Mt.Makalu base camp trek is the fifth-highest peak in the world, with a height of 8463 meters. At the same time, Makalu Base Camp Trek will take you up to the range of 5250 meters. This trek is also known as the trek to the Makalu Barun National Park and its conservation area.
The snow-cladded, naive Himalayan cultural richness and high-altitude terrains are the aesthetic stuff you will experience in Manaslu Base Camp Trek Route's rustic landscape. The most remote trails of this route have the most beautiful things they would offer you. Peaceful and quiet trails take your soul beyond this materialistic world, and you will experience the positive vibes flowing through your veins.
The terraced farming, the dense forest of coloured rhododendrons, and several iconic 8000 meters plus mountains greeting you en route will steal your heart. The nostalgic scenery will never make you and your legs tire. You will experience lifetime joy, trust us! But remember that this trek is a challenging walking route. Your physical fitness comes into play as you explore the rustic landscapes and high-altitude terrains.
As this trekking is the least hiked route, hiring a local agency like us is always best. With our expert guidance and handpicked itineraries, you'll have the fantastic Makalu Base Camp Trek experience.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is a remote route that includes some of the best that Nepal has to offer pretty paths, exciting terraced farmland, rural cultures, rhododendron forests, rare wildlife and several 8,000 meter-plus peaks. For experienced trekkers who enjoyment an encounter, this is a great trek with sufficient plunders.
From Makalu Base Camp there are spectacular views of the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far east. The Makalu Barun National Park is the eighth largest in Nepal, covering 2,330 sq. km, and is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in Nepal, including the Red Panda.
Gain views of eastern Nepal, as far away as Kangchenjunga
Pass from green terraced farmland to glaciers and waterfalls
Witness the rural life of Nepal’s distinct Rai and Sherpa culture
Spot some of the rarest wildlife in Nepal, including the Red Panda
The Makalu base camp trek route kick starts with scenic Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to sedua 1700meter. Sedua to Tashigaon 2063meters. Tashigaon to Kauma 2500meters. Kauma to Mumbuk 3500meters. Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka 3660meters. Nehe Kharka to Shershon 4720meters. Shershon to Makalu Base Camp 4853meters. Explore Makalu Base camp 4853meters. Makalu Base camp - Nehe Kharka Shipton-La Camp or Dobate.4229meters. Shipton-La Camp/ Dobate, Sedua 4215meters. Mure to Tumlintar by Local transport. Tumlingtar Kathmandu 1350meters
New Law Makes Guides Mandatory Effective April 1, 2023, solo or free independent trekkers have to mandatory hire a guide or a porter before setting off to Nepal’s mountains. Nepal Tourism Board, the country’s national tourism promotion body, which includes trekking and mountaineering associations, on Thursday, decided to make a guide mandatory for solo or free independent trekkers (FITs) due to increasing safety concerns.
Some experts, however, said the move is a restriction on the free movement of trekkers, particularly for those coming to Nepal to experience adventure. It could be counter-productive for the country’s ailing tourism industry.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes you into the heart of the Makalu-Barun National Park in eastern Nepal. Here are some highlights of this trek:
Scenic Beauty: The trek offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Makalu (the fifth highest mountain in the world), Everest, Lhotse, and Chamlang. The trail passes through diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to alpine meadows, glacier valleys, and high passes.
Makalu-Barun National Park: This trek takes you through the pristine wilderness of the Makalu-Barun National Park, which is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and more than 400 species of birds.
Cultural Experience: Along the trail, you'll encounter several remote villages inhabited by ethnic communities such as the Sherpas, Rais, and Limbus. You'll have the opportunity to learn about their unique cultures, traditions, and way of life.
Challenge of High Passes: The trek involves crossing several high passes, including the Shipton La Pass (4,220 meters) and the Keke La Pass (4,170 meters), which offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys but require stamina and acclimatization due to their altitude.
Makalu Base Camp: The ultimate destination of the trek is the Makalu Base Camp, situated at an altitude of around 4,800 meters. Here, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the towering south face of Mount Makalu and the surrounding glaciers. It's a perfect spot for photography and experiencing the raw beauty of the Himalayas.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Compared to more popular treks like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Makalu Base Camp Trek sees fewer trekkers, offering a more tranquil and remote experience amidst the wilderness of the Himalayas.
Adventure and Solitude: The trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenging and less crowded trekking experience. The rugged terrain, pristine wilderness, and sense of solitude make it a memorable journey for those seeking an authentic Himalayan adventure.
Overall, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is a fantastic opportunity to explore one of Nepal's most remote and untouched regions, offering unparalleled natural beauty, cultural insights, and adventure amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
After breakfast in Kathmandu, you;ll take a flight from Kathmandu airport to Tumlingtar airport
for 35 minutes. This scenic flight gives you a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, Kanchenjunga, and
Makalu.
Once reaching Tumlingtar, you;ll take a jeep ride to Num via Khandbari and Hururu. Also, the
roadway passes through beautiful settlements, farmlands, and forests. Overnight at the tea house in Num.
After breakfast at the tea house in Num, you;ll prepare for the hike to Sedua. First, you;ll take a
steep descent to the Barun River through the terrace farmlands of Num. After crossing the river, you;ll escape the heat as you begin hiking along the shade in the forest.However, its a steep ascent to Sedua.
You;ll reach Makalu Barun National Park by hiking along the villages and grasslands. Here,you;ll have your Makalu Trek Permits checked. You;ll be accommodated at the tea house in Sedua.
Unlike the trek to Sedua, the hike to Tashigaon from Num is more leisurely and serene. The trail
passes through farmlands, bamboo forests, and vibrant rhododendron forests. The chirps of
birds keep you entertained throughout the hike through the woodland.
With a further hike on a cliff bounded by Ipsuwa and Kasuwa Khola, you;ll reach Chyaksa
Danda. From Chyaksa Danda, another hour;s walk takes you to Tashi Gaon.You;ll be accommodated at the tea house in Tashi Gaon.
On the fourth day of the Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary, you walk through a scenic and
serene rhododendron forest. As the trek route progresses, you;ll cross several suspension
bridges and ridges.
After a three hour hike from Tashi Gaon, you;ll reach Dhara and stop for lunch. After some rest
and lunch, you;ll resume the walk, but it becomes steeper as you hike close to Kharka (pasture
lands).
Before reaching Khongma, you ll pass through Unisha, stroll along the rhododendron
forest on stone-paved trails, and witness some hidden lakes.You;ll stop for overnight accommodation and meals at the tea house in Khongma.
The true Makalu Base Camp adventure unfolds as you hike near Dobate from Khongma. You;ll
hike to Keke La Pass at 4,170 meters on this day. But before crossing Keke La, you;ll cross the
beautiful Khongma La Pass at 3,873 meters.
You;ll see the amazing Makalu and Chamlang Himal from Khong Ma La Pass. After a few
descents from this pass, you;ll again start climbing to Ghurung La Pass. You;ll also hike to
Shipton La at 4,220 meters from Ghurung La. From here, you;ll head to Kalo Pokhari Lake,
descending nearly 200 meters from Shipton La Pass.
As Dobate is 3,550 meters, you;ll descend on a trail through a beautiful valley after crossing
Keke La Pass.
After breakfast at Dobate, you;ll prepare for the hike to Yangle Kharka, a strenuous descent for
a few hours. However, you;ll hike through the vibrant and serene multicolored rhododendron
forest. You;ll reach the Barun River shore after two hours of steep descent from Dobate.
While resting on the Barun River shore, you;ll get a picturesque glimpse of Tutse Himal at 6,758meters and Chamlang at 7,321 meters. And after that, you;ll have a pleasant hike to Yangle Kharka, gaining altitude very slowly. At the base of the valley, Yangle Kharka appears
impressive, where you;ll stop for overnight accommodation.
This day;s trek begins with a comfortable hike along the river, streams, and tiny Buddhist
monasteries. As you hike over 4,000 meters from this day, you;ll notice the thick juniper bushes
on the landscapes.
Along the towering mountain peaks, more pasture lands and boulder faces start appearing.The scenic mountain prospects become more apparent as you hike close to Langmale Kharka,leaving Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek.
Today, on the 8th day, you;ll hike to Makalu Base Camp, the base camp of the world;s fifth
tallest mountain. And spend the night at the tea house at the base camp too.
The trail after leaving Langmale Kharka is fairly ascended. After leaving Langmale Kharka with
a decent breakfast, you;ll climb to Shershong. And from Shershong, you;ll further gain altitude
and reach Makalu Base Camp.
As you are near the Makalu Base Camp, you;ll see icefalls, crevasses, seracs, glaciers, and
steep edges of Makalu. Also, you;ll see Kali Himal, Makalu II, Chamlang, and Baruntse
alongside Makalu.Overnight at the tea house in Makalu Base Camp.
Exploration around Makalu Base Camp not only gives you the scenic prospect of elegant
Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest. Your trek guide takes you to Barun Glacier, a mammoth glacier
past Makalu Base Camp. From here, you;ll get a complete view of Everest and Lhotse along thesouth face of Makalu.
The most thrilling moment at Makalu Base Camp is hiking a 5,250-meter tall ridge northeast of
Sharshong Peak.From this vantage point, you;ll see the northwest face of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar. The beautiful valley, as seen from this peak, keeps you amazed. Overnight at a tea house in Makalu Base Camp.
After a beautiful day stops at Makalu Base Camp, you;ll hike back to Yangle Kharka for 7 hours.
As it;s a descent and quite a long day hike, you may get tired during the evening.
While hiking back, you;ll walk past Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek. Also, you;ll hike
through the pine forest, leaving the juniper bushes and thorns behind. Overnight at a tea house in Yangle Kharka.
The trekking trail to Dobate gets interesting as youll hike along the Barun River Shore, crossing
wooden bridges and hiking through the vibrant rhododendron forest.
Six-hour descent takes you to Dobate, where you;ll stop at a tea house for overnight
accommodation.
After breakfast, you;ll descend to Khongma Danda along the beautiful trails. Most notably, you;llsee the world;s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, returning to Khongma Danda.
First, youll ascend to Keke La Pass, cross Tutu La Pass, and stop for sightseeing at Sano Pokhari (lake).While hiking to Khongma past Sano Pokhari, you may see blood pheasant, a beautiful mountainbird. Also, the chirps of birds; rhododendron forests make the hike serene.
Overnight at a tea house in Khongma Danda.
Trekking to Sedua from Khongma Danda sees you leaving Makalu Barun Conservation Area.
The hike incorporates a descent on stone paved stairs, through thick jungle, crossing several
suspension bridges, and observing the native birds.
The cardamom bushes are not to miss out on while hiking to Sedua.You;ll stop for overnight accommodation and meals at a tea house in Sedua.
Through the bamboo forests and bustling hamlets of Arun Valley, you;ll reach the Arun River.
You&;ll cross several suspension bridges, hike through a beautiful rural village along forests, and
finally, at Num.From Num, you;ll take a bus ride to Tumlingtar. You;ll stop for overnight accommodation at thetea house in Tumlingtar.
You;ll take the early flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. As you;ll get tired from the trek, taking
an 18-hour bus drive will be uncomfortable.
After reaching Kathmandu airport, our representative will pick you up from the airport to the hotel.It marks the end of your successful 15 days at Makalu Base Camp Trek with Adventure Nepal Eco Treks.
Makalu Base Camp is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) above sea level. This base camp serves as a starting point for climbers attempting to summit Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet). Trekking to Makalu Base Camp offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and is a popular destination for trekkers seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Makalu Base Camp is among the solitude routes in Nepal that takes 15 days to complete the
entire trek. Due to remoteness and longer itineraries, it;s among Nepal;s most expensive basecamp trekking. Depending upon group sizes, the cost of Makalu Base Camp can be around USD 1800. However, with more trekkers in the group, the price lowers.
Yes. Makalu Base Camp Trek in 2023 is a tea house-based adventure trek in Nepal. Makalu
Trekking has been famous in the last decade, and hence, the tea houses here are growing,
improving, and offering decent hospitality to trekkers.
As the Nepal government has mandated a trekking guide for foreign trekkers, you can;t do solo
trekking in Nepal. But it doesn;t mean that you must hire a local agency.
If you want a solo Makalu Base Camp Trek, Adventure Nepal Eco Treks provides you with
licensed trek guides and a porter.
As Makalu trekking passes through the Makalu Barun Conservation Area, you must purchase
two trek permits: one, Makalu Barun Conservation Area and the second, Makalu Rural
Municipality Permit. (TIMS Card) trekking information management system fees
Due to remoteness and few steep ascents, Makalu Base Camp is a strenuous graded trek.
However, hiking here will be mild if you have a few high-altitude trekking experiences. Even
beginner trekkers with good physical fitness can complete this trek.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is considered one of the more challenging trekking routes in Nepal. It takes you to the base of Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. The trail passes through remote and rugged terrain, including steep ascents, high altitude passes, and often demanding weather conditions.
The trek involves crossing several high-altitude passes, including the challenging Sherpani Col and West Col, which require technical skills and experience in mountaineering. Additionally, the trail is less developed compared to popular routes like the Everest Base Camp trek, so facilities such as teahouses and lodges may be limited, requiring you to be more self-sufficient in terms of supplies and camping gear.
Overall, while the Makalu Base Camp trek offers stunning scenery and a true wilderness experience, it's best suited for experienced trekkers who are physically fit, well-prepared, and have some previous high-altitude trekking or mountaineering experience.
To reach Makalu Base Camp, you typically start your journey from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Here's a general overview of the route:
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar: You can fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, which is the closest airport to the starting point of the Makalu Base Camp trek. The flight takes about 45 minutes to an hour.Tumlingtar to Num: From Tumlingtar, you'll drive or take a jeep to the village of Num, which is the starting point of the trek. This journey can take several hours, depending on road conditions.
Trek from Num to Makalu Base Camp: The trekking route from Num to Makalu Base Camp typically takes around 14 to 18 days, depending on the specific itinerary and pace. The trail passes through various villages, forests, river valleys, and high mountain passes before reaching the base camp.
Return: After reaching Makalu Base Camp and enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, you'll retrace your steps back to Num. From Num, you'll drive back to Tumlingtar and catch a flight back to Kathmandu.
It's essential to note that the Makalu Base Camp trek involves remote and rugged terrain, so it's advisable to go with a reputable trekking agency or hire an experienced guide and porter to ensure safety and logistics. Additionally, permits are required for trekking in this region, so make sure to obtain the necessary permits before starting your journey.
As the trek to Makalu Base Camp is less sophisticated than Everest and Annapurna regions, the meals and accommodation you'll get during this trek will be essential.
You'll get a basic twin-sharing room with blankets, mattresses, and pillows. Also, you won't get attached bathrooms in the tea houses.
You won't have many choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, the ones you'll get will supplement adequate energy.
Dal Bhat is the most popular meal on this trek. But you'll also have options like Spaghetti, Pasta, Tibetan Breads, Noodle soups, etc. Tea, hot lemon, and coffee are available at every tea house here.
Autumn and Spring are the two best times in a year to trek to Makalu Base Camp—however, experienced trekkers hike here during the winter.
Utmost visibility, warm daytime temperature, and pleasant atmosphere characterize the Autumn and Spring days in the Makalu Base Camp route. Moreover, the greenery and rhododendron blossom of Spring and post-monsoon month make it an absolute time to hike here.
The warm autumn days see a daytime temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and a nighttime temperature of 1 degree Celsius. At Makalu Base Camp, the daytime temperature drops to 6 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature to -4 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, the daytime temperature at lower regions of Makalu Base Camp averages 15 degrees Celsius and nighttime at 5 degrees Celsius. The temperature averages 7 degrees at the base camp, and the nighttime temperature falls below freezing.More extended daylight of 12 hours these two times a year gives you adequate time to hike all day in warm sunlight.
Autumn and Spring are the two best times in a year to trek to Makalu Base Camp—however, experienced trekkers hike here during the winter.
Utmost visibility, warm daytime temperature, and pleasant atmosphere characterize the Autumn and Spring days in the Makalu Base Camp route. Moreover, the greenery and rhododendron blossom of Spring and post-monsoon month make it an absolute time to hike here.
The warm autumn days see a daytime temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and a nighttime temperature of 1 degree Celsius. At Makalu Base Camp, the daytime temperature drops to 6 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature to -4 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, the daytime temperature at lower regions of Makalu Base Camp averages 15 degrees Celsius and nighttime at 5 degrees Celsius. The temperature averages 7 degrees at the base camp, and the nighttime temperature falls below freezing.
More extended daylight of 12 hours these two times a year gives you adequate time to hike all day in warm sunlight.
While trekking to Makalu Base Camp with us for 15 days, we ensure your elevation gain will stay within the per-day limit. Out handpicked itineraries, ensure you gain at most 800-900 meters of altitude daily.
As the Makalu Base Camp Trek is difficult at most places, we recommend you hike at a steady pace rather than walking faster. Also, gaining altitude rapidly can cause altitude sickness issues; in such cases, you may need a helicopter for evacuation.
In this trek, you'll start the hike from Num at 1,505 meters. And from here, you'll hike with an altitude gain of 800 meters at most, from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka. And for rest, you'll barely gain 500 meters of altitude each day.
While trekking to Makalu Base Camp, you must purchase two permits, Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit and Makalu Rural Municipality Permit. The rural municipality permits remain valid for a week and cost USD 25. The conservation area permit costs USD 30.
From April 1, 2023, foreign trekkers can only hike with a licensed trekking guide from an agency. So, you must hire a licensed guide or local agencies. And on doing so, trek guides and agencies prepare trek permits for you.
If you book Makalu Base Camp Trekking in 2023 with us, our representatives will arrange the trek permits for you before you depart for the trek.
Also, upon booking this trek, the cost of the walk includes the permit fees.
As you can't hike solo in Nepal, hiring guides and porters is the only option if you don't want to hire a local agency.Upon booking this trek with us, you'll get a trekking guide and porter throughout the tour. If you want to hire a trekking guide and porter, we also offer you the option of hiring a guide in Nepal.
Our trekking guides and porters have years of experience and have hiked successfully to Makalu Base Camp several times.If you hire an experienced trek guide, it'll cost you USD 30 a day. And if you want to hire a porter as well, you need to pay USD 25 a day for the porter.
You must bring a valid travel insurance policy to trek Makalu Base Camp with us. Travel insurance is a must, especially during medical evacuations and helicopter rescues.With the proof of your travel insurance, we can send a helicopter from Kathmandu for immediate rescue.
Also, it covers your hospitalization cost and other associated costs.The cost you pay for the trek doesn't include the travel insurance of the trekker. However, we fully insure our trek guides and porters.
Our 15 days long Makalu Base Camp trek offers you the lifelong Makalu experience. Our handpicked itineraries, well-organized logistics, trek guides, porters, affordable fees, and years of experience in trekking and tours in Nepal make us a decent travel agent in Nepal.
As people are getting busier and want shorter treks, we've made the shortest Makalu Base Camp Trek with that in mind.Our fixed group sizes with guaranteed departure for Makalu Base Camp Trekking in 2023 are now open for reservations. Let us be the guiding partner in the country of the Himalayas.
In order to enter Nepal, you must pay for a visa on arrival (at least for a US citizen). There are a few different options to choose from including a 15 day ($30), 30 day ($50), and 90 day ($125).
If you are taking part of the Makalu Base Camp trek, you are mostly likely going to go for the 15 or 30 day. On the other hand, if you are looking to stay longer in Nepal, you may need to purchase a longer visa on arrival.
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