How Difficult is Makalu base camp trek?

This trek comprises lots of ups and downs as well as it goes to high altitude region of Makalu so, to do this trek you need to be physically fit.

How is the accommodation in Makalu trek?

Accommodation found in Makalu trek is basic teahouse which normally comes with two beds in a room with bedding.

Is there electricity in Makalu base camp trek?

No there is no electricity in many places onwards to Num however there is solar-powered energy to light the room in guesthouses.

How is the food in Makalu base camp trek?

The food they serve on the trail in the Makalu base camp trek is not as extensive as other parts of the trekking area. however, you can find some, potatoes, noodles, pasta, and rice items during the trek.

How much does it cost for a Makalu base camp trek?

The Makalu base camp trek cost normally from $2900 USD for the teahouse trek to $4900 for the camping trek per head but it more depends on your supplies requirements and desires during the trek.

What is the highest elevation you sleep in during the Makalu base camp trek?

The highest elevation you sleep in is Makalu base camp which is 4870 meters above sea level

What is the best time to do a Makalu base camp trek?

Same as other trekking, the best time to trek Makalu base camp is the spring and autumn season. March, April, and May are spring seasons in Nepal in which the sky is clearer, so you can get higher chances of clear mountain views as well as it is the blooming season of tree flowers such as rhododendron so, this adds up for the scenery. September, October, and November are autumn seasons in Nepal. Normally during this season, the sky is deep blue with clear mountain views and the weather is temperate which is good for walking.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary, Cost and Permit 2025-2026

Makalu Base Camp Trek, which lies in the mid-eastern region, is one of Nepal's popular off-the-beaten trekking trails. With the lush green vegetation at the lower altitude, your trek continues to the high altitude to the Base Camp of Mount Makalu (4,870M).

Mount Makalu is the fifth highest Himalayas in the world with an existing altitude of (8,481M/27,825Ft) is one of the unique mountains with the four-sided shape of a pyramid.

Lies in the Mahalangur Himalayan range, Mount Makalu stretches its junction with Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Cho Oyu all above eight thousand meters.

Although Makalu Base Camp is one of the popular off-the-beaten trails, the trek is isolated due to its distinct location, thus the beauty and remoteness still exist.

Filled with lush green vegetation, a deep river gorge, waterfalls, sacred ponds, and a lake make Makalu a trail in diversity. The majority of the local dwellers are Rai, Limbu, Gurung, and Sherpa living together preserving their culture and custom.

With the majestic panoramic view of the high Himalayas, the Makalu trail allows you to explore Mt. Chamlang (7,319M), Mt. Baruntse (7,129M), Mera Peak (6,654M), and many more.

Where is Makalu Base Camp Located

Makalu Base Camp is located in the mid-eastern region of Nepal in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal. Trekkers need to take a short flight from Kathmandu to reach the trail's starting point.

After the trek, you will descend through the same trail to the starting point until you take the same route flight to Kathmandu. Another option for the trek will be a long drive from Kathmandu to Num Bazaar. Thus, the trek will be adding an extra couple of days.

What is the altitude of the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp is a perfect trek for any age group or first-time trekkers. The trek starts from a lower altitude taking towards higher.

This change while trekking will be at a nominal pace with altitude gain. Hence, trekkers can easily acclimatize to the altitude.

The hike begins at the altitude of 1500M at Num Bazaar. However, you will take a flight from Kathmandu at an altitude of 1350M. Spending your first night in Num Bazaar, you gradually start trekking to reach the highest elevation of 4870M.

What to Expect During Makalu Base Camp Trek

Starting with a majestic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, you will take a short drive to Num Bazaar for your first overnight stay. On the second day, the real hike begins, starting with the low-altitude trek you will encounter villages and vegetation.

Trek passes through villages into the lush green vegetation and finally, you will enter into Makalu Barun National Park. This is one of the popular isolated parks in Nepal, with rich vegetation flora, and fauna.

The hike will be with a majestic view of snow-melted rivers, waterfalls, farmland, Himalayan lakes, and lush green vegetation before reaching snow-capped mountains.

Passing by the snow-melted rivers and crossing the suspension bridges over the river will be a lovely experience. As the trail is isolated, you will not encounter crowds. Your trek throughout will be in nature far away from the modern and materialistic world.

With the diversity of vegetation, the entire trail is inhabited by different ethnic communities like Rai, Sherpa, and Gurung. Their welcoming gesture and local hospitality will be an enchanting experience.

Apart from these, being at the base camp of Mount Makalu will be a real adventure to explore.

Accommodation during in Makalu Trek

Makalu Base Camp is one of the popular off-the-beaten trails in Nepal. This is an isolated area far from the reach of large numbers of trekkers due to its remoteness and long-distance trail and above all the well-to-take facilities.

However, there are limited numbers of basic tea houses and lodges with restaurants throughout the trail. They provide a comfortable bed to sleep in with a mattress, pillow, and blanket. Each room consists of two beds for trekkers to sleep comfortably.

Most of the lodges will have basic facilities with electricity and charging options for your electronic gadgets and the food will be normal but locally well-cooked.

There will be basic toilet facilities depending upon the altitude on a common sharing basis. Due to its remoteness, trekkers will not have multiple options to select their lodges, however, now in every location, there will be tea houses so nothing to worry about carrying a tent for the trek.

During the winter, lodges will have a fire camp within the dining hall. So you will feel comfortable to spend chatting with friends and groups.

Makalu Base Camp Trek route and difficulty

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a more challenging trek than the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This is due to its remoteness and incline trail. As the area is less populated, the trail remains still and quiet with fewer travelers. Thus, making the trek a wonderful pristine journey towards the Himalayas.

Trails are well to go because locals still take the initiative to maintain those, however, there are suspension bridges to cross and stairs uphill to hike. Above all, the trails are well maintained making sure that travelers can easily hike without any difficulty.

Electricity and Wi-Fi in Makalu Base Camp Trek

Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is a real adventure, this is so because of less crowd and diverse vegetation, flora, and fauna. Apart from all these, the cultural diversity of different ethnic communities makes the trek a wonder.

Makalu is regarded as a remote area; this makes the trail an off-the-beaten trail, making internet and mobile networks almost impossible at the moment. You will not be disturbed by modern means and get lost in nature.

However, throughout the trail, you will be blessed with electricity, and charging your device is possible throughout the trail. Every tea house will have a solar system and locally generated hydroelectricity.

Moreover, for a couple of first days of the trek, you will have internet and mobile systems working in better condition.

Highlights of the Makalu Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek will take you through the isolated mid-eastern region of Nepal. Mixed with the diverse cultures of different ethnic communities and the pious natural environment.

Moreover, fewer trekkers prefer to trek Makalu Base Camp thus, making the entire area less crowded but well preserved. The beauty of the high Himalayas, snow-melted rivers, gorges, lakes, and ponds are the natural gifts of the Makalu Region.

Apart from all these, Makalu is blessed with the majestic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Chamlang, and Mt. Kanchenjunga to the east.

The trek will continue through Makalu Barun National Park which is the eighth-largest park in Nepal. This is a protected national park and is home to different flora and fauna including the Red Panda.

Encountering different wildlife and vegetation, you will enjoy the typical local hospitality during the trek.

When is the best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Trekking into the high altitude is possible throughout the year. However, some months are the best time to trek Makalu Base Camp.

Spring and Autumn are regarded as the best times for Makalu Trek. This is the time when the lower elevation will be blessed with different flowers and greenery. The cloud remains crystal clear for the panoramic view of the mountains.

Trekkers will be able to stay in tea houses for accommodation and the trails are clear for the hike. Temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, all these make the Spring and Autumn the best time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek.

What are the Permits needed for Makalu Trek?

Malaku Base Camp Treks falls under Makalu Barun National Park, which is a protected and conserved area. So, trekkers need permits to enter this area of the Makalu region.

Trekkers need two different permits while trekking into Makalu Base Camp, i.e. Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area Permits and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS Permit).

Makalu Barun National Conservation Area Permits cost Rs. 1500 for SAARC Citizen and Rs. 3000 for others. While for TIMS Permit is cost Rs. 1000 for SAARC Citizens and Rs. 2000 for others.

How to reach the Makalu Base Camp

It is easy to accomplish the Makalu Base Camp Trek, your trek starts from Kathmandu after a short flight to Tumlingtar. Sparing some free time take a short cab drive to Khadbari.

From Khadbari, take a jeep ride towards Num Bazaar, here you will spend the first overnight at the lodges.

From Num Bazaar, your hike begins towards Makalu Base Camp and descends towards Num Bazaar and the rest goes according to the Itinerary.

Trip Reviews

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5based on 52 reviews

If you want to experience true, kind Nepali hospitality and a great trek, don’t look for another agency.

I had the incredible opportunity to complete 4 different treks with Discover Altitude: Three Passes, ABC, Annapurna Circuit and Langtang. Each time, the experience exceeded my expectations! The owners, Kumar and Santosh, along with their guides are exceptionally professional, knowledgeable and attentive to every detail. Everything was very well planned for all treks, and I felt safe even at the highest altitudes, thanks to their friendly and supportive guides.

There are many agencies to choose from, and I visited many, but when I met Kumar and Santosh the quality of their personalities quickly became evident. They treated me as a friend they genuinely wanted to support, not just a client, caring only about the money. Even if I hadn’t signed up, they would have treated me the same, not as potential or lost business. This authenticity is why I chose them! This was the only agency where I had that gut feeling, which turned out to be correct. They always went the extra mile. Before each trek, they spent a lot of time going through all the details with me to ensure I had everything I needed and was ready to go. They also checked up on me along the way. During all these times, they truly became my friends!

If you want to experience true, kind Nepali hospitality and a great trek, don’t look for another agency. They are also very competitively priced for both solo and group trips! I cannot recommend them highly enough!

Mustang - Kagbeni, Muktinath 6-day tour

We chose a 6-day course that tours Kagbeni and Muktinath, the gateway to Mustang from Kathmandu. It takes 3 days to actually walk, so it's a safe course even for beginners.

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (30-minute flight), then hike 3 hours to Kagbeni. Hike 5-6 hours to Muktinath. Return to Jomsom via a different route. Take a lunch break at Rupna on the way. Fly to Pokhara. Fly back to Kathmandu.

It was late May before the rainy season, but we were blessed with clear skies and were able to see the beautiful mountain ranges of Nilgiri and Annapurna. The desolate landscape of Mustang was very beautiful, and it was a very interesting experience to get a glimpse of the life of the villagers in Kagbeni.

It was quite hot during the daytime walks in late May. Short sleeves are fine. If you don't want to get sunburned, wear thin long sleeves. Since it gets cold in the mornings and evenings in Muktinath, I wore a light down jacket, but if you layer up a warm long sleeve jacket, you can wear a hiking jacket instead of a down jacket.

Our trekking guide, Amar, was very kind and not only guided us on hiking but also carefully explained the history and people's lives. (In English) He always took care to make the trek comfortable, and the walking pace was adjusted to suit our physical strength, so we were able to enjoy it without any strain.

Kumar handled advance reservations and questions, and he responded to emails very quickly. After arriving in Kathmandu, I visited the office and Kumar gave me a brief explanation of the schedule. In Kathmandu, Santosh handled my communications and accompanied me to the transfer between the hotel and the airport. Both of them were cheerful and kind.
During the tour, I asked to change my plan to stay in Pokhara for two nights after the trek (of course, the additional hotel fee was at my own expense), and I am grateful that he quickly and readily responded to my request, such as changing my flight on the return trip.

A short walk from Jomsom to Muktinath.

We had great dealings with Kumar and the team at Discover Altitude. Kumar was our initial contact, and Santosh was our day to day contact on-the-ground. Their communication was great, and everything went smoothly.

Before departing for Nepal, we emailed Kumar about what we had in mind, and he presented us with different options. We settled on a short trip from Jomsom to Muktinath - flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara and on to Jomsom the next day to commence our hike. (We took the same air-route in reverse on our way back.) In total, the trip was six or seven days, with three days hiking. (This worked out well due to our schedule, but next time we might spend a few more days walking.)

Our guide on the trip was Amar Magar. We really recommend him. (Ask for him by name!) He was thoughtful, organised, and provided clear information on what we were doing each day. His patience and pleasant manner made the trip really enjoyable.

The hike itself was good. The area from Jomsom to Kagbeni (where we stopped for the first night) was primarily along the road and the riverbed, and the scenery was primarily the dry and desolate scenery one might expect of the Mustang area. Kagbeni was a nice village to rest. (There are a number of tea houses, and an interesting temple where one of the monks showed us around.) The walk up to Muktinath the next day was a little bit tough - being a climb of about 1,000 meters. (Not 'technically' tough; more of a challenge due to low fitness levels!) After resting, we visited the Hindu pilgrimage site, which was quite an interesting experience as it attracts a lot of visitors. We stayed the night at a tea house in Muktinath, and then walked back to Jomsom via a different route, stopping at a village called Lupna on the way back. The route from Muktinath to Lupna was probably the highlight of our trip, with much more diverse terrain, including great alpine scenery, fantastic rocky cliffs and forests, and the picturesque village of Lupna itself, with a very old temple and some caves used for solitary retreats.

If you have limited time, then I would recommend the approach we took. It provides a glimpse of the Mustang region (without getting in to the Upper Mustang region, which requires more time and an expensive permit), and a taste of walking in the region. On our walk, we met a number of people who had walked the Annapurna Circuit, taking around two weeks. We might plan better and aim to do that next time!

In terms of practical considerations, noting it was mid-May, we found that we were able to walk in t-shirts and long pants. We carried a lot of warm clothing with us, but didn't need really it. (We were a bit cold briefly after arriving at Muktinath, but generally we didn't use our warm clothing. It would be smart to take something - but no need to take too much.) The bedding provided in the rooms was more than adequate, and we didn't need our own sleeping bags. (Taking a sleeping bag liner might suffice from a cleanliness perspective if this is a concern.)

A Once-in-a-lifetime EBC Trekking Trip

What a once-in-a-lifetime trek to EBC! Waking up at midnight to dogs barking or in the morning to birds chirping and singing and the sound of rushing river, looking out the window and seeing the mountain so close as if within reach, roaming around Namche Bazaar and checking out the local markets, setting off in the sound of school children's morning drill, crossing rivers and valleys over the suspension bridges, passing the mani stones in the villages and the stupas on the trail, watching porters with oversized load strapped on their heads stepping to the lively beat of loud Nepali songs, navigating rocks uphill inside the dark clouds and white-out snow, trekking on the winding trail through dusty forests, misty mountain passes, wide open scrub land, and rugged and rocky barren land, with the famous and mysterious mountain peaks seemingly around every corner or suddenly elusive behind the wandering clouds, and flying down in helicopter provided every moment to admire the mountainous landscape and appreciate local life in this harsh environment. It’s been almost two weeks since I came back yet the sceneries and sounds on the trail still linger.

The EBC trek was also grueling - the long distance, the high elevation, the thin air at times mixed with dust or animal smell, the coldness at night, the completely unpredictable weather that could change by the minute – and every little inconvenience could pile on the exhaustion from a long day of trekking, but the thoughtful services by my guide Krishna made all these bearable. Every day after arriving at the tea house he made sure food was ordered and I had a spot to sit next to the stove to warm up. Every morning before we leave the tea house, he made sure bill was paid and everything was packed and ready. On the trail he was patient, watchful, and protective when the yaks and horses approaching. My tour company Discover Altitude was very flexible and allowed me to change my trekking schedule on the fly, including booking tea houses during peak season and securing single room occupancy. In fact, the three unplanned tea houses in Jorsalle, Phungi Thenga, and Dughla, allowed me to enjoy the real serenity near nature and away from crowds. The company also booked a helicopter, outside of my original plan, to fly me out back in Kathmandu in time. Their flexibility was crucial for me to have a successful and enjoyable EBC trekking trip.

Thank you Krishna for your kind-hearted service.

And thank you Santosh for showing me the street food, the hidden temples, and the vibrant life around the old town of Kathmadu.

EBC with Amar, the best guide!!

I did the Everest Base Camp trek (8 days to reach EBC, Day 9 was to Kala Patthar). Started at the end of April and finished in May. We had great weather that time of year. The early days in the trek were warm enough for leggings and a lightweight shirt. A few people were in shorts. Day 7 was the first day I needed to wear down clothing items, gloves or a warm hat. Other days could be done with a baseball cap and a few layers - started the day with a windwall jacket and would switch to a vest or just my long sleeve dry fit top while trekking. The cardio keeps you pretty warm. Taking altitude sickness medication is key. Start taking it a day before you leave. We had no issue with altitude sickness but several people at the tea houses were not as lucky.

Kumar, the owner of Discover Altitude, organized everything for us and it was planned perfectly. He booked the best tea houses for us and everything was so well-organized that all we had to think about was making it to the top. Amar was our AMAZING guide. His brother Shukla was the porter. They were the nicest, most professional duo. Amar took very good care of us and it was obvious that he was one of the most well-respected guides on the trail. He knew everyone and was so experienced that we had a lot of tips and guidance that I don’t feel everyone else had on the mountain. Definitely request amar as your guide. We quickly realized how important the planning is and who your guide is for success on this trek.

Great experience and recommend doing Kala Patthar early the next morning for sunrise views of Everest!

Discover Altitude is the best!

Discover Altitude is the best trekking guide / tour operator in Nepal. Two days ago my friend and I reached Everest Base Camp on May 4th (trekking day 8).

On day 9, helicopter picked us up at Gorakshep - last tea house before EBC. Helicopter transported us back to Kathmandu via Lukla — 2.5 hour stop for refueling and other logistics. Hiking back down 3 extra days is not for everyone.

Reaching EBC was a small miracle for me. I was the biggest person (XXL) trekking. I trained for over a year… lost significant amount of weight to even attempt EBC. Everything had to go perfectly and it did. Planning was key. Some days were incredibly challenging and required very-very slow / steady pace.

At every step my guide was right there to support as needed. On some hills my guide was 12 inches behind me in case I lost balance from exhaustion.

We were blessed to have Amar as our guide and his younger brother, Shukla, as porter. They did everything for us … from finding bathrooms, ordering meals, dealing with hotels, first aid, and fun to talk with too. Multiple times during the trek other guides whispered to us that Amar is one of the best guides in the region.

We opted for the luxury tour with nicer hotels + helicopter ride to Lukla to start + helicopter return from the top. Paying extra for luxury tour is worth every penny. We met some hikers not having a good experience. Painfully obvious they chose the wrong guide / tour operator.

If you are in perfect shape and you’ve trekked Nepal many times before- maybe having the best guide isn’t as critical. But for us we relied on our guides for every decision … even down to what to eat and drink at different altitudes.

TIPS:

1- take diamox right from the start (1 day before starting the trek)

2- take helicopter to/from Lukla. If you don’t take helicopter, be prepared to sit around for days waiting on weather to clear for airplane flight. People stuck at the airport waiting multiple days to get out aren’t having a good time.

3- go vegetarian. You’ll love ra-ra noodle vegetable soup

4- bring tons of electrolyte packets and drink 5 liters/day

5- pack for very cold days at the end (EBC). Both outer-wear gear and warm jackets for nights at the hotel. Be prepared for extremely dry air at night. Bring nasal spray to help breath through your nose.

6- get plenty NPR cash in Lukla or Kathmandu. In a pinch, tea house hotels can run your CC to give you NPR cash… will cost 10% extra charge.

7- tip your guides as generously as you can

8- don’t bring huge camera unless you are ok lugging the extra weight. Newer iPhone or Android do fantastic job.

9- go slow. Don’t skip rest (acclimatizing) days.

10- Book your trip with Discover Altitude. Kumar will email you immediately with details to help you customize your trip. He will work through every question / idea with patience. We had at least a dozen unusual requests including special activities in Kathmandu after the trek. Kumar and our guides made them all happen. Remember to request booking at nicer hotels.

11- go with friend or family you really enjoy being with for two weeks. Having someone to motivate you and just hang out together makes the trip so much better.

12- day 2 to Namche might be your hardest day, particularly after Hillary Bridge… 1-2 hours straight uphill at the end. Don’t give up. Go slow and ask for help (horse available if can’t make it up that hill).

Awesome 10 day EBC trekking experience

I’m towards the tail end of my 10 day EBC trek arranged by Discover Altitude. Overall, I’ve been very happy with the trip so far. Santosh did his best to make sure my trip went according to plan. He was also extremely accommodating to my request for alterations to itinerary during the trip. Always ready to help, no questions asked.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank my guide, Sandip Lama. He is an energetic and hardworking young man that went above and beyond to make me trip as comfortable as possible. He’s also flexible in accommodating my last minute change request. For example, when I saw Ama Dablam for the first time, I was blown by its beauty and came up with the idea of doing a side trip to its base camp. It’s require at least half a days time. Sandip agreed without any hesitation and helped with the trip planning. In the end, the side trip didn’t happen simply because I ran out of steam. As a guide, Sandip’s main responsibility is leading me with the trip. But he also offered to carry my bag when I got very tired. This is what I call above and beyond. Again, thank you Sandip and I hope we’ll embark on my adventures in the future!

Great Service from begining to end!

We reached out to a number of treking companies, quite last minute when the opportunity came up to go to Nepal. We got a lot of responses but in the end, Discover Altitude had exactly what we were looking for and very helpful along the way. When we arrived in Kathmandu we met at their office and they went into detail about what we could expect and answered all our weird questions!!(first timers!)
We were picked up by an excellent driver, met our guide ahead of time( that was the only confusion was if we were getting a guide/ a guide/porter or a guide and porter, it all worked out very well despite zero training on our part. On the last day we hiked up out of Namche,to the helicopter that took us over base camp with a short landing on Kala Patthar before returning back to Lukla and then Kathmandu where Discover Altitude picked us up and generally looked after us from start to finish including a couple of day tours around Kathmandu. It was spectacular , Santosh and Kumar were very caring and you could tell how proud they were of their company and employees.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking 2025-2026

Where is Makalu Base Camp Located

What is the altitude of the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

What to Expect During Makalu Base Camp Trek

Accommodation during in Makalu Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek route and difficulty

Electricity and Wi-Fi in Makalu Base Camp Trek

Highlights of the Makalu Trek

When is the best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

What are the Permits needed for Makalu Trek?

How to reach the Makalu Base Camp

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1:Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num bazaar

Day 2:Trek to Seduwa

Day 3:Trek to Tashigaun

Day 4:Trek to Khongma Danda

Day 5:Acclimatization day at Khongma Danda.

Day 6:Trek to Dobato

Day 7:Trekking to Yangle Kharka

Day 8:Trek to Langmale Kharka

Day 9:Trek to Makalu Base Camp

Day 10:Descend to Dobato

Day 11:Descend to Tashi Gaun

Day 12:Descend to Num Bazaar

Day 13:Drive to Tumlingtar

Day 14:Flight to Kathmandu

Not happy with this regular itinerary?

Cost Details

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Excluded

Useful Info

Required Equipment for Makalu Base Camp Trekking

Recommended Accessories

Trip Reviews

If you want to experience true, kind Nepali hospitality and a great trek, don’t look for another agency.

Eva B, Hungary

Mustang - Kagbeni, Muktinath 6-day tour

Hito, Japan

A short walk from Jomsom to Muktinath.

Nick O'Connell, New Zealand

A Once-in-a-lifetime EBC Trekking Trip

Jackie Z, United States

EBC with Amar, the best guide!!

Stephanie S, United States

Discover Altitude is the best!

James T, United States

Awesome 10 day EBC trekking experience

Hongtao Chen, United States

Great Service from begining to end!

dallasbc, Canada

FAQs

Q1. How Difficult is Makalu base camp trek?

Q2. How is the accommodation in Makalu trek?

Q3. Is there electricity in Makalu base camp trek?

Q4. How is the food in Makalu base camp trek?

Q5. How much does it cost for a Makalu base camp trek?

Q6. What is the highest elevation you sleep in during the Makalu base camp trek?

Q7. What is the best time to do a Makalu base camp trek?

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