Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous journey in the heart of eastern Nepal. The trek will particularly lead you to Makalu Barun National Park and Makalu Conservation Area where you will get to see numerous flora & fauna including rare ones. Trekking in the Makalu region comes under the restricted area, which needs a special permit from the government of Nepal. During "Makalu Base Camp Trek", you will trek through five major ecological zones where the lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests of rhododendron & fir, and alpine meadows also appear. As most part of the trail involves remote and isolated parts, the entire journey will be super adventurous, wild, and off-the-beaten trail experience.
During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will experience a wide range of climatic variations along with altitude differences. You will trek through the lush forest where you can come across many wildlife like Red Panda, Snow-Leopard, and Musk Deer. Similarly, while passing through numerous small villages, you will get to observe the rich culture and unique lifestyle of the locals. People from Sherpa, Rai, and Shingsawa reside in this part of Nepal. Even though the region is economically weak, you will get to see a very strong cultural heritage. Makalu Base Camp Trekking is an ideal journey for any travel enthusiasts who are looking for a less crowded journey in the Himalayas.
Trekking in the Makalu region will bless you with the spectacular beauty of the Himalayan landscape and panoramic views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Makalu (8,481 m), Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319), Mt. Baruntse (7,220m), Peak 7 (6,185m), Peak 6 (6,739m), and many other mountains. Along with that, you will also get to witness stunning views of glacial lakes, huge glaciers, and picturesque valleys. We, Mountain Rock Treks & Expedition is professionally designed our Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary to present you with a perfect journey. For any further information feel free to contact us anytime.
Facts about Makalu Base Camp Trek
Destination: Makalu region, Nepal
Group Size: 1-12 people
Max-Altitude: 5,250 m/17,224 ft
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure From: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Hotel, teahouses, and camps (tents)
Best Time: Spring & Autumn
The major attraction of Makalu Base Camp Trek
Off-the-beaten trekking experience
Trek through Makalu Barun National Park where you will get to see diverse flora & fauna
Get to experience the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of ethnic settlements
Explore Makalu Base Camp
Witness panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and numerous other mountains
Makalu Base Camp trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, you will begin trekking towards Khadbari and then to Chichila. Leaving Chichila behind you will head to Tashi Gaon via Num and Sedua. The trail passes by several small villages and leads you to Kauma where you will take a day off for acclimatization. From here onwards, you will gradually ascend on the rugged and forested trail to reach Makalu Base Camp. Before reaching the base camp, you will also pass by Mumbuk, Neha Khadka, and Sherson. You will spend a day exploring the base camp and descend back to Tashi Gaon following the same trail as before. Further, the trail will lead you to the beautiful village, Pakuwa from where you will drop down to Bumling and then to Tumlingtar, and fly back to Kathmandu.
To go on Makalu Base Camp Trek, you need to get the following permits:
Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit: USD 30 per person
Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person
Makalu Base Camp Trek is a long trek that lasts for more than 20 days usually. Likewise, during the trek, you will gain more than 5,000 meters in elevation and trail is also challenging. If not done properly there is also chances of altitude sickness. Therefore, by looking at all these factors, you can say Makalu Base Camp Trekking is a difficult journey in the Himalayas. However, with our carefully designed Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary and proper guidance, you will be able to complete the trek without having any problems.
Makalu Base Camp Trek's cost depends on the company you are traveling with. The cost includes your lodging and fooding during the trek, accommodation in Kathmandu, all necessary permits, and expenses of guides & porters. You can check our cost include and exclude part for further information. With us, you will get the best price and service.
Months | Cost in US$ | Book Now |
January | 2150 | Book Now |
Febabury | 2150 | Book Now |
March | 2150 | Book Now |
April | 2150 | Book Now |
May | 2150 | Book Now |
June | 2150 | Book Now |
July | 2150 | Book Now |
August | 2150 | Book Now |
September | 2150 | Book Now |
October | 2150 | Book Now |
November | 2150 | Book Now |
December | 2150 | Book Now |
During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you won’t be dining on anything fancy as this is one of the most remote parts of Nepal, plus the ones available will cost you a fortune. As there is no roadway in the trekking region, they are carried by men and mules. You can expect it to be a lot of hard work. During your stay in teahouses, you will eat dal bhat and dhido. Non-vegetarian items are rare and expensive. It is better that you eat vegetarian. If you have cravings, then you can carry food along with you.
As you trek on the lower parts of the Makalu region, you will be staying in the teahouses and lodges as they are abundant in those areas. As you move further, the elevation also increases. On the higher parts of the Himalayas, you won’t find any houses and lodges as people do not stay in those parts. Those parts are very cold. While at the base camp, and before crossing major passes, you will be spending the night in a camp. The camp will be built by the porters, and they’ll cook food for you.
During Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will need basic trekking equipment. Below is the list of things that you should carry during Makalu Base Camp Trekking:
T-shirts
Underwear
Thermal underwear
Shorts
Trousers
down Jacket
Fleece Jacket
Waterproof jacket with a hood
Waterproof pants
Trekking pants
Pair of gloves/mittens & Lightweight gloves
Sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket
Lightweight walking boots
Spare laces
Thick woolen socks & Thin socks
One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
Sunglasses
Warm hat/Bandana
Toiletries (sunscreen with a very high SPF, lip balm with a high SPF, quick-drying towel, toothbrush & paste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face & body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror, tissue paper, toilet papers, etc)
First Aid Kit (bandage for sprains, band-aids, antiseptic ointment for cuts, aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller, diarrhea stopper, Diamox, etc)
Iodine or water filters
An emergency light
Reusable water bottle
Trekking Pole
Sleeping bag
Miscellaneous (binoculars, book, map, journal & pens, cards, camera, extra batteries, snacks, etc)
Above itinerary can be re-designed as per your interest & preferences. Let us know whether you would like some changes