Best trails in Makalu Barun National Park
4.3(38 reviews)
Want to find the best trails in Makalu Barun National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 16 great trails for hiking and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next adventure? Trails in this park range from 498 to 27,805 feet of elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Makalu Barun National Park.
Top trails
- 4.3 (22)·Hard·19.3 mi·Est. 16–17.5 hrThis trail begins from Lukla but immediately diverges from the main Everest trail. It heads east to cross the high Zatrwa La Pass, a demanding start that leads into the remote and pristine Hinku Valley. The journey then ascends through the sparsely populated Hinku Valley, a beautiful, isolated area of high forests and alpine pastures. Trekkers pass through small Sherpa settlements like Khote and Thagnak before arriving at Khare, which serves as the main base camp for preparing for the climb....
- 4.8 (6)·Hard·64.1 mi·Est. 24 hr+The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging out-and-back journey into the heart of the eastern Himalayas, covering approximately 103 km (64 miles). Starting from the remote trailhead at Num, the route traverses the diverse landscapes of Makalu Barun National Park, ranging from subtropical rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands to high-altitude alpine meadows and rugged glacial moraines. Hikers encounter significant elevation gains while crossing high passes such as Shipton La and Keke La,...
- 5.0 (6)·Hard·58.7 miA trek along the GHT passes through nearly every major trekking region in Nepal, including the areas of Everest, Makalu, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and the remote, culturally distinct regions of Dolpo. Trekkers experience a vast range of landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests and deep river gorges to high alpine passes and arid, plateau-like terrain, while encountering many different ethnic communities. The permit process is complex, as the trail passes through numerous national...
- 3.0 (1)·Moderate·8.9 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrThis route follows Stage 11 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, a remote long-distance trail through the Makalu Barun National Park in the Koshi Province. This segment involves a long and demanding descent from the high ridge at Khongma Danda, dropping steeply through dense rhododendron and oak forests to Tashi Gaon, before continuing through terraced fields to reach the village of Seduwa. Overnight stays are available at local teahouses or basic lodges in Seduwa, where facilities are more...
- Hard·4.5 miThis route follows Stage 6 of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, a remote long-distance trail through the Makalu Barun National Park in the Koshi Province. This high-altitude segment involves a steady ascent from the meadows of Yangri Kharka along the Barun River, passing through alpine scrub and rocky terrain to reach the seasonal outpost of Langmale. Overnight stays occur in basic local teahouses or designated backcountry camping zones at Langmale, where facilities are extremely limited and thin...
- Hard·5.3 miThis route follows a return stage of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, a remote long-distance trail through the Makalu Barun National Park in the Koshi Province. This segment involves a steady descent through the Barun River Valley, followed by a grueling and steep climb from the lush forests back up to the high-altitude ridge at Dobate. Overnight stays occur in basic local teahouses or designated backcountry camping zones at Dobate, where facilities are extremely limited. Standard trekking gear is...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Makalu Barun National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Makalu Barun National Park is Mera Peak trek (via Zatrw La), which has a 4.3 star rating from 22 reviews. This trail is 19.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 12,759 ft.
What is the longest trail in Makalu Barun National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Makalu Barun National Park is Makalu Base Camp Trek. This trail is estimated to be 64.1 mi long.
How many trails are in Makalu Barun National Park?
There are 16 trails in Makalu Barun National Park.These trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom 38 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Makalu Barun National Park?
Makalu Base Camp Trek has the most elevation gain with 27,805 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Great Himalaya Trail, which has 21,351 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Makalu Barun National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 14 camping trails in Makalu Barun National Park and the most popular is Makalu Base Camp Trek with an average 4.8 star rating from 6 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Makalu Barun National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Makalu Barun National Park and the most popular is Mera Peak trek (via Zatrw La) with an average 4.3 star rating from 22 community reviews.
Are there any trails with lakes in Makalu Barun National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with lakes in Makalu Barun National Park, including Makalu Base Camp Trek, Amphu Laptsa La, Makalu Base Camp Trek: Dobate - Khongma Danda, and Makalu Base Camp Trek: Khongma Danda - Dobate.
Are there any trails with glaciers in Makalu Barun National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with glaciers in Makalu Barun National Park, including Amphu Laptsa - Chukhung, Sherpani Col - Baruntse Trail, and Amphu Laptsa La.
Are there any trails with rivers in Makalu Barun National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with rivers in Makalu Barun National Park, including Makalu Base Camp Trek, Gola - Chyamtang, Makalu Base Camp Trek: Yangri Kharka - Langmale, Makalu Base Camp Trek: Yangri Kharka - Dobate, and Makalu Base Camp Trek: Langmale - Makalu Base Camp.
Are there any trails with huts in Makalu Barun National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a hut in Makalu Barun National Park: Mera Peak trek (via Zatrw La).
Attractions
- Hard trails in Makalu Barun National Park
- Lake trails in Makalu Barun National Park
- Long trails in Makalu Barun National Park
- River trails in Makalu Barun National Park
- Trails with views in Makalu Barun National Park
- Wildflower trails in Makalu Barun National Park
- Wildlife trails in Makalu Barun National Park
Points of interest
- Sherpa Kitchen
- Makalu Base Camp
- Barun River
- Panch Pokhari
- Amphu Laptsa La BC South 2
- Arun River
- Amphu Laptsa La BC South 1
- Kalo Pokhari
- Sano Pokhari
- Barun River
- Barun Glacier
- Makalu Danfe Lodge
- Shipton La Teahouse
- Phematang Tea House
- Shiva View Hotel and Lodge
- Langmale Kharka Teahouse
- Dobate Teahouse
- Lower Barun Glacier