Hiking to Makalu Base Camp, it's Nepal, but not as you know it …
You’re forgiven Outsyda’s, for immediately assuming of Everest when people say they’re trekking to base camp in Nepal. The truth is, there’s another option to explore that’s far less crowded …
Equally as challenging and adventurous is the more remote, Makalu Base Camp trek. Located in the Makalu-Barun National Park, in the eastern part of Nepal, on the border with Tibet, it stands at 8485 metres which makes it the fifth highest mountain in the world.
Unlike Everest, which sees thousands of trekkers every year, the Makalu Base Camp trek remains relatively uncrowded, making it an epic choice if you want to enjoy the Himilayas in an unspoilt fashion.
Let’s talk logistics …
Trekking to Makalu Base Camp typically takes around 18 to 22 days, depending on your route and pace. We’d recommend that you start your journey in Tumlingtar, a small town in eastern Nepal that is accessible by a short flight from Kathmandu. From Tumlingtar, you follow a route that passes through the lush, green forests of the Makalu-Barun National Park. The lower elevations of the trek are covered by dense subtropical forests, which are home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. It’s highly likely that you’ll come across monkeys, langurs, and wild boar as you make your way through this part.
When you ascend into higher altitudes, the landscape shifts dramatically. Forests give way to alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and glacial valleys. The view of Makalu and its surrounding peaks, including Baruntse and Lhotse, becomes increasingly spectacular. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a red panda or a snow leopard.
In addition to its natural beauty
The Makalu Base Camp trek offers opportunities to experience the culture and traditions of the Rai, Sherpa, and Bhotia people who live in the region.
These communities are known for their warm hospitality and traditional ways of life, and you will have the chance to interact with locals as you pass through. Villages such as Chichila, Num, Seduwa, and Yangri, give you the opportunity to observe the daily routines of local farmers, traders, and artisans.
Staying in local teahouses is an integral part of the trek, where you can reload your protein and carbs on traditional Nepalese dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) and momo (dumplings).
We’ve got to speak about altitude gain
Because it’s significant. You’ll reach altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) at base camp. As a result, you’ll need to be prepared for the physical challenges as the trek is considered ‘strenuous’. That said, with training and the right equipment, it is achievable.
Rewards of the landscape come with long days of hiking on terrain that is equally as rugged as Everest, with steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and river crossings. We will guide you on how to prepare for your trip, including what gear you’ll need to pack - the weather in the high Himalayas is unpredictable, and you’ll need to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions, including snow, rain, and strong winds.
With any base camp trek, we’ll work with you to understand your acclimatisation timing to elevation. It is essential to do this properly and take rest days to allow the body to adjust to the thinner air and this will affect how many days you’ll need for your trip. With proper preparation, a slow and steady pace, and a strong mental attitude, the challenges of the Makalu Base Camp trek can be overcome.
Nepal is an adventure. We can organise your entire trip - sherpas, guides, flights, accommodation and food. The process for this is amazing to go through and we’ll work with you to understand what your exact needs are and what assistance you’ll need, if any.
You’ll trek through regions that are far less developed than those near Everest - it feels far more remote and isolated, but there’s a beauty and a calm about that, leaving you completely free to soak in the landscape as you want to. Unparalled views and a profound understanding of Nepalese culture await you, who’s up for it?
