Makalu Base Camp Trek

Why is Makalu Base Camp Trek considered the best trek route for experienced hikers?

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a moderately strenuous 150 km long and seventeen-day trek inside the Barun National Park in the Eastern Nepal Himalayas, and the highest point reached on this trek is Makalu Base Camp at an altitude of 4870m or 15,978 feet. It’s the most challenging base camp trek in Nepal due to its remote location, steep ascents and descents, high-altitude conditions, and rugged trails, on an average trekkers walk between 10–15 kilometers per day

The Makau Base Camp trek in Nepal is reserved for those who seek the thrill of true wilderness trekking offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the untouched Eastern Himalayas in Nepal. Though not your average trek, the trek to the Makalu Base Camp is challenging yet a rewarding trekking adventure that’s fit for the adventurous and seasoned hikers.

Conquering the highest base camp in Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp is a feat that’s on the bucket list of many hikers. As you traverse across the rich bio-diversity park from Num to the Makalu Base Camp through tiny villages, rhododendron forests, varied landscapes, and high mountain passes, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of Makalu, Everest, Chamlang, Baruntse, Lhotse, and an array of lesser-known peaks from the base camp and as well from vantage points along the trekking trail.

Best Time

The best times for trekking towards Makalu Base Camp is during Spring season (March – May) and Autumn season (September – November).

The weather during both of these seasons remains stable and clear, allowing for comfortable trekking temperatures during the day time. During the spring the trekking trails are easy to navigate with lower chances of rain, and nature’s beauty can be enjoyed to its fullest in the eastern Himalayas. Autumn adds post-monsoon freshness and inviting, crisp air, while Spring provides blooming Rhododendrons along the trail which makes it more pleasant. Both these seasons provide a perfect ambience for the Makalu Base Camp Trek trek as they provide an feasible window to experience awe inspiring Himalayan views.

Accommodation and Kind of Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a tea house and a lodge based trek in Nepal. When compared to the lodges on the more popular trek routes like in the Everest or the Annapurna regions, the lodges here are very basic. The lodges may not have enough blankets for visitors, so it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag along.

Food

The food served along the Makalu Base Camp trekking trail is relatively basic compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. This is due to the remote and less-developed nature of tourism in the Makalu area.

Daal (lintel soup) Bhaat (rice) and Tarkari (Vegetable Curry) is the staple food of Nepal and a common meal served throughout this trek, often, accompanied by pickle (achar), salad, and papad (crispy flatbread). This is a highly nutritious and filling diet, and teahouses offer unlimited servings of this dish.

Noddles and eggs are also available in the lodges and tea houses and are served as per the demand. Fresh meat is hard to come by because of it’s remote location, but canned meat and fish are available in the tea houses and lodges.

Coffee may be a delicacy as you reach the higher areas, but black tea is readily available in the tea houses and lodges.

Highlights of the Trek

Of the many, one of the highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is it’s remoteness. The trek route located in the far flung Eastern Himalayas is less travelled, which means you will meet very few hikers on the trekking trail. The trail also passes through varied landscapes, from lush rhododendron forest to high passes to alpine vegetation providing hikers with immense oppurtunity to savor the beauty of the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

The other highlight but not the least are the awe-inspiring views of Mount Makalu, standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) tall, this pyramid-shaped peak is one of the most iconic mountains in the entire Himalayas. Also, from the Makalu Base Camp (4,870 meters), you can get the panoramic views of other towering peaks such as Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Chamlang (7,319 meters), and Baruntse (7,129 meters). The base camp itself offers a surreal setting surrounded by glaciers and rugged alpine terrain.

Another highlight of the Makalu Base Camp Trek includes crossing high mountain passes such as the Shipton La Pass (4,216 meters), and the Keke La Pass (4,127 meters). These passes offer breathtaking panoramic views but require physical endurance due to their steep ascents.

Cultural immersion is another highlight of this trek in Nepal, as the trek route passes through a number of small himalayan villages inhabited by the Rai, Sherpa and other ethnic tribes, and this provides an opportunity to interact with local communities. For instance villages like Seduwa and Tashigaon are traditional villages on this route to the Makalu Base Camp and these two villages provides an insight into the unique lifestyles, customs, and hospitality of these ethnic tribes.

Starting and Ending Points of the Trek

The trek begins with a flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu, followed by a jeep ride to Num. From here the trek to the Makalu Base Camp gradually ascends through culturally rich villages. After reaching the base camp the trek finally ends with a trek back to Num following the same path back with a flight back to Kathmandu.

Brief Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek 

Day 01: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num (1040m/4hrs). Lodge

Fly into Tumlingtar from Kathmandu a 45minutes flight. Get a glimpse of the Himalayas from Ganesh Himal (7422m) to Mount  Everest (8848m) to Makalu (8463m) and even in the distance the Kanchenjunga Range. After arriving at Tumlingtar, drive to Num. Overnight Guest House/Camping.

Day 02: Num to Sedua (1460m/5/6hrs). Lodge

The days trek starts with a steep downhill (descend about 800m) on a narrow path along the slopes of Arun River through dense forest, which is nearly 800 meters below. On reaching the bottom of the River valley, cross a suspension bridge over the Arun River and slowly climb out of the rainforest as we reach our lunch spot. After lunch its a steep uphill trek till Seduwa a picturesque small village which has a Small Primary School and a Primary Health Post. Overnight Camping.

Day 03: Sedua to Tashi Gaon(2070m/5hrs). Lodge

A short 3Hours to 4Hours Trek to Tashi Gaon through Paddy and Millet fields. The last one hour is a steep climb upto Tashi Gaon which incidentally is last Village in the Makalu Base Camp Trek Route. Afternoon explore the Village. Overnight Camping.

Day 04: Tashi Gaon to Kauma(3470m/6hrs). Lodge

The Trek from Tashi Gaon to Kauma passes through beautiful Rhododendron and oak forest for about three hours. Then the forest gives way to meadows with some traces of  shepherd’s huts here and there. The Trek Route to Kauma from here is a strenuous uphill climb. From here the tree line disappears and gives way to stunted Rhododendron and Juniper Bushes. The Mountain range starts appearing from this point onwards. Overnight Lodge.

Day 05: Rest / Exploration day at Kauma. Lodge

Day 06: Kauma to Mumbuk (3570m/5hrs). Lodge

The Days Trek to Mumbuk is a steady climb with a couple of small downhills until we pass the two lakes, Thulo Pokhari and Sano Pokhari. After this we will have three Passes to cross so take it slowly. Climb further to cross Keke La Pass (4127m) , Shipton La Pass (4170m) and Tutu La Pass (4080m). From these pass enjoy the views of the Makalu range. Then Trek down  to Mumbuk, a small place for camping in the middle of  Pine , Birch , Hemlock and Rhododendron Forest. Overnight  Camping

Day 07: Mumbuk to Nhe Kharka (3000m/6hrs). Lodge

The day starts with a steep downhill trek through a narrow gorge to cross Barun Khola just beyond Tamatan Kharka. The trail runs along Barun Khola for quite sometime and then the trail climbs through meadows to reach the Riphok Kharka. Which is a transit campsite for the migrating Sheep herders and Yak herders. Overnight Camping.

Day 8: Nhe Kharka to Sherson(4615m/7hrs). Lodge

We start the  trek by crossing a wooden bridge over Barun River. The trail goes through high altitude meadows and a little while later through moraines till we reach reach Shershon. Shershon is the lower Base Camp when attempting to climb Makalu. From here enjoy the mesmerizing 360Degree view of lower Barun Glacier and the towering Makalu (8463m) and other Himalayan peaks.  Overnight in Shershon.

Day 9: Sherson to Makalu Base Camp (5000 m/4/5hrs). Lodge

The Trek to Makalu Base Camp is steady and a difficult uphill climb on a moraine along narrow and slippery path. To ensure safety we will be using ropes till we reach Makalu Base Camp at the foot of the fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu (8463m). Overnight Camping at Makalu Base Camp .

Day 10: Explore Makalu Base Camp. Lodge

Exploration day of Makalu Base Camp. Take a short trek to the right of the base Camp for a closer view of Makalu, Lhotse, Everest , Baruntse and many other peaks of the Everest Range. If your legs are fit enough to take a climb than a one hour of vertical climb will take you to a fairly large place from where you can get a better view of the surrounding peaks. Overnight Camping.

Day 11: Retrace back your steps to Tumlingtar after  this day. Return trek to Riphok Kharka (3000m/7hrs). Lodge

Day 12: Riphok kharka to Mumbuk (3570m/6hrs). Lodge

Day 13: Mumbuk to Kauma (3470m/5hrs). Lodge

Day 14: Kauma to Tashi Gaon (2070m/5hrs). Lodge

Day 15: Tashi Gaun to Num (1520m/6hrs). Lodge

Day 16: Num to Tumlingtar (860m/4hrs). LODGE. End of  Makalu Base Camp Trek Nepal.

Day 17: Fly Tumlingtar – Kathmandu. Hotel Overnight.

MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK COST : US$3100/Person

• Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu Airfare: US$280/person (Fare Included in the Cost)
• Restricted Area Fees : US$ 10/person/week (Included in the Cost)
• After one week it is US$20 per person per week payable in convertible foreign currency (Included in the Cost)
• Indian Participants kindly enquire within for quotes in India Rupees

TREK COST INCLUDE:

• Porter/s to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 persons);
• Accommodation in Twin Share Water Proof Tents with sleeping Mats, Dinning Tent, Kitchen Tent & Toilet Tent.
• Contribution to guide transport;
• Guide/porter insurance costs;
• Restricted Area Fees
• National Park Fees.
• Services of an English Speaking registered Guide.
• All three meals while on the Trek (Breakfasts, lunches and Dinners).

COST EXCLUDES:

• Airfare Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu.
• Any services in Kathmandu, hotel/meals, etc.
• Nepal visa fees;
• Sleeping bags (can be hired @ $1 per night in Kathmandu);
• Personal clothing/equipment;
• Tips;
• Client insurance of any kind;
• Cost of evacuation (if any);
• Bottled/alcoholic drinks;
• Snacks/desserts;
• Tea/coffee – other than at breakfast;
• Expenses of personal nature

Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.

Recommendations:  The trek is a relatively difficult requiring good physical fitness. Few weeks  training is advised and a physical fitness check-up is a must

(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).