Makalu Base Camp Trek

Elevation Gain During Makalu Base Camp Trek

How Difficult Is the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Well, it isn’t easy. The Makalu Base Camp trek is among the most challenging treks in Nepal, and it is more than 100 km in distance. Compared to other base camp treks like Everest and Annapurna, this particular trek needs a lot of preparation and a muscular physique.

However, climbing gear and mountaineering skills are not needed. Our guide will teach any climbing skills required for the dangerous part before the trek.

The Makalu trek also has an elevation of 4800 meters, and the chances of altitude sickness are severe at such a height. You need to add acclimatization days to your Itinerary and walk very slowly.

Other than altitude and distance, the hardest part of the Makalu Base Camp trek is its remoteness. Once you reach the higher altitude, you barely see any villages and meet people.

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and health

The Makalu Base Camp trek is a challenging adventure that demands good physical fitness and endurance. Trekkers can expect difficulty walking moderately for around six to eight hours daily, often on rugged terrain.

The trekkers should be prepared for more strenuous activity and have a good endurance level. Trekkers must be in good health and physical condition before starting this journey.

Those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease are advised against attempting this trek without consulting a doctor first.

Altitude Sickness in Makalu Trek

Altitude sickness is a big worry when trekking to Makalu Base Camp trek. Before going to higher places, ensure you’re used to the altitude. It’s wise to climb slowly and take breaks to get used to the height.

If you start feeling sick, like a headache or dizziness, it’s crucial to go down to a lower place and see a doctor. The highest elevation during the trek is 4,800 meters, so ensure that you acclimate properly and drink enough water to avoid altitude sickness.

Trekking Experience for Makalu Circuit Trek

Having some climbing experience can be helpful when climbing the Makalu Base Camp trek. The Makalu Circuit Trek is challenging, and having some hiking experience and basic climbing skills can make it easier. It’s good to be comfortable walking for long hours each day and be prepared for rugged terrain.

If you’ve climbed other mountains before or done challenging hikes, you’ll feel more confident on this trek.

However, even if you’re new to climbing, as long as you’re in good physical shape and ready to take on the challenge, you can still enjoy the adventure of reaching the Makalu Base Camp trek. Take it slow, listen to your guide, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Emergency and Evacuation at Makalu Base Camp Trek

Helicopter rescue is the primary means of evacuation. Helicopter rescue can be costly in favourable weather conditions. In an emergency, contact local authorities or your trekking agency promptly. Your trekking agency will arrange an evacuation helicopter, but you are responsible for the costs.

The trekking agency does not provide travel insurance. You must purchase your policy from your home country. Expect to pay around $250 – $400 for comprehensive travel insurance.

Kit and Equipment for Makalu Trek

When getting ready for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, it’s crucial to pack the right gear since you’ll be in a remote area with limited supply access. Here’s a simple list of things to bring:

Clothing:

• Base Layers (synthetic base layers (2 sets) for warmth and moisture-wicking)
• Fleece jackets
• Down jackets for varying temperatures
• Waterproof and breathable shell jacket and pants
• Trekking Pants
• Hiking Shorts
• Warm Hat
• Gloves
• Socks
• Headscarf/Buff
• Sunglasses (Polarized sunglasses with UV protection)
• Sun Hat

Footwear:

• Hiking Boots (Waterproof, sturdy, and well-broken-in boots with ankle support)
• Hiking Shoes

Backpack:

• Trekking Backpack (Durable, with a comfortable fit, 60-70L capacity)
• Daypack
• Waterproof Backpack Liner

Sleeping Gear:

• Sleeping Bag (Rated for -20°C/-4°F or colder, down or synthetic)
• Sleeping Pad

Other Gear:

• Water Bottles (2-3L capacity, with purification tablets)
• Trekking Poles
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Toilet Paper
• Portable Hand Sanitizer
• Personal Documents (Passport, visa, insurance information, emergency contact details)
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Waterproof Bags

Special Training

Special training for the Makalu trek should focus on building physical fitness and endurance. You can start with regular aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, or cycling to improve your stamina.

Strength training exercises for your legs, core, and upper body will help you cope with the demands of the Makalu Circuit Trek.

It’s important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to prepare your body for the long trekking days.

Practising hiking with a backpack is also beneficial, as it will help you get used to carrying a load during the Makalu Barun National Park trek.

Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek can be enjoyed at different times of the year, depending on your preference and situation. Here’s a more detailed look at the two best times to trek to Makalu Base Camp trek:

Spring (March to May)

Pros:

• Clear skies and warm weather.
• Stunning rhododendron forests in bloom.
• Sunny and mild days, making trekking comfortable.
• Ideal conditions for completing the trek with ease.

Cons:

• It can be crowded with other trekkers, and you may not get teahouses if you don’t make a booking.
• Potential for late snowfalls.

Autumn (September to November)

Pros:

• Clear skies and dry weather after monsoon season.
• Moderate temperatures with cool nights, aiding acclimatization.
• Uninterrupted views of surrounding peaks, perfect for photography.

Cons:

• Early snowfall is possible in higher altitudes.
• Temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Weather Information of Makalu Barun Trek

Spring (March to May)

• Temperature: Mild, with daytime highs around 15-20 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows dropping to near freezing (around 0 degrees Celsius).
• Precipitation: Moderate rainfall, especially in April. Occasional snowfall can occur at higher altitudes.

Summer (June to August)

• Temperature: Warm with daytime highs around 20-25 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows around 10-15 degrees Celsius.
• Precipitation: Heavy monsoon rains with increased cloud cover and reduced visibility.

Autumn (September to November):

• Temperature: Mild, with daytime highs around 15-20 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows dropping to near freezing (around 0 degrees Celsius).
• Precipitation: Less rainfall than spring, occasional snow flurries at higher altitudes.

Winter (December – February):

• Temperature: Cold with daytime highs around 0-5 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows dropping below freezing (-10 degrees Celsius or lower).
• Precipitation: Heavy snowfall, especially in January and February, with blizzard conditions possible.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit

Two required permits:

• Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit: Essential for accessing the base camp.
• Makalu Rural Municipality Permit: Required for entry into the area.

Permit Costs:

• Nepalese citizens: NPR 100 per person.
• SAARC citizens: NPR 1500 per person.
• Other nationalities: NPR 3000 per person.
• Makalu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2000 per person.

Food During the Makalu Base Camp Trek

Due to the high altitudes of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, it’s essential to fuel your body with enough nutrition and carbohydrates to support your walking. Here’s a rundown of the typical food options you can expect along the way:

Breakfast:

• Pancakes, oatmeal, muesli.
• Eggs (omelettes, poached, boiled)
• Tibetan bread, buckwheat bread, chapatis.
• Honey, jam, apples.

Lunch:

• Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup).
• Soups, spaghetti, dumplings, pizza, spring rolls.
• Sandwiches, macaroni, tendu (noodle soup), spaghetti noodles, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), pasta, and pizza with various toppings.

Dinner:

• Dal bhat and tarkari (vegetable curry).
• Tibetan bread, soups, Sherpa stew.
• Sandwiches, dumplings, macaroni, tenduk, noodles, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, and salad.

Accommodation during the Makalu Base Camp Trek

Staying in Makalu Base Camp Trek is easy and enough for trekking. In the lower zones, teahouses have rooms, which are usually common but may be single rooms on a request basis.

Overnight stays in regions with limited facilities at high altitudes may require trekkers to sleep in tents.

Attached bathrooms are rare, and shared bathrooms are the norm along the trek. Hot baths are provided in some teahouses; however, they are available at an extra charge, particularly as you climb.

Otherwise, warm water buckets can be provided in rural areas, and blankets are provided in tea shops. However, the sleeping bag must always be warm to be effective when it is cold at night.

Trekking Costs for Makalu Circuit Trek

Himalayan Masters offers a comprehensive Makalu Base Camp trek cost package, including permits, guides, porters, food, accommodation, gear rental, insurance, and transportation.

This package provides a suitable and cost-effective way to experience the trek without managing individual expenses, typically costing around $2800 per person.

Insurance for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Travel insurance is essential for the remote Makalu Base Camp trek. It covers medical expenses, including emergency helicopter evacuation, which may be necessary due to limited medical facilities.

You must purchase your travel insurance from your home country, as trekking agencies in Nepal do not provide it. Expect to pay around $250 to $400 for comprehensive coverage.

Your insurance should cover the full cost of a helicopter evacuation if needed. Ensure your policy covers trip cancellations, lost or stolen gear, and adventure sports activities.

Choose a policy offering 24/7 assistance for medical advice or emergency support. During the trek, always carry a copy of your insurance policy and contact information.

Additional Expenses for Trip

Other expenses to consider when planning a trip to Makalu Base Camp include gear rental or purchase, which is essential for the challenging terrain and high altitude.

You’ll also need to budget for food and accommodation along the trekking route and any permits or fees for entering the national park. It’s also wise to budget for souvenirs or additional activities you might want to do along the way.

ATMs in Makalu Circuit Trek

Withdraw cash in Kathmandu before starting your Makalu trek, as ATMs are unavailable along the route. While there is an ATM in Tumlingtar, it is not directly on the Makalu Base Camp trail. Carry enough cash to cover expenses, as some lodgings may accept credit cards, but it’s best to have cash as a backup. Inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure your cards work abroad.

Communication

Communication can be challenging in the Makalu region. Mobile networks are only available in parts of the world and can have poor signal quality. Satellite phones are a good option for emergencies.

Though Wi-Fi services are unavailable in the Makalu Base Camp area, you must use local SIMs like Ncell and NTC. These SIMs will work up to the Tashigaon area.

Electricity, Charging, and Water

Electricity is available in most teahouses at low altitudes, enabling trekkers to charge their devices only up to Tashigaon. Above the Tashigaon area, there is no electricity, and sometimes the solar power also doesn’t work properly enough to charge.

It is wise to carry a power bank. Drinking water can be found in nature but has to be decontaminated from germs and bacteria before drinking. Bring water purification tablets or a filter.

Bottled water is served at teahouses, and the price increases as you go up.

Porter vs. Solo Trekking

Hiring a porter for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is highly recommended. Porters carry your bags so that you can focus completely on the scenery and enjoy the walk without effort.

Solo trekking is an option, but you must carry your gear and be better equipped for difficulties.

The Makalu Trail is authentic and off the beaten track, and for the sake of individual safety and convenience, engaging a familiar guide (e.g., a guide porter) is possible.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is a common practice in Nepal’s trekking industry. It is a chance to express gratitude for the work of a guide and a porter. The amount may differ; however, it will typically be 10-15% of the trek cost.

After the trek, you may voluntarily chide tips or collectively discuss them with your group. It is better to tip in Nepali rupees, and please do not forget that even a small tip is welcome.

Makalu Death Rate

Makalu is a remote and challenging trek, but mortality among trekkers is relatively low compared to climbing the summit. In particular, altitude illness, extreme weather, and rugged terrain are the major challenges.

Proper acclimatization and preparation reduce these risks. Trekking with experienced guides and porters adds to safety. Minding your borders and paying attention to your body are some of the greatest preventatives for accidents.

Alternative Routes

One popular alternative is the Makalu Circuit Trek, which includes high passes like Sherpani Col. Another option is Hiking to the Arun Valley, known for its scenic and religious significance. You can also hike the Everest Three Passes Trek, which includes crossing three high passes.

Extend:

You can extend your adventure by exploring nearby destinations. The Nagarkot to Changunarayan trail, just south of Kathmandu, is also a good option. It has a majestic view of the Himalayas and a heritage heritage experience of the historic Changunarayan Temple.

You can even trek to popular trekking destinations in Nepal, like ABC, EBC, or Langtang Valley Trek.

Booking Procedure

Booking the Makalu Base Camp Trek is simple. Start by choosing an established trekking operator (e.g., Himalayan Masters). Contact them to tell them about your preferred itinerary, the number of travellers, and proposed travel dates.

Himalayan Masters will handle permits, guides, porters, and logistics. To guarantee space, remember to book beforehand, especially during peak season.