Makalu Trek

Makalu Trek 23 Days, strenuous

Makalu Trek is an adventurous journey to the Makalu Base Camp (5250m) with rewards of majestic views of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
Destination
Nepal
Trip Start/End
Kathmandu
Trip Grading
Strenuous
Max Elevation
5250m
Best Season
April to May and September to October
Meals
Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation
Tea House
Transportation
Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
Attractions
Off the beaten track route and authentic Nepalis/Tibetano life style

Price Starts from

USD $1725

per person based on 2 PAX

Trip Introduction

Makalu Trek 

The Makalu Trek is an ambitious trip to Makalu Base Camp (5,250 m), which rewards trekkers with breathtaking vistas of Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak. This region remains secluded, largely unexplored, and pure, providing an exquisite Himalayan experience infused with the magic and mystery that captivates every traveler who visits.

The Makalu Trek is a really adventurous adventure through one of the Great Himalayas’ most isolated and untamed places. The walk takes lesser-known trails in eastern Nepal, crossing three difficult high mountain passes: Sherpani Col (6,135 m), West Col (6,143 m), and Amphu Laptsa (5,850 m). Along the way, we will arrive at Makalu Base Camp (5,000 m), which provides amazing panoramic views of peaks such as Everest (8,850 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), and Baruntse (7,220 m).

The locals have Tibetan origin, which is shown in their clothes, language, and customs. Trekking here offers a unique opportunity to learn about their Buddhist culture by interacting with locals and seeing Buddhist monasteries and chortens spread around the country. The trekking path takes you through Makalu-Barun National Park, one of Nepal’s newest and most well-preserved national parks. The park has remarkable biodiversity, with over 3,000 flowering plant species, 440 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including the snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, wild yak, and Himalayan thar. Trekkers will enjoy hill climbs, river crossings, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of one of the Himalayas’ most inaccessible locations. The Makalu Trek is a difficult trip that should only be attempted by individuals who are physically fit and mentally prepared to travel to the Himalayas’ highest peaks. Trekkers should be advised that hotel options are severely limited in this remote area. Shipton La (4,216 m), a high mountain pass with amazing views, is a must-see on the walk. Other notable passes include Keke La (4,150 m) and Ghungru La (4,050 m), with an overall elevation gain of approximately 4,000m.

Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Makalu, Mount Jaljale, and Mount Chamlang before descending into the enigmatic and pristine Barun Valley, an eastern Himalayan hidden gem. The Makalu region is well-known for its remarkable biodiversity and is sometimes referred to as Nepal’s flower kingdom. Makalu-Barun National Park alone is home to about 3,000 flowering plant species, including a diverse range of orchids and rhododendrons. The local settlements are predominantly populated by Sherpa and Rai people, whose staple diets include rice, corn, and buckwheat.

The finest seasons for trekking in this region are spring (March-May) and autumn (September- November), when the weather is clear, and the landscapes are at their most brilliant.

Trip Outline

Day 01:Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel
Day 02:Sightseeing around Kathmandu
Day 03:From Kathmandu, fly to Tumlingtar, 400m
Day 04:Tumlingtar trek to Mane Bhanjayang 1105m
Day 05:Mane Bhanjayang trek to Chichila 1850m
Day 06:Chichila trek to Num 1505m
Day 07:Num trek to Sheduwa- 5 hrs 1530m
Day 08:Sheduwa trek to Tashigaon 2065m
Day 09:Tashigaon trek to Khongma 3562m
Day 10:Khongma trek to Mumbuk
Day 11:Mumbuk trek to Yangri Kharka 3610m
Day 12:Yangri Kharka trek to Jhak Kharka 4120m
Day 13:Jhak Kharka Rest
Day 14:Jhak Kharka trek to Base camp (5000m)
Day 15:Base camp trek to Yangri Kharka 3610 m
Day 16:Yangle Kharka to Kalo Pokhari 4022m
Day 17:Kalopokhari trek to Tashi Gaon 2065m
Day 18:Tashi Gaon trek to Num 1505m
Day 19:Num trek to Bhotebas 1745m
Day 20:Bhote bas trek to Tumlingtar
Day 21: Tumlingtar fly to Kathmandu
Day 22:Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and other activities
Day 23:Transfer to the airport for departure

Other Information

Permits Required

  1. The Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is required for all trekkers.
  2. Makalu Rural Municipality Permit to support local governance and community development.                                                                                                                                      All necessary trekking permits will be handled and arranged by your trekking service provider, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Food and Accommodation

Teahouses along the trail provide basic yet comfortable rooms, usually with twin beds, blankets, and a shared bathroom.

During the Makalu Trek, trekkers can enjoy a surprising variety of local and international dishes served in cozy teahouses and lodges along the trail. Meals are freshly prepared, nutritious, and designed to provide the energy needed for long trekking days in the Himalayas.

Typical Meals:

Dal Bhat: The classic Nepali meal of steamed rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry — healthy, filling, and unlimited in most teahouses.

Momo: Delicious Nepali dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Noodles and Pasta: Stir-fried or soupy noodles, and pasta with vegetables, egg, or meat.

Fried Rice: A popular dish made with rice, seasonal vegetables, eggs, or meat.

Pancakes & Porridge: Sweet or savory options, perfect for breakfast, made with wheat or buckwheat flour.

Snacks & Beverages:
You’ll find tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, beer, and occasionally local wines. It’s a good idea to bring energy bars, nuts, or chocolate for quick snacks on the trail.

Water:
Boiled or bottled water is available at teahouses, but it’s strongly recommended to carry water purification tablets or a portable filter to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.

Note: We humbly request you don’t drink/eat milky and meat items (hot chocolate, milk coffee, and milk tea) because milk is powder and not boiled.

Like the majority of the treks, the Makalu Trek offers you accommodation in tea houses with basic facilities. Every Tea house has a menu, and you can make your own choice. But most of the foods are dominated by the Nepali Dal-Bhat and similar meals. Our guide will suggest you select fresh, hygienic, and trek-suitable food.

Packing List

Essential Gear for the Makalu Trek

When preparing for the Makalu Trek, having the right gear is crucial for comfort, warmth, and safety in the Himalayas. Here’s a complete combined list of must-have items:

Clothing:
Pack warm, layered clothing suitable for changing mountain weather. Include thermal underwear (4 pairs): Choose breathable, moisture-wicking underwear made from merino wool or synthetic fabrics to maintain comfort and hygiene throughout the trek. Trekking Shirts (24: Pack a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts made from lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon. These materials keep you comfortable and dry during long hikes. (Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.), a fleece jacket, a down jacket, gloves, socks (5 pairs), trekking boots, a sleeper, hiking pants, and a waterproof jacket and pants to stay protected from cold and wind.

Headwear:
Keep your head and face protected with a warm hat, sun hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or buff to shield against sun, wind, and dust.

Trekking Poles:
Use adjustable trekking poles to reduce knee strain and provide stability while walking on steep or uneven terrain.

Camera, trekking bag (70 ltrs, and day bag 10 ltrs) and headlight

First Aid Kit:
Always pack a basic first aid kit, including altitude sickness medication, bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic cream to handle minor injuries or altitude-related symptoms.

  1. Passport
  2. Travel insurance (including high-altitude rescue)
  3. Some cash

What's included?

What's not included?

  • International Airfare and taxes
  • Nepal Visa fee (US$40 per person for 30 days)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency.
  • Personal spending money.
  • Any expenses of a personal nature, client’s insurance
  • Items of personal nature, i.e., Soft/hard drinks, hot water, shower, battery charge, internet, telephone, etc.
  • Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslides, strikes, political unrest, etc. In such a case, extra will be charged as per actual.
  • Tips for Guide, Sherpa, Porter, and driver.

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