Remote Makalu Base Camp Trek-20 days Makalu Circuit Trek

Makalu Base Camp(5,050 m) offers you the best views of Lhotse and Everest, MBC is also the highest point of the trek. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is perfect for adventurers who are looking to avoid the crowded trekking routes of Nepal and want an authentic experience trekking in the Himalayas.The trek to Makalu Base camp takes most trekkers at least 8 days to reach a top altitude of 5,050 meters. Trekkers then need to retrace their steps on the 5-6 day journey back out the same way they came in. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal. It’s longer, more rugged, and presents an intense physical challenge compared to more established trekking routes in Nepal

Makalu Trek known as Makalu Base Camp(MBC) and Makalu Circuit trek is in the Makalu Barun National Park. The scenery is spectacular with magnificent views of Mount Makalu, towering cliffs, hanging glaciers and waterfall. Makalu Base Camp is an ideal trek for nature lovers who want to experience a variety of landscapes and cultures in peaceful environment.The trek is suitable for experience trekkers who are able to walk for 5 to 6 hours each day, carrying a light rucksack.You will see a spectacular views of rarely seen Kangshung face of Everest, as well as Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga in the far east. The Makalu Barun National Park is the eighth largest national park of  Nepal, covering 2,330 sq. km, and is home to the Red Panda.

Makalu Trek Difficulty
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is slightly more difficult than Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit due to the incline, remoteness, and rugged nature of the trails. You will reach an altitude of 5000 m, which will challenge many. Altitude sickness can be common. The route has lots of undulation with several days purely walking up stairs on stairs. These days of ascent are tiring and also require the body to adjust quickly..The trek isn’t easy as there is frequent ups and downs with some very steep and risky.The physical effort required, it clearly helps to be as fit as possible. Saying that, you don’t have to be an athlete.The key point to remember is to 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 will make the journey less stressful. Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.Start 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 it. Gym work out can be a good option too. 

Makalu Trek Permit
The two permits-TIMS card, the Trekkers information management card and Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area permit are necessary for the Makalu trek, it costs around USD 60. We will take care of your trek permits on your behalf once you book the trek with us-The Mission Eco Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. For this, we need your scanned passport copy and two passport size photos.TIMS card and permits are valid only for one 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 is often quite good.Your meal options will basically consist of: Dal Bhat rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, rice, dumplings, Chowmein, Rösti, Soups, Tea, coffee, coke, beer and bottle water.You have to eat dinner and breakfast at the tea houses you stay. Lunch will generally be at a different place somewhere along the trail.Think carefully before ordering meat. Refrigeration, storage and kitchen standards mean that eating veggie is 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, omelettes, 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 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and permits. You could order any meal off the menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and at 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 for it yourselves

WiFi
Unlike many 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 Tasigaun, the connection is over.

Electricity
This is the least power on a trek in Nepal so far. Once left Tashigaun, most places run off solar and didn’t have places to charge items for the clients. It is possible but not something offered for a fee like in other tea houses around Nepal.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
As you reach at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Third Eye Adventure arranges as airport representative who will meet you and end up the formalities (Visa, etc). You just need to confirm our representative with a show board at the way in gate. You will after that shift to the hotel. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner at a long-established Nepalese restaurant and also observe a Nepal is cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparing for trek
Today, you will go for sightseeing in Kathmandu. The main fascinations of the sightseeing tour are going around Kathmandu valley where you can see many age-old temples, architectures and more; going around Bouddhnath which is one of the biggest Buddhist Stupa in the entire world; Swyambhunath, a renowned monkey temple falling at the hillock; Pashupatinath, a prominent Hindu temple and numerous enthralling places to visit. And many of them are enlisted in UNESCO's world heritage list. Also, we will prepare for trek today. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila (1,840m)
We will fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar taking 50 minute to get to Chichile. After we arrive to a rough landing meadow at Tumlingtar, we will then drive to Chilchila. Taking approximately 3 hours we will drive on an uneven path to arrive at Chichila falling at 1840m. We will live overnight at Chilchila.
Day 04: Trek to Num (1,500m)
From Chichila, today we will reach Num. This day we will have a quite constant walk all the way through the pleasing villages and fertile forests. An edge shape with giant scenes on plane and hovering on the last fraction is Num. Overnight we will reside in Num.
Day 05: Trek to Seduwa (1,540m)
Our way today will vertically take down from side to side with the jungles and terraced land that will let you arrive at Arun River from Num. The region is quite humid – the wood on the valley sides offers a bit of gloominess. Makalu National Park here starts and we will register our access permits. On this day, we will set our camp at the top of the village.
Day 06: Trek to Tashigaon (2,070m)
Today, we will trek to Tashigaon from Seduwa, our path moves to the crest enclosed by the Ipsuwa River to be found on the west region and Kasuwa River on the east. After we will pass by the hillside all the way through serene villages and move further on by paddy fields, we will shortly get there at Tashi Gaon. Overnight stay in Tashi Gaon.
Day 07: Trek to Khongma (3,560m)
We will walk ahead from Tashigaon, we will stroll upwards to reach Khongma. Khongma is considered the very last halting spot before we go across the Shipton La and stroll down to the upper region of the far-away Barun Valley. You will get to see scrub as well as rhododendrons surrounding the lower areas of the mountains. Overnight in Khongma.
Day 08: Rest and acclimatization day
Today, you can have rest in Khongma for adjustment with the environment at 3560m to avoid altitude sickness. In fact adjustment day will allow our bodies for adjustment with the setting before reaching at more height. The next date we get to pass through the Shipton La. Overnight in Khongma.
Day 09: Cross Shipton La and trek to Debotay (3,650m)
From Khongma, today we will head to the peak region of the Shipton La taking few hours to reach. After we arrive at the lake Kalo Pokhari, we will walk further from the Keke La to be found at 4,152m. Fantastic views of Peak 7 (6,758m), Chamlang (7,319m), Peak 6 (6,524m) etc will come into sight. After going crossways through the Keke La pass, we go down all the way the eye-catching valley to Debotay. Overnight in Debotay.
Day 10: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600m)
From Debotay, on this day we will go by via the Rhododendron woods to get there at the Baruni River and the higher spots of the valley. An interesting wander will allow us to reach at elevation slowly, until we come into view at Yangle Kharka situated at the base of the valley. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 11: Trek to Merek (4,500m)
On this day, we will shift from Yangle Kharka to Merek. As we are moving to the height beyond 4, 000 m, we will have to keep on walking also allowing our body to have proper acclimatization. Overnight in Merek.
Day 12: Trek to Shersong
At this time, we will go up the valley, passing via yak pastures and rough fields. En route to Shersong, we can view the south east point of Mount Makalu. We will set our camp at Shersong for overnight.
Day 13: Day tour to Makalu Base Camp (5,000m)
We must make sure that we will acclimatize ourselves well prior to walking up to Makalu Base Camp. We will have the benefit of the astonishing views of the immense Himalayan all around us. We will then come back to Shersong again. Overnight in Shersong.
Day 14: Trek to Yangle Kharka
Walking ahead from Shersong to Yangle Kharka, we will come downward descending to the valley and take our last look of Makalu prior to turning the arch and finally we will get to Yangle Kharka. Overnight in Yangle Kharka.
Day 15: Trek to Mumbuk
From Yangle Kharka, today we will move down to Mumbuk. Then we will walk up the rock canal to Mumbuk. We will be acknowledged one more time by the greeneries below. Overnight stay in Mumbuk.
Day 16: Trek to Khongma
After we will walk further from Mumbuk, en-route you will amble from side to side with woods of firs, rhododendrons. We will after that traverse the Keke La, Ghungru La as well as Shipton La. Moving downward further, we will after that arrive at to Khongma yet again. Overnight in Khongma.
Day 17: Trek to Tashi Gaun
Today, we constantly go downward to Tashigaun. The path down will be an extensive and vertical one. And we arrive crossways through the hillside to the Sherpa town, Tashi Gaun. Overnight stay in Tashi Gaun.
Day 18: Trek to Num
We are move back over the alike path that we onetime climbed at some stage in the beginning of our trek. We walk downward to Arun River and Seduwa yet once more we have stroll through the forested area to Num. We walk back all the way to the tributary and ascend back the side of the vale to Num. Overnight in Num.
Day 19: Trek to Chichila, Transfer to Tumlingtar
Once more we will walk over to Chichila. The last way backward of the trek that will let us reach Tumlingtar. And we will have an early departure to Kathmandu the next day. Overnight in Tumlingtar.
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu
Our airport agent will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your return to you home country. We will hope to see you again since we organize a lot of other trekking, peak climbing options, as well as tours, expeditions, and sports activities.

Cost Included:

• Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as per itinerary
• 3 times meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner including the coffee and tea during trek.
• Twin share accommodation in tea houses or in tents as per itinerary during the trek.
• Twin share accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu per itinerary.
• Licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
• Proper Insurance of all staff including porters.
• Government / Local taxes, Tourist service charge, guide / porter insurance and salary, general equipment, national park and conservation area fees.
• Makalu trekking map, TIMS Card & Trek Permit

Cost Not Included:

• International airfares
• Trekking Equipment
• Major meals, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
• Nepal entry visa fee – you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport.
• Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.
• Tips for guide and porters.

Best time to trek Makalu Base Camp 
The peak season for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is March to April and October to November. The time to avoid this trek is during the rainy season from June to August.

Autumn-Trekking
September, October and November are the most popular months for trekking to Kanchenjunga. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in 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 dips to 0° C.During the day, you will experience temperatures around 15° C. But any rain or slight drizzle brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always.Temperature day time between 15 °C and 18 °C and night time will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and -5 °C.

Spring-Trekking
The spring season from March to May is considered to be the next best option. The weather is generally clear although a little colder. Mornings are sunny and flowers are in bloom. In Spring, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn, when there won’t be any snow on the trek.In Spring, expect pleasant daytime temperatures around 20 °C. But at night it dips to almost zero levels.During the day if the sun goes behind the clouds and there is about of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 15 °C.Temperature day time: between 20 °C and 24 °C and night time will drop to temperatures 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 to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, 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 elevations. At the start of the trek you will experience hot conditions with temperatures up to 25 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperatures in an altitude of 5000 m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -15 Celsius.

Insurance for Makalu Trek
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Makalu Trek because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on 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.

Makalu Trek Packing List
This is the 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 departure for the trek. Each porter will be carrying for 2 people’s belongings which they carry from a 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 hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucsack/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 (goretex 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. Bring extra batteries.
Sunglasses. 

For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles 
A pair of Gaiters. 

Personal equipment
Sleeping bag. Overnight 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 rucsac/backpack
Travel clothes. 
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc. 
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Compeed 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 or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)

Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cove

Health and Safety
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle

Drinking Water
Drinking plenty of water is a must.Please drink at least three litres 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 a Steripen 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
Guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking holiday. 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. Kanchenjunga 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 guides and porters as well. Since there are no ATM along the way, we’d suggest to be over-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 Mohare danda 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-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. 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 charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
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
Travellers to altitudes 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. 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.