The Makalu Base Camp – Salpa Pass Trek is a long, immersive Himalayan journey that links two remarkable regions of eastern Nepal through a rarely walked highland corridor. Designed for trekkers who value depth over speed, this route combines the raw wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park with the cultural richness of the lower Arun and Salpa regions, creating a trek that feels both exploratory and deeply rooted in local tradition.
The trek begins in the lush lowlands of eastern Nepal and steadily ascends through terraced hillsides, forested ridges, and remote Rai and Sherpa settlements. As the trail climbs higher, the environment changes dramatically. Subtropical forests give way to alpine terrain, open yak pastures, and glacial valleys shaped by ice and altitude. This gradual transition allows trekkers to experience the full ecological range of the eastern Himalayas while following a logical and time-tested trekking route.
The heart of the journey lies within Makalu Barun National Park, one of Nepal’s most pristine protected areas. The approach to Makalu Base Camp unfolds through the vast Barun Valley, a landscape defined by towering rock walls, hanging glaciers, and wide, windswept plains. Standing at the base of Mount Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest peak in the world, is a humbling experience, intensified by the remoteness and silence of the surroundings. Peaks such as Baruntse, Chamlang, and Peak 6 dominate the skyline, reinforcing the scale and seriousness of the terrain.
After time at Makalu Base Camp, the route retraces its steps before branching south toward the historic Salpa Pass. This section of the trek feels markedly different. The high alpine wilderness slowly transitions into culturally rich mid-hill landscapes, where ancient trade paths connect isolated villages. The crossing of Salpa Pass (3,565 m) is less technical than the high passes near Makalu but carries deep cultural significance, long used by local communities and pilgrims moving between valleys.
One of the spiritual highlights of the trek is the visit to the sacred Gururinpoche Cave, an important pilgrimage site revered by both Buddhists and local communities. The latter stages of the trek pass through traditional villages such as Bung, Pangom, and Surkhe, where daily life continues much as it has for generations. Stone houses, prayer flags, cultivated fields, and warm local hospitality define these final days before reaching Lukla.
This trek follows a standard Makalu–Salpa Pass route, carefully paced to support acclimatization while maintaining the authenticity of a long Himalayan traverse. With tea-house accommodation throughout, it balances comfort with remoteness, making it a rare opportunity to experience an extended Himalayan journey without full camping logistics.
The Makalu Base Camp – Salpa Pass Trek is best suited for experienced trekkers seeking a long-form adventure that blends wilderness, culture, and spiritual heritage into a single, cohesive Himalayan crossing.
Trip Notes
Best Season to Trek
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Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, stable weather, and excellent mountain visibility. Ideal conditions for high sections near Makalu and the Salpa Pass crossing.
Spring is possible but less common due to lingering snow in upper valleys.
Temperature Range (Low – High)
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Lower elevations (1,000–2,000 m): 12°C to 26°C
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Mid elevations (2,500–3,500 m): 6°C to 18°C
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High alpine zones and Makalu Base Camp (4,500–5,000 m):
Daytime: -2°C to 8°C
Nighttime: -8°C to -12°C
Temperatures can fluctuate quickly in exposed valleys and during windy conditions.
Trek Difficulty
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Grade: Challenging
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Long trekking duration with sustained ascents and descents
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Best suited for trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience and strong physical fitness
Maximum Elevation
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Makalu Base Camp: approx. 4,870 m
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Salpa Pass: 3,565 m
Trek Style & Accommodation
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Tea-house trek throughout the route
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Basic but welcoming lodges in villages and seasonal settlements
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Meals prepared locally with simple, traditional options
Permits Required
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Makalu Barun National Park Permit
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TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
(All permits arranged by Ticino Treks)
Acclimatization & Safety
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Gradual altitude gain along the standard route
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A rest day included at Makalu Base Camp
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Experienced guides trained in altitude awareness and emergency procedures
Who This Trek Is For?
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Trekkers looking for a long, continuous Himalayan journey
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Those seeking a balance of high mountain wilderness and living culture
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Adventurers interested in less commercial trekking routes with strong local character
Why Trek with Ticino Treks?
Ticino Treks brings focused expertise to long and complex Himalayan routes. On the Makalu Base Camp – Salpa Pass Trek, our approach emphasizes careful pacing, local knowledge, and responsible travel through sensitive mountain environments, ensuring a safe and meaningful journey across one of eastern Nepal’s most rewarding trekking corridors.
