Makalu Base Camp Trek
15 Days
130 Km
16.405 FT
18+
Difficult
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous and remote journey to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest peak in the world. This trek offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, passing through pristine forests, deep river valleys, high-altitude meadows, and glacial terrains. Unlike the Everest and Annapurna regions, this trek remains less crowded, making it a perfect choice for trekkers seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty.
Why This Trek?
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: A remote trek with minimal crowds and untouched landscapes.
- Diverse Ecosystem: Pass through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and glaciers in Makalu Barun National Park.
- Panoramic Himalayan Views: See Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Baruntse up close.
- Rich Culture: Experience the traditions of Sherpa, Rai, and Tibetan communities along the way.
- Challenging & Rewarding: A demanding trek with varied terrains, rewarding trekkers with stunning landscapes and a true wilderness experience.
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Makalu Base Camp Trek
Complete Trek Information
The best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). Spring (March) offers lush greenery and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn (September- November) provides stable weather and crystal-clear mountain views. Winter (December-February) brings extreme cold and heavy snowfall, making the trek difficult, and monsoon (June-August) leads to slippery trails and landslides.
Traveling from India to Kathmandu, Nepal, is convenient and offers multiple options, including flights, road trips, and train connections. Here’s how you can reach Kathmandu from different parts of India:
By Air (Fastest & Most Convenient Option)
Direct flight from India is the easiest and fastest way to reach Kathmandu. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Varanasi. Major airlines such as Air India, Nepal Airlines, and IndiGo operate regular flights, with Delhi to Kathmandu being the most frequent route (approx. 1.5-hour flight).
By Road (Budget-Friendly & Scenic Option)
If you prefer a road trip, you can travel from India to Nepal by bus or private vehicle via the following border crossings:
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Sunauli-Bhairahawa (from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh): The most popular and well-connected route.
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Raxaul-Birgunj (from Patna, Bihar): Another major entry point with train connectivity.
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Panitanki-Kakarbhitta (from Siliguri, West Bengal) : Ideal for travelers from East India.
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Banbasa-Mahendranagar (from Uttarakhand): Suitable for those from North India.
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Daily Delhi-Kathmandu luxury buses operate via Gorakhpur-Sunauli, taking about 24-30 hours to reach Kathmandu.
By Train + Road (Cheapest Option)
There is no direct train from India to Kathmandu, but you can take a train to Gorakhpur (UP) or Raxaul (Bihar) and then continue by road.
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From Gorakhpur, take a bus or shared taxi to Sunauli border, then another bus to Kathmandu (7-8 hours).
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From Raxaul, cross the border into Birgunj, then take a bus/taxi to Kathmandu (6-7 hours).
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Mobile Network & Internet:
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Mobile networks are available in Tumlingtar and Num, but after that, connectivity is unreliable.
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Ncell & Nepal Telecom SIMs work in lower regions but have weak signals beyond Seduwa.
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Wi-Fi is available in a few tea houses but it is expensive and slow.
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Best option: Buy a Nepal Telecom SIM for better remote coverage.
ATMs & Cash Availability:
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Last ATM: Available in Khandbari, but cash may not always be available.
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Best option: Withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
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Carry at least NPR 20,000–25,000 for food, accommodation, charging, and emergencies.
Electricity & Charging Points:
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Charging is available at tea houses up to Seduwa and Tashigaon, but not guaranteed beyond.
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Charging cost: NPR 500–1,000 per charge at higher elevations.
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Solar charging is available in some villages but is weather-dependent.
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Carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh or more) to reduce dependency on paid charging.
FAQs about
Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered challenging, mainly due to its remote location, long duration, high altitude, and rough trails. The trek involves steep ascents, river crossings, and rugged paths, making it suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness.
The best time to trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and stunning mountain views. Winter (December to February) is extremely cold, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains, making trails muddy and dangerous.
Yes, trekkers need the following permits: Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Khandbari, the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha.
The trek starts from Num, which is reached by a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a jeep ride to Num. The journey takes a full day, and road conditions can be rough in some sections.
The highest point is Makalu Base Camp (5,150 meters / 16,896 feet). It offers breathtaking views of Mount Makalu (8,485 meters), the fifth-highest mountain in the world, along with Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse.
Yes, altitude sickness is a major concern as the trek reaches over 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization days, slow trekking, hydration, and a well-planned itinerary help prevent altitude-related issues. Trekkers should be aware of symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea and be prepared to descend if necessary.
Accommodation is very basic compared to more popular treks. Lower areas have simple teahouses, while higher regions offer basic lodges or camping. Since the region is remote, carrying camping gear and extra supplies is recommended for a comfortable journey.
Food options are limited due to the trek’s remoteness. Teahouses offer Nepali meals like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, soups, Tibetan bread, eggs, and tea. Trekkers are advised to carry energy bars, dry fruits, and snacks for additional nutrition.
No, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s least crowded and most remote treks. Unlike Everest or Annapurna, it sees very few trekkers, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and raw Himalayan beauty.
The cost varies depending on whether you trek independently or with a guide. On average, it costs $1,500 to $3,000, including permits, flights, accommodation, food, guide/porter fees, and camping supplies if needed. Since the region is remote, costs can be higher than treks with more infrastructure, like Everest Base Camp.
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