The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the wildest, most pristine and less frequented trekking routes. The extensive views of all Nepal’s major peaks to the east, including Everest and Kanchenjunga, are the main highlights of this difficult and fascinating trek.
Overview
Makalu (8463m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world, first climbed by French nationals Jean Couzy and Lionel Terray on May 15th, 1955. It lies on the Nepal – Tibet border. The Makalu Barun National Park (area 1500 sq km) boasts 25 out of 32 species of rhododendrons found in Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- Witness awe-inspiring views of Mount Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak.
- Trek through remote and pristine landscapes, far from the hustle and bustle.
- Encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests and exotic wildlife.
- rek to challenging high altitudes, offering a thrilling experience for avid hikers.
- Explore a less-trodden trail, providing a sense of solitude and tranquility.
- Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayan region throughout the trek.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Outline Itinerary
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport Pick and Drop in Kathmandu by Private vehicle.
- Welcome/Farewell dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
- Tourist Standard Hotel Accmmodiation in Kathmandu in B/B Basis.
- Half day guided city tour with world heritage entrance permit as listed in itinerary.
- Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek.
- Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Juphal and Juphal-Nepaljung-Kathmandu round flight ticket with Airport Tax.
- Standard Lodge/Guest House accommodation (best available) with twin sharing basis during the trek.
- Full Board Meals (3 Meals a day) while on the trek.
- Trekking Permit and Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees.
- Professional & highly expertise government licensed holder local Trekking Guide.
- All expenses of the staffs (Guides/Porters) that includes Food, Accommodation, Salary, Insurance, Equipment during your travel period.
- All the necessary trekking gear for porters like jacket /trousers, trekking shoes, gloves, shocks, sunglasses etc.
- Friends Adventure Team's Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Walking Poles and Duffel Bag, to be return after trip completed.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit.
- Arrangement of all rescue and evacuation promptly, in Worst Condition
- Group Trekking Gears.
- Trekking Map, Friends Adventure Team's special Souvenir.
Cost Excludes
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars.
- All desserts, sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears.
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Medical and Travel Insurance and Emergency rescue by any means of Transportation including Helicopter evacuation if required.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival).
- Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
- Any other item not included in "Cost Includes" Section.
Trip FAQs
How fit do I need to be to do this trek?
Makalu Base Camp Trek is a Hard trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
How long do we walk every day when doingMakalu Base Camp Trek?
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?
The highest altitude reached is 4,870m. This is the elevation of Makalu Base Camp. Makalu Base Camp is the highest we will climb in this trek.
What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
Are there ATMs on the way to Makalu Base Camp?
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Kathmandu and Biratnagar. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
What about internet access?
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek?
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, Makalu Base Camp can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
How much do guides and porters cost?
For Far Estern Region Trek, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
