Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek – A Camping trek to the alluring luscious greenery and magnificently glorifying peaks of Himalayan rage

You must be aware of various places in Nepal that are known for its mountain and cultures. Makalu Base Camp is nothing but a fairy-tale like place surrounded by the magical Himalayas, dramatic glaciers and beauty of astounding glaciers. Makalu Base Camp does not only glorify you with its magnificent natural structures but it also offers a pristine environment with a magical glaciers side to it.

Mt. Makalu, the 5th tallest peak in the world, stands immediately next (south) to the Everest and it is crowded with numbers of 7,000m+ peaks. The base of Makalu is embellished with glistering glaciers and right to the south of glaciers is expansive Makalu Barun Conservation Area (MCA). In short, it is piece of heaven on planet.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking is perfect trekking destination for those who wants solitary trekking, explore intact nature and experience intriguing culture with astonishing views of mountain ranges including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other remarkable peaks. It is also an ideal trek for seasoned trekkers who want to undertake real mountain challenge in isolated part of Nepal.

Makalu Base Camp lies within Makalu Barun National Park and the trekking route goes through lush remote trail, lush terraced farmlands and tropical forest while enjoying plenty of wildlife and gigantic peaks. The Makalu Base Camp Trek instigates from cordial and lush farmland inhabited by Rai Community. Rai community contributes less than 3% of total country population. You will start from Chichira and start hiking north up to the base camp. Every day you will explore something new and interesting.  The distinctive culture, varied flora and fauna along with pristine environment will add new dimension to your trek.

As you trek higher, you will leave forest line behind and reach mountain eco-system and alpine meadows. Further higher is steep granite cliffs, massive glaciers and icy passes. Once you reach Makalu Base Camp, you will get to savor dramatic view of Makalu, Baruntse and Kanchenjunga along with countless other peaks that stands nearby Mt. Makalu.

Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trek is both Teahouse and Camping Trek

Mt. Makalu Base Camp Trek is both teahouse and camping trek. At the lower reaches of trekking route, you will stay overnight at local teahouse – living like local – no modern amenities and facilities.

At higher reaches, you will hike and camp & camp and hike. Camping trek on Mt. Makalu Base Camp is truly inspiring – you will set up tents at the perfect location – open stars and clear views. The camping site usually lies nearby the village so that we can call for help whenever needed.

For this trek, you will accompanied by professional guide, porters and high altitude cook. A professional and experienced guide knows well how to supply local information and take personal care of each and every trekker.

Porters will carry your baggage and install the tents for you. The cook will prepare healthy and delicious meals for you.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The alpine elevation, isolation and remote geography of Makalu Base Camp Trek make it one of the hardest Himalayan trek in Nepal. Though it is extremely difficulty, you don’t need technical skills – previous trekking experience and good fitness is however required.

To reach the height of 4,870m, you will need to cope hazardous climatic zone, negotiate serious sloppy routes and extreme remote region where tourism infrastructures are nearly in null condition. Be prepared to win these challenges.

Another real threat of Makalu Base Camp Trek is altitude sickness. Always remember to walk slow and make sure to acclimatize your body after you gain couple of hundred meters.

Best Time to Trek Makalu Base Camp Trek

It is perfect to put on your boots and go for Makalu Base Camp Trek during pre- and post- monsoon period – in the months of March & May and September & November.

Spring (March – May) is season of greenery – the entire vegetation on the trekking route is groomed with blooming wild-flowers and wild life are in thriving state.  Autumn (September – November) is known for crystal clear view. There is very slim chance of getting views obstructed by black clouds.

Monsoon receive heavy downpour in Makalu region – which at a same time invites the threat of flood and landslide. Likewise winter is extremely cold in upper part of Makalu region which might be unfavorable for most of the trekkers.