18 Days Makalu Base Camp Trek

Several things need to be considered while trekking at Makalu Base Camp. They are important to make your trek comfortable and safe. Proper preparation is the key to a successful and enjoyable trekking experience. So, what are these things you need to consider? We have divided them into three parts.

Physical and Mental Preparation

The Makalu Base Camp trail is physically demanding, requiring the ascent and descent of rocky, steep, and rugged terrain. Strength training is recommended before trekking, as the highest elevation reaches 4,870 meters. Due to the altitude, many trekkers may experience acute mountain sickness, making acclimatization and proper rest days essential.

Pay attention to your body and watch for symptoms of mountain sickness, taking precautions if needed. All these physical strains and challenges can also put a mental strain on trekkers. Therefore, mentally prepare yourself to face the difficulties. Assess your fitness level and consult with your trekking agencies for advice. This way, you can physically and mentally prepare for Base Camp Trek.

Guide and Porter

Hiring a guide to trek to Makalu Base Camp is an absolute must. The trail is full of rocky and steep paths. Guides will help you safely through difficult routes. Similarly, they will ensure that you stay on the right trail. Guides undergo training to offer first aid in case of an accident. They also help you to communicate with the locals. Guides provide you with in-depth cultural insights. Meanwhile, porters can help you trek baggage-free. Carrying all your equipment and gear is quite heavy. It further adds to the physical strain on the difficult trail. Moreover, it can increase the risk of injury. So hiring a porter helps to reduce physical strain. You can focus on enjoying the trek rather than worrying about the baggage.

Issue Necessary Documents and Permits

Check all the permits and travel documents before you begin your Makalu Base Camp Trek. Also, check with your travel agency for any changes in travel regulations and requirements. For every international traveler, you need to get a tourist visa to enter Nepal. You can get the visa before or after your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. With a visa, you can freely travel and participate in activities in Nepal. You will need three types of permits for the Makalu Base Camp Trekking. You will need a Makalu Restricted Area Permit, a Makalu Barun National Park Permit, and a TIMS Card (Trekkers’Trekkers’ Information Management System). You can get these permits in Kathmandu or through your trekking agency.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a stunning but equally rewarding trek that takes trekkers through different landscapes and different trekking routes. The route of this region begins with developed roads and highways and ends with rocky trails and slippery, snowy trails. The journey typically starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a small airstrip nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. From Tumlingtar, you’ll embark on a drive or bus ride to Num, a charming village that serves as the starting point for the trek.

The trek passes through different landscapes, lush jungles, and beautiful but remote villages. The route gradually ascends to a high altitude, ultimately leading to the destination of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. First, the trek begins with the trek to Seduwa, an amazing village between the terraced fields. After that, they will ascend to Tashigao. The trek continues to Khongma Danda, where stunning views of the mountains, villages, and rocky ridges are visible.

From Khongma Danda, you will trek to Dobato, Yangla Kharka, and Langmale Kharka. Each place offers different landscapes and challenges. The last part of the trek takes you to Makalu Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 4,870 meters. You can see the stunning fifth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu. After enjoying the base camp and the beautiful views, you will go back to Langmale Kharka, then Yangla Kharka, and finally return to Tumlingtar for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is in the mid-eastern region and begins from Tumlingtar. It currently lies in the middle of Makalu-Barun National Park. This trek is off the beaten path and has been unexplored for several years; however, now, it is getting the recognition it deserves.

Makalu Base Camp Trek begins from Num Valley, passing through the Barun River and several traditional Sherpa villages like Num, Seduwa, Tashigoan, Mumbuk, and Merek before reaching the top of the Makalu Base Camp Trek. Over the years, the trek has not been explored, which is why the location is peaceful and least crowded.

No, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is not beginner-friendly. Although it is rewarding, it is also equally challenging. However, it doesn’t mean it is impossible if the trekkers are beginners but have decent physical fitness, stamina, and the know-how of acclimatization.

Trekkers will experience plenty of factors during the Makalu Base Camp Trek, like high altitude, tough terrains, rugged atmosphere, remoteness, etc., which makes the trek not favorable for beginners. Furthermore, this trek is ideal for trekking in the ideal seasons like Spring and Autumn, so if you are a beginner trying to explore Makalu Base Camp, make sure to trek in the ideal trekking conditions.

Makalu Base Camp Trek is quite popular among trekkers who love adventure, thrills, and challenges. Few activities can engage trekkers looking for a challenging but rewarding trek in the Himalayas. So let’s explore some things you can do during your amazing Excursion.

Enjoy Stunning Mountain Views

Makalu Basecamp Trek is one of the most amazing treks in Nepal due to the region’s stunning beauty and majestic views of the mountains. You can see crisp views of these huge mountains along the trek and admire their beauty. During this trek, the trekkers will see mountains like Mt Makalu, Lhotse, Baruntse, Nuptse, etc.

Explore Barun Valley

Barun Valley is one of the underrated places to visit during the Makalu Base Camp Trek. This remote, mostly unexplored valley is located at the foot of Mount Makalu. The trek through the Barun Valley passes through different types of landscapes, like lush jungles, rocky trails, and snowy peaks.

Learn About Unique Culture

During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, trekkers can visit new villages, meet new people, and learn about their unique culture and traditions. You can talk with the locals and learn about their daily activities, rituals, festivals, foods, and drinks.

Encounter Rare and Endangered Animals

One major attraction of the Makalu Base Camp trek is the chance to meet rare and endangered animals. Some rare animals you can see and find are snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas, Himalayan Tahr, and black bears. These rare animal species are protected, mostly in Makalu Barun National Park.

The trek’s base point is Tumlingtar, located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. The views during the trek are mesmerizing, as you will see the Himalayas and the villages established in the valleys. Continuing the trek, you will reach the Makalu Base Camp, 5,000 meters above sea level. From there, you can see the beautiful snow-capped peak of the Makalu range.

Additionally, located northwest of the Makalu range, you can see Mount Everest on a clear day. On your west, you can also see Chamlang (7,319 meters). This peak adds to the majestic scenery with its steep, icy slopes. Furthermore, on the southwest of the range, you get the view of Baruntse (7,162 meters), which stands out dramatically against the sky, adding to the beautiful scenery of the Makalu region. Plus, on the northwest of Makalu is Lhotse (8,516 meters). However, the visibility of this peak depends on the weather.

• Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters)
• Makalu (8,485 meters)
• Chamlang (7,319 meters)
• Baruntse (7,162 meters)
• Lhotse (8,516 meters)

Accommodation and Meals are really important aspects that trekkers need to pay attention to during tough treks like the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. They are simpler than the Everest and Annapurna treks.

Accommodation

Regarding accommodation, the trek is divided into cities and remote areas. In city areas, you can book accommodation in expensive hotels or budgeted lodges; however, in remote villages, the accommodation is usually in teahouses. In teahouses, you won’t find fancy rooms, dining areas, or a variety of foods. The rooms are simple and designed for two people, with beds, pillows, and blankets provided. You will share the room with another person since individual rooms are unavailable. The toilets are shared inside the lodges, so you may need to wait in line for your turn.

Meals

The trekkers will have three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is the first and most important meal before heading out towards the first stretch of the trek. After completing the initial portion of the trek, which takes about three to four hours, they will sit down for a break and lunch. After reaching the new teahouse, they will have dinner before bed.

Trekkers will have different foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They can choose from soup, noodles, spaghetti, Tibetan bread, toast with jam, parathas, boiled eggs, and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Lunch and dinner will consist of traditional Nepalese food. This includes rice, dal (lentils), curry, pickles, and various vegetables. These meals provide enough protein to help trekkers on the trails.

Although Makalu Base Camp Trek is highly rewarding, it is equally challenging. Several factors make the MBC difficult based on the trekkers’ level of experience. For example, trekkers with a high level of expertise might think this base camp trek is not difficult, but trekkers with no experience or physical fitness will find it quite difficult. So here are some factors that affect the range of difficulty in Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Rugged Terrains

Although the trek to Makalu Base Camp offers beautiful scenery, the terrain trekkers pass through is quite rugged. The trek is challenging as it demands physical fitness, stamina, and mental stability. The base camp is in a remote area in a high-altitude region. Even the terrain along the camp trek is very challenging. Trekkers must overcome narrow paths on cliffsides, rocky trails, steep ascents, and descents. Additionally, the weather is very unpredictable and harsh in these regions.

Elevation Gain

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude trek with constant elevation gain throughout your journey. This constant elevation gain increases the risk of altitude sickness, a concerning factor for trekkers. The camp is 4,800 meters above sea level, and the air is very thin. This results in nausea, headache, and difficulty breathing for the trekkers.

Limited Services

The camp is in a very remote region, so the services are limited. You may only receive basic meals like noodles, dal bhat, and tea. Even the medical facilities and communication are very limited. While some villages may have basic health posts and clinics during the route, they cannot treat serious injuries and medical emergencies. However, helicopter rescue services are available for evacuations for such scenarios.

Finding accommodation

Accommodations are very simple and limited along the trek route. Some tea houses and lodges provide basic rooms. However, during the peak season, the trekking accommodations can fill up quickly, so it is better to have a backup lodge option.

Weather difficulty

The weather in the Himalayas is very unpredictable and harsh. Trekkers may have to face strong wind, extreme cold, and rapid changes in weather conditions. The weather is mostly harsh during the winter and monsoon season, so they are not recommended. So, trekkers are requested to pack essential clothes for warm and cold weather.

Makalu Base Camp is a challenging route. So, you must pick the best time and season for the trek to achieve a higher success rate. Two seasons are best for trekking: Spring and Autumn. The weather, temperature, and trail conditions are all the best in these seasons.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best seasons for Makalu Base Camp. The weather is stable, with clear skies. The temperature is warm during the daytime. However, the nighttime temperature at higher elevations can drop significantly. Spring falls in the pre-monsoon season. Therefore, there is a low chance of heavy rainfall except for occasional rain showers.

The best part of the Makalu trek during spring is the blooming rhododendron forests. The green and luscious vegetation adds color and vibrancy to the landscapes. Additionally, you can enjoy the majestic panoramic mountain views.

Autumn (September to October)

The autumn season has stable weather and warm temperatures, making it another of the best seasons for Makalu Base Camp. During autumn, the nighttime temperature at higher elevations is also considerably warmer. The pleasant weather makes the difficult trek enjoyable.

Autumn falls in the post-monsoon season in Nepal. The rain washes away the dust. As a result, the visibility is excellent. You can get the best panoramic view of the majestic mountains this season.

In addition to physical and mental preparation, proper clothing and equipment preparation are also necessary. Weather conditions at higher elevations can change anytime, so you must pack the right clothing, supplies, equipment, and gear. These help to make your trek somewhat comfortable and safe. Here are some important packing lists that the trekkers might need attention to.

Clothing

• Buff or balaclava
• Bandana
• Hiking shoes
• Thermal bottoms
• Long sleeve shirt
• Tracksuit
• Thick sweater
• Sun hat
• Trekking gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Liner gloves
• Loose fighting shorts or skirts
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Woolen socks
• Thermal high neck
• Half sleeve shirt
• Woolen shirt
• Trousers
• Sunglasses
• Sports bra
• Trekking boots
• Hoodie
• Thin socks
• Woolen gloves
• Scarf
• Woolen hat
• Waterproof jacket

Equipment

• Plastic bags
• Moisturizer, lip guard, and sunscreen
• Medical kit
• Water bottle
• Solar power banks
• Headlamp or torch
• Binoculars

Healthcare and Toiletries

• Shampoo
• Multipurpose soap
• Wet wipes
• Comb
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush and paste