Makalu Base Camp + Amphu Laptsa Extended Trek
Journey across Nepal's most remote Himalayan wilderness from Makalu Base Camp to the technical Amphu Laptsa Pass, where glaciers, towering peaks, and an unforgettable traverse into the Khumbu await.
Trek Overview
What is the Makalu Base Camp + Amphu Laptsa Extended Trek?
The Makalu Base Camp + Amphu Laptsa Extended Trek is one of the most remote and technically demanding trekking routes in Nepal, combining the wild Makalu-Barun wilderness with a high-altitude crossing into the Khumbu via the Amphu Laptsa La (5,845m). AltiPro's 26-day itinerary approaches through the Arun and Barun valleys to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) beneath the sheer south face of Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak at 8,485m, then continues up the Barun Glacier and crosses the technical Amphu Laptsa pass to descend into the Chhukung valley in the Everest region. The pass crossing involves glacier travel, fixed ropes, and a steep rappel on the Khumbu side, delivering direct views of Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest across a single continuous route rarely completed by trekkers.
Fully guided by an experienced high-altitude guide with Amphu Laptsa technical expertise, supported by climbing Sherpas, kitchen crew, and porters for the full crossing. All Makalu-Barun National Park permits, restricted area permits, camping equipment, meals, and technical crossing gear included. Maximum 8 participants. Rated Extreme — requires prior high-altitude trekking experience, glacier travel competence, and fixed-rope and rappelling technique on the pass.
Makalu Base Camp to Khumbu — Nepal's Wildest High-Altitude Traverse
The approach to Makalu Base Camp climbs through the Makalu-Barun National Park, one of the least visited wilderness areas in Nepal, from the lowland villages of the Arun valley through dense rhododendron and pine forest into the high alpine terrain of the Barun valley. Makalu Base Camp (4,870m) sits directly beneath the massive south face of Makalu (8,485m), with Chamlang and Baruntse rising along the opposite wall of the valley.
From base camp, the route continues up the Barun Glacier toward the Amphu Laptsa La (5,845m), a high glaciated pass on the Hongu-Khumbu divide. The crossing requires roped glacier travel, crampon and ice axe technique, and a fixed-rope descent on steep ice and rock on the Khumbu side before dropping into the Chhukung valley beneath Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest.
Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for the Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek?
Amphu Laptsa Technical Expertise
AltiPro's crossing team combines experienced high-altitude Sherpa guides with route-specific knowledge of the Amphu Laptsa glacier and rappel line. Fixed ropes, anchors, crampons, ice axes, and full camping equipment for the crossing are provided and managed by AltiPro's expedition team.
Extended Acclimatisation Schedule
The 26-day itinerary builds acclimatisation gradually through the Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp before the pass attempt, with rest days scheduled at key elevations to prepare trekkers for sustained time above 5,000m.
On-Site Technical Training
Full glacier travel, crampon, ice axe, and rappelling instruction is provided before the pass crossing. No prior technical mountaineering qualification is required, though prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Complete Expedition Package
All Makalu-Barun National Park and restricted area permits, camping equipment, kitchen crew, meals, high-altitude guide, climbing Sherpas, porters, and all technical crossing gear — completely included for the full 26-day traverse.
Small Group Size
Maximum 8 participants per departure, reflecting the remoteness and technical demands of the Amphu Laptsa crossing and the logistical limits of camping in the Barun and Hongu wilderness.
Spring & Autumn Seasons
AltiPro operates the Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa trek in both spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November), when snow and ice conditions on the pass are most stable for a safe crossing.
Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek — 26-Day Route Overview
The route approaches through the remote Barun valley to Makalu Base Camp, then crosses the Amphu Laptsa pass into the Khumbu before descending through the Everest region.
Days 1–5: Kathmandu → Tumlingtar → Barun Valley Approach
Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar followed by a multi-day approach through Arun valley villages and rhododendron forest into the Makalu-Barun National Park, gaining altitude gradually toward the upper Barun valley.
Days 6–10: Barun Valley → Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
The trail climbs through Yangle Kharka and Merek into increasingly alpine terrain, with a rest day for acclimatisation before reaching Makalu Base Camp beneath the peak's towering south face.
Days 11–14: Makalu Base Camp Exploration and Acclimatisation
Additional high hikes around the Barun Glacier and Makalu's lower flanks build the acclimatisation needed for the Amphu Laptsa crossing, with views of Chamlang, Baruntse, and the Makalu massif.
Days 15–18: Barun Glacier → Amphu Laptsa Advanced Camp
The route continues up the Barun Glacier toward the base of the Amphu Laptsa La, with camps established for the technical crossing and final equipment checks for glacier travel.
Days 19–20: Amphu Laptsa Crossing (5,845m) → Chhukung
The technical crossing day involves roped glacier travel, crampon technique, and a fixed-rope descent on the Khumbu side before dropping into the Chhukung valley, with Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest visible on the descent.
Days 21–26: Chhukung → Namche → Lukla → Kathmandu
Descent through the familiar Khumbu trail via Namche Bazaar to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu, completing the traverse from the Makalu wilderness to the heart of the Everest region.
How Difficult is the Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek?
The Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek is rated Extreme. The remote Barun valley approach itself is physically demanding, and the Amphu Laptsa crossing adds serious technical difficulty — glacier travel, crampon and ice axe technique, and a steep fixed-rope descent at high altitude. This is among the most difficult trekking routes AltiPro offers and is not suitable for first-time high-altitude trekkers. Prior experience above 5,500m and comfort with exposure is strongly recommended.
Best Season for the Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek
Spring (April–May): The primary season — increasing daylight and generally stable snow conditions on the Amphu Laptsa give the safest pass crossing window.
Autumn (October–November): The clearest post-monsoon visibility in the Barun and Khumbu valleys, with firm, predictable snow conditions on the pass.
Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek Cost
Complete 26-day traverse from the Makalu-Barun wilderness to the Khumbu — all permits, camping, meals, high-altitude guide, climbing Sherpas, porters, and technical crossing equipment included.
Includes Makalu-Barun National Park permit, restricted area permit, all camping equipment and meals throughout the trek, licensed high-altitude guide, climbing Sherpas, porters, and all technical crossing gear (ropes, anchors, crampons, ice axes). International flights, domestic flights, and personal gear not included. Contact AltiPro for full pricing.
Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Makalu Base Camp + Amphu Laptsa Extended Trek with AltiPro Adventures.
Do I need technical climbing experience for the Amphu Laptsa crossing?
No formal mountaineering qualification is required, but participants must be comfortable with roped glacier travel, crampon and ice axe use, and exposure on a fixed-rope rappel. AltiPro provides full technical instruction before the crossing.
How high is the Amphu Laptsa pass?
The Amphu Laptsa La sits at 5,845 metres. Makalu Base Camp is at 4,870 metres. This is one of the highest and most technical trekking passes in Nepal.
How long is the Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek?
26 days with AltiPro from Kathmandu return, including the Barun valley approach, base camp exploration, the pass crossing, and the descent through the Khumbu.
When is the best time for the Makalu BC + Amphu Laptsa Trek?
April and May, or October and November, when snow and ice conditions on the Amphu Laptsa are most stable for a safe crossing.
What technical equipment does AltiPro provide?
Ropes, anchors, crampons, ice axes, and harnesses for the pass crossing are all provided by AltiPro. Personal mountaineering boots, high-altitude layers, and a sleeping bag rated for extreme cold should be brought by trekkers.
Is the Amphu Laptsa crossing guaranteed?
No crossing is guaranteed in the high Himalayas. AltiPro provides an experienced technical team and builds in schedule flexibility, but weather, snow conditions, and individual acclimatisation always affect the outcome.
Can I trek to Makalu Base Camp without crossing Amphu Laptsa?
Yes — AltiPro offers a standard Makalu Base Camp trek that returns via the same approach route rather than crossing into the Khumbu. The extended itinerary is recommended only for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
What fitness level is required?
Excellent cardiovascular fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience are essential. AltiPro recommends previous trekking above 5,000m, comfort with multi-day camping in remote terrain, and at least 4 months of dedicated training before departure.
Highlights
- Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m / 15,978 ft)
- Amphu Laptsa La (5,845 m / 19,177 ft)
- Makalu (8,485 m) South Face Views
- Barun Glacier Crossing
- Makalu-Barun National Park
- Arun & Barun Valleys
- Chhukung Valley (4,730 m)
- Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam & Baruntse Views
- Technical Glacier & Fixed Rope Crossing
- Remote High-Altitude Camping Expedition
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m), briefing and preparation | B/D | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m), briefing and preparation
2
|
Rest and preparation for the trek and high passes |
Breakfast |
Hotel |
|
| Rest and preparation for the trek and high passes
3
|
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, drive to Seduwa (1,700m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, drive to Seduwa (1,700m)
4
|
Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,300m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,300m)
5
|
Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (2,800m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (2,800m)
6
|
Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3,200m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3,200m)
7
|
Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka (3,600m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka (3,600m)
8
|
Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)
9
|
Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (5,550m) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (5,550m)
10
|
Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Amphu Laptsa approach (5,800m) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Amphu Laptsa approach (5,800m)
11
|
Cross Amphu Laptsa Pass (5,900m) and descend to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Cross Amphu Laptsa Pass (5,900m) and descend to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m)
12
|
Preparation day at Island Peak Base Camp |
B/L/D |
Tent |
|
| Preparation day at Island Peak Base Camp
13
|
Summit Island Peak (6,189m) and descend to Chhukung (4,730m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Summit Island Peak (6,189m) and descend to Chhukung (4,730m)
14
|
Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche (3,860m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche (3,860m)
15
|
Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
16
|
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)
17
|
Buffer / rest day in Lukla (2,860m) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
|
| Buffer / rest day in Lukla (2,860m)
18
|
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m) – 1 hr flight, farewell dinner |
B/D |
Hotel |
|
| Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m) – 1 hr flight, farewell dinner
19 - 23
|
Buffer days / sightseeing in Kathmandu, departure |
Breakfast |
..... |
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| Buffer days / sightseeing in Kathmandu, departure | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star category) - twin sharing room on a bed and breakfast plan.
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
All necessary paperwork: Makalu Barun National Park fees, entry permit and fee.
Medical and emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
Makalu Region Trekking map.
(Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – Tumlingtar and while returning Tumlingtar - Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
Up to 15 Kg per member as personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters.
Three (3) meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea, coffee, and hot water) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge (Sharing) during the trek. Hygienic and fresh green vegetables, and fresh meat, will be served during the trip. (To upgrade to a room with an attached washroom, inform us earlier. Extra cost applies).
Government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
Porters as required (2 members: 1 Porter) to and from Basecamp (both ways).
All Nepalese staff and porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.
For emergency communication carried by a Guide, also available for members (subject to a charge).
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley [Swoyambu (Monkey temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square] by a professional guide.
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
A memento and trip completion certificate at the end of the trip.
Excludes
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
Nepalese Visa fee is $ 50 USD for 30 Days.
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue, air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, hot/bottled/mineral water, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages.
Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking Gear.
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
Not included during the trek and the expedition.
$30 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is requested).
Each member needs to contribute a minimum of $200 USD as tips to be distributed among the porters, guide, and other staff involved. (Check the details below).
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Gear Lists & Useful Information
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