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.
Itinerary
Day
After you arrive in Kathmandu, our team will be there to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. After you freshen up in your hotel, we will have a short pre-briefing regarding the trek. In this session, you can ask any questions that you have regarding the trek.
If the provided schedule isn‘t suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
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.
What‘s not Included
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.
Dates and Price
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
Alpine Wonder Treks made my dream of trekking to Everest Base Camp a reality. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and supportive throughout the journey. Every detail, from accommodations to meals, was meticulously planned. I can’t recommend them enough for anyone seeking an authentic Nepal adventure!
Alpine Wonder Treks provided exceptional service during my Langtang Valley trek. The guides were friendly, experienced, and always eager to share their knowledge of the region. The itinerary was well-balanced, allowing us to enjoy the stunning landscapes without feeling rushed. A must-choose operator for Nepal treks!
I recently completed the Annapurna Circuit with Alpine Wonder Treks, and it exceeded all expectations! The team’s expertise and care ensured our safety and comfort at every step. The breathtaking views and cultural experiences along the way were unparalleled. I’ll definitely be returning for another adventure with them!