Kanchenjunga and Makalu are the two great base camp treks of eastern Nepal, both long, quiet and demanding. Kanchenjunga takes 20 to 24 days to visit its north and south base camps, at about 5,140 m and 4,700 m, and needs a restricted area permit. Makalu Base Camp, at 4,870 m, takes 16 to 20 days, crosses the Shipton La on the way in and needs only a national park permit. Makalu is shorter and steeper; Kanchenjunga is longer and more varied.
Kanchenjunga and Makalu at a glance
- Days. Kanchenjunga: 20 to 24 for both base camps. Makalu: 16 to 20.
- Highest point. Kanchenjunga: Pangpema, about 5,140 m. Makalu: base camp 4,870 m; viewpoints above it to about 5,200 m.
- Key pass. Kanchenjunga: Sele La group, about 4,700 m, between the two valleys. Makalu: Shipton La, about 4,200 m, crossed twice.
- Permit. Kanchenjunga: restricted area permit; minimum two trekkers. Makalu: Makalu Barun National Park permit.
- Lodging. Kanchenjunga: basic lodges, sparse high up. Makalu: basic lodges, very sparse beyond the passes.
- Access. Kanchenjunga: flight to Bhadrapur, then a long drive. Makalu: flight to Tumlingtar, then jeep to Num.
Two mountains, two valleys
Kanchenjunga, 8,586 m, is the third highest mountain in the world and stands on the Sikkim border. Makalu, 8,485 m, the fifth highest, stands east of Everest. Both treks begin in low, warm farmland at under 1,500 m and climb through every zone of vegetation to glaciers, which means long approaches and a great deal of ascent.
The Kanchenjunga trek
A full trek goes up the Tamor and Ghunsa valleys to the Sherpa village of Ghunsa, on to Lhonak and Pangpema below the north face, then back and over a series of passes to Tseram and the Oktang viewpoint above the Yalung Glacier, before descending through Limbu hill villages. See the Kanchenjunga Base Camp guides.
The Makalu trek
From Num the trail drops to the Arun river, one of the lowest points on any Himalayan trek, climbs through Rai and Sherpa villages to Tashigaon, crosses the Shipton La and its neighbouring passes on a high, often snowy ridge, and descends into the Barun valley. This is a wild, cliff-walled valley with no permanent villages, leading to base camp under Makalu's south face. You return the same way. See the Makalu Base Camp guides.
Difficulty
Both are hard. Makalu is steeper and more abrupt: the climb over the Shipton La gains height fast and is the usual place for altitude problems, and the Barun valley has rockfall and landslide sections. Kanchenjunga is gentler in gradient but a week longer.
Lodges
Both have simple lodges now, which is a change from the camping-only past. Beyond Tashigaon on the Makalu side and beyond Ghunsa on the Kanchenjunga side they are few, basic and open only in season, so some groups still carry tents as a back-up.
Views
Kanchenjunga gives two faces of one massif plus Jannu, a spectacular 7,710 m peak. Makalu Base Camp looks up at one of the great mountain walls of the world, and a climb on the slopes above camp brings Everest and Lhotse into view from the east, a side few people see.
Permits and cost
Kanchenjunga needs the restricted permit, a guide and two trekkers. Makalu does not have the group-size rule, though a guide is still expected. Kanchenjunga costs more overall, mainly because it is longer.
Season
April to May and October to November for both. The eastern Himalaya has a longer, heavier monsoon, and the Shipton La and Sele La hold snow well into spring.
Wildlife and forest
Both lie in protected areas known for rhododendron, with dozens of species flowering in April and May, and for red panda. Makalu Barun National Park is one of the most biologically rich in Nepal, because of its huge range of altitude.
Choose Kanchenjunga if
- You have more than three weeks.
- You want two base camps and Sherpa and Limbu villages.
- You are travelling as two or more.
- You prefer a steadier gain of altitude.
Choose Makalu if
- You have about two and a half weeks.
- You want a wild valley with no villages.
- You are travelling alone with a guide.
- You want to see Everest from the east.
Plan it
See Makalu or Everest Base Camp, or ask us for both itineraries.
Common questions
Which is harder, Makalu or Kanchenjunga?
Makalu is steeper; Kanchenjunga is longer. Most find them similar overall.
Which is higher?
Kanchenjunga's north base camp, by about 270 m.
Which needs a restricted permit?
Kanchenjunga.
Are there lodges all the way?
Mostly, in season, but they are basic and should be confirmed ahead.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
