Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a remote and adventurous trek in eastern Nepal that takes you to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485 meters / 27,838 feet), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. The route passes through stunning landscapes, from tropical forests and deep river valleys to high alpine terrain and glaciers.

The trek typically takes 19 days begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive to Num where the actual trekking starts.

Makalu Base Camp is one of the least-crowded and most pristine treks in Nepal. You’ll walk through the Makalu Barun National Park, home to rare wildlife like red pandas and Himalayan thars, and explore areas few trekkers ever reach. It’s ideal for those seeking a true wilderness experience with minimal tourism infrastructure.

The best seasons are: Spring (March to May) – blooming forests, moderate temperatures, and clear views Autumn (late September to November) – post-monsoon clarity, cooler days, and colorful landscapes

Expect warm days in the lowlands and cold nights at high altitude. Temperatures at Makalu Base Camp can drop below freezing, especially in the early morning or late evening. Rain is possible in spring; snow is likely in winter.

Please check our Packing List. If you miss anything, you can always buy and rent in Kathmandu. We will check your gear and will make sure you are not missing anything.

Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C rating) for cold nights. You can rent it in Kathmandu.

Some teahouses offer charging facilities for a small fee. It’s advisable to bring a power bank or solar charger.

Accommodations are mostly very basic teahouses in lower sections and tent camping in higher, uninhabited areas. Magical Nepal provides all camping equipment, cooks, and logistics, ensuring hot meals and clean sleeping arrangements in the wildest parts of the trail.

In teahouses, you’ll enjoy local staples like dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, and Tibetan bread. During camping nights, our cook team prepares nutritious, hygienic meals with fresh ingredients. We also carry backup snacks and energy foods in case of supply shortages.

Facilities are limited. In teahouses, toilets are usually basic squat toilets and hot showers may not be available. In camping areas, Magical Nepal provides portable toilet tents and washing water. Charging is not guaranteed, so we recommend bringing a power bank or solar charger.

Yes, altitude sickness—also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—is a risk, especially above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). The Makalu Base Camp Trek reaches 5,050 meters (16,568 feet), so proper acclimatization is critical. At Magical Nepal, we design your itinerary with gradual elevation gain and rest days, and our guides are trained to monitor your health, recognize symptoms early, and respond quickly.

Our guides carry a comprehensive first aid kit, and we are in daily contact with our Kathmandu office via phone or satellite device. If necessary, we coordinate helicopter evacuation in partnership with your insurance provider. We always recommend that you bring personal medications and that your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

During the camping portion of the trek, Magical Nepal’s staff prepares fresh, hygienic meals with purified water. We follow strict cleanliness protocols, especially in remote areas where medical help is not nearby. In teahouses, we select trusted local lodges known for clean food preparation and safe drinking water. Clients are also encouraged to carry hand sanitizer and a water purifier or tablets as a backup.

We recommend that clients consult their physician about vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A/B, tetanus, and rabies. It’s also wise to carry altitude medications (e.g., Diamox), anti-diarrheal medicine, and electrolytes. Magical Nepal provides a pre-trip checklist to help you prepare physically and medically.