Makalu Trek Difficulty
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is slightly more difficult than the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trail is remoteness, and rugged. You will reach to an altitude of 5000 m, the Makalu Base Camp. Altitude sickness is common. The route has lots of steep uphill and downhills. The physical effort is required, it helps to be as fit as possible. Saying that, you don’t have to be an athlete. The key point to remember that hike at your own pace.
Prepare for Makalu Trek
It is good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. An average level of physical fitness makes the journey less stressful. Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain is very discomforting while trekking. Begin exercising at least a month before the trek like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to trek around Makalu. Gym work out could be a good option as well.
Makalu Trek Permit
The two permits-TIMS card, the Trekkers information management card and Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit are necessary for Makalu Trek. The trek permit costs around USD 60. We will take care of your trekking permits on your behalf once you book the trek with us. For this, we need your scanned passport copy and two passport size photos. TIMS card and permits are valid only for single entry.
Makalu Trek Accommodation
Accommodation is pretty basic across the whole trek and consists of a basic room with two separate beds or dorm room of 3 to 4 beds and shared toilet and bathroom outside. WiFi and hot showers are not widely available, if available, you need to pay extra cost. We recommend to take your own sleeping bag. Overall, you will have a nice experience to stay in a local’s home stay, and it is an opportunity to support them in a meaningful way. For big group, we have to take camping tent for sleeping.
Food on Makalu Trek
The food on Makalu Trek is quite good. The meals basically consist of Dal Bhat rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, rice, dumplings, Chowmin, Rösti, Soups, Tea, coffee, coke, beer and bottle water. You have to eat dinner and breakfast at tea house where you stay. Lunch will generally serve at a different place somewhere along the trail. Think carefully before ordering meat. Refrigeration, storage and kitchen standards mean that eating veggie meals are the safest option.
Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is a combination of dal (lentils), veg curry, pickle, rice and vegetables, this staple of the Nepali diet is a great option. It comes with a guaranteed refill of rice and curry, and usually some extra dal too. The vegetable component varies depending on what or if there’s anything growing in the garden (and it pretty much disappears the last few days before the Pass). Dal Bhat is what all guides and porters eat, so it’s constantly being prepared, unlike more western style dishes which always have to be made to order. And as the whole cooking process requires less energy, this means that it’s better for the environment too.
Breakfast
Breakfast consists of porridge, pancakes, omelets, boiled eggs, pancake and various breads (Tibetan bread, buckwheat bread, chapatis, and so on.
Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and Dinner consists of soups, pasta dishes, various fried rice dishes, momos, a kind of dumpling, pizzas, and of course, Dal Bhat. Some dishes have meat options but this is something to be wary of. Lots of dishes have egg and some tuna from a can.
Drinks
Hot drinks consists of regular black tea and coffee to masala tea, lemon ginger honey tea and hot chocolate, bottle of water, beer, whisky for an extra cost.
Makalu (MBC) Trek Cost
Makalu Trek package costs ranges from USD 1890 to USD 2400. In the package price includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and permits. You could order any meals from menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast, you will get one hot beverage (tea or coffee). If you want additional snacks or drinks like a bowl of soup or a tea or coffee at lunch and dinner, you have to pay an additional cost for it yourselves
WiFi
Unlike other treks in Nepal, there is almost no WiFi on this route. NTC sim card worked for the first day and a half on the trek but once you reached Tashigaun, the connection is over.
Electricity
There is a least power on the trek. Once left Tashigaun, most places run off solar and didn’t have places to charge items. It is possible but not something offered for a fee like in other tea houses around Nepal.
Makalu Base Camp Trek-Seasons
The best season for Makalu Base Camp Trek, from March to June and September to December. The rainy season from June to August is not a good time trekking Makalu base camp.
Autumn Season-Trekking
September, October and November are the most popular months for trekking to Makalu. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in December. The weather is generally dry and clear with warm sunny days and excellent visibility.
Autumn is slightly like winter. Colder than Summer, although you won’t find patches of snow. Nights in Autumn get chilly. In October the temperature drops to 0° C. During the day, you will experience temperatures around 15° C. But the rain brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always. The day time temperature between 15 °C and 18 °C and night time will drop down in between 5 °C and -5 °C.
Spring season-Trekking
The spring season from March to May are the second best option. The weather is generally clear although a little colder. Morning is sunny and flowers are in bloom. In Spring, you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitude, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn as there won’t be any snow on the trek.
In Spring, expect pleasant day time temperature around 20 °C. But at night it drops down to zero level. During the day if the sun goes behind the clouds and there is about of rain, then the temperature may fall around 15 °C. The day time temperature in between 20 °C and 24 °C and the night time temperature will drop in between 10 °C and -5 °C.
Solo Trekkers
Solo Trekking in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group. A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish . Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted region is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight. Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.
Weather and Temperature
The weather on this trek will vary season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevation. At the start of the trek you will experience hot conditions with temperature up to 25 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperature in an altitude of 5000 m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -15 Celsius.
Insurance for Makalu Tour
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Makalu Trek because the high altitude may lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on the trails for falls, avalanches and other mishaps. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Packing List for Makalu Base Camp Hike
This is a mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Makalu trek. The guide will check your gear in Kathmandu before departing the trek. Each porter will carry for 2 people’s belongings which they carry with a head strap on their head, so be mindful and considerate as you pack. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotel and guesthouse in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucksack/backpack is 15 kg. The weight limit of your day rucksack or backpack is 5 kg.
Footwear
Walking Boots.
Trail shoes.
Sandals.
Walking socks.
Clothing
Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (Gore-Tex or similar)
Trekking trousers.
Soft Shell Trousers.
Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
Micro fleece.
Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
Sleeveless/ gilet or body warmer type fleece / synthetic top.
Thermals or base layer for top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
Fleece or synthetic leggings.
Medium weight down jacket.
Heads and Gloves
Fleece gloves.
Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Wool or fleece hat.
Sun hat.
Bandana or scarf.
Head torch with extra batteries.
Sunglasses.
For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles
A pair of Gaiters.
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag with lows down to -15 Celsius.
Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag.
Sleeping mat
Day pack.
Two water bottles
Pee bottle.
Sunscreen and Lipbalm with a high SPF.
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
Favorite snack food.
Books and cards etc.
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Earplugs (optional).
Baby wipes (optional).
Duffle bag/Big rucksack/backpack
Travel clothes.
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc.
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Competed patches are the best)
Re-hydration powder (eg Dioralyte).
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatization).
Water filter
Power bank
Poncho/rain coat
Documents:
Flight info(required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
Insurance certificate(required) (With photocopies)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas(required) (With photocopies)
Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cover
Health and Safety
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle
Drinking Water
Drink a plenty of water is a must. Please drink at least three litre of water while trekking each day. Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek. You have to purchase your water throughout the trek. It is typically around 100 to 200 rupees. That’s why packing water purification tablet is a fantastic idea — you can fill up at the taps, and you won’t have to buy any water or waste unnecessary plastic.
Makalu Guided Trek
Makalu guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking tour. The guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manages all of the logistics. Makalu Trek is not possible independently as well.
Money Matter
You’ll need cash to pay for extra food and beverages, water, and showers along the way. You’ll also need to budget for tips for your guide and porters as well. Since there are no ATM along the way, we’d suggest to be prepared so you don’t run out of money. We suggest to bring 25,000 rupees (around $250 USD) with you for the trek. The amount of money you need to take Makalu trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or not. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package. If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc.
Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-TIA airport and on all land border crossing that are opened to foreign travelers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of cost. There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days visa costs – 30 USD, 30 Days visa costs – 50 USD and 90 Days visa costs – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things: 1. One passport size photo. 2. A passport valid for at least six months. 3. At least one blank page in your passport. 4. The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)
Tipping
We recommend tipping for guide: $10-$20 USD per day per person and porter: $10-$15 USD per day per person. If you want to give more you can, it depends on their services to you. There is no limit tipping guide and porter.
Passports
As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.
Altitude Sickness
Travelers to altitude higher than 2,500m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter but not worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.
Medical Facilities and Treatment
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and trekking don’t mix together. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
