Highlights of the Makalu Base Camp trek

1. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest.

1. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows, and from high passes to glaciers.

2. The Makalu Barun National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear.

3. The trek takes you through several traditional Sherpa villages, where you can experience the local culture, customs, and traditions.

4. The trek culminates at the Makalu Base Camp, which offers stunning views of the world's fifth-highest mountain, Mount Makalu.

Description

Being situated in the lap of the fifth highest peak of the world  Mt. Makalu (8463m), Makalu Base Camp offers trekkers a whole new experience of trekking passing through the various streams and rivers, undomesticated animals  and plants, exceptional views of the mountains and other beautiful things throughout the trek.

Makalu Base Camp is a remote and challenging trekking destination located in the eastern region of Nepal. The base camp is situated at an altitude of 5250 meters (15,978 feet) at the base of Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. The trek to Makalu Base Camp is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that takes trekkers through lush forests, high-altitude meadows, and glacial moraines before finally reaching the base camp.

The Makalu Base Camp trek is a demanding and challenging journey that requires a high level of fitness and endurance. The trek starts from Tumlingtar, a small town located in the eastern region of Nepal. From there, trekkers follow a trail that leads through traditional Sherpa villages, dense forests, and alpine meadows. The trail is characterized by steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and river crossings, which can be challenging for even the most experienced trekkers.

As trekkers ascend higher, the climate becomes colder and harsher. Temperatures can drop well below freezing at night, and trekkers must be well-prepared with warm clothing and gear. Trekkers are advised to acclimatize themselves to the altitude by taking rest days and allowing their bodies to adjust to the thin air.

The trek to Makalu Base Camp takes around 20 days to complete, and the final destination is well worth the effort. The base camp is located in a stunning setting, surrounded by rugged terrain and offering breathtaking views of Mount Makalu and its neighboring peaks. The campsite is characterized by rocky outcrops, steep slopes, and glaciers, and the climate is cold and harsh.

While at the base camp, trekkers can take in the stunning scenery, explore the surrounding area, and immerse themselves in the local culture. The area is home to the Sherpa people, who are known for their hospitality and unique way of life. Trekkers can visit traditional Sherpa villages, learn about the local customs and traditions, and sample the local cuisine.

Overall, the Makalu Base Camp trek is a challenging and gratifying adventure that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for trekkers. From the lush forests and alpine meadows to the rugged terrain and stunning mountain views, the trek is a true test of endurance and offers a glimpse into the rich culture and way of life of the Sherpa people. Makalu Base Camp offers stunning views of Mount Makalu and the surrounding mountains, and is a remote and isolated destination that offers trekkers a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas in its purest form.

 Best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

The best time to visit Makalu Base Camp is during the autumn and spring seasons, which fall between the months of September to November and March to May respectively. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, with sunny days and little to no rainfall. The temperature is also mild, making it easier to trek to the base camp.

The winter season from December to February is extremely cold and snowy, making it difficult to trek to the base camp. The summer season from June to August is monsoon season, with heavy rainfall and cloudy skies, which can make trekking difficult and dangerous.

However, it's important to note that weather conditions can be unpredictable in mountainous regions like Makalu, and sudden changes in weather can occur at any time. It's recommended to check weather forecasts regularly and plan accordingly.

People and Culture in Makalu Base Camp Trek

The people of Makalu Base Camp are mainly Sherpas, who are an ethnic group that traditionally live in the mountainous regions of Nepal. Sherpas are known for their expertise in mountaineering, and many work as guides and porters for trekking and climbing expeditions in the region.

The Sherpa people of Makalu Base Camp follow Tibetan Buddhism and have a rich cultural heritage. They have their own language, customs, and traditions, which they have preserved for generations. The Sherpas are known for their warm hospitality and are often eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

The traditional dress of the Sherpa people consists of a colorful, woven woolen cap called a topi, a thick, woolen jacket called a bhoto, and a long, wrap-around skirt called a pangden. The women often wear intricate jewelry and accessories made of silver and turquoise.

In addition to mountaineering, the Sherpa people of Makalu Base Camp also engage in agriculture, livestock rearing, and trade. They grow crops such as potatoes, barley, and wheat, and also raise yaks and other livestock for meat, milk, and wool.

Visitors to Makalu Base Camp can experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people by staying in local homestays, visiting monasteries, and participating in cultural festivals and events.

Food during Makalu Base Camp Trek

Most trekking groups hire a cook or kitchen staff who prepare meals for the group during the trek. The meals typically consist of a variety of dishes including rice, lentils, vegetables, noodles, soups, and occasionally meat or fish. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be scarce or unavailable due to the remote location, so meals often consist mainly of non-perishable foods such as canned or dried goods.

Some common dishes that you may find during the trek include:

• Dal Bhat: A traditional Nepalese dish consisting of lentil soup, rice, and vegetables. This is a staple dish in the region and is often served with pickles or chutney.

• Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings made with meat or vegetables.

• Thukpa: A noodle soup with vegetables or meat.

• Fried rice: Rice cooked with vegetables and/or meat.

In addition to the meals provided by the cook, trekkers should carry some snacks and energy bars along with them to keep them going during long treks. It's important to drink plenty of water during the trek to avoid dehydration, so trekkers should carry a water filtration system or purification tablets to treat water from streams or water sources.

Overall, while the food on the Makalu Base Camp trek may be basic, it is filling and nourishing to keep you going during the trek.

Accommodations in Makalu Base Camp Trek

Accommodation during the Makalu Base Camp trek can vary depending on the type of trek you choose to undertake. There are two main options for accommodation: teahouse trekking and camping trekking.

Teahouse Trekking:

Teahouse trekking involves staying in guest houses or tea houses that are found along the trekking route. These teahouses are basic lodges that offer a bed, a shared bathroom, and a communal dining room. The rooms are usually simple and may have twin beds or bunk beds, and blankets are provided. Teahouses usually serve a variety of Nepalese and Western dishes, and the food is simple but tasty.

Camping Trekking:

Camping trekking involves setting up tents and camping along the trekking route. We will need to bring our own tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. The camping sites are usually located in scenic locations, and have basic toilet facilities. Meals are usually prepared by a cook or a kitchen staff and are served in a dining tent.

Tents used during the trek are usually two-person tents, but larger tents can also be used for group camping. The tents are usually simple dome-style tents that provide shelter from the elements. Sleeping bags are essential, as the nights can be cold, and a good quality sleeping mat is also recommended to provide some comfort on the hard ground.

Camping during the trek provides an immersive experience of the natural surroundings, and the simplicity of camping allows trekkers to connect with the beautiful scenery and local culture of the region.It's important to note that the accommodation on the Makalu Base Camp trek is basic and may not have all the modern amenities that you are used to. However, the natural surroundings and stunning scenery make up for any lack of luxury

Permits for Makalu Base Camp Trek

You will need two types of permits during the Makalu Base Camp trek, one is Makalu National Park and Conservation Area permit and another is Maklau Rural Municipality Permit.

Firstly you have to pay 15 USD per person if you are from the SAARC countries. But if you are from other countries you will have to pay 30 USD per person.

Another permit you have to get is Makalu Rural Municipality permit which will cost you 20 USD per person.

Another thing to obtain these permits you don’t have to worry, with our agency we will arrange all the permits needed for the trek. You have to provide us with some documents such as 

*Original passport with at least six months validity, 

*Two passport size photos (its good if you have more in case of some emergency),

*Visa valid until your trip 

*Cash in Nrs for the permit fees

Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty 

The Makalu Base Camp trek is considered to be a strenuous and challenging trek in Nepal. The trail takes you through remote villages, rugged terrain, and high altitude passes, which can make it physically demanding and mentally challenging.

The trek takes around 20-25 days to complete and reaches an altitude of over 5,000 meters, which requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. The trail also involves steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and crossing rivers, which can add to the difficulty of the trek.

In addition, the weather in the region can be unpredictable, with the possibility of heavy snowfall, high winds, and low temperatures, making the trek even more challenging.

Therefore, it is recommended that trekkers have prior trekking experience, good physical fitness, and acclimatization to high altitude before attempting the Makalu Base Camp trek. Proper preparation, including physical training and packing essential gear and supplies, can help make the trek more manageable.