Makalu Base Camp Trek

What Makes Makalu Base Camp Special?

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8481m which is situated in the eastern part of the Nepal. Makalu Base Camp provides great opportunity to explore Sherpa Culture, Buddhist monument and amazing mountain ranges. You can explore Makalu Base Camp that offers spectacular views of the of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Kanchenjunga. You can explore Shivadhara and Parbatidhara which are one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The Makalu Base Camp trek is a true adventure with scenery so beautiful that it will never tire you. Varieties of Flora and fauna can be seen on the trail and different cuisine can be taste. The Makalu Barun National Park is home to 3000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies and 75 species of mammals.

Essential materials Equipment

Comfort in the Himalayas trekking is properly to be equipped with all requirements, which assure comfort, safety, and an enjoyable trip. This includes sturdy quality trekking boots, multi-layered appropriate clothes to wear, a waterproof and windproof jacket that protects from uncertain mountain weather, a good backpack to carry personal things, while a day pack would carry your water bottles, snacks, and any essentials easy to reach. Also, don’t forget trekking poles for stability on uneven terrain, a hat, gloves, sunglasses for sun protection, and a headlamp if it’s low light.

Other things one might want to pack include a sleeping bag, a refillable water bottle with water purification tablets, and personal toiletries. If you are going to be using luxury accommodations, most of them have basic amenities, but it is always prudent to pack in light toiletries and a power bank for charging your devices. With proper preparation and the right equipment, any trek becomes enjoyable and hassle-free to take in the beauty of the journey.

Makalu Barun Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Makalu Base Camp Trek difficulty lies from moderate to toughest trek in the world. This trek demand physical and mental fitness of the trekker. One should not be suffering from the knee or ankle problem alongside heart and lung diseases. During trek cold climate will add the challenges.

This trek is completed by 6-7 hours of walking per day having enough breaks in between. You should prepare for this trek with adequate exercise and fitness 1-2 month prior to the trek date. These could include daily walking, going for a hike, a long walk once in a week, doing yoga related breathing etc.

Food and Accommodation at Makalu Base Camp

Food and Accommodation are priorities for every traveler during the Makalu Base Camp trek. Makalu lies in rural area of the country and the 5 star hotels are not available but we can provide excellent lodge houses and hotels. The hotels are mostly twin sharing and the single bedroom can be managed upon your request.

Food is essential during the trek. Burning of food is the essence of energy to achieve this trek. There’s a saying in Nepalese “Dal Bhat power, 24 hours” meaning the dal bhat gives you the power to withstand for almost a day. The national cuisine is dal bhat however other foods such as noodle soups vegetables soup can be prepared.

We strongly encourage you to avoid hard drinks and highly caffeinated drinks and dairy products as they may cause difficulties in higher elevation to your physiology and health.

Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Spring and Autumn are considered the best time for Makalu Base Camp. Spring that falls between February to April has best achieved climate. During Spring, the sight of lush green forests and blooming rhododendron welcomes you. This is best season to witness the flowering plants with fabulous mountain views. The temperatures are mild hot at lower levels, and it gets colder as you climb higher elevation.

Similarly, Autumn falls between September to November is best time for Makalu Base Camp. During Autumn the skies are usually clear and the giant of snowy mountains are phenomenal. The day time temperature is very stable. Early morning and at night the weather can be a bit cold. But warm sunny days make the walk comfortable.

Though not highly preferred, the rainy season from early June to late august can be the time for Makalu Base Camp trekking. This season has the most changeable climate i.e. from clear to rainy weather. However, the time isn’t the harshest as no snow falls in this season and one can enjoy the monsoon alongside the rocky mountain terrain.

The period between late November to early February is not preferred as it is the winter season and has the harshest cold. The most casualties heard occur during this season. The continuous down pouring of icefall and the temperatures to the minus degree Celsius in minutes makes this trek almost impossible. Thus, choosing the best time is must while pursuing this luxury trek in Nepal.

Tipping During the Trekking

Tipping is your own choice of presenting the gratitude for your services and within your discretion. You may wish to tip for the services you like or just say “DHANYABAD” in Nepali terms to show your immense gratitude for the service.

Tipping is usually offered on the final day of the trip. Similarly, trekkers can tip to the hotel, lodge or people on any day they like. The amount of tipping is entirely upon personal choice and perception.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

When the elevation is above 2000m from the sea level AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms can be seen due to less oxygen in the atmosphere, which will make breathing difficult. Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea are the symptoms of AMS.

Remember you’ll be trekking above 5000m in Makalu Base Camp Trek, so there is a less chance to get AMS. You should walk slowly and steadily to let your body get used to the thin air. If you try to walk fast and cover high altitude in less time, there are chances to get AMS. Precaution should be used to keep conditions from worsening. Drink Plenty of water which keeps the body hydrated and have balanced diet food that can energize your body.

To prevent AMS acclimatization is included in our Itinerary. Acclimatization is very important as our destination is in high altitude. Clients can bring back in a worst scenario.

Travel Insurance

For Makalu Base Camp Trek good travel insurance policy is very important which offers suitable coverage for all your activities. Anything can happen during the trip. Though we are more conscious about safety, sometimes we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies which can occur at our destination.

Your travel insurance policy should cover physical injuries, helicopter evacuation, hospital expenses, and any other emergencies that you can face during trekking.

Drinking Water on Makalu Base Camp

Drinking Water is very essential for trekkers to keep the body hydrated and prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). During Makalu Base Camp trekking one should consume 3-4 liters of water in a day.

We highly recommend you to carry one reusable water bottle with you which can hold hot water rather than buying bottled water. Bottled water can be expensive in trails and also it can add thrashing problems in Makalu Barun National Park. You can use water purification tablets to purify water. But the taste will be different after using tablets. Always try to drink water after purification and proper treatment. Boiled water is available at the teahouse and camp. 

Entrance Permit and Requirement

The permits you need for Makalu Base Camp are:

• TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.
• Makalu National Park Permit

Important Documents and Information to get these permit

• 2 passport size photos
• Photocopy of your passport
• Dates when your trek starts and end
• Emergency Contact Information
• Travel Insurance Detail