river crossings, rocky sections, forest and narrow terrain. Continue into a broad alpine valley where camp is established near a stream.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / -50 m
• Altitude: 4,095 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 14: Korlangue Kharka – Kalo Pokhari Camp

The trail climbs across rugged alpine terrain and rhododendron-covered slopes. After crossing a rocky section and a steep passage, you reach viewpoints with impressive views toward Kangchenjunga and Jannu. Continue to the Kalo Pokhari area.

• Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +580 m / -530 m
• Altitude: 4,145 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 15: Kalo Pokhari – Kholakharka Camp

A remote and adventurous day. Cross rocky and occasionally frozen sections before descending through an avalanche-prone valley. Cross the Saldim Khola and climb through primary forest to the open meadows of Kholakharka.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +520 m / -1,520 m
• Altitude: 3,200 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 16: Kholakharka – Dungge Khola – Tin Pokhari

Follow the trail toward the Dungge Khola and enter a remote highland region filled with alpine lakes. Continue toward Tin Pokhari, meaning “three lakes,” where camp is established.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -200 m
• Altitude: 3,910 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 17: Tin Pokhari – Popti La – Molun Pokhari – Bakhim Kharka

An isolated and less-traveled section of the trek. Follow old yak and herder trails through alpine lakes and rocky ridges. Cross Popti La and continue past Molun Pokhari before descending to Bakhim Kharka.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +650 m / -1,300 m
• Altitude: 3,260 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 18: Bakhim Kharka – Hongong

A shorter day descending through pine and rhododendron forests toward Hongong. The afternoon can be used to rest and explore the local Tibetan-influenced village.

• Walk: Approximately 3 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +40 m / -960 m
• Altitude: 2,340 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 19: Hongong – Chyamtang

Continue through agricultural landscapes above the Arun Valley. The trail alternates between broad village paths and narrower sections along steep terrain before reaching Chyamtang.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -790 m
• Altitude: 2,250 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 20: Chyamtang – Yak Kharka

Descend to the Arun River and cross a long suspension bridge. A substantial climb follows, gaining more than 1,000 m before reaching the forested ridge and Yak Kharka.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,100 m / -600 m
• Altitude: 2,750 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 21: Yak Kharka – Medok Chheje Khola Camp

Descend toward the river before entering the bamboo forest and remote mountain terrain. The trail becomes narrow and rugged, with steep mountainsides and dramatic views toward Makalu. Camp is established beside the river.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,380 m / -850 m
• Altitude: 3,080 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 22: Medok Chheje Khola – Thudam – Samne Kharka

Continue to the remote settlement of Thudam. After visiting the village, follow the valley higher toward Samne Kharka, where the landscape gradually becomes more alpine.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +890 m / -50 m
• Altitude: 3,920 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 23: Samne Kharka – Lumbasumba West Base Camp

Follow the Lapsi Khola deeper into the mountains. The trail gradually climbs through several kharkas before a final steep section leads to the West Base Camp of Lumbasumba La.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -20 m
• Altitude: 4,800 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 24: Lumbasumba West Base Camp – Lumbasumba La – East Base Camp

The major pass-crossing day. Start early and climb toward Lumbasumba La at 5,155 m. From the pass, enjoy spectacular views of Kangchenjunga to the east and Makalu behind you to the west. Descend across rugged terrain into the Dingsamba Khola Valley and establish camp.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +430 m / -600 m
• Maximum altitude: 5,155 m
• Altitude at camp: 4,630 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 25: Lumbasumba East Base Camp – Olangchung Gola

Continue descending through the Dingsamba Khola Valley until reaching the Tamor Khola. Follow the new track for a short distance before arriving at the beautiful traditional village of Olangchung Gola. Time permitting, visit the local monastery.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +70 m / -1,510 m
• Altitude: 3,190 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 26: Olangchung Gola – Langjong Kharka

Follow the Tamor Khola before turning into the Yangma Khola Valley. Continue through increasingly high and open terrain until reaching Langjong Kharka.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -470 m
• Altitude: 3,730 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 27: Langjong Kharka – Nango La – Yak Kharka

Climb approximately 1,000 m to cross Nango La at 4,776 m. From the pass, there are impressive views toward Jannu and the mountains along the Nepal–India border. Descend to Yak Kharka for the night.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -570 m
• Maximum altitude: 4,776 m
• Altitude at camp: 4,160 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Tented camp 

Day 28: Yak Kharka – Phale – Ghunsa

Descend through the Yangma Samba Khola Valley and visit Phale, a traditional Tibetan refugee settlement. Continue along the valley to Ghunsa, an important village for the Kangchenjunga section.

• Walk: Approximately 4 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +100 m / -780 m
• Altitude: 3,500 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 29: Acclimatization / Rest Day in Ghunsa

A rest and acclimatization day at Ghunsa. Explore the village, visit the local monastery and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

• Altitude: 3,500 m
• Activities: Rest, acclimatization and village exploration
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 30: Ghunsa – Khambachen

Follow the Ghunsa Khola north toward Khambachen. The trail enters increasingly rugged alpine terrain with spectacular mountain scenery. Khambachen is a traditional high-altitude settlement beneath the Jannu region.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +850 m / -200 m 
• Altitude: 4,100 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 31: Khambachen – Lhonak

Continue north along the Tamur Valley and the Kangchenjunga glacier moraine. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Lhonak.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -100 m 
• Altitude: 4,760 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 32: Lhonak – Pangpema – Lhonak

One of the highlights of the entire journey. Trek toward Pangpema, the Kangchenjunga North Base Camp, at approximately 5,150 m. Continue slightly higher for panoramic views of the northern face of Kangchenjunga and surrounding glaciers before returning to Lhonak.

• Walk: Approximately 7 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +550 m / -550 m 
• Maximum altitude: 5,150 m 
• Overnight: 4,760 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge 

The original itinerary describes Pangpema as one of its principal highlights and returns to Lhonak the same afternoon. 

Day 33: Lhonak – Ghunsa

Retrace the trail south along the Ghunsa Khola. This is a long descent from the high alpine environment back toward the more sheltered Ghunsa Valley.

• Walk: Approximately 8 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -1,600 m
• Altitude: 3,500 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 34: Ghunsa – Mani Bhuk / Sele¬le Camp

Begin crossing the Sele¬le mountain range. The trail climbs through forest and then opens onto high ridges before reaching the Sele¬le area.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +980 m / -200 m 
• Altitude: 4,210 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 35: Mani Bhuk – Sinion La – Mirgin La – Tseram

A challenging pass-crossing day. Cross Sinion La (4,650 m) and Mirgin La (4,660 m), followed by another high pass. Enjoy exceptional views of Jannu, Makalu and the eastern Himalayan range before descending steeply toward Tseram.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +730 m / -1,050 m 
• Maximum altitude: 4,660 m+ 
• Altitude: 3,890 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 36: Tseram – Tortong

A shorter and easier day after the previous high-pass crossing. Descend through forest and open meadows along the Sambuwa Khola to Tortong. The afternoon is free for rest.

• Walk: Approximately 3 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +200 m / -900 m 
• Altitude: 2,880 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 37: Tortong – Lamite Bhanjyang – Bhotegaon

Continue through dense forest before climbing toward Lamite Bhanjyang at around 3,406 m. Cross the ridge and descend through rhododendron forest toward Bhotegaon.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +880 m / -1,650 m 
• Altitude: 2,000 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 38: Bhotegaon – Phomphe Danda

Continue through villages and forest toward the warmer lower valleys. Pass agricultural settlements and climb through forest to reach Phomphe Danda.

• Walk: Approximately 5 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -800 m
• Altitude: 1,740 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 39: Phomphe Danda – Sinchewa Bhanjyang

A pleasant trekking day through forests, small settlements, and agricultural terraces. Continue west toward Sinchewa Bhanjyang, with views toward the Kangchenjunga range.

• Walk: Approximately 6 hrs 
• Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -700 m 
• Altitude: 1,780 m 
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Accommodation: Lodge/camp 

Day 40: Sinchewa Bhanjyang – Lali Kharka – Suketar

Final trekking day. Follow local trails through villages and farmland toward Lali Kharka. Climb through forest to Deorali Pass (approximately 2,600 m) before descending to Suketar.

• Walk: Approximately 7 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: +780 m / -1,180 m
• Altitude: 2,440 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 41: Suketar – Birtamod

Early departure by private vehicle. A long road journey takes you from the hills down toward the Terai plains and Birtamod.

• Drive: Approximately 10 hrs 
• Altitude: Approximately 380 m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

Day 42: Birtamod – Bhadrapur – Kathmandu

Drive to Bhadrapur Airport and take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu. The flight offers another excellent mountain panorama. Arrive in Kathmandu around midday and enjoy a free afternoon.

• Transport: Private vehicle + domestic flight
• Flight: Approximately 1 hr
• Altitude: 1,350 m
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu 

Day 43: Kathmandu – Contingency / Free Day

A free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation. This day also serves as a valuable contingency day in case of delays during the trek.

• Altitude: 1,350 m
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 44: Kathmandu – International Departure

Free time until your international departure. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 45: Arrival Home

Arrive at your home destination and conclude the Makalu–Lumbasumba–Kangchenjunga Traverse.