Makalu Base Camp Trek

Trip Duration

16 Days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Highest Altitude

5250 m

Accommodation

Teahouse/Lodge

Transportation

Bus/Car

Group Size

1-10

Best Season

Autumn, Spring

Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview

Makalu Base Camp Trek is an ideal trek for those who are looking for a longer adventure. Mt. Makalu is situated at a height of 8463 m. The peak is the 5th highest mountain peak in the world. It is located in the Mahalangur range, southeast of Mt 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, and 440 species of birds including sunbirds, rose-ringed parakeets, 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 the Arun River. Along with it, the route comes across 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. They are the main inhabitants of this area. This remote trek to Makalu base camp can be quite challenging. However, it can vary depending on your physical fitness and trekking experience.

Highlights of Makalu Base Camp Trek

  • The hospitality of the Rai and Sherpa people
  • Pass through the Makalu Barun National Park witnessing diverse flora and fauna
  • Pass through many glacial lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and colorful Rhododendron forests
  • Breathtaking mountain views, including the majestic Makalu peak
  • Crossing high mountain passes and glacial rivers
  • A chance to push personal limits

Trip Map

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, and 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, and maybe snowy on 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)

Trekking Equipment List

Woolen t-shirts/shirts/thick sweaters. Backpack/Duffle bag
Thermal top/bottoms Passport
Jackets (Fiber or down) Passport size photographs
Raincoat Permit and travel insurance
Pair of sandals Suns cream and lip balm
Underwear Travel towel
Trekking trousers Wash kit
Sleeping trousers First aid kit
Hiking shorts Power bank
Waterproof pants Summer/winter hat
Daypack Buff/bandana
Sleeping bag/Sleeping bag liner Water bottles and water purifiers
Hiking boots Trekking poles
Hiking shocks Charger/adapter
Camp shoes Money/cash
Gloves and beanies Camera
Snow glasses and sunglasses trekking map
Down jacket/Gore-Tex Toiletries
Neck gaiter Water purification
Sun hat/woolen hat Water bottles

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 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 Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.      

Payment and Cancellation

Policy regarding Payment and Cancellation Payment:

Payment:

1) To confirm a reservation, a deposit equal to 30% of the total price is required.
2) If the payment is made online, the remaining balance is due 10 days before the Tour, Trekking, Peak Climbing, or Expedition begins. If the payment is made in cash, it can be made after arrival.
3) If the booking is made within 30 days of the expedition beginning, full payment must be made at the time of booking.

 

Cancellation:

1) A full refund of the deposit will be given if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled more than 60 days before the start date.
2) The deposit will not be refunded if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled within 30 days of its start date.
3) A tour, trek, peak climbing, or expedition will not be refunded if it is canceled prior to or on the start date.
4) All participants should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations or other occurrences.

 

Note: We reserve the right to modify or cancel any trek in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, a full refund or an alternative option will be provided.

Dates of Trip

PRICE
DEPARTURE DATE
TRIP STATUS
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
March 1, 2023 - March 16, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
March 17, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
April 2, 2023 - April 17, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
April 18, 2023 - May 3, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
May 4, 2023 - May 19, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
May 20, 2023 - June 4, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
June 5, 2023 - June 20, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
June 21, 2023 - July 6, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
July 7, 2023 - July 22, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
July 23, 2023 - August 7, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
August 8, 2023 - August 23, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
August 24, 2023 - September 8, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
September 9, 2023 - September 24, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
September 25, 2023 - October 10, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
October 11, 2023 - October 26, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
October 27, 2023 - November 11, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
November 12, 2023 - November 27, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
November 28, 2023 - December 6, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
December 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
December 23, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
January 8, 2024 - January 23, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
January 24, 2024 - February 8, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
February 9, 2024 - February 24, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
February 25, 2024 - March 11, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
March 12, 2024 - March 27, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
March 28, 2024 - April 12, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
April 13, 2024 - April 28, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
April 29, 2024 - May 14, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
May 15, 2024 - May 30, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
May 31, 2024 - June 15, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
June 16, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
July 2, 2024 - July 17, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
July 18, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
August 3, 2024 - August 18, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
August 19, 2024 - September 3, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
September 4, 2024 - September 19, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
September 20, 2024 - October 5, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
October 6, 2024 - October 21, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
October 22, 2024 - November 6, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
November 7, 2024 - November 22, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
November 23, 2024 - December 8, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
December 9, 2024 - December 24, 2024
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
December 25, 2024 - January 9, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
January 10, 2025 - January 25, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
January 26, 2025 - February 10, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
February 11, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
February 27, 2025 - March 14, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
March 15, 2025 - March 30, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days16 Days
March 31, 2025 - April 15, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
April 16, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
May 2, 2025 - May 17, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
May 18, 2025 - June 2, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
June 3, 2025 - June 18, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
June 19, 2025 - July 4, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
July 5, 2025 - July 20, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days16 Days
July 21, 2025 - August 5, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
August 6, 2025 - August 21, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
August 22, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
September 7, 2025 - September 22, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
September 23, 2025 - October 8, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
October 9, 2025 - October 24, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
October 25, 2025 - November 9, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
November 10, 2025 - November 25, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
November 26, 2025 - December 10, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
December 11, 2025 - December 26, 2025
Guaranteed
1990

1450Save 540

16 Days
December 27, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Guaranteed

Group Discount Prices

No. of Persons
Price per Person
1 Person
2 Persons
3-5 Persons
6-9 Persons
10-14 Persons
15-17 Persons
17-25 Persons

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Booking Details


  • A detailed certificate from Marvel Treks and Expedition (after accomplishment)
  • A complimentary raincoat to shed you during the rainy season. (returnable)
  • A Complimentary Duffel Bag throughout the trek from our company. (returnable)
  • A warm complimentary Down Jacket during the entire trek on behalf of Marvel Treks. (returnable)
  • A complimentary sleeping bag for your icy trek. (returnable)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the trek.
  • The essential climbing gear like mountain axe, trekking sticks, etc, for your need throughout the trek. (returnable)
  • Delightful complimentary Authentic Nepali cuisine as dinner to embark on your arrival and departure
  • Critical complimentary First Aid Service (in times of need)
  • An informative trekking map for you to cherish on behalf of our company
  • Trendy Sunhat and t-shirt as souvenirs on behalf of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the crucial services about airport transfer to and from the hotel via a private tourist vehicle ($40)
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems )($10)
  • National park entry fees / ACAP permits / Conservation entry fees. ( $30)
  • All essential local tax and office service charges  Gov tax ($100 )
  • Miscellaneous ($20)
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu (Kathmandu hotel or similar) ($40)
  • Porter Guide ($480)
  • Special Permit USD 20 per person/ week  (for the first 4 weeks) and USD 25 per person /week  ( beyond 4 weeks)

  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for all the Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra nights in any city that’s not accommodated in the itinerary of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the International flight checks and airfares.
  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for alcoholic/ non-alcoholic liquors.
  • Additional porter fees along with tips for guides and porters.
  • Electronic gadgets like chargers, and headphones.
  • Individual costs like a hot shower, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.
  • Travel coverage and emergency evacuations.
  • Tips for our staff’s drivers.
Price: US$1450 per person

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Original price was: $1,990.00.Current price is: $1,450.00. $1,450.00,



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