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The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an extraordinary journey through Nepal’s remote and pristine wilderness, offering stunning views of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world. This adventure is a must for trekkers seeking a less crowded yet highly rewarding experience. At Himalayan Adventure International Treks, we aim to make your trek safe, comfortable, and memorable. Here is a detailed guide to the costs and services we provide.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Cost: The total package cost for the Makalu Base Camp Trek depends on the level of service, group size, and customization. Our standard package starts from USD 2,200 per person for a 20-day trek, inclusive of transportation, permits, guide services, meals, and accommodations.
Group Join Trek Cost: Joining a group trek reduces costs significantly. For a group of 4 or more, the cost per person can drop to USD 1,600. This includes shared transportation and guide services.
Hiring a Guide: A professional, experienced guide is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trek. The cost of hiring a guide is USD 30 per day, which includes their salary, food, accommodation, and insurance.
Hiring a Female Guide: If you prefer a female guide, we can arrange one for the same rate of USD 30 per day. Female guides bring exceptional expertise and a unique perspective to the trek.
Hiring a Porter-Cum-Guide: A porter-cum-guide is a budget-friendly option, serving as both a guide and a porter. The cost is USD 25 per day, covering their salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
Hiring a Porter: For those needing additional assistance with luggage, hiring a porter costs USD 20 per day, inclusive of their food, accommodation, and insurance.
Kathmandu to Khandbari (Bus): The bus journey from Kathmandu to Khandbari costs approximately USD 25 per person. This scenic drive takes about 12-14 hours.
Tumlingtar to Num (Jeep): A shared jeep from Tumlingtar to Num costs USD 30 per person. If you prefer a private jeep, the cost will be USD 120, accommodating up to 6 people.
Food: On the trail, meals cost USD 6-8 per meal, depending on the location. Expect to spend around USD 20-25 per day on food.
Accommodation: Teahouse accommodations cost USD 5-8 per night in lower regions and USD 10-15 per night in higher altitudes due to logistical challenges.
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: USD 30 per person
Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card: USD 10 per person for group trekkers and USD 20 per person for solo trekkers.
We provide high-quality rental equipment to ensure your comfort and safety:
Sleeping Bag: USD 2 per day
Down Jacket: USD 2 per day
Walking Poles: USD 1 per day
Mini Spikes: USD 1 per day
As part of our package, we offer:
Trekking map
Itinerary planning
Duffel bag for the trek
Information on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and prevention tips
The ideal seasons for the Makalu Base Camp Trek are:
Spring (March to May): Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons make this season perfect for trekking.
Autumn (September to November): The post-monsoon season offers crisp views and stable weather.
The Makalu region is home to diverse ethnic communities, including Sherpas, Rai, and Limbu people. Trekking through this region provides an opportunity to experience their unique cultures, traditional lifestyles, and warm hospitality. You’ll also pass through ancient monasteries and mani walls, enriching your journey.
All required permits and documentation
Professional guide and porter services
Meals and accommodations during the trek
Emergency first aid kit
Complimentary trekking map, duffel bag, and AMS prevention guide
To Rent:
Sleeping bag, down jacket, walking poles, and mini spikes (available from us)
To Buy:
Trekking boots, thermal layers, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and other personal gear
With years of experience organizing treks in Nepal’s most remote regions, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction. Our team of knowledgeable guides and porters, transparent pricing, and personalized services ensure an unforgettable adventure.
Contact us today to book your Makalu Base Camp Trek and embark on a journey of a lifetime!
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous trekking route in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, taking you to the base of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world at 8,485 meters. The trek offers diverse landscapes, including lush green valleys, high alpine meadows, and rugged terrain, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek typically takes about 20 to 22 days, including arrival and departure from Kathmandu. The actual trekking days are around 16 to 18, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization needs.
The best time to trek to Makalu Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are moderate, making for the best trekking conditions.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its remote location, high altitudes, and rugged terrain. It requires good physical fitness, previous trekking experience, and mental preparation.
To trek to Makalu Base Camp, you need the Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. These permits are required to access the protected areas and ensure safety during the trek.
While it is possible to trek independently, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed guide for the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The trail is remote and less traveled, and a guide can provide valuable assistance, ensure safety, and help with navigation.
Makalu Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4,870 meters (15,978 feet). The trek gradually ascends to this elevation, allowing time for acclimatization.
Preparation for the Makalu Base Camp Trek includes physical training such as cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking with a backpack. It's also important to gradually increase your altitude exposure before the trek and pack the necessary gear for varying weather conditions.
Accommodation on the Makalu Base Camp Trek consists mainly of teahouses and lodges. These provide basic facilities, including a bed, blanket, and meals. In more remote areas, the accommodations may be more rustic.
The teahouses along the Makalu Base Camp Trek offer a variety of local and international dishes, such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, soups, and bread. While options may be limited in remote areas, the food is generally nutritious and suitable for trekking.
The total distance covered in the Makalu Base Camp Trek is approximately 150-160 kilometers (93-100 miles), depending on the specific route taken.
Yes, altitude sickness is a concern on the Makalu Base Camp Trek due to the high elevation. Proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, and following a gradual ascent are crucial to minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.
Essential items to pack for the Makalu Base Camp Trek include a good quality trekking backpack, warm clothing (thermal layers, down jacket), sturdy trekking boots, sleeping bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
Communication facilities, such as mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi, are limited on the Makalu Base Camp Trek. Some teahouses may offer satellite phones or internet services at an additional cost, but it's advisable to be prepared for limited connectivity.
The Makalu Barun National Park, where the trek takes place, is home to diverse wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan thar, and various bird species. While sightings are not guaranteed, the trek offers opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitat.
The trek usually starts from Tumlingtar, which is accessible by a short domestic flight from Kathmandu. From Tumlingtar, you will travel by road to the starting point of the trek at Chichila or Num.
While solo trekking is possible, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is remote and challenging, so it is advisable to join a group or hire a guide and porter. Trekking with others enhances safety and provides companionship on the trail.
The cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek varies depending on the services included, such as guide, porter, permits, and accommodation. On average, the cost ranges from USD 2,000 to 3,000 per person for a 20-22 day trek, including flights.
Risks include altitude sickness, harsh weather conditions, and the physical demands of the trek. Being well-prepared, following safety guidelines, and trekking with a reputable company can mitigate these risks.
The highlights include panoramic views of Mount Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks, the remote and pristine landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the cultural experiences in the local Sherpa and Rai villages.
Yes, travel insurance is essential for the Makalu Base Camp Trek. The insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellations. Ensure your policy is comprehensive and suitable for the conditions of this trek.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a thrilling adventure that takes trekkers deep into the eastern Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the world’s fifth-highest peak, Mount Makalu (8,485m). This trek is an off-the-beaten-path journey that allows adventurers to explore remote landscapes, pristine forests, and high-altitude terrains. Unlike the more commercialized Everest and Annapurna treks, the Makalu Base Camp Trek provides a serene and authentic Himalayan experience.
Makalu Base Camp is located in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal, inside the Makalu Barun National Park. This region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.
Makalu Base Camp sits at an altitude of 4,870 meters (15,978 feet) above sea level. Due to the high elevation, trekkers must be cautious about altitude sickness and take proper acclimatization measures.
For Nepali citizens, the cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is significantly lower compared to international trekkers. The total cost can range from NPR 25,000 to NPR 40,000, depending on the route, accommodations, permits, and guide services.
Transportation (Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & back) – NPR 35000 – 40,000 (flight) or NPR 4,000 (bus/jeep)
Lodging & Food – NPR 1,000 – 2,500 per day
Guide & Porter (optional) – NPR 2,000 – 3,500 per day
Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit – NPR 100 for Makalu Barun National Park entry
Trekkers require two main permits for the Makalu Base Camp Trek:
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit:
Cost for Nepali: NPR 100 per person
Cost for SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person
Cost for foreigners: NPR 3,000 per person
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System):
Cost for Nepali: NPR 300 per person
Cost for foreigners: NPR 2,000 per person
For Nepali trekkers, the total cost of permits is around NPR 400, while for international trekkers, it can go up to NPR 5,000 or more.
The journey to Makalu Base Camp starts from Tumlingtar and passes through remote villages like Num, Seduwa, Tashigaon, Khongma Danda, Dobate, Yangri Kharka, and finally reaches Makalu Base Camp. This trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, drive to Num (1,560m)
Day 2: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1,500m)
Day 3: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2,100m)
Day 4: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda (3,500m)
Day 6: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3,650m)
Day 7: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3,600m)
Day 8: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka (4,500m)
Day 9: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
Day 10-11: Explore Makalu Base Camp and descend to Yangri Kharka
Day 11-13: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Tashigaon
Day 14-15: Trek from Tashigaon to Num, drive to Tumlingtar, fly to Kathmandu
Yes, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered challenging due to its remote location, high altitude, and rough trails. Trekkers should have a good level of fitness and prior trekking experience. The trek involves steep ascents, descents, and long walking hours.
For those seeking a more adventurous route, the Makalu Circuit Trek is an extended version that crosses the Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha Pass, connecting Makalu Base Camp with the Everest region. This trek is only recommended for experienced trekkers with mountaineering skills.
Trekkers can capture mesmerizing landscapes featuring verdant forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. The region’s remote beauty and unique biodiversity make it a paradise for photographers.
For Nepali trekkers, the ABC Trek costs around NPR 65,000 – 90,000, including transportation, permits, food, and lodging.
For Nepali trekkers, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek costs around NPR 40,000 – 70,000, depending on flight prices, guide/porter charges, and accommodations.
Himalayan Adventure International Treks specializes in organizing guided Makalu Base Camp Treks, ensuring safety, comfort, and a hassle-free experience. With experienced guides, reliable logistics, and customized itineraries, we provide the best trekking experience in Nepal.
For booking and inquiries, contact us today and embark on a lifetime adventure to Makalu Base Camp!
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