Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp trek is an ideal trek for nature-loving trekkers who want to experience a lot. The major attract of the trek is the mesmerizing view of Mt. Makalu along with Mt Everest and other mighty peaks of this region.

Makalu base camp trekking trail offers you amazingly beautiful natural surrounding and landscape, diversified flora and fauna, lush green forests, incredible white snow peaks, rhododendron and pristine forest, Barun river valley, granite cliffs, glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, amazing scenery ranging from the sweeping Arun river valley, the Barun La (4200m), old and ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional lifestyle of Rai, Sherpa and Tibetan people, their religious practices, unique cultural heritage, customs and festivals as well you will also be pleased with the warm hospitality they offer.

September-November and March-June is the best season to trek Makalu base camp. Makalu base camp trekking is a moderate trek as well less frequented route for trekkers due to its relative inaccessibility. However, this trek is not too hard and doesn’t demand advanced physical fitness levels so anyone can enjoy and take pleasure in nature walking during this trek.

Our especial Makalu Base camp trek begins with sweeping scenic short flights to warm areas of Arun River Valley at Tumlingtar town via Kathmandu. Then our adventure begins taking an exciting drive towards Num around high hills, farm houses and village with well tended terraces and ever present views of Mt. Makalu and other adjoining peaks. Starting our fabulous adventurous trek full of delights with exciting walks from low warm semi-tropical temperature of Arun River Valley we trek to Seduwa via Num.

Continuing our trek we climb uphill via rough way towards Tashi-gaon and then into pure wilderness of deep forested hills as the climb leads towards scenic ridges of Kaungma Danda with grand views of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga towards eastern horizon. Adventure continues walking small and big glacial lakes and over extraordinary temperate passes called Keke-La pass (4230m) and Tutu-La pass (4200m). Then many edges ascend up through Mambuk, Nghe Kharka and Langmale we reach hidden and beautiful Barun River valley which is off the beaten mid hill trails. Finally, we trek towards our destination at Shersong and reach Makalu Base Camp (8,412 m).

From Makalu Base Camp there are spectacular views of greatest Mt. Makalu, the rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far-east. Then we descend towards Hilary Base Camp, Yangle Kharka, and Mambuk. We trek the trail via Shipton-La Pass (4127 m) towards Seduwa via Kumgma Danda. After a wonderful experience heading back to Tumlingtar from Arun River valley we take a short and scenic flight back to Kathmandu to conclude this fabulous Makalu Base Camp trekking.

Throughout the Makalu base camp Trek, you hardly find any modern facilities and amenities but blessed with an incredible diversity of natural beauty and leave a strong impression on many trekkers due to its unforgettable memorizing trip into the Himalayas. Life Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd, can custom design the packages according to your requirements, offering suitable discounts and guaranteed on customer satisfaction. The Makalu base camp trek can be flexible with the itinerary and can adjust many more details according to your demand, availability, and timing.

Regarding flights in the mountain region

Mostly twin otter is the most common means of air transportation in the Nepalese sky and during the flight in the Himalayan region of Nepal the flight schedule is cancelled and change from time to time due to poor visibility, weather condition and many other technical problem. In such case we would charter helicopter for our guest regarding schedule of their international flight and for the different problem arise in the trek. The charter cost should be paid at head office of Tourist link Trek at Thamel and later on you can claim with your travel insurance.

As per Nepal Civil aviation rules the helicopter will fly, if the visibility is up to 1500m and visibility should be 5000m for flying Twin Otter in Nepalese sky.

Volunteering Hand of Life Himalaya Trekking

Ganesh Himal community foundation is a voluntary organization running by Life Himalaya Trekking for the development of people life style, education and villages in the rural village of Dhading district Nepal. An amount of 10% from every trip booking at Life Himalaya will go in the account of Ganesh Himal Community foundation. So this shows that we are liable for the social development of Nepal along with tourism business.

Major community work and partnership

The main job of the Ganesh Himal Community foundation is to construct the school and libraries in the rural areas of Nepal, in the needed place after a proper study. Conduct programme for the skill development, health and sanitation, village development with a joint effort of local people.

Best Season for Makalu Base Camp Trek

The best season for the Makalu Base Camp trek is Spring, from March to May and autumn from September to November the time to avoid is during the rainy season from June to August. During these months the mountains are often free of clouds and the mountain views are almost perfect. The nights are often cool and from 3000m it can sometimes be minus 10 degrees. The sun is very intense during the day, and the temperatures feel very pleasant.

During winter from December to February, this region becomes very cold and there will be snow cover in the higher parts of the trek. Many guesthouses actually close for the winter and reopen in late February to March. However, it is possible to do the Makalu Base Camp hike on the sidelines of the season in late February/early March and it can be quite beautiful with the snow cover.

Our recommendation for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is from the end of September to the end of November and April to early June.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Makalu Base Camp is a moderately difficult and challenging trek in Nepal. In comparison to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek, Makalu Base Camp is slightly difficult due to its remoteness, continuous incline and decline along the trail, and the difficult terrain. The route includes several very difficult days, for example, from Tashigaon to Kungma you need to gain 1400 meters, and from Yangle to Langmale – 900 (this is already at altitudes from 3500 to 4400 meters).

On the way back, you will have to walk from Membuk to Tashigaon, which is 10 hours of travel and 1200 meters of climbing, then 1000 meters of dropping. Please note that between Num and Seduwa, you will have to drop 800 m and then gain it back, and between Kungma and Membuk, there are two passes of 4100 m each.

In addition, this trail is not too familiar among the tourists, and the region is still untouched and undisturbed by modernity. Therefore, although you may find the Makalu Base Camp a little bit demanding, the trek will be worth your time, energy, and money.

Altitude Sickness in Makalu Base Camp Trek

During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will be gaining altitude each day till you retrace your steps to return to the capital. The highest elevation you will reach is at Makalu Base Camp and Hilary Base Camp both standing above 4500 m above sea level. So, most probably, you may suffer from altitude sickness. However, it is not compulsory that each one in the tour group will experience the sickness.

If you do everything correctly and as instructed by our guide, you will not suffer any severe symptoms. Ensure you gain the height gradually. After 3000 m you cannot gain more than 500 meters per day. With an overnight stay at a new altitude, your body adapts to new conditions, and you can continue on your way.

If you feel you have a headache, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue inform your guide and take Diamox. For minor headaches, you can take a paracetamol tablet. Usually, as you descend, the situation stabilizes. To prevent altitude sickness, you can do the following:

• Do not drink alcohol
• It is also better to avoid smoking and caffeine
• In the remaining time before the trek, improve your physical fitness: by running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. Even a month or two of regular training will significantly improve your physical fitness.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water each day.
• On the track, listen to how you feel. Report any symptoms to your guide immediately.

What to expect in Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you to the alluring landscape through the untrodden trails in the eastern region of Nepal. The trek will allow you to discover Makalu Barun National Park, which is a nearly uninhabited area of 1,500 km² in eastern Nepal. The park lies close to untouched wilderness. The Makalu Barun Valley offers breathtaking contrasts, where towering waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, rugged cliffs rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snowy peaks.

You can spot rare species such as red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan Black Bear at your own pace, wondering in their natural habitat. In addition, you can have spectacular views of the rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, and Mt. Baruntse.

You will hike through traditionally cultivated fields, thick rhododendron forests, and stunning villages. As you gain height, you will come across yak pastures and glaciers with raging waters of the Arun and Barun rivers. During the entire trek, you will either rest in local lodges, yea house, or tented camps. You will have ample opportunity to learn about the local culture and the everyday life of residents. In short through this expedition, you will once again reconnect your soul with Mother Nature.

Accommodation, Food, and Transportation

During Makalu Base Camp Trek, we will take care of your entire accommodation, food, and transportation. Our service begins immediately as soon as you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, we will pick you up and drop you at the 3-star hotel. The hotel will serve you a complimentary breakfast during your stay. For lunch and dinner, you can always go to various restaurants located on every corner, from budget-friendly to expensive ones. The following day we have set aside for the city tour with our expert guide. He will give you a tour of Kathmandu in a private car. However, if you wish to do the tour on your own, you can also do so.

As the trip begins, we will fly you to Tumlingtar, and from there, we will drive you by jeep to Num. During the entire trek, we will accommodate you in the best local lodge in the area on twin sharing basis. The lodges provide basic amenities of comfort, and the food options can be limited to Nepali cuisine. But the rooms and food will both be clean, hygienic, and safe.

In the base camp, our team of guides and porters will set up the camp, where they will cook tasty hot meals for you. We will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a hot cup of tea or coffee with every meal. On our return journey, we will drive via jeep to Tumlingtar, from where we will fly to Kathmandu. We will then drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu.