Makalu Base Camp Trek
Village During Makalu Base Camp Trek
Shipton La Pass Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek

31 reviews in Trip Advisor
11 reviews in Google Reviews
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Duration
20 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4,870 M (15,987 feet)
Group Size
1-15 Pax.
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Hotel and Tea house Trek
Best Time
Spring and Autumn

Trip Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the remote and adventurous trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. The trek leads you to the Manaslu Base Camp, the fifth-highest mountain globally, standing at 8,485 meters. The Manaslu Base Camp journey is ideal for trekkers, seeking to discover something more challenging, and less accessible, along with breathtaking views of mountains, and natural landscapes.  

Major Highlights 

  • Make your way through some remote locations, where you can witness the Sherpa culture and tradition.
  • Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which provides you with panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas.  
  • Get mesmerizing views of Mount Makalu (8,485 M) and other nearby peaks including Baruntse (7,129 M), Chamlang (7,319 M), and Lhotse (8,516 M).
  • Explore the Makalu-Barun National Park, where you can see rich flora and fauna, including some rare wildlife and snow leopards. 
  • Visit several ancient monasteries and interact with the locals for in-depth cultural experiences. 

In comparison to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the Makalu Base Camp trek is less crowded, where trekkers can fully immerse themselves in the serenity and beauty of the Himalayas with a hassle-free experience. The trek provides you with chances to witness the spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of other prominent mountain ranges such as Baruntse (7,129 M), Chamlang (7,319 M), Lhotse (8,516 M), and other nearby peaks. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a perfect opportunity, mainly for energetic trekkers who want to trek through the lesser-known region as well as immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures. 

The Makalu Base Camp is less visited which allows trekkers to relish the Himalayas and witness the untouched wilderness of the area. The trail navigates through varied landscapes from dense subtropical woods, where trekkers pass via terraced fields and traditional villages, to alpine meadows, and barren high-altitude terrain. As you ascend higher, the ecosystem gradually changes, offering a chance to witness Nepal’s diverse flora and fauna. Trekkers can explore the Makalu-Barun National Park, a region where they can witness great biodiversity, rare wildlife species, and a wide range of bird species.

The Makalu trek rewards trekkers with an opportunity to interact with some of the indigenous locals, such as the Sherpas, where they can witness their local customs and traditions. All these areas are mostly influenced by the Buddhist community, where trekkers can see ancient monasteries, and prayer flags on their trekking route. The journey offers combinations of adventure and cultures, making the Makalu Base Camp Trek, worth the visit. 

The trail to the Makalu Base Camp can be considered to be a strenuous adventure because of the numerous steep inclines and high altitude locations, such as the Makalu Base Camp Trek, situated at an altitude of 4,870 meters.  

Who Should Do the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp trek is perfect for experienced trekkers who are physically fit, used to high-altitude environments, and are in search of a more demanding adventure in the Himalayas. This trek is an ideal choice for trekkers, who want to embark on and appreciate wildlife, and cultural experiences, along with magnificent mountain views. 

The Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the remote and strenuous trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal. The journey will take you to the Makalu Base Camp, which is perfect for trekkers wanting more challenging and less visited trekking routes while enjoying amazing vistas of the mountains and natural scenery. Along the way, trekkers make their way through some of the isolated areas, where they can witness the Sherpa culture and tradition. The journey starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering you panoramic views of the Himalayas. 

Why Choose the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is the best choice for trekkers, looking for a well-deserved experience in the remote and less crowded trekking trail in Nepal. Unlike the more popular trekking spots such as Everest and Annapurna routes, the Makalu Base Camp Trek provides a quieter and more intimate Himalayan experience. Here are some of the reasons why you might choose the Makalu Base Camp Trek: 

  1. Less Crowded Route: In comparison to other treks such as the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, the Makalu Base Camp is more located in remote areas with less crowded trail conditions. This means that trekkers can get the opportunity to immerse and experience a more tranquil and peaceful trekking environment.
  2. Spectacular Views of Makau and Other Peaks: The Makalu Base Camp, offers you magnificent views of Makalu (8,485 M), the fifth-highest mountain globally, with some spectacular peaks like Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Everest. The views seen from the Makalu Base Camp are just awe-inspiring.
  3. Diverse landscapes: The Base Camp trek takes you through diverse landscapes from tropical forests and terraces to alpine meadows and glaciers, where you can see rhododendron forests, deep river valleys, and the high Himalayas.
  4. Rich Cultural Experience: The trek takes you through the remote Sherpa villages, where you can truly experience the local culture and traditions. The Makalu region is home to ethnic groups such as the Sherpas, Rai, and Magars, where you can learn about their customs, lifestyle, and traditions. 

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Start Point: Kathmandu
End Point: Kathmandu
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Cost Details

Includes

  • Pickup and Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in Kathmandu 
  • Three Nights Stay at a 2 / 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu (includes breakfast)
  • Travel arrangements as per the Itinerary (Includes Flight Costs)
  • Tea house Accommodations throughout the trek
  • Regular Meals During the Trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner provided)
  • Government-Registered and Licensed Expert Guide and Porter
  • Gear (Sleeping bag, Down jacket, Trekking poles)
  • Fees for Entering Conservation Areas and National Parks
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
  • Trekking Map 
  • First Aid kit 
  • Taxes Imposed by the Government 
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu 

Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket to and From Nepal 
  • Major Meals in Kathmandu (includes breakfast)
  • Personal Costs such as laundry, phone calls, bar fees, beverages, and snacks
  • Personal Gear and Equipment
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Tips for Guide and Porter 
  • Costs resulting from cancellations and circumstances out of our control, such as weather disruptions, Political instability, illness, etc.

Dates & Availability

Please take a look at our fixed departure dates for this Makalu base camp trek. If they do not fit with your schedule, then please let us arrange an itinerary that is more suitable to you and your requirements.

Essential Information

Airport Pickup and Drop 

The Airport pickup and drop-off service is a complimentary service by the High Camp Adventure to its clients, for an easier and more efficient journey. Once you land at the International Airport, one representative from our team will meet you, and transfer you to the designated hotel in Kathmandu. Doing so help you for a stress-free journey in Kathmandu. This service is included in the trekking package by the High Camp Adventure. 

Accommodations and Meals 

High Camp Adventure has included the accommodations and meals in the trekking package, to ensure that comfort and nutrition are not compromised during the trekking journey. The accommodations offered to you usually range from simple lodges, guesthouses, tea houses, and tented camps as you approach the Base Camp. The accommodation and meal bookings vary on the trekking routes and trekking companies. However, High Camp Adventure promises to provide its clients with the best quality services and hassle-free stay in the Himalayas. 

Similarly, meals offered to you on the journey include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, usually made by the local tea house owners with local ingredients. The meals served are delicious and contain more nutrients. Local Nepali Cuisines are mostly served throughout the trek, however, at lower altitudes, you can get foods based on your needs and preferences. Accommodations and meals help to enhance the overall experience, allowing trekkers to mainly focus on their trekking journey without worrying about the logistics. 

Guide and Porter 

High Camp Adventure facilitates their trekkers, with a registered Guide and a local Porter, who will be helping you for a successful ascend to the Makalu Base Camp. The Guide and Porter are important to ensure your safety and help you for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in the Himalayas. The professional Guide will assist you through challenging trekking trails, provide you expertise on the route, provide you knowledge about the local culture, and history, and manage all the accommodations throughout the trek. They are well-known for the terrain and weather conditions, along with organizing all the trekking schedules and providing support in case of an emergency. 

The porter offers to help trekkers for a safe and hassle-free experience in the Himalayas as they are the ones carrying all your heavy luggage and gear to ensure safety and comfort. This allows trekkers to completely focus on their journey without any burden of heavy loads. The porters are familiar with the terrain conditions as they are the locals of the area, making your experience more enjoyable and less physically demanding. 

Gear and Packing Required

While you embark on the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you must be trekking with appropriate gear and packing essentials for a comfortable, safe, and successful journey in the higher Himalayas. Here is a list of gear and packing items required for the Makalu Base Camp Trek:

Trekking Gear 

  1. Trekking Boots (sturdy, waterproof, and comfortable to wear)
  2. Trekking Pants (comfortable, waterproof, windproof, and quick drying)
  3. Sleeping bag and pads (for a comfortable overnight stay)
  4. Trekking poles for better grip (lightweight and easily adjustable) 
  5. Lightweight Trekking shirts (moisture absorbing)
  6. Headlamps with extra batteries 
  7. Main Backpack (50-70 litres) 

Packing for the trek 

  1. Warm hat and scarf (for cold weather)
  2. Sunglasses (protection against UV rays)
  3. Thermal socks and lightweight trekking socks 
  4. Biodegradable soap and shampoo
  5. Toothrbushm, toothpaste, and quick-dry towel 
  6. Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, and moisturizer 
  7. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer 
  8. Painkiller, altitude sickness medication (Diamox)
  9. Power bank (to charge electronic devices)

Best time to reach 

Making your trek to the Himalayas of Nepal depends on the season you ascend. However, the best time to trek depends on the specific region and the trail conditions, but generally, the most preferred season to trek is during the Spring and Autumn. Here is the reason, why Spring and Autumn are regarded to be the best time to make your ascend. 

Spring Season (March to May): The Spring season is one of the most popular times to trek the Makalu Base Camp. During this time, the weather is generally mild, with clear skies, warm days, and chilly nights, especially at higher altitudes. Spring offers vibrant landscapes, such as rhododendrons and wildflowers blooming alongside the trekking route. Although temperatures are cooler at higher elevations, this season offers you a pleasant and accessible experience in the Himalayas. 

Autumn Season (September to November): Autumn is another preferred time to make their ascend to the Makalu Base Camp. During this season, you will be rewarded with clear skies which increases the chance of witnessing the magnificent mountains. Temperature is colder as you approach higher elevations, which is perfect for trekking, as the scenery is revitalized after the monsoon, providing you with beautiful views of surrounding landscapes. This season offers consistent weather and mild temperatures, perfect for an enjoyable trekking adventure. 

Winter (December to February): Doing the Makalu Base Camp Trek is not advisable due to colder temperatures reaching up to minus degrees, heavy snowfall, and challenging terrain conditions, mainly in the elevated areas. The trekking paths may be snowy, with difficult ascending, requiring proper planning and preparations. Although the trek is technically challenging, it is not favored because of severe cold and the chances of avalanches or snowstorms. Trekkers must be fully prepared and should have prior trekking experiences to make their way to Base Camp at the time of Winter. 

Monsoon (June to August): The monsoon is the ideal time to trek the Makalu Base Camp, however, during this time there is heavy and frequent rainfall, making the trail muddy and slippery. At this time, there is a high chance of landslides with poor visibility due to heavy clouds, considering it to be unsafe and challenging. Most trekkers planning the Makalu Base Camp Trek avoid this season due to challenging conditions and a higher probability of disruptions on the trail. 

Permits Required 

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp requires various permits to guarantee safety and security throughout the trek. Some of the essential permits to be obtained for this journey are: 

  1. Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: To trek the Makalu Base Camp, trekkers must obtain the Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit. This permit can easily be obtained from Kathmandu through a registered trekking agency, as they can help you arrange the permit on your behalf. A National Park Permit is necessary to make your way through the Makalu Barun National Park, a conservation area recognized for its abundant biodiversity, including rare animals such as Red Pandas and Snow leopards. 

Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit Fees 

  • NRP 3,000 (approximately USD 25-30) For Foreigners 
  • NRP 1,500 (approximately USD 12-15) For SAARC Nationals 
  • NRP 100 (approximately USD 1) For Nepalese Nationals 
  1. Conservation Area Entry Permit (CAEP): Trekking the Makalu Base Camp, trekkers must be aware to obtain the Conservation Area Entry Permit before their journey starts. The Conservation Area Entry Permit is required for accessing the Makalu Barun region, as it falls under the authority of the conservation area.

Conservation Area Entry Permit Fees 

  • NRP 2,000 (approximately USD 15-20) For Foreigners 
  • NRP 1,000 (approximately USD 8-10) For SAARC Nationals 
  • NRP 200 For Nepalese 
  1. Trekkers Information Management System Card (TIMS) Card: The Trekkers Information Management System Card is one of the mandatory permits for trekkers wanting to trek in every region of Nepal. This permit helps to monitor and track all the trekkers' activities throughout the trek for safety and security reasons. It also ensures that the trek is managed properly and responsibly. 

Trekkers Information Management System Card 

  • NRP 1,000 For Individual Foreigner 
  • NRP 500 For Group Foreign Trekkers 
  • NRP 300 For SAARC Nationals 
  • No TIMS Card is required for Nepalese 
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