Makalu Base Camp Trek Over View
One of the least crowded trekking trail in Nepal is Makalu Base Camp Trek,( 4,870m) in Nepal. With picturesque views of towering peaks such as Mt. Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse and Chamlang, Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of the fifth highest peak in the world; Mt. Makalu. Traversing through the lush of green forests , deep river gorges, cascading waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, sacred and pristine ponds, the journey starts from a flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu followed by a drive to Num Bazar, where the trek begins and ends.
Being a physically demanding adventure, Makalu Base Camp Trek involves 6 to 7 hours of daily trekking across challenging passes. Along the way, you'll encounter cultural harmony between the local communities of Rai, Limbu, Gurung, and Sherpa people, preserving and celebrating their unique cultures and traditions. Due to its remote location, the trek remains beautifully isolated, offering a sense of wilderness and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Even though the trek is challenging, the 18-day Makalu Base Camp itinerary includes acclimatization days, making it accessible for trekkers with moderate experience. The trek strikes a perfect balance between rugged adventure and cultural exploration, set in one of Nepal's most stunning and untouched regions
Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Hanging Glacier and granite cliff view
- Trek through peaceful Rhododendron forests
- Quiet trails through vibrant terrace farmland with rural culture
- Makalu Base Camp and its surroundings are "a place to be once in a lifetime"
How Difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?
The Makalu base camp trek is a challenging trek, best suited to mentally and physically strong and experienced mountain trekkers. Along the way, a few passes must be crossed to reach the base camp. One needs to mentally prepare to walk about 6/7 hours of daily walking in the rocky terrain. However, due to sparse oxygen, a couple of rest/acclimatization days are built into the itinerary. Makalu Base Camp is also the getaway to the Sherpani Col pass to the Everest region which requires mountaineering skills as it is categorized as an extremely challenging pass.
Necessary Permits and Fees for Makalu Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trails is delimited in Makalu Barun National Park. We should obtain two different permits: Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and a Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card. The cost of a National Park permit is 30 USD per person and 20 USD per person for TIMS. The registered trek company shall arrange all these permits like us.
The suitable time for Makalu Base Camp Trek
The best time for Makalu Base Camp trek is in the fall (September to December) and Spring (Late March to June) for better visibilty. The temperature varies from month to month. The daytime temperature during the spring and autumn seasons is 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature is -5 to -10 degrees Celsius. Summer/monsoon season (June to August) is relatively warm but it is not suggestable to trek Makalu base Camp due to heavy rain, flooding, and poor visibility. The winter season (late December to early March) is too cold and the route to base camp may close.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Cost and Itinerary
The cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek varies based on several factors, including the number of participants, the trekking season, transportation options, Trekking type, and any additional services required. Typically, the price for the Makalu Base Camp Trek ranges from $1,500 to $2,200. Our services include an experienced, well-trained and knowledgeable guide holding the wilderness first Aid Training and having a depth of knowledge of the destination. The Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary is a blend of nature, culture and adventure. The Trek starts with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu and a drive to Num Bazar. It is a tea house to tea house trek, passing small towns with dramatic landscapes, viewing the breathtaking mountains, interacting with the local community, and having a few acclimatization days to ensure the safe ascent. The itinerary depends on the person, and we are open to your suggestions for customizing the trek itinerary. This is the best optional route to follow the Sherpani Col pass to Dingboche of Everest region.
What to expect at Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal?
Expect the following at Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Breathtaking landscapes ranging from lush forests to alpine meadows,
- Cultural immersion of Rai, Limbu and Sherpa ethnicities.
- Spectacular Himalayan views including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Baruntse, Chmalang and many more
- Habitats of endangered species like Red Panda, Himalayan Thar and Snow Leopard.
- 6/7 hours of daily walking through varied terrain and landscape.
How to Reach Makalu Base Camp?
Makalu Base Camp Journey begins after a 45-minute flight to Tumlingtar and a four-hour drive to Num. Your Makalu Base Camp journey begins from here as walk through the Makalu-Barun National Park. The ultimate objective of the trek is to hike to the base camp of Mt. Makalu 8,481m (the fifth-highest mountain in the world). The Makalu Base Camp offers magnificent views of the south face of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and the Barun Glacier. All along the trail, you will enjoy stunning views of Mt Makalu (8,481m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7,129m), and Mera Peak (6,654m). The trail passes through Makalu Barun National Park allowing you to enjoy the pristine wilderness and biodiversity. This trek allows going to Baruntse Base Camp, Amphulaptsa pass to the Everest base camp in the Khumbu region. The distinctive feature of Makalu Base Camp trekking is its pristine wilderness as you pass through an unparalleled gallery of the most colorful flowers ever seen in the Himalayas with dense forests of Rhododendron, orchids, maple, magnolia, and aromatic herbs.
Lastly, proper gear, updated trek information, physical fitness, a professional guide, and a local trekking company are required to embark on Makalu Base Camp Trek. It is an 18-day tea house trek to Makalu Base Camp. If you are thinking of going from Sherpani Col to Chhukung into Everest region then you should prepare a full camping trek. Please contact our experts with any questions you may have. Global Eco Trails can be your local tour operator due to its experts in the region. Moreover, you can check Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and Everest Three pass trek as well.
