Makalu is the world’s fifth highest peak. It is situated in the eastern Himalayan range. This trek is ideal for those looking to explore Nepal’s isolated and pristine wilderness. The region’s gorgeous landscape will make you fall in love with this adventure again and over again. The Makalu Base Camp walk takes you through the Barun Valley, which features some of Nepal’s last surviving virgin forests and alpine meadows. Because the walk takes you from one of the world’s deepest valleys, Arun Valley, to the world’s fifth highest mountain, the trek takes you through a diverse variety of habitats and cultures. The distance coverage is limited, but the climate fluctuation is significant. Thus, this is an exciting trek to enjoy.

As a result, the journey itself is thrilling. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is ethnically varied as well. The region is dominated by Rai, Sherpas, and Bhotias. These people live in full unity in secluded communities. Animal feed, fuel, food, housing materials, fertilizers, and medicine are all dependent on forest resources.

The Makalu – Barun National Park and Conservation Area, Nepal’s eighth national park, was established in 1992. It extends around 2,330 square kilometers. The vast environment of Makalu – Barun is well-known. There are just two small towns and seasonal meadows on the island. Due to its relative inaccessibility, the area receives few international trekkers, and the journey to base camp is an unforgettable experience.

The mountains of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Chhamlang, which create a spectacular backdrop at the top of the Barun Valley, are also worth mentioning. The ambiance of the location is inviting. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a fantastic adventure that is mainly unspoiled by tourism. It’s one for the wild place’s connoisseur! This climb offers breathtaking views and unique trekking opportunities.

This post will provide you with crucial information on the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

 

How do I get to Makalu Base Camp From Kathmandu?

 

A one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, some 500 kilometers east of the city, is required for the Makalu Base Camp trip. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines each have one flight every day. This trek option is followed by the majority of treks.

Our Makalu Base Camp adventure begins with a flight to Tumlingtar, followed by a walk to Khandbari. Sakurate is reached by trekking through lovely scenery and camping among the dense Rhododendron forest. One must cross suspension bridges and cross the Arun River to reach Num from the hidden town of Sakurate. The climb from Num to Seduwa offers spectacular views of terrace farms and fields. The altitude rises from Mumbuk as you travel higher up the mountain on rugged roads.

Proper acclimatization in Mumbuk is required before proceeding to NeheKharka. NeheKharkka is located in the sacred Barun Valley, which is lush with flora. Makalu Base Camp is reached after leaving NeheKharka and passing through Shershon. The team will travel down to NeheKharka after examining the base camp.

We’ll also go for a short climb to see Shipton La Pass (4,250m). This pass offers the best views of the sunset over the Alps. Then we’ll make our way back to Sedua. We’ll return to Khandbari via Mure to complete our journey. It’s a 3-hour trek from Khandbari to Tumlingtar before getting a flight back to Kathmandu.

 

How Long Does It Take to Complete Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a great way to see Makalu Barun National Park and enjoy the region’s diverse flora and fauna. This journey will take you to areas you’ve never visited before. The region’s remoteness keeps the little, lovely communities secluded from the outside world. This voyage, however, allows you to encounter and engage with them.

The Makalu Base Camp Trip, on the other hand, is a high-altitude trek. It is both remote and challenging. The trail to the base camp is both rough and steep. The trek is slow and arduous because of the remote location, high altitude, hazardous avalanches, and glaciers. As a result, the trek should not be undertaken hastily. It takes 20 to 25 days to complete the leisurely walk. However, some trekking firms provide short-duration customized excursions that are quite difficult for beginning hikers.

 

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

• Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in the Terai’s interior.
• Makalu Base Camp, at 4870 meters, is the base camp of the world’s fifth tallest mountain.
• National Park Makalu Barun
• Stunning views of Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), ChamlangHimal, and many other snow-capped mountain summits.
• Barun Valley, Barun Glaciers, and High-Altitude Lakes excursion.
• By going through the Rhododendron forest, you may enjoy the lovely Jungle. Red pandas, rivers, and Georges as a green valley are examples of wildlife.
• Beautiful Rai and Sherpa communities to walk through.
• Visit lower altitude Tumlingtar 4,00m to higher altitude Makalu Viewpoint 5,265m in the Himalayas.
• The people and culture of the Himalayan highlands.
• Explore eastern Nepal’s secluded valleys and rural areas.

 

Cost For Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

In Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is not an expensive trek. Many trekking businesses in town offer the most affordable and reasonable Makalu Base Camp Trek prices. The price, however, is always determined by the service. The Makalu Base Camp Trek costs between USD 1800 and USD 2000 in general.

The cost of Makalu Base Camp includes the hiking permit, tea house lodging, three meals per day on the trek, all airport arrival and departure by private vehicle, and much more.

 

The Difficulty of Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the least traveled and wildest trekking routes in the world. The main highlights of this arduous and intriguing walk are the expansive vistas of all of Nepal’s major peaks to the east, including Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Overall, this is a difficult trek. This hike is best suited to experienced hikers. Because the lodges in this area are of a poorer level than those in other parts of Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp trek is less comfortable than other major treks in Nepal. This trek usually necessitates at least two days of acclimatization. As a result, this is a tough walk with numerous challenges.

The alternative route from Makalu Base Camp to Everest and Lukla, which demands mountaineering skills, is considered extremely difficult.

 

Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

The optimum seasons to travel to Makalu Base Camp, like any other trekking route in Nepal, are spring and autumn. The reason for this is that both seasons enjoy good temperatures and clear skies. A brief list of seasonal hiking options to Makalu Base Camp follows:

 

Autumn

 

Because of the open skies and lack of snowfall, autumn is the greatest season for a Makalu Base Camp Trek. During the transition from monsoon to fall, however, there is a chance of little rain. September, October, and November are the fall months when the weather is sunny and comfortable. During these months, the nights will not be bitterly cold, although they may be chilly depending on elevation.

Because the monsoon will have limited influence during the first week, the month of September is prone to change. However, the beautiful blue skies and fresh air provide the ideal aroma and setting. The temperature can reach 17 degrees during the day and 2 degrees at night.

October is the most beautiful month, with the trails displaying the various colours of lush forests and tall mountains. The weather is also ideal, making the walk very memorable. The average temperature during the day reaches 12 degrees and drops to 0 degrees at night.

Although November is on the cusp of winter, it is still a great time to trek to Makalu Base Camp. Although the weather begins to drop during this month, the walk will be delightful. During the day, the temperature decreases to 6 degrees, and at night, it drops to -2 degrees.

 

Spring

 

Following autumn, spring is the most popular season for trekkers to visit Makalu Base Camp. During the transition from winter to spring, the weather is sunny and pleasant, with some snowfall at higher elevations.

March, April, and May are the spring months when the skies are clear and the temperature continues to rise with each passing day. The pathways are surrounded by foliage and a rainbow of hues as the season progresses.

Spring begins in the country with Holi in the first month. The weather gradually warms, making the days feel longer as the ice melt away. The trails begin to give stunning views of rhododendrons in blossom and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The average temperature during the day is 11 degrees, and at night it is 4 degrees.

April is an excellent month to start planning your Makalu Base Camp Trek. Lower sections are warm, while higher areas are moderately cool. The fully flowered flora and tall peaks captivate every trekker in the spring. The average daytime temperature is 11 degrees and the nighttime temperature is 7 degrees.

The month of May is ideal for mountain climbing and trekking in the Himalayas. The weather in the Makalu is excellent for travel as it continues to warm. The temperature fluctuates between 15 and 10 degrees during the day and night.

 

Winter

 

Although winter is the off-season, Makalu Base Camp Trekking is still achievable with great caution. You must be able to handle the high and low irregular weather and temperatures to travel during this season.

December, January, and February are the months when the trails allow you to experience unique moments with spectacular vistas. The low number of hikers is the nicest part about hiking in the winter.

For those who prefer peace and privacy on their journey, December becomes a winter wonderland. The winter has only just begun, but the Makalu Trek routes are already deserted and quiet. The daytime temperature is 6 degrees and the nighttime temperature is -3 degrees.

January is the coldest month of the year, with a lot of snow blocking the roads due to the significant snowfall. As a result, you may have to return halfway or take a different path, which can be long and difficult, so be cautious. The temperature fluctuates between 4 and -8 degrees during the day and night.

Although February marks the end of winter, temperatures remain cold across the region. The skies are clear, allowing for excellent vision and a less congested road. The Himalayan routes are less crowded and quieter than normal, providing a true sense of adventure. The temperature is around 7 degrees during the day and -5 degrees at night.

 

Monsoon

 

Because of the constant rain, the monsoon is not the best time to arrange the Makalu Base Camp Trek program. Natural disasters such as floods and landslides are likely to occur around this time.

June, July, and August are the monsoon months, when temperatures rise and rainfall is irregular. The weather is humid as a result of them, and creatures such as leeches and bugs crawl down the walkways.

The first week of June is a good time to arrange your Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary since the weather is still pleasant, with few dark clouds and little rain. However, as the days pass, the trails begin to receive mild rain and heavy clouds.

In July, there is still a chance of heavy rain, making the air humid and steamy. Because of the wet and slick roads, trekking during this month can increase the danger of harm.

As August approaches, the humidity and rain begin to fade. The skies gradually clear, but the pathways will remain muddy, so starting the trek a week or two later is preferable.

If you look past the muddy trails and obstructed vision, you’ll find the gorgeous flower species that have begun to bloom as a result of the courses’ persistent rains. The maximum temperature is 18 degrees during the day and 2 degrees at night.

 

How Difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

 

Makalu is one of the world’s most famous peaks. It is tough to reach the Base Camp of such a high mountain. The Makalu Base Camp Trek path is moderate to severe in difficulty.

This walk is difficult due to the elevation gain, weather uncertainty, actual trekking distance, and other considerations.

To reach the base camp, the route follows various ups and downs, much like any other journey. It also takes you over 3000 meters and stays with you for nearly two weeks in the Makalu region.

Although the journey is difficult, it is not impossible. You can lessen the hazards and make the voyage successful if you have the necessary gear and practice. The trek can be completed by novice or experienced hikers alike.

 

Permits Required for Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

This trek requires two types of permissions to complete. This hike requires a Makalu Barun National Park permit as well as a Nepal Government TIMS permit. Here is some background information about these permissions.

A Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit (US $30 per person)
A Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card (US $20 per person)

 

Useful Information for Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

Gear Up

 

The appropriate equipment is the key to your success. Have suitable hiking footwear and shock absorbers, as well as a warm layer windproof down jacket, a warm hat, windproof inner layer gloves, sunglasses, and a scarf.

 

Hike Light

 

Your backpacks become heavier as you climb higher in elevation. As a result, you should constantly be cautious when packing. Make sure your backpack isn’t too heavy. So don’t overpack and only bring what you need. Only bring one complete warm layer from top to bottom, as well as a couple extra pairs of clothes and your belongings.

 

Consider all the Challenges

 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most difficult but rewarding hiking treks. However, a variety of circumstances have a role. The hikers must be willing to adapt to the changes. Weather can be unpredictable, altitude sickness is widespread, snowdrifts might obstruct your path, and there are no tea houses for basic provisions. Before you start this project, you should have a good outlook.

 

Completely Prepare yourself before the Trek

 

Before commencing the walk, always prepare yourself physically and mentally. To continue walking on tough terrains, you must exercise and develop your stamina as well as leg strength. Maintaining mental stability by keeping your mind tranquil.

Short walks and camping at higher elevations can help you prepare for the expedition. Long walks, running, swimming, cycling, going to the gym, and other activities are also options.

 

Climb Slowly

 

Many trekkers overestimate their walking time in order to complete the journey quickly, which is a tremendous mistake. Doing so will only exacerbate their health concerns. Traveling slowly and taking your time to enjoy the moments will assist.

It is recommended that you do not hike more than 500 to 700 meters every day. AMS is caused by rapid walking without stopping. To avoid altitude sickness, walk gently and allow your body to acclimate to the new environment.

Because you have no prior experience of the mountains, you may become disoriented if you go too quickly and lose sight of your party.

 

Acclimatization

 

To avoid altitude sickness, including more than one acclimatization in your schedule. You can add a day for acclimatization if the journey is shorter, but if it is longer, add 2 to 3 days depending on your needs.

Another natural therapy for preventing Acute Mountain Sickness is acclimatization. You don’t sleep all day on these rest days. Instead, you go on walks and hikes to acclimatize your body with the surroundings. If you’re a first-time trekker, make sure you get some acclimatization in before going higher.

 

Always Hydrate Yourself

 

The most important piece of advice you should follow is to drink enough of water. You walk for several hours every day, sweating profusely, so the possibilities of dehydration are significant. Carry a bottle with you at all times and drink 3 to 4 liters of water every few hours.

Another strategy to avoid altitude sickness is to drink plenty of water. Bottled water is also available at the lodges, but you never know when the next shop will open. So, if you have a bottle, you can fill it up with stream water or at your hotel.

Because the natural water source is unknown, you may experience stomach discomfort or diarrhea. To avoid such scenarios, you should carry water purification tablets that eliminate bacteria.

 

Booking

 

Because the trails leading to Makalu Base Camp are in a secluded area, there are few tea houses and hotels. If you travel during peak times without making a reservation, you may not be able to find a hotel for the night.

So, whether you’re trekking in the peak or off-season, make sure to book your accommodations ahead of time. It is no longer necessary to travel from hotel to hotel in search of lodging.

 

Avoid Alcohol and Cigarettes

 

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, even if you are a skilled trekker. In higher heights, your body is attempting to adjust to the increased cold and decreased oxygen. As a result, smoking or drinking impairs your body’s ability to cope with the growing altitude.

 

Carry Equivalent Currency

 

Because ATMs and e-banking are not available on the Makalu Base Camp routes, you must bring enough cash to last the entire climb. Make sure you have the equivalent currency because they only accept Nepalese rupees.

 

How To Prepare Yourself before Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

The amount of physical training required for someone who intends to perform the Makalu Base Camp trek. The better form that person should be in, the longer and higher the walk. For example, for 15-day high-altitude treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek or sections of the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers should be doing cardio for at least a month before the trek. Being in good enough shape to walk for many hours should suffice for lower-altitude and shorter treks around the Kathmandu valley. Consult your doctor for more detailed advice on training and physical preparedness.

 

Outlined Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek

 

Note: The following numbers denote the number of days you will be spending at the Makalu Base Camp Trek

01 Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel.
02 Full Day Guided sightseeing inside the Kathmandu
03 Kathmandu to Tumlingtar – Drive to Num
04 Num (1490m) – Sedua (1460m 5/6 hrs hiking)
05 Sedua (1460m) – Tashi Gaun (2070m – 5 hrs Hiking)
06 Tashi Gaon (2070m) – Kauma (3470m – 6hrs Hiking)
07 Kauma (3470m)
08 Kauma(3470m) – Mumbak(3570m – 5 hrs Hiking)
09 Mumbuk(3570m) – Neha Kharka – (3700m – 6hrs Hiking)
10 Neha Kharka – (3700 m) – Sherson (4615 m – 7 hrs Hiking)
11 Sherson (4615 m) – Makalu Base Camp(5000 m – 4/5 hrs Hiking)
12 Explore Makalu Base Camp
13 Makalu Base Camp to Neha Kharka – (3700 m)
14 Neha Kharka – (3700 m) – Mumbuk (3570 m)
15 Mumbuk (3570 m) – Kauma (3470 m)
16 Kauma (3470 m) – Tashi Gaon (2070 m)
17 Trek to Pakuwa (1520 m)
18 Pukuwa (1520m) – Bumling (1160m)
19 Bumling-Tumlingtar – 860 m
20 Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
21 Free Day at Kathmandu
22 Final Departure

 

Conclusion

 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is for you if you’re seeking a different kind of trekking adventure. The journey is the finest destination because of the abundance of natural and cultural resources. There is nowhere to see the hidden world with its amazing beauty and considerable preservation. Despite the difficulty of the voyage, the thrill of the adventure relieves your aches.

I hope you find this article interesting. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this Journey.