For the enthusiasts who are already tired of doing the regular trekking, the Makalu Base Camp Trek will provide you with one of the most exciting trekking facilities in the world that takes you to one of the most isolated area of the Himalayas. Although not as popular as other trekking trails, this little known trail offers unique experience of isolation, varying terrains and vistas of the highest mountain ranges known to man.
These treks offer the best opportunities to explore something entirely different and some of the most pristine areas of the Himalayas and hence Makalu Base Camp Trek is perfectly suitable for such kinds of hikers. As with most treks in Nepal, the route takes you through the Makalu Barun National Park, which is a raw piece of beauty that has consumed forest, rhododendron posy, and high passes.
The trek is particularly interesting due to the four high altitudinal passes which are all above 4, 000 meters. The aesthetics of these passes are presented in such a way that are physically challenging but at the same time fulfilling. This is probably one of the most scenic places from where it is possible to have excellent sightseeing of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga.
It continues in the lower leves of the hills passing through irrigated terraces of paddy fields and rises up through the forests of rhododendron, pine and bamboo trees. The higher you move, the dramatic the changes areβ you live among steep valleys, fast flowing rivers, quiet lakes and huge cliffs.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is characterized by the tough terrains, high altitudes, uphill & downhill steep climbs which makes it one of the toughest teahouse trek in Nepal. But the scenic beauty, the stunning mountain peaks and the glacier around is a thing of beauty, every where you look up and you must feel proud to be there when at Makalu Base Camp (4,870m).
It would also be significant to note that one of the prime benefits of this trek is exposure to the cultural endowments. With the help of such a trail, people of Gurung, Rai, and Sherpa are living in remote villages on the trail. They are very friendly people that will be treating you to traditional dishes and giving you a tour of the region and showing you how they live. This cultural interaction makes a wonderful touch to your trekking experience.
The best time to embark on the Makalu Base Camp trek is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and the chance to witness the vibrant colors of rhododendron forests in full bloom.
If you're a seasoned trekker in search of a true adventure, the Makalu Base Camp trek offers everything you could want: challenge, solitude, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This trek is a perfect choice for those looking to step off the popular trekking routes and discover the hidden treasures of the Himalayas.
Trip Highlights
- Spectacular views of Mt. Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
- Cross four high-altitude passes over 4,000 meters in a single day.
- Trek through the pristine Makalu Barun National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna.
- Experience the quiet and serene off-the-beaten paths with fewer trekkers.
- Immerse yourself in the local cultures of the Gurung, Rai, and Sherpa people.
Trip Includes
-Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
-3 Nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel with breakfast
-One full day guided city tour by private vehicle
-Welcome dinner and farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance
-Trekking permits and Tims permits
-flight tickets to Tumlingtar and Return
-All meals during the trek (Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast)
-Gov. licensed and well trained English speaking guide and his entire expenses
-A porter(One porter for each 2 members) and his entire expenses
-Insurance of Guide and Porter
-All required local tax and Gov tax
-Down jackets and sleeping bags
-Trekking map
-First Aid Medical kit bax
Trip Excludes
-Nepal arrival visa
-Lunch and dinner in the Kathmandu 7 Pokhara (except breakfast and above mentioned special dinner)
-Monument entrance fees
-Your personal nature expenses eg. Mineral water, Beer, Coke and entire beverage etc
-Travel insurance that covers trip cancelation and Helicopter evacuation
-Tips and any other extending trips and accommodation.
Useful Information
Travel Insurance:
For everyone planning their next trek in the Himalayas of Nepal, it is highly recommended that you get a travel insurance that covers added expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries or accidents (together with air ambulance, helicopter rescue and other treatment cost). Your insurance policy should cover up your entire activities that you are planning to accomplish throughout your stay in Nepal. In addition to this, the policyΒ should also cover death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations, medical treatment (counting hospital charges, cost of the medicine, doctorβs fees) as well as repatriation cost. Also, most of the trekking trails in Nepal take you above the altitude of 5000m, therefore, you also need to ensure that your insurance policy covers treks that go over 5000m. In short, its client himself/herself has to take the responsibility regarding unforeseen expenses during the trip.
Health, fitness and experience requirements:
Altitudes in the Himalayas of Nepal definitely demand excellent stamina, tough determination, and the best health condition. Some sections of the trek are quite demanding and some days might even require 8-9 hours of walking.
Though trek to the Makalu Base Camp is considered moderate and easily attainable, it is highly suggested to seek advice, medications and permission from your doctor before scheduling your trek.Β It is also recommended to take expert guidance from your local General Practitioner regarding necessary guide walks prior to your trek in Nepal. In the absence of GP, seeking advice from travel clinic is also considered as a very good idea.
Moreover, the good news is that, no technical skill is required to plan your trek or any other exploratoryΒ trips in Nepal. However, your prior hiking or camping experience will definitely be considered as a plus point. Also, a few weeks of regular exercise and jogging is recommended before the trip to build up the required stamina.
Note:Β We kindly request you to inform us regarding your present health condition, medical situation, preceding illnesses and the medications you are taking. We expect you to be honest regarding these issues, so that we can get prepared for emergencies.
Food and Accommodation:
We always make sure that our customers get the right value for their money. Therefore, we always attempt to make some of the best arrangements for our customers. To ensure a comfortable stay, we book tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu before and after your trek. Normally, the rooms are twin share, where you will have to share your room with another member of your group. However, this totally depends on the size of your group and the availability of rooms in the hotel. On request, triple share can also be arranged. Moreover, if you are looking for a single supplement room, extra charges will be applied. During the trek, your stay is arranged in a local guesthouse or lodges with shared amenities. You can also enjoy a hot shower in these lodges. In the absence of shower few buckets of hot water can also be arranged on request. A full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea &coffee) will be provided from the teahouse menu during the entire trek. Usually, porridge, toast or chapattis, oatmeal and local bread are served for breakfast. The food served for lunch and dinner are simply great.
Our attempt while you are on a trek:
Most of our trails take you to the remote Himalayan region of Nepal, where communication facilities are very less. Therefore, AME Treks and Expedition takes all the responsibility to deliver your message to your family, friend, relatives or the concerned person. Our guides are provided with a cell phone and are contacted on a regular basis. You can use the cell phone provided to our guides to send your message to us which will further be delivered to the respected person.
Also, our guides will make every attempt to follow the planned itinerary; however, it is kindly requested to be flexible in case of changes in the itinerary caused by extreme weather conditions. We can also help you reschedule your international flight
(Extra charge applicable) if you need any additional days to complete your trek. We will make every possible attempt to make your trek a βgrand successβ.
Why to Trek with us?
AME Treks & Expedition offers a wonderful opportunity to help you visit those areas, culture and tradition of Nepal that have never been explored before. Your trip itineraries are fully customized in order to meet the individualized needs and interest of each traveler. We also partner with local Sherpas and Leaders to help you get maximum out of the trip. We are highly dedicated and offer years of experience to plan an outstanding adventure trip for you. Customer service is our top priority; therefore, we cater to every possible need of yours during your stay in Nepal be it the food, accommodation, varied destinations or your communication needs. Despite all these facilities, our best packages are offered at a very competitive rate.
Our legal documents:
Registered under the government of Nepal, Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition P. Ltd. is a fully licensed and certified company. Therefore, this company holds complete authority to operate treks, tours, expedition, hiking and many other tourism related services in the Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. In addition to this, we are also a very active member of the following organizations.
Nepal Tourism board (NTB)
Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP)
Ministry of Finance, Department of Taxation
Company Registration Office, Pvt. Ltd.
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism Industry
What are the best seasons to plan this trek?
Spring β March, April and May are considered as the best months to trek as you can enjoy the warmest weather of the year, fine temperature, clear blue sky and the beautiful rhododendron forest.
Autumn β Mid September, January and February are also considered one of the best months to plan your trek to the Everest Base Camp as these offer the best trails, clear blue sky and the best visibility.
Winter β December, January and February are also considered as good months to plan your trek to the Everest Base Camp; however, its midwinter and days are very cold. Therefore, a very good preparation has to be made if you are planning your trek at this time of the year.
Summer β Mid June, July and August, monsoon in Nepal, is not considered as the best season to plan your trek in Nepal. The trails are slippery and the heavy rain usually affects the visibility.
What should I bring?
Along with warm clothes you will also need other equipment for the sufficient protection of your body. Below are the list of necessary items that you need to pack before commencing your trek.
Head- Hat (with a wide brim), Sunglasses (with UV protection), Sunscreen lotion and Lip balm.
Upper body- T-shirts (2), light and expedition weight thermal tops, Fleece jacket and pullover, Fleece wind-stopper jacket (Optional), waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, down vest/jacket(included)
Hands - Lightweight gloves, heavy-weight gloves/mittens with a waterproof outer shell
Lower body - Underwear (4), hiking shorts (2), lightweight cotton long pants, light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, Fleece or wool pants, waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet - Thin, light-wear inner socks (4), thick, warm wool hiking socks (4), hiking boots with spare laces, camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals), gaiters (only for winter)
AccessoriesΒ - Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F (included), headlamp with spare bulb and batteries, small padlock or combination lock, basic first aid kit, large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag), day pack, water bottles (2), hiking pole/walking sticks, small ear plugs
Toiletries β Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, small wash towel
ExtrasΒ - Cameras with extra batteries and cards, binoculars, light balaclava or warm fleece hat, reading books, trip map/guide book, journal & pen, iPod & travel games (like cards, chess, backgammon)
Passport and Visa Information:
It is very easy to obtain Nepalβs visa. You may either apply for a visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/Consulate or Mission offices in your own country, or you can buy this upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. To apply for a visa, you need 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US dollars and your passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the trip. However, nationals of SAARC countries (India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan) and China do not require any visa to visit Nepal. Transit visa for foreign nationalities is only provided for 3 days. Therefore, visa is required for longer stays. However, for the convenience or foreign nationals, a visa is also provided from the borders listed below:
Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border of Nepal)
Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Western Nepal)
Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadhi (Far Western Nepal)
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Far Western Nepal)
Tourist Visa Fees:
Transit visa (3 days) β Free of cost
Multiple entry (15 days) β 30Β USD or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry (30 days) β 50 USD or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry (90 days) β 125Β USD or equivalent convertible currency
(For more information, please contact the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan,Dillibazar, Kathmandu.
Tel: 00977-4433934, 4429660, 4438862, 4438868. You can also download visa form from β www.immi.gov.np)