Makalu Base Camp Trek

Trip Fact

  • DestinationNepal
  • Durations15 days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate
  • ActivitiesTrekking
  • Mx.altitude4870m.
  • Group SizeMin. 10 Pax

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Discover one of the most remote and unexplored hiking paths in Nepal.

  • Travel from dense subtropical rainforests to alpine scenery at high altitudes.

  • Take in breath-taking vistas of the world's fifth-highest peak, Makalu (8,485 meters).

  • Discover the peaceful Barun Valley, which is renowned for its abundant biodiversity.

  • Engage in conversation with the Sherpa, Rai, and other ethnic people in the area.

  • Encounter rare flora and fauna in Makalu Barun National Park.

  • Pass across high-altitude passes like Keke La (4,127 m) and Shipton La (4,216 m).

  • Enjoy the friendliness of the locals by staying in traditional teahouses.

  • Experience a peaceful hike away from the busy paths of the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Overview

The Makalu Base Camp Trek passes through some of Nepal's most beautiful and untouched areas. You will walk into the heart of Makalu Barun National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty, in the eastern section of the nation. A panorama of peaks including Everest and Lhotse, as well as Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest summit, is seen from the journey.

The opportunity for cultural immersion that the Trek to Makalu Base Camp offers is one of its distinctive features. While trekking to Makalu Base Camp, you will have the opportunity to engage with local populations, such as the Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu people, and experience their hospitality and traditional ways of life. Compared to the busier trekking routes in Nepal, the area's solitude has fewer hikers and gives you a more genuine and peaceful experience.

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is a strenuous hike that calls for a high degree of physical preparedness. The base camp is well worth the effort, even if the path can be challenging at times, particularly at high levels. The ideal seasons to complete the journey are spring (April until May) and autumn (September until November), when the skies are bright and the weather is moderate. 

The route of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is well-equipped with hotels and tea houses that provide adequate lodging and food services despite its isolated position. Due to this, the path is suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced travelers. The 15-day trek to Makalu Base Camp is perfect for you if you are looking forward to trekking in peace and enjoying the Himalayas and the cultures of the Himalayan regions.

ROUTE OF MAKLU BASE CAMP 15-DAY TREK

Our Makalu Base Camp trekking itinerary starts with a flight from Tumlingtar and begins our trek to Khandbari. We will reach Sakurate by hiking across the picturesque countryside and setting up camp in the verdant rhododendron woodland.

We will cross suspension bridges from the secret Sakurate town and go over the Arun River in the direction of Num. The views of terraced agricultural fields are breathtaking as we rise to Sedhuwa from Num. As we ascend, you will encounter rough roads and an increase in height from Mumbuk.

As we travel towards Nehe Kharka, we should adopt a suitable acclimatization speed because the altitude increases from Mumbuk. This is in the famous Barun Valley, which is beautiful and full of greenery. We'll soon cross Shershon and arrive at Makalu Base Camp. We will first explore the base camp before moving on to Nehe Kharka.

Once more, we will take a little climb to visit the 4,250-meter-high Shipton La Pass. The greatest views of the mountain sunsets are available from this pass. After that, we'll head back to Sedhuwa. We will return to Khandbari via Mure to complete our journey. It takes three hours to hike to Tumlingtar from Khandbari, after which you will take a flight back to Kathmandu.

MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK ALTITUDE CHART

Locations

Meters

Feet

Kathmandu

1,400

4,593

Tumlingtar

460

1,509

Sedhuwa

1,500

4,921

Tashigaon

2,070

6,791.00

Kauma

3,470

11,385

Mumbuk

3,570

11,713

Nehe Kharka

3,750

12,303

Shershon

4,615

15,141

Makalu Base Camp

4,870

15,978

Shipton-La Camp

4,250

13,944

Mure

3,800

12,467

BEST SEASON FOR TREKKING TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is most enjoyable in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You will be treated to pleasant, consistent weather in the spring, with pleasant to warm daytime temperatures and refreshing evenings. The region's vivid rhododendron woods in full bloom and lush green landscapes are also on display during this season, bringing some color to the journey. On the other side, autumn brings dry, consistent weather that is refreshing after the monsoon.

BOOK YOUR TREK TO MAKALU WITH US 

We here at Alpine Wonder Treks provide an extensive range of opportunities for travelers to explore Nepal. Our Makalu Base Camp Trekking package is one of many packages that allows you to explore the Himalayas, adding to the thrill of high-altitude trekking.

With our team of experts and experienced individuals, we have carefully crafted this 15-day trekking package to Makalu Base Camp. From transportation, accommodation, meals and permits, we ensure to take care of everything, allowing you to have a safe and comfortable journey with us. For further queries or to book your journey to Makalu, please feel free to contact us.

Detail Itinerary

1Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-briefing

2Day 02

Free Day

3Day 03

Fly to Tumlingtar (50-minute flight) and drive to Sedhuwa for 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

4Day 04

Trek from Sedhuwa to Tashigaon, 5 hours (A, B, L, D)

5Day 05

Trek from Tashigaon to Kauma, 6 to 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

6Day 06

Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk, 6 to 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

7Day 07

Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka, 6 to 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

8Day 08

Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shershon, 6 to 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

9Day 09

Trek from Shershon to Makalu Base Camp, 3 to 4 hours (A, B, L, D)

10Day 10

Explore Makalu Base Camp

11Day 11

Trek from Makalu Base camp to Shipton-La Camp, 5 to 6 hours (A, B, L, D)

12Day 12

Trek from Shipton-La Camp to Sedhuwa, 6 to 7 hours (A, B, L, D)

13Day 13

Trek from Sedhuwa to Mure, 6 hours (A, B, L, D)

14Day 14

Trek from Mure to Tumlintar (A, B, L, D)

15Day 15

Fly back from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, 50 minutes

If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: - Airport pickup and drop services on a private (Car/Jeep /mini Bus) Vehicle.
  • ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU: -Star hotel in Kathmandu, double /twin sharing bed with breakfast.
  • FOOD AND DRINK: - All meals [Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with soup] with 3 cup of hot drinks during the trek day.
  • ACCOMMODATION IN TREKKING: -Accommodation on twin sharing bed on Guesthouse/Lodge per the itinerary.
  • FLIGHT:-  kathmandu -Tumlingtar (Both ways)
  • PERMITE: - Entry Permit (National park) and Trekkers Information Management System [TIMS] registration card /Khumbu-Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permits fees.
  • RESCUE: -Arrangement of emergency (cover by your travel insurance) helicopter service.
  • GUIDE AND PORTERS: -English speaking with government licensed holder guide with (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • ASSISTANT GUIDE: - Assistant guide for group of 10 or more peoples.
  • LUGGUAGE: - 15 kg baggage allowance for during trekking per person carried by porters.
  • SALARY AND ALLOWANCE: - Staffs, insurance, salary, equipment, flight or transports, food and accommodation.
  • TREKKING EQUPMENT: - Duffel Bag, Trekking Map, down jacket and sleeping bag (if you don’t have your own, to be return after trip).
  • TRANSPORTATION: - Transfer to Tumlingtar -Sedhuwa private transportation.
  • MEDICAL: - A comprehensive medical kit for emergencies.
  • GOVERNMENT TAXES: - Necessary paper works, all government and local taxes.
  • FAREWELL DINNER: - Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant.

 

Cost Excludes

  • AIRFARE: - The package cost does not include any international airfare.
  • FOOD IN KATHMANDU: - Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
  • INSURANCE POLICY: - Does not include an insurance policy for the trekkers and climbers. We recommend that trekkers get travel insurance before going for the trek.
  • NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE: - Nepal entry VISA fees will also not be included in the package cost (Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu 15days-$30,30days-$50 and 90days-$125).
  • PERSONAL TREKKING EQUIPMENT: -Trekker’s are suggested to bring all of their trekking equipment on their own because that will also not be included in the package cost.
  • EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU: - If your arrival early from trekking or want to stay in Kathmandu for some extra days, the expenses will completely be on your own.
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES: - All the personal expenses made during the ascend and descend shall not be covered by the package cost. Like (phone calls, laundry, boiled water, shower, battery recharge, bar bills, Extra Tea or extra porters).
  • INTERNET SERVICE: - Trekkers will have to pay an extra amount of money for basic internet services at a higher altitude. This will also not be covered by the package cost.
  • FILMING: - Special Camera, filming and drone permit fees.
  • TIPS: - We expect the climbers, trekkers to provide guides, porters and driver with some tips for acknowledging their hard work and assistance.

Good to Know

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING MAKALU 15-DAY TREK

Along the Makalu Base Camp Trek route, lodging is mostly provided by teahouses or lodges that are spaced out along the trail. Usually, these places provide simple yet cozy accommodations like twin or dorm-style rooms with communal bathrooms. 

After a long day of trekking, hikers can unwind and regenerate in the cozy, welcoming environment of teahouses, which are owned and operated by local families. 

The amenities differ from location to location; some have hot showers (with an extra cost), dining places with large amounts of local and international cuisine, and common areas where trekkers can socialize and share stories.

Accommodations may become more basic and primitive as the trip goes farther into more isolated locations, highlighting the adventure and immersion of the trekkers in the Himalayan region's natural splendor.

MEALS DURING MAKALU TREK

Meals are usually served at the teahouses or lodges along the route. The menu offers a wide range of filling foods that are ideal for hikers, from the basic Nepali dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and veggies) to spaghetti, noodles, soups, and occasionally even pizzas or pancakes. Eggs, oatmeal, bread, tea, or coffee are common breakfast fare. 

To ensure freshness and authenticity, meals are made with ingredients that are acquired locally. The meals are tasty and catered to the nutritional demands of hikers doing difficult walks at high elevations, even though the alternatives may be modest when compared to urban places.

PERMITS REQUIRED FOR TREKKING TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Obtaining several permissions is necessary for hiking in the area and for accessing Makalu Barun National Park, which includes trekking to Makalu Base Camp. These are the permits that are normally needed:

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This card aids in trekkers' safety and management. It may be acquired via an authorized trekking agency in Nepal.

Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: Since the path travels through this protected region, this permission is necessary to enter the park.

Restricted Area Permit: A restricted area permit can be needed for some portions of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, especially the portion that goes beyond Tashigaon and up to Makalu Base Camp. Trekking in regions that are near international boundaries or that the government deems sensitive requires this authorization.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS DURING TREKKING TO MAKALU 

Given the high elevations attained during the trip to Makalu Base Camp, altitude sickness is a serious risk. Trekkers can get it as they travel to heights beyond 4,000 meters. It often happens above 2,500 meters. Headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, exhaustion, and dyspnea are among the symptoms. 

It is essential to acclimate appropriately by taking rest days, climbing gently, and maintaining adequate hydration to reduce the danger. It is recommended that hikers pay attention to their body's signals and return right away if symptoms increase because severe altitude sickness can be fatal. In addition to being beneficial, preventive measures like taking medicine like Diamox should only be utilized after consulting a healthcare provider.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR TREKKING TO MAKALU BASE CAMP

Clothing:

  • Layered clothing (base, mid, and outer layers)

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

  • Warm down jacket

  • Trekking pants and shorts

  • Thermal underwear

  • Gloves, hats, and buffs

  • Sturdy trekking boots and camp shoes

Gear:

  • Backpack (with rain cover)

  • Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)

  • Trekking poles

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Water bottles or hydration systems

Health and Safety:

  • First aid kit

  • Personal medications

  • Water purification tablets or filter

  • High-energy snacks and electrolyte supplements

Miscellaneous

  • Trekking permits and identification

  • Camera and spare batteries

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Toiletries and quick-dry towels

  • Lightweight, quick-dry towel