Makalu Base Camp Trek

Overview

Mt Makalu is situated at the height of 8463m, which makes this peak the 5th highest mountain peak in the world. It is located in Mahalangur range, southeast of Mount Everest and on the border of Nepal and Tibet. Highly protected by Makalu Barun National Park, the route goes through a lush green forest offering you a chance to witness several endangered animals and wild plants. Extending around the two districts of Nepal, Shankhuwasabha, and Solukhumbu, the park covers an area of 2330 sq. km. The park is home to 315 species of butterflies, 43 species of reptile, 16 species of amphibians, 440 species of birds including sunbirds, rose-ringed parakeet, Blyth’s kingfisher, blue-naped pitta, etc. more than 80 species of mammals like snow leopard, Indian leopard, jungle cat, golden jackal, Himalayan wolf, red fox, red panda and many more. The view of some highest mountain peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Mt Chamlang, and Mt Makalu itself adds more beauty to this trek. The trail runs through a valley of Arun River, along with a few passes like Keke La pass (4230m) and Tutu La pass (4200m). On your way, you can also see many small cultural villages of Gurung, Rai, and Sherpa as they are the main inhabitants in this area. This remote trek to Makalu base camp can be quite challenging to some people depending on your physical fitness and trekking experience.

Best season to trek 

At higher altitudes, the average daytime temperature can range from 15 degrees Celsius while it can also fall to -15 Degrees Celsius at night. Below the altitude of 300m, the average temperature in the daytime is 20 degrees Celsius and can fall to 5 degrees Celsius at night. The winter season (December-February) can be extremely cold, snowy, and windy. Monsoon season (June-August) also called the summer season in Nepal receives a lot of rainfall which makes the trail slippery and muddy. Now with this fact, we only have two seasons left which are actually the best season to trek Makalu base camp. The spring (March-May) and the autumn (September-November) have very favorable temperatures and fair weather. They have a clear atmosphere and crystal blue sky. These seasons offer stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks. On the other hand, also provides greenery, blooming of Rhododendron, and beautiful nature. Combining all these facts, spring and autumn are the best seasons. 

Food and accommodation

 Makalu is not so developed as other popular destinations. Facilities in Makalu are comparatively less than in Everest base camp or Annapurna base camp. However, you will have enough teahouses throughout the way. Even though not so luxurious, the teahouses definitely give you homely vibes. They have a single room with twin sharing beds, mattresses, warm blankets, and pillows. They have common toilets and bathrooms. Also, the dining hall is common which makes the environment friendlier. On the higher altitudes, it is a little difficult to find teahouses. It cost around 150-300 NRS for one night stay in teahouses.  

Trekking to such remote areas also means having very minimal facilities. During your entire trek, you will be eating traditional Nepali food, Dal, Bhat, lentils, and fresh vegetables. Besides this, noodles, hot soups, boiled water, and eggs are available. In places like Seduwa and Tashigaon meat, bread toast, chapatis and alcoholic beverages like beer and Tongba are available. The price of food can be, 150-250 for a meal, 50-100 for boiled water, 20 for eggs, and 260-300 for beers. The price might differ as you reach higher altitudes.    

Electronics and communication

Being one of the remote parts of Nepal, facilities like the internet, electricity, and phone coverages may not be available in all the teahouses. Only some teahouses in lower altitudes with proper access to transportation have these facilities. You may get a chance to charge your phone or electronics in places like Seduwa and Tashigaon. It is difficult to get these facilities at higher altitudes. But, some teahouses have telephones and satellite phones so you can use them in case of emergencies.  

Permits and fees 

Trekker’s Information Management System card (TIMS)- this permit costs 1000 NRS (10$) to every trekker. 

Makalu Barun National Park-

                           –  Non-SAARC countries- 3000 (excluding VAT)

                            – SAARC countries- 1500 (Excluding VAT)

                             -Nepalese- free 

Guides and porters

Guides and porters are not really mandatory but they can make your journey informative and interesting. They have more than enough knowledge about the directions, villages, places, accommodations, etc. it is always better to have a guide with you. Guides usually charge 25-30 $ per day. If you are physically able to carry your belonging then there is no need for a porter. If you want to walk freely without any burden you can hire a guide. They usually charge 15-20$ per day. 

Getting to Makalu Base camp

The best and easier way to get to Makalu base camp is a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar which takes 35 minutes. From Tumlingtar, you need to drive to Num. once you reach Num, you need to start walking. 

The other option is to take a local bus from Kathmandu to Hile, from Hile to Khadbari which takes another 5 hours. From Khadbari take a bus to Num. Again from Num, you need to start walking.

Those bound by time, have the option of a helicopter tour. The helicopter tour to Makalu base camp starts from Kathmandu Tribhuvan airport and ends at the base camp itself. You can see a beautiful view of green forest, snow-capped mountains, and small villages throughout your way. 

 Difficulties and safety 

 Makalu being a remote area, trekking to this place can be slightly challenging. This is a moderately difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. But you can build your muscle strength, make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging. The trek to Makalu base camp is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 20 days. This solo reason is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, maybe snowy in off-seasons. The maximum height in this trek is the base camp (5250m) with other high passes on the way. There is a high risk of mountain sickness. 

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

 Other requirements

Travel insurance– Trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month.  

Visas/passports– If you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.