Take a journey to the rugged heights of the Himalayas with Makalu Base Camp Trek. Discover incredible, breathtaking landscapes dotted with charming villages and snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see. Uncover the unique culture and traditions of Nepal along the way and explore nature in its purest form at the base of Mount Makalu—the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
The Makalu Base camp trek, situated in the east of Nepal, is one of the most enjoyable hikes in Nepal. Enjoy the stunning scenery while hiking through lush forests and pastures.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal. It lies 5,416 metres above sea level and is situated in the lap of the rugged Himalayas of Mt. Makalu, the 5th tallest mountain in the world.
To begin the trek, you will fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. And the trek begins from Num and ends in Num, a tiny village, after a drive from Khandbari via Tumlingtar.
When to go for Makalu Base Camp Trek?
The best time to visit the Makalu Base camp is between October and Mid December and between March and May.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
The trekking season in Nepal is from March to May and October to December, which is a considerably good time. However, June to September is not recommended due to the monsoon time.
Accommodation
During the trek excursion, you will stay in tea house lodges. The rooms are very basic on the trek route.
Food During the Makalu Base Camp Trek:
You will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on the trek. The food items served in these meals vary according to the location. For example, you may find local dishes in some places, whereas you will get continental food in others. Unfortunately, vegetarian food is not easily available on the trek.
Transportation:
There are regular flights from Kathmandu Tumlingtar. Flight booking and all travel logistics support are included when you book this trip with us. From Tumlingtar, your guide will arrange local transportation on a jeep to Num. From here, you will start your journey to Makalu Base Camp.
Mt. Makalu is the 5th highest peak in the world among the other 14 peaks above 8000 metres. Similar to other trekking routes, the Makalu Base camp trek has become popular for wilderness trekking in the Himalayas region of Nepal. We have allocated 20 days for the trek, including 3 nights in Kathmandu, which will be enough to acclimate and cover up any delays in unavoidable circumstances. So, your trek adventure starts after a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar! From Tumlingtar, you will take a local jeep to Num, which takes 4 – 5 hours on a bumpy road. However, you cannot continue driving to Num if you go on a trek at the beginning of post-monsoon or early October. Thus, you may need to terminate the driving somewhere in Manebhanjyang or Chihiro. That’s why we have allocated 2 days to reach Num in case of any delay.
Your real adventure starts from Num (1560m)
- Through traditional Rai and other local community villages, you will trek down to the Arun River valley and uphill to Seduwa, Tashigaou, and Khongma.
- You will cross 3 passes, including Shipton La (4170m). You will see impressive views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Makalu, from the passes.
- You will trek down the Barun River valley through the rhododendron forest and finally reach Makalu Base camp.
After visiting the Makalu Base Camp, you will return to Num following the same track route.
On the trek program, you will have the flexibility of staying at local teahouses and tents.
During the trek, you will have:
- An English-speaking guide.
- Kitchen helper.
- The required number of porters.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is truly excellent in the Himalayan region!
Learn the essential tips and tricks to make your trip more enjoyable
Whether you are a first-time trekker or a seasoned traveller, Makalu Base Camp Trek will be an unforgettable experience.
To make your journey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, research the current weather conditions before you go and come armed with the proper gear and clothing to enjoy your trek without hassle. Additionally, listen to local guides, for instance, NepalHiking.com, for advice about navigating the terrain and staying safe in unfamiliar territory. With these tips in mind, you will have an incredible time uncovering the wonders Makalu offers.
Pre-plan Your Route, Guide and Accommodations
Before your trek, research the best route, guides, and accommodations. For example, check if any teahouses are available to sleep at along your planned trail. And booking the trip months in advance can be useful to secure your accommodation, guide and porters. Planning will make all the difference in enjoying a memorable and comfortable hiking experience!
Choose Appropriate Equipment for the Makalu Base Camp Trek
Ensure you have good trekking equipment just in case of unexpected weather conditions. In addition, you should select appropriate and suitable clothing and equipment to make the most of your trekking experience. Sturdy hiking or trekking shoes are essential since they assist in navigating tricky terrain while keeping your feet well-protected at all times.
It would help if you also considered packing extra layers in case of weather changes along the trail. A daypack is a great investment since it leaves your hands free as you traverse different paths. Finally, remember to bring a light rain jacket, hat, gloves and warm socks for cold nights – these will be very useful for staying comfortable during sudden temperature drops!
Prepare Physically and Mentally for the Trek
It would be best if you prepared physically and mentally for the trek. Start walking or jogging weeks before you go. It can help with acclimatization and get your body used to long days of strenuous activity. It is also important to learn about proper nutrition and hydration to give yourself the best chance of success while on the trail. Talk with someone who has already completed the Makalu Base Camp Trek to understand better what lies ahead!
Pack Lightly and Use a Backpack Comfortably
When it comes to your gear, pack lightly. Quality is always more important than quantity, and having the right gear will give you a much better experience on the trail. Additionally, you must ensure that your backpack is comfortable and fitted correctly to ensure that it doesn’t cause unnecessary strain or injury on your body as you walk up the mountains.