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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Barun Valley Trek

Rating: 5 out of 5.

One of the stunning valleys in Nepal is the Barun Valley 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), which is located on the slope of the Makalu Mountain. One of Nepal’s least developed regions is this obscure Himalayan valley. At the foot of Makalu (8481 meters/27,825 ft), in the Sankhuwasabha district.

The trail is adorned by Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, the entire way through the walk. Most tourists visiting Nepal are still unaware of the Barun Valley Trek.

You can stroll through the pristine countryside for days on end because you will have much of the trail to yourself as a result.

Barun Valley offers stunning contrasts, where towering waterfalls rush down the deep gorges, in addition to magnificent views of the high mountain ranges.

The entire Barun Valley is located inside of Nepal’s Makalu Barun National Park. As a result, you may be able to see certain endangered species of plants and animals. Barun Valley is a haven for birdwatchers as well.

The Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal is home to 433 distinct bird species. In addition, this distinctive environment is home to some of the planet’s few undisturbed alpine ecosystems.

The Barun river, which flows into the Barun valley, turns into a glacier in the winter.

The hilly shrub and meadow landscape is reached by the trail as it ascends from broadleaf forests. As you go through the Barun Valley, you will see a wide variety of plants and animals.

Enjoy one of the approximately 3,000 flowering plants, which include 25 different rhododendron kinds.

Watch out for some of the 440 different kinds of birds, as well as the rare snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, and other animals! Because some species are unique to this area and cannot be found anywhere else in the globe, some scientists refer to it as a “living laboratory” for research.

We arrive at Yangle Kharka (3600 meters), the highest point of our trip, an alpine meadow adorned with fluttering prayer flags.

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Barun Valley Trek: History

It is thought that the Mewahang, Kulung, Yamfu, Kirat, and Rai communities formerly lived on this pure piece of earth.

Communities of Kirat and Rai can still be found nearby. Additionally, information concerning the Barun Valley may be found in the historic Buddhist text Seven Shangri-la (Nghe-Beyul Khimpalung).

It defines the Barun Valley as a magical, breathtakingly beautiful, ageless area. Additionally, it is stated that only these seven regions of the planet will have life if there is a major catastrophe.

Some of the Makalu-Barun region’s territories are referred to as Beyul in those texts. The Makalu Barun region is largely deserted. Above all, the majority of this area is covered in grassland, commonly known as Kharka.

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Places to Visit During Barun Valley Trek

The Makalu Barun National Park encompasses the Barun Valley in Nepal. This national park is well-known for its uncommon flora and fauna as well as its off-the-beaten-path walking routes.

During your trip to the Barun valley, there are a few other trekking trails and locations to see in addition to the Barun valley. Arun Valley, Mera Peak Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp, Salpa Pokhari, Thulo Pokhari, Barun Pokhari, Dudh Pokhari, and Shiva Dhara are a few examples.

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Makalu Barun Valley Trek: Best Season/Time

Trekking is feasible throughout the year, but the finest seasons are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Rhododendrons blossom and there is a little more color in the Spring, while the skies are typically clearer in the Fall.

On the other hand, there are less visitors during the rainy season. Every season has its advantages. To prevent acute mountain sickness, the Barun Valley Trek requires moderate fitness or acclimatization.

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Makalu Barun Valley Trek: Difficulty

The Barun Valley trek rises 3,600 meters above sea level at its highest point. Due to this, the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness while on the hike is still low. After Tashigaun, there are no lodges or teahouses because camping is required for the Nepali Barun Valley Trek.

After Tashi gaon, you’ll need to transport tented campers, as well as enough food and water. Additionally, the trail is quite difficult, and only a few hikers use it each year. Going on a walk to the Barun Valley is only advised for those who seek out extreme adventure. Additionally, prior trekking experience is necessary before embarking on a Barun Valley Trek.

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Makalu Barun Valley Trek: Required Permits

The government of Nepal must issue permits for the Barun Valley Trek. A trekker needs two different types of permits: a TIMS permit and a national park permit. Find out what these permits are worth: TIMS is $20 per person and the Makalu Barun National Park Permit costs $30 per person.

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Barun Valley Trek: Route

Following a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, the Makalu Base Camp trek begins. You will begin your trip from Tumlingtar in the direction of Khadbari and then Chichila. You will leave Chichila behind and travel through Num and Sedua to reach Tashi Gaon.

The trail takes you through a number of tiny village before arriving in Kauma, where you’ll spend a day off to adjust to the altitude. You will next progressively climb the rocky, wooded trail to Makalu Base Camp. You will also travel via Mumbuk, Neha Khadka, and Sherson on your way to the base camp.

After a day of visiting the base camp, you’ll return to Tashi Gaon by using the same route as before. The trail will take you to the picturesque village of Pakuwa, from where you may fly back to Kathmandu via Bumling and Tumlingtar.

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Barun Valley Trek: Cost

The price of your Makalu Base Camp Trek will vary according on the tour operator you choose.

The cost includes your accommodations and meals while on the trek, lodging in Kathmandu, all required permits, and guides’ and porters’ charges. For further details, you can look at our cost including and omitting parts. You will receive the greatest service and price from us.

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