Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek is an overwhelming adventure trek in Nepal for national and international trekkers. This trek is the popular Base Camp Trek located southeast of Mt Everest and the Khumbu region. Makalu Trek also falls inside Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area at an altitude above 8,000 m on the lap of the world’s Highest Mountain, Mt. Makalu (8,463m).

The Makalu base camp trek route is one of the most beautiful and fascinating trips, which offers a chance to get closer to the world’s highest mountains, including Mt. Makalu, Everest, Baruntse, Chamalang, Lhotse and Nuptse, and other mighty peaks.

Trek to Makalu base camp is regarded as one of the most remote treks as well as restricted area trek in all of Nepal. It is an exceptionally alluring trek to the eastern region of Nepal- a remote area practically untouched by civilization. The Makalu Base Camo trek is often regarded as an outstanding trek consisting of pristine trails recommended for experienced hikers.

Mount Makalu stands tall at an altitude of 8463 m which makes it the fifth highest Himalaya of the world. It lies in the Makalu Barun Conservation area between Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. Life of inhabitants has not changed much here. Based on legends, it is also the home of Bigfoot Yeti.

The Makalu Base Camp trek provides a unique chance to visit different types of landscapes and observe the Himalayan lifestyle. Your Makalu Base Camp trek starts when you fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. You will then drive by jeep or bus to Num village.

From here begins the approach to the Makalu base camp, located at an altitude of 4870 m. From the Makalu base camp, you can have magnificent views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Chamlang, Mount Baruntse, and Mount Makalu.

The first days of the journey pass in the Arun River valley in the tropical jungle, which is famous for its richness of green rhododendron forests. After several passes over 4000 m, you finally reach alpine meadows.

In the upper reaches, the trails are made of polished granite, and the cliffs are topped with hanging glaciers and waterfalls. The trek is an ideal choice for avid hikers and nature lovers who seek solace and tranquility in an unspoiled natural habitat and those who want to escape the crowds.

The transparent surface of high-mountain lakes reflects prayer flags mounted on stone tours. A day later, you are at base camp in a vast rocky valley just off the southern slope of Makalu. After spending some time in this attractive place, you will go down the same road to the small airport at Tumlingtar and return to Kathmandu.

Short Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Adventure around world 5th highest Mt. Makalu with scenic and hidden Barun valley
• Amazing landscapes from warm semi-tropic to alpine cold towards arctic zone of ice and snow
• Exploring cultures around hidden villages on the least trekked areas of Eastern Himalaya.
• Walking into mystical and scenic Barun valley within pristine environment
• Lovely forest of tall pines-firs-oaks-magnolia and rhododendron trees to alpine bush.
• Breath-taking views of world highest peaks including Mt. Everest rare East Face.

Short Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/ 4593ft)

Day 2:Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit Preparation and Sightseeing

Day 3:Flight from Kathmandu (1400m/ 4593ft) to Tumlingtar (410m/ 1345ft)                   then Drive to Num (1560m/ 5118ft)

Day 4:Trek from Num (1560m/ 5118ft) to Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft)

Day 5:Trek from Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft) to Tashigaon (2100m/ 6889ft)

Day 6:Trek from Tashigaon (2100m/ 6889ft) to Khongma Danda (3500m/ 11,482ft)

Day 7:Acclimatization Day in Khongma Danda (3500m/ 11,482ft)

Day 8:Trek from Khongma Danda (3500m/ 11,482ft) to Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft)

Day 9:Trek from Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft) to Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft)

Day 10:Trek from Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft) to Langmale Kharka(4410m/ 14,468ft)

Day 11:Trek from Langmale Kharka (4410m/ 14,468ft) to Makalu Base Camp (4870m/ 15,977ft)

Day 12:Explore Makalu Base Camp (4870m/ 15,977ft)

Day 13:Trek from Makalu Base Camp (4870m/ 15,977ft) to Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft)

Day 14:Trek from Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 11,669ft) to Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft)

Day 15:Trek from Dobate (3068m/ 10,065ft) to Danda Kharka (2900m/ 9514ft)

Day 16:Trek from Danda Kharka (2900m/ 9514ft) to Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft)

Day 17:Trek from Seduwa (1500m/ 4921ft) to Num (1560m/ 5118ft) then Drive to Tumlingtar (410m/ 1345ft)

Day 18:Flight from Tumlingtar (410m/ 1345ft) to Kathmandu (1400m/ 4593ft)

Day 19:Final Departure

Whats Included

• Airport pick up and drops international and domestic .
• Complete departure information, About trek, flight ticket, guide, altitude sickness and reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary) and extra tour service before the trek starting.
• 2 nights 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
• Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar to Kathmandu only 15 kg luggage aloud.  (10kg Big bag & 5kg hand bag)
• Trek flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & Kathmandu for member and involved staff.
• Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
• breakfast, lunch and  dinner included chosen from lodge menu.
• twin share accommodation during the trek.
• As per group size experience, government licence holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
• Warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag will be provided during the Makalu base camp trekking ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
• TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permits)trek permit fee. Makalu base camp trail map.
• First Aid kits for the staffs and the groups.
• Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
• Government taxes & office service charge
• Farewell dinner at reputed restaurant

Whats Excluded

• Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
• Travel insurance
• International airfare
• Nepal entry visa charge.
• All beverage and others personal expenses.
• Snacks and other personal expenses
• Hot shower during the trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek – Essential Information

Makalu Base Camp trek is an ideal trek for nature-loving trekkers who want to experience a lot. The major attract of the trek is the mesmerizing view of Mt. Makalu along with Mt Everest and other mighty peaks of this region.

Makalu base camp trekking trail offers you amazingly beautiful natural surrounding and landscape, diversified 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 lifestyle of Rai, Sherpa and Tibetan people, their religious practices, unique cultural heritage, customs and festivals as well you will also be pleased with the warm hospitality they offer.

September-November and March-June is the best season to trek Makalu base camp. Makalu base camp trekking is a moderate trek as well less frequented route for trekkers due to its relative inaccessibility. However, this trek is not too hard and doesn’t demand advanced physical fitness levels so anyone can enjoy and take pleasure in nature walking during this trek.

Our especial Makalu Base camp trek begins with sweeping scenic short flights to warm areas of Arun River Valley at Tumlingtar town via Kathmandu. Then our adventure begins taking an exciting drive towards Num around high hills, farm houses and village with well tended terraces and ever present views of Mt. Makalu and other adjoining peaks. Starting our fabulous adventurous trek full of delights with exciting walks from low warm semi-tropical temperature of Arun River Valley we trek to Seduwa via Num.

Continuing our trek we climb uphill via rough way towards Tashi-gaon and then into pure wilderness of deep forested hills as the climb leads towards scenic ridges of Kaungma Danda with grand views of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga towards eastern horizon. Adventure continues walking small and big glacial lakes and over extraordinary temperate passes called Keke-La pass (4230m) and Tutu-La pass (4200m). Then many edges ascend up through Mambuk, Nghe Kharka and Langmale we reach hidden and beautiful Barun River valley which is off the beaten mid hill trails. Finally, we trek towards our destination at Shersong and reach Makalu Base Camp (8,412 m).

From Makalu Base Camp there are spectacular views of greatest Mt. Makalu, the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far-east. Then we descend towards Hilary Base Camp, Yangle Kharka, and Mambuk. We trek the trail via Shipton-La Pass (4127 m) towards Seduwa via Kumgma Danda. After a wonderful experience heading back to Tumlingtar from Arun River valley we take a short and scenic flight back to Kathmandu to conclude this fabulous Makalu Base Camp trekking.

Throughout the Makalu base camp Trek, you hardly find any modern facilities and amenities but blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty and leave a strong impression on many trekkers due to its unforgettable memorizing trip into the Himalayas. Hike Free Nepal, can custom design the packages according to your requirements, offering suitable discounts and guaranteed on customer satisfaction. The Makalu base camp trek can be flexible with the itinerary and can adjust many more details according to your demand, availability, and timing.

Regarding flights in the mountain region

Mostly twin otter is the most common means of air transportation in the Nepalese sky and during the flight in the Himalayan region of Nepal the flight schedule is cancelled and change from time to time due to poor visibility, weather condition and many other technical problem. In such case we would charter helicopter for our guest regarding schedule of their international flight and for the different problem arise in the trek. The charter cost should be paid at head office of Tourist link Trek at Thamel and later on you can claim with your travel insurance.

As per Nepal Civil aviation rules the helicopter will fly, if the visibility is up to 1500m and visibility should be 5000m for flying Twin Otter in Nepalese sky.

Volunteering Hand of Life Himalaya Trekking

Ganesh Himal community foundation is a voluntary organization running by Life Himalaya Trekking for the development of people life style, education and villages in the rural village of Dhading district Nepal. An amount of 10% from every trip booking at Life Himalaya will go in the account of Ganesh Himal Community foundation. So this shows that we are liable for the social development of Nepal along with tourism business.

Major community work and partnership

The main job of the Ganesh Himal Community foundation is to construct the school and libraries in the rural areas of Nepal, in the needed place after a proper study. Conduct programme for the skill development, health and sanitation, village development with a joint effort of local people.

Best Season for Makalu Base Camp Trek

The best season for the Makalu Base Camp trek is Spring, from March to May and autumn from September to November the time to avoid is during the rainy season from June to August. During these months the mountains are often free of clouds and the mountain views are almost perfect. The nights are often cool and from 3000m it can sometimes be minus 10 degrees. The sun is very intense during the day, and the temperatures feel very pleasant.

During winter from December to February, this region becomes very cold and there will be snow cover in the higher parts of the trek. Many guesthouses actually close for the winter and reopen in late February to March. However, it is possible to do the Makalu Base Camp hike on the sidelines of the season in late February/early March and it can be quite beautiful with the snow cover.

Our recommendation for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is from the end of September to the end of November and April to early June.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Makalu Base Camp is a moderately difficult and challenging trek in Nepal. In comparison to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek, Makalu Base Camp is slightly difficult due to its remoteness, continuous incline and decline along the trail, and the difficult terrain. The route includes several very difficult days, for example, from Tashigaon to Kungma you need to gain 1400 meters, and from Yangle to Langmale – 900 (this is already at altitudes from 3500 to 4400 meters).

On the way back, you will have to walk from Membuk to Tashigaon, which is 10 hours of travel and 1200 meters of climbing, then 1000 meters of dropping. Please note that between Num and Seduwa, you will have to drop 800 m and then gain it back, and between Kungma and Membuk, there are two passes of 4100 m each.

In addition, this trail is not too familiar among the tourists, and the region is still untouched and undisturbed by modernity. Therefore, although you may find the Makalu Base Camp a little bit demanding, the trek will be worth your time, energy, and money.

Altitude Sickness in Makalu Base Camp Trek

During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will be gaining altitude each day till you retrace your steps to return to the capital. The highest elevation you will reach is at Makalu Base Camp and Hilary Base Camp both standing above 4500 m above sea level. So, most probably, you may suffer from altitude sickness. However, it is not compulsory that each one in the tour group will experience the sickness.

If you do everything correctly and as instructed by our guide, you will not suffer any severe symptoms. Ensure you gain the height gradually. After 3000 m you cannot gain more than 500 meters per day. With an overnight stay at a new altitude, your body adapts to new conditions, and you can continue on your way.

If you feel you have a headache, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue inform your guide and take Diamox. For minor headaches, you can take a paracetamol tablet. Usually, as you descend, the situation stabilizes. To prevent altitude sickness, you can do the following:

• Do not drink alcohol
• It is also better to avoid smoking and caffeine
• In the remaining time before the trek, improve your physical fitness: by running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. Even a month or two of regular training will significantly improve your physical fitness.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water each day.
• On the track, listen to how you feel. Report any symptoms to your guide immediately.

What to expect in Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to the alluring landscape through the untrodden trails in the eastern region of Nepal. The trek will allow you to discover Makalu Barun National Park, which is a nearly uninhabited area of 1,500 km² in eastern Nepal. The park lies close to untouched wilderness. The Makalu Barun Valley offers breathtaking contrasts, where towering waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, rugged cliffs rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snowy peaks.

You can spot rare species such as red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan Black Bear at your own pace, wondering in their natural habitat. In addition, you can have spectacular views of the rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, and Mt. Baruntse.

You will hike through traditionally cultivated fields, thick rhododendron forests, and stunning villages. As you gain height, you will come across yak pastures and glaciers with raging waters of the Arun and Barun rivers. During the entire trek, you will either rest in local lodges, yea house, or tented camps. You will have ample opportunity to learn about the local culture and the everyday life of residents. In short through this expedition, you will once again reconnect your soul with Mother Nature.

Accommodation, Food, and Transportation

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, we will take care of your entire accommodation, food, and transportation. Our service begins immediately as soon as you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, we will pick you up and drop you at the 3-star hotel. The hotel will serve you a complimentary breakfast during your stay. For lunch and dinner, you can always go to various restaurants located on every corner, from budget-friendly to expensive ones. The following day we have set aside for the city tour with our expert guide. He will give you a tour of Kathmandu in a private car. However, if you wish to do the tour on your own, you can also do so.

As the trip begins, we will fly you to Tumlingtar, and from there, we will drive you by jeep to Num. During the entire trek, we will accommodate you in the best local lodge in the area on twin sharing basis. The lodges provide basic amenities of comfort, and the food options can be limited to Nepali cuisine. But the rooms and food will both be clean, hygienic, and safe.

In the base camp, our team of guides and porters will set up the camp, where they will cook tasty hot meals for you. We will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a hot cup of tea or coffee with every meal. On our return journey, we will drive via jeep to Tumlingtar, from where we will fly to Kathmandu. We will then drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu.