Side by side
| Nar Phu Valley Trek | Makalu Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 10 | 18 |
| Highest point | 5,320 m | 4,870 m |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 115 km | 145 km |
| Best months | March to May and September to November | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $1,100 to $1,850 | $1,450 to $2,200 |
| Starts from | Koto (near Chame) | Num (via Tumlingtar flight and jeep) |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Nar Phu Valley Trek if
The Nar Phu Valley trek is a 10 day restricted route north of the Annapurna Circuit reaching 5,320 m at Kang La Pass. It leads into medieval stone hamlets, ancient monasteries, and dramatic trans-Himalayan gorges near the Tibetan border, requiring special permits and a registered guide.
Remote trails chiseled out of vertical canyon cliffs, sustained altitude in Phu village, and an early morning pass crossing over Kang La at 5,320 m.
Choose the Makalu Base Camp Trek if
The Makalu Base Camp trek is an 18 day wilderness route in eastern Nepal leading into Makalu Barun National Park to the base of Mount Makalu at 4,870 m. Trekkers journey from subtropical cloud forests over rugged Shipton La pass into the dramatic sheer granite amphitheatre of Barun Valley.
Demanding high-altitude crossing of Shipton La at 4,210 m with steep climbs and descents. The upper Barun valley is remote with simple teahouses and unpredictable mountain weather.
