Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is among the most difficult and exciting hikes Nepal has to offer. However, because it is not as well-known as other Nepalese trekking sites, its off-beaten pathways are relatively calmer and more solitary. Makalu Base Camp Trip, the trek to the base camp of the fifth-highest mountain in the world, is one of the country's most underappreciated trek routes. Makalu Base Camp Trek is ideal for adventurers who wish to visit the remote regions of the Himalayan nation and learn about the culture and way of life of those who live at higher altitudes.
In this 22-day Makalu Base Camp Trek, hikers have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Tibetan and Sherpa settlements in the calm Himalayas. In addition, the trekkers will traverse Arun Valley and Barun Valley, two of the country's most remote regions. Consequently, kids will learn about the difficulty of living in such locations. The Makalu Base Camp Trek also affords trekkers a unique vantage point of Mount Everest (8848m). After a strenuous ascent to Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), trekkers will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt. Makalu (8481 m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Baruntse (7129 m), Chamlang (7329 m), and other Himalayan peaks on the eastern side of Nepal. The Makalu Base Camp Trek also includes the Makalu Barun National Park, which is home to numerous plant and animal species. Makalu Base Camp Journey is the greatest trek for adventure-seeking trekkers with the courage to discover new areas.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging and remote trekking route in Nepal that offers trekkers a unique and adventurous experience. Here are some of the highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Spectacular Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of the world's fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu (8,485 meters), as well as other stunning Himalayan peaks like Lhotse, Everest, and Baruntse. The landscapes vary from lush forests to alpine meadows to high-altitude rocky terrains.
Remote and Less Crowded: Unlike some of the more popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is relatively less crowded. This remoteness adds to the sense of adventure and provides a quieter and more peaceful trekking experience.
Rich Biodiversity: The trail passes through the Makalu Barun National Park, a conservation area known for its diverse flora and fauna. Trekkers have the chance to encounter various wildlife species, including red pandas, Himalayan tahrs, and a variety of bird species.
Cultural Encounters: The trail goes through traditional Sherpa and Rai villages, allowing trekkers to experience the local culture, lifestyle, and customs of these ethnic groups. The villages are adorned with colorful prayer flags, intricately carved mani walls, and monasteries.
Challenging Passes: The trek includes crossing several high passes, including the challenging Shipton La Pass (4,220 meters). These passes offer stunning panoramic views but also require good physical fitness and trekking experience.
Varied Landscapes: The trekking route takes you through a range of landscapes, from terraced fields and dense forests to high-altitude rocky terrains and glacier views. This diversity keeps the trek interesting and engaging.
Makalu Base Camp: The ultimate destination of the trek is Makalu Base Camp, situated at an elevation of about 4,800 meters. The base camp provides breathtaking views of Mount Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Challenges and Rewards: The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered a strenuous trek due to its remote location, challenging terrain, and altitude gain. While it requires physical fitness and prior trekking experience, the rewards are unparalleled, with stunning natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
It's important to note that the Makalu Base Camp Trek is not as developed in terms of infrastructure and facilities as some of the more popular trekking routes in Nepal. Trekkers should be well-prepared, physically fit, and equipped with proper gear. As the region is less visited, it's recommended to trek with a local guide or through a reputable trekking agency for safety and logistical support.
The Best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek
The best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is during the pre-monsoon spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for this challenging and remote trek. Both spring and autumn offer excellent trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its vibrant flora and lush landscapes, while autumn provides clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Keep in mind that the Makalu region can be affected by heavy snowfall and challenging weather conditions during the winter (December to February), making trekking more difficult and risky.
Duration : 20 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival In Nepal.
Day 2 - Flight Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive to Chichila. 1980m/3-4 hours drive
Day 3 - Hike from Chichila to Num 1560m 6 hours
Day 4 - Hike from Num to Seduwa, a distance of 1,500m (6-7 hours)
Day 5 - hike from Seduwa to Tashigaon 2100m 5 hours
Day 6 - Khongma Danda 3500m 6-7 hours
Day 7 - acclimation day
Day 8 - Dobate, 3,520m 7 hours
Day 9 - Yangri Kharka 3557m 7 hours
Day 10 - Langmale Kharka 4410m 6 hours
Day 11 - Makalu Base Camp 4870m 7 hours
Day 12 - Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 13 - Yangri Kharka
Day 14 - Dobate, 3,520m 7 hours
Day 15 - Khongma Danda 3500m 6 hours
Day 16 - Tashigaon 2100m 5 hours
Day 17 - Seduwa 1500m 5 hours
Day 18 - Num 1560m 6 hours
Day 19 - Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Day 20 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.