Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Following the route to the 5th highest peak in the world, Mount Makalu.
- Walking along Makalu Barun National Park and getting a chance to explore wildlife and biodiversity of the region.
- Exploring the unique landscape of the Varun Green Valley.
- Walking along the dense forest of rhododendron, pine and oak trees.
- Witnessing the magnificent views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Makalu along with high lakes and glaciers.
Outline Itinerary of Makalu Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichira (1,980m/6497ft): 50 mins flight, 3-4 hours drive
Day 04: Chichira to Num (1,560m/5119ft): 6-7 hours
Day 05: Num to Seduwa (1,500m/4922 ft): 6-7 hours
Day 06: Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m/6890ft): 4-5 hours
Day 07: Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m/11,483 ft): 6-7 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization/Rest
Day 09: Khongma Danda to Dobate: 6-7 hours
Day 10: Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,557m/11,670 ft): 6-7 hours
Day 11: Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka: (4,410m/14,468ft): 5-6 hours
Day 12: Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp: (4,870m/15,978ft): 6-7 hours
Day 13: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 14: Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka: 6-7 hours
Day 15: Yangri Kharka to Dobate: 6-7 hours
Day 16: Dobate to Khongma Danda: 5-6 hours
Day 17: Khongma Danda to Tashigaon: 4-5 hours
Day 18: Tashigaon to Seduwa: 4-5 hours
Day 19: Seduwa to Num: 5-6 hours
Day 20: Num to Tumlingtar: 6-7 hours
Day 21: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu: 50 mins flight
Day 22: Final departure
Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Makalu Base Camp is fairly a challenging and strenuous trek involving uphill and downhill climbs. The route to the Makalu Base Camp provides unique cultural heritage and majestic views of the mountain peaks. But, some parts of the trail involves walking through steep and narrow ridges, crossing numerous rivers, suspension bridges, stone stairs, and dense forest. Sometimes, a sudden change in weather like rainfall and storm becomes a great barrier during your trek.
The trek involves walking continuously for 6-7 hours on average. Makalu Base Camp Trek difficulty also depends upon the type of trekker you are. For someone who is physically fit and have previous experience of trekking to a higher altitude, this trek may not be very difficult. But, if you are a beginner, Makalu Base Camp Trek might be quite challenging.
Similarly, during the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will have to cross different passes such as Keke La Pass at 4230 meters and Tutu La Pass at 4200 meters. It involves walking along the edges and ascending up from the Barun river valley towards the beaten mid hill trails.
The highest point of the trek is at the Makalu Base Camp itself that sits at the height of 5100 meters. With the gradual increase in altitude, you will experience the amount of oxygen getting thinner. This will lead you to altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is the major difficulty when you trek to a higher altitude. Some of the difficulties that come along with altitude sickness are headache, fever, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. So, if you feel yourself getting into any such problem, descend to a lower height.
Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek
Choosing the right time for trekking plays a great role in making your trek easy and comfortable. Bad weather and temperature can bring you great difficulty when trekking. Mostly, September to November and March to May are considered the best time of the year for Makalu Base Camp Trek.
When you ask experienced trekkers about their best time for trekking in Nepal, they are most likely to answer either Autumn or spring. Autumn and spring have always been favorite among different trekkers. It is because both of the seasons offer suitable weather and temperature for trekking.
In Nepal, autumn falls in the month of September, October, and November. It is also regarded as the post-monsoon period. So, one of the pros of trekking during the autumn season is that you can expect minimum rainfall during this time. It is most likely to expect rainfall during September. So, if you are planning on trekking to the Makalu Base Camp in September, make sure to carry rain gear too.
Likewise, Spring falls in the month of March, April, and May in Nepal. It is one of the most beautiful seasons in Nepal. During spring, the overall weather and surrounding of the Makalu region become pleasant. Spring is the time when new plants grow from the old tree and flowers bloom. As you walk towards the Makalu Base Camp, you will get to witness forest covered with rhododendron.
Like autumn, you can expect very little rainfall in Spring during the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The skies are usually clear during Spring allowing you to have clearer views of the mountain ranges. Overall, both autumn and spring can be a great option if you want to have a less challenging trekking experience. However, if you want to challenge yourself and test your limits, Makalu Base Camp Trek in winter and monsoon can also be an alternative.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Solo
Solo trekking to the Makalu Base Camp is fairly possible. But, remember there are a lot of challenges that may have to face when trekking alone. Unlike other treks, you will see fewer trekkers trekking to the Makalu Base Camp. You may find difficult to track the trail as there is a lack of route mark or signboard.
Solo trekking to the Makalu Base Camp involves greater risks and challenges. You will have to take responsibility for everything like finding a decent lodge for you to stay and eat. You may come across several threats when you trek alone. Not every villager are genuine, some of them may misguide you as well. So you have to take care of that.
Unfavorable weather and temperature might also bring you in a difficult situation. Handling such problems all by yourself might be difficult. Therefore, it is always better to trek to the Makalu Base Camp in a group, with your friends, colleagues, or with an experienced guide. The guide will assure your safety and security throughout the trek. He/ she will help you to choose the best hotel for you and take you to the correct path. They will encourage and motivate you to move further to reach your destination successfully.
Overall, Makalu Base Camp Trek solo is also doable but you will get a lot of benefits if you hire a well experienced guide. So, the choice is all yours whether you are comfortable with hiring a guide or not hiring one.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit
Makalu Base Camp trek is a restricted trekking area in Nepal. So, there are different trekking permits that you will need when trekking to the Makalu Base Camp. The cost of trekking permits during Makalu Base Camp trek is not as expensive as the cost of trekking permits in other restricted areas.
You will need TIMS( Trekkers Information Management System) card and Makalu Barun National Park Permit in order to trek to the Makalu Base Camp. The cost of TIMS card is USD 20 person and the cost of Makalu Barun National Park Permit is USD 34 person. The cost of the card differs for SAARC nations and other countries. It generally ensures the safety and security of trekkers trekking in certain areas.
Conclusion
Makalu Base Camp Trek offers trekkers with a wide range of scenic beauty, cultural exploration, biodiversity, unique landscape, and an adventurous trekking trail. The trek is less crowded than any other treks. So it is most suitable for adventure enthusiasts who want a peaceful trek into the beauty of nature.
Marvel Adventures has been serving its customers for years. So, if you want to be a part of this journey, you can simply call us or email us. We can also customize your Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary according to your available duration and group size. Do contact us if you have any queries.
