Makalu Base Camp Trek: Complete Guide

Rating: 5 out of 5.

An adventure off the beaten road is the Makalu Base Camp Trek (8,481m) in Nepal’s Himalayas. Compared to more popular trekking routes in Nepal, it is further, more rugged, and more physically demanding. Most hikers spend at least 8 days on the Makalu Basecamp route to reach the summit at 5,050 meters. Then, on a 5–6-day journey back out, hikers must follow their exact same route as they came in. Unlike Everest Base Camp, where the peak is somewhat obscured from view, at the base camp you actually sit at the base of Makalu and get a clear view of the mountain. You can see the dawn every morning over the peak of the fifth-tallest mountain in the world.

The Rai people are an ethnic group that is primarily found in the hills of eastern Nepal. The journey begins in warm, terraced farmland where they live. The rhododendron and cloud forests, as well as some of Nepal’s few remaining pristine forest and alpine meadows, will be encountered as the path climbs. Rhododendron woods are particularly stunning in the spring when the blossoms bloom in amazing red, purple, pink, and white. As you travel farther into the highlands, past the Barun River Valley, you will come across glaciers, steep granite cliffs, and breathtaking waterfalls. The Sherpa people, a Tibetan ethnic group that predominately lives close to Everest, are found at higher altitudes.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Trip Overview/ Essential Information

The Makalu Base Camp Journey is the perfect trek for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to have a lot of experiences. The stunning view of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, and other impressive peaks in this area is the trek’s main draw. The Makalu base camp trekking trail provides you with an incredibly beautiful natural environment and landscape, a variety of flora and fauna, lush green forests, incredible white snow peaks, rhododendron and pristine forest, Barun river valley, granite cliffs, glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, amazing scenery ranging from the sweeping Arun river valley, the Barun La (4200m), old and ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional Rai, Sherpa, and Tibetan lifestyles.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Best Season

The best seasons to trek to Makalu Base Camp are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when conditions are most likely to be ideal and temperatures are at their highest (particularly at low and mid-elevations). It is possible to complete this walk in the winter, although the chilly weather may be a deterrent, especially given that the lodges in this area aren’t particularly well furnished.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Difficulty

Due to the slope, remoteness, and ruggedness of the paths, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is marginally more challenging than the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. Many people will find the 5000m altitude you reach challenging. Altitude sickness can occur often. There are several undulations along the path, and for several days, you will only be climbing steps. These days of elevation are exhausting, and the body must swiftly adapt.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Permits

You will require a Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card and a Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit, each costing $20 USD and $30 USD respectively per person.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Cost

The Makalu base camp trek costs $2150 USD in total. This overall cost is made up of various components. Several factors affect this price, including: Internal flight transfers; lodging; all meals consumed while trekking; permits; guides and porters; other required documentation; and government taxes.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Physical Fitness

The Makalu Base Camp Journey is a strenuous trek that frequently requires you to hike for 6-7 hours each day. You must have prior hiking or trekking experience, although it is always an advantage if you have engaged in any kind of trekking activity. We have encountered trekkers of all ages, genders, and physical characteristics. The only challenging aspect is when altitude sickness sets in and the physical effects it might have. It might be beneficial to physically prepare yourself before traveling to Nepal by improving your stamina and oxygen consumption.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Meals During the Trek

While breakfast is included in your hotel room in Kathmandu, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) are provided throughout the trek. Potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread are common foods in these mountainous areas. When the first seeds were introduced to the area in the early 1990s, Sherpas began cultivating potatoes. At higher altitudes, the selection of cuisine is limited, with the exception of several potato dishes. Carbohydrates, which are abundant in potatoes and a great source of energy at high altitudes.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek: Packing List

You can get a general sense of what you need to bring for the walk from the material that follows. It is crucial that you remember the necessities because doing so will affect your trek’s comfort and safety. It’s equally crucial that you go on the hike without carrying too much gear. This should all fit into a backpack that is no larger than 50 liters and weigh no more than 14 kilograms.

  • 1 pair of pants that maybe convert to shorts
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 Warm or thicker pair of hiking pants
  • 1 Long sleeve quick-dry shirt
  • 1 Long-sleeve thermal shirt
  • 2 Short-sleeve t-shirts
  • 1 Thermal long underwear
  • 4 pairs of quick-dry underwear
  • 1 Lightweight down jacket
  • 1 Heavy-duty summit down jacket
  • 1 Beanie
  • 1 Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • 1 Neck Buff
  • Gloves
  • Hiking boots
  • Head torch
  • 1 pair of warm summit socks
  • 2-3 pairs of regular socks
  • Sunscreen
  • Trekking poles
  • Water filter
  • Power bank

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Makalu Base Camp Trek FAQs

On a lone journey to Makalu Base Camp (5250 m), now classified as Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area, you will see high-altitude terrains, snow-covered sceneries, and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle. Mt. Makalu (8463 m) is the world’s fifth tallest summit. The Makalu Base Camp trip is a fantastic adventure with breathtaking scenery that never gets old.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins at Tumlingtar and travels up the Arun river valley to Sedua and Num before crossing the Shipton La Pass (4210 m) into the upper Barun river valley for a close look at Makalu and Chamlang Himal. This trek takes you to one of Nepal’s most isolated and unexplored regions. Under an agreement between the governments of Nepal and China, the Barun valley is part of a massive international protected area that includes 2330 square kilometers of National Park and 830 square kilometers of conservation area in Nepal alone.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu-Transfer to Hotel

Day 02: Fly Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft) | Flight :30 Mins | Drive: 3-4 Hrs

Day 03: Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft) | Trek:6-7 hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 04: Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 05: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft) | Trek: 5-6 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 06: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft) | Trek: 6-7 hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 07: Acclimatization/Rest | Meal: BLD

Day 08: Khongma Danda to Dobate ( 1144m/ 7926ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 09: Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 10: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft) | Trek: 5-6 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 11: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp and trek back to Laangmale |Meal : BLD

Day 13: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka | Trek: 6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 14: Yangri Kharka to Dobate | Trek: 6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 15: Dobate to Khongma Danda | Trek: 5-6 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 16: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon | Trek: 4-5 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 17: Tashigaon to Seduwa | Trek: 4-5 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 18: Seduwa to Num | Trek: 5-6 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 19: Num to Tumlingtar | Trek:6-7 Hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel | Flight:30 Mins | Meal: BD

Day 21: Final Departure to your Destination | Meal: B

FAQs About Makalu Base Camp Trek

How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a long trek that often lasts more than 20 days. Similarly, you will gain about 5,000 meters in height during the walk, and the path is likewise difficult. Altitude sickness can occur if the procedure is not followed correctly.

When is the best season for Makalu Base camp trek?

The optimum seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather has remained pleasant and the temperature has remained mild (particularly at low and mid-elevations). The Makalu circuit walk can be done in the winter, but the severe temperatures may be too much for the lodges in this region, which aren’t particularly well equipped.

Is permit required for Makalu Base camp trek?

Yes. You’ll need two types of permits in general. The Nepal Government has granted Makalu Barun National Park Permits and TIMS Permits for trekking in the Makalu region.
• A Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit (US $30 per person)
• A Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card (US $20 per person)

How do you get to Makalu from Barun National Park?

Take a daily flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Bhojpur, or Tumlingtar to access Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal. The park is easily accessible by road from all of the aforementioned destinations once you’ve landed.

Where is Mt. Makalu located?

Mt. Makalu (8485m) is situated on the Nepal-Tibet border to the southeast of Mt. Everest. It’s the sixth highest peak on the planet.

Can we trek the Makalu Base Camp Trek solo?

Yes, you can take the Makalu trip on your own or with a guide. However, you must consider your food and lodging. You may find it challenging to follow the trail due to the lack of a hiking route marker or signboard. In addition, there will be fewer tourists trekking to Makalu.
When the weather does not cooperate with our plans, it can be difficult to cope. As a result, it is preferable to hike with a friend, coworker, or an experienced trekking guide. It will aid in the success of a vacation.

What is the maximum altitude that we can reach in Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp is the highest point you may reach on the Makalu Trek (5000m).

How is transportation from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar start point?

Two forms of transportation are available to get you to Tumlingtar, the beginning location of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. One option is to fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which takes 45 minutes.
The second alternative is to take a local bus or a private vehicle to Kathmandu, which is 500 kilometers away. Driving time totals 12 hours.

Is Makalu Base Camp Trek camping or teahouse?

The Makalu Base Camp trek can be done as a camping trip or as a teahouse stay. It also depends on the size of your group.
If you’re looking for a low-cost option for a group of 1-5 people, a basic teahouse can suffice. However, camping is the greatest option for large groups (more than 5 persons).

What kind of food can be found in Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Fresh basic local food such as Nepali Dhal Bhat, Noodles, Fry Rice, and Potatoes may be found. You can pack your own refreshments because purchasing them along the trekking paths will be prohibitively pricey.
Important Notes: To save money on drinking water, remember to bring tablets or a filter. Every teahouse in the Makalu region also has safe drinking water that you can replenish (at your own expense).

Can we customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary?

e customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary?
Ans: Yes, absolutely! You may customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary to your preferences in terms of duration, cost, and party size. Please contact us so that we can create a unique itinerary for you.

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