Makalu Base Camp Trek

Trip Facts:

Group Size
Max 12
Region
Makalu Base Camp Trek
Trip Duration
20 Days
Activities
Trekking
Transportation
private car/van / Flight
Meals
BLD During Trek
Accommodation
Hotel / Lodge / Tented Camp
Max. Altitude
5000+ M
Best Month
Autumn / spring
Trip Grade
Hard
Trek Starts / Ends
Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a hidden gem in Nepal, once a secret to outsiders but now a favorite for adventure seekers in Nepal. Discovered by Eric Shipton in the 1950s, the Makalu region was previously inaccessible but now offers a tea house trek, providing a comfortable place to stay.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you through the unspoiled wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park, known for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. 
The journey of Makalu Base Camp Trek is challenging, but the stunning contrasts of landscapes reward you each day as you ascend from 700m to over 5,000m. The trek includes crossing four high passes in just one day, including the Shipton La, part of Eric Shipton's original expedition route of Makalu.
Makalu is the fifth-highest peak in the world, towering at 8,481 meters above sea level. Although relatively inaccessible, daily flights to Tumlingtar, just a few hours' drive from the trailhead, make reaching it not too difficult.
Makalu Base Camp Trek starts in warm terraced farmland inhabited by the Rai people, and as you ascend, you'll traverse rhododendron forests, cloud forests, and alpine meadows. Deeper into the mountains, you'll encounter steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and breathtaking waterfalls, where the Sherpa people reside.
From Makalu Base Camp, trekkers can relish magnificent views of Kangshung, the face of Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the Far East. The Makalu Barun National Park is home to some of Nepal's rarest flora and fauna, including the elusive Red Panda.
The trek is tailored for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts who prefer to relish the tranquility of pristine nature rather than following the crowds. The long, varied, and quite strenuous trek is ideal for slowly acclimatizing to the increasing altitude, as the Makalu Base Camp sits at 5100m.
At the Makalu base camp, one can witness the stunning Barun Glacier, the south face of Makalu, and a complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. The trek allows enough time to explore the serene lakes and glaciers around the base camp before returning to the green forests and valleys. On the return journey, trekkers cross the Tutu La Pass, now known as Shipton's Pass, named after the famous mountaineer Eric Shipton, who made the region accessible for others to follow.
Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventure of a lifetime, and although the journey may be challenging, it's worth it. For Nepali trekkers, the cost is affordable; Trekkers can find comfort in the tea house during the trek route of Makalu. The short Makalu trekking itinerary is also available for those who want to experience the trek in a shorter time frame. The Makalu Base Camp Trek map provides a detailed guide to the trek, and for those who want to share their experience, a Makalu Base Camp Trek blog is an excellent platform.

Main Highlights of Makalu Trek

  • Trek through the unspoiled wilderness of Makalu Barun National Park
  • Encounter diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive Red Panda in Makalu region.
  • Traverse through warm, terraced farmland inhabited by the Rai people.
  • Trek to Makalu Base Camp through rhododendron forests, most captivating during the spring season
  • Pass through cloud forests, some of Nepal's last areas of unspoiled forest and alpine meadows.
  • Witness stunning contrasts of landscapes as you ascend from 700m to over 5,000m
  • Cross four high passes in just one day, including the Shipton La.
  • Encounter steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and breathtaking waterfalls.
  • Relish magnificent views of the seldom-seen Kangshung face of Everest and Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga.
  • Explore the serene lakes and glaciers around the base camp.
  • Experience the tranquility of pristine nature away from the crowds.
  • Slowly acclimatize to the increasing altitude as the Makalu Base Camp sits at 5100m
  • Encounter the Sherpa people, an ethnically Tibetan group who mainly live near the Everest region
  • Discover the secret trekking gem of Nepal that was once inaccessible to outsiders.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Eric Shipton, who was among the first to explore the Makalu region and make it accessible for others to follow.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. You will check in at the hotel, freshen up and take some time to relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the rest of the day to explore the local area, or you can rest at the hotel to prepare for your upcoming adventure.
 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide in the lobby for a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple). You will have lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample traditional Nepali cuisine. In the afternoon, you will continue the sightseeing tour with visits to other historic and cultural landmarks, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. You will return to the hotel in the evening and have dinner at the hotel or explore the local area.
 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to the airport for a short flight to Tumlingtar. Upon arrival in Tumlingtar, you will meet your trekking team and drive to Num, which takes around 2 hours. You will spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the Makalu Base Camp Trek ahead. You will spend the night at a local guesthouse in Num.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will start your trek to Makalu Base Camp Trek from Num to Sedua. The route will lead you through beautiful villages, terraced fields, and lush forests with views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will continue trekking in the afternoon and arrive at Sedua, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will continue your trek to Tashi Gaun. The route of Makalu Base Camp Trek will take you through forests of rhododendron and oak trees, with occasional views of snow-capped mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Tashi Gaun in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will start your trek from Tashi Gaon to Kauma. The route will lead you through rhododendron and pine forests, with occasional views of snow-capped mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will continue trekking in the afternoon and arrive in Kauma, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.
 

You will spend the day in Kauma to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the local area, take a short hike, or simply relax and enjoy the views of the mountains in Makalu region.
 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will continue your trek to Mumbuk. The route will take you through dense forests, with occasional views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Mumbuk in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.
 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will start your trek from Mumbuk to Neha Kharka. The route will lead you through rocky terrain and high-altitude forests, with occasional views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will continue trekking in the afternoon and arrive in Neha Kharka, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.
 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will continue your trek to Sherson. The Makalu route will take you through high-altitude forests and rocky terrain, with stunning views of the mountains throughout the day. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Sherson in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will continue your trek to Makalu Base Camp. The route will lead you through rocky terrain and glacial moraines, with stunning views of the mountains throughout the day. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive at Makalu Base Camp in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.
 

You will spend the day at Makalu Base Camp, exploring the local area and enjoying the stunning views of the mountains. You can also take a short hike or simply relax and acclimatize to the high altitude.
 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will start your Makalu Base Camp trek back to Neha Kharka. The trail will take you through rocky terrain and high-altitude forests, with occasional views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Neha Kharka in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will continue your trek to Mumbuk. The Makalu route will lead you through rocky terrain and high-altitude forests, with stunning views of the mountains throughout the day. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Mumbuk in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse.
 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will continue your trek to Kauma. The route will take you through dense forests, with occasional views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Kauma in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local guesthouse in Makalu region.

After breakfast at the teahouse, you will continue your trek to Tashi Gaon. The route will take you through dense forests and occasional small villages, with stunning views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Tashi Gaon in the afternoon, where you will spend the night.
 

After breakfast at the teahouse, you will continue your trek to Pakuwa. The trail will take you through dense forests, with occasional views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Pakuwa in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a local teahouse.
 

After breakfast at the teahouse, you will continue your trek to Bumling. The trail will lead you through dense forests and small villages, with stunning views of the mountains throughout the day. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Bumling in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a Bumling.
 

After breakfast at the teahouse, you will continue your trek to Tumlingtar. The route will take you through small villages and farmlands, with occasional views of the mountains. You will stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way. You will arrive in Tumlingtar in the afternoon, where you will spend the night at a teahouse.
 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city or simply relaxing at your hotel.

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preference and specification.

FAQs

The cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek varies depending on the trekking itinerary, duration, and services included. 
 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts from Tumlingtar and follows the Arun River valley, passing through several remote villages and forests, before reaching the Makalu Base Camp at an altitude of 4,870 meters.
 

No, it is mandatory to trek the Makalu region with a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers for safety reasons.
 

Yes, there are several travel blogs and websites that provide information about the Makalu Base Camp Trek, including trekking routes, itineraries, and experiences of fellow trekkers.
 

Yes, there are several short itineraries available for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, ranging from 14-16 days, which cover the main highlights of theMaklau trek.
 

The altitude of the Makalu Base Camp is 4,870 meters above sea level.
 

Yes, the Makalu Base Camp Trek can be done as a tea house trek, with several tea houses and lodges available along the trekking route.
 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek takes around 18-21 days, depending on the itinerary and trekking route chosen.
 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging and strenuous trek that requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance, with steep ascents, rugged terrain, and high altitude.
 

"Trek camp de base Makalu" is the French translation for "Makalu Base Camp Trek", which is a popular trekking route in Nepal.
 

Yes, there are several maps available for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, which provide details about the trekking route, altitude, and distance covered.
 

No, there are no Gust houses available at the Makalu Base Camp, but trekkers can stay at tea houses in the nearby villages.
 

Traveller Useful Information

The transportation options for the Makalu trek depend on the starting point of the trek. If you start the trek from Tumlingtar, the most common starting point, you can get there by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar or driving from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. The flight takes about 45 minutes, while the drive takes about 14-15 hours.
During the trek, you will mostly be walking/hiking, and there won't be any motorable roads. So, you'll be trekking on foot from one destination to the other. In some parts of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you may come across small suspension bridges, which you must cross on foot.
Sometimes, you may need to hire a porter or a pack animal (yak or mule) to carry your luggage during the Makalu Trek. The porters and pack animals can be arranged through us.

You need to obtain several permits to go on the Makalu trek in Nepal. These include the Makalu Barun National Park permit, which allows you to enter the park, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is necessary for trekking in the restricted area, and a local entry permit, which allows you to enter the local villages and communities along the trek. The permits' fees vary, and obtaining them before starting your trek is essential. Working with a licensed trekking agency in Nepal can help ensure you have all the necessary permits and paperwork before starting your trek. You must always carry the permits with you during the trek and show them at the checkpoint posts along the way. Trekking without the required permits can result in illegal penalties and fines and may also risk your safety.

During the Makalu trek, you will find accommodation in tea houses and lodges along the route. These lodges are typically basic, with shared rooms and bathrooms, but they offer a comfortable and affordable option for trekkers. The lodges usually have a common dining area where you can enjoy your meals and interact with fellow trekkers. You must bring your sleeping bag, as bedding is not always provided. Some popular places for accommodation along the Makalu trek include Num, Sedua, Tashi Gaon, and Kauma. While the lodges offer basic amenities, it is essential to remember that the further you go on the trek, the more basic the facilities become. Therefore, planning and preparing for your trek is crucial, including carrying appropriate gear and equipment.

The Makalu trek is considered a challenging trek, and it is suitable for experienced trekkers with a high level of physical fitness. The trek involves trekking through high altitudes, steep and rocky terrain, and crossing several high passes. The trek also involves long hours of walking each day, with some days requiring up to 7-8 hours of trekking. Trekkers need to acclimate to the high altitude gradually, and taking several rest days along the way is recommended to help with acclimatization. The trek also requires crossing a glacier, which can be challenging and requires some technical skills. Trekkers must be adequately prepared with the right gear and equipment, including appropriate clothing, hiking boots, and a good-quality sleeping bag. It is also essential to be mentally prepared for the trek, as it can be physically and mentally challenging. However, with the proper preparation and mindset, the Makalu trek can be an enriching and unforgettable experience.

The best time to trek the Makalu region is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is usually stable and dry, with clear skies and excellent visibility, providing breathtaking views of the mountains. The temperatures are also moderate, making it ideal for trekking, with the average daytime temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the nights can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes.
During Spring, the hills and valleys come alive with colorful rhododendron flowers, making for a picturesque trek. Autumn is also a popular time for trekking as the skies are clear and the weather is stable, making it an ideal time for summiting peaks. However, it is essential to note that the Makalu region is susceptible to landslides and heavy rains during the monsoon season (June to August), making the trails treacherous and unsafe. Similarly, during the winter months (December to February), the temperatures can drop significantly, and the trails can be icy and challenging, making it difficult to trek. Therefore, it is best to avoid trekking in the Makalu region during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Weather of Makalu
The weather in the Makalu region can be unpredictable and change rapidly, with variations in temperature and precipitation depending on the altitude and season. During the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons, the weather is usually stable and dry, with clear skies and excellent visibility. The temperatures are moderate during the day, ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius, and can drop to sub-zero temperatures at night, especially at higher altitudes.
During the monsoon season (June to August), the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and make the trails treacherous and unsafe. The winter season (December to February) is cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing point, especially at higher altitudes. The trails can be icy and challenging, making it difficult to trek. Therefore, Spring and Autumn are the best times to trek the Makalu region. Trekkers should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather and carry appropriate gear, clothing, and equipment to stay warm and dry. It is also advisable to closely watch weather forecasts and plan the trek accordingly.

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