How much does the Makalu Base Camp trek cost in 2027?
For a couple, the price per person is USD 1,450 Budget, USD 3,345 Standard and USD 5,795 Luxury. A solo traveller pays USD 2,345, USD 4,260 and USD 7,395. The price falls for larger groups. Flights to Tumlingtar and all permits are included. Kathmandu hotels are not.
How many days do I need for Makalu Base Camp?
We run it in 19 days from Kathmandu and back. That includes a rest day at Khongma Danda, a day at Base Camp and one spare day for weather. Shorter trips leave no room for acclimatisation or for snow on the Shipton La.
What permits do I need for the Makalu Base Camp trek?
Three: the Makalu-Barun National Park permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners), the Makalu Rural Municipality fee (NPR 2,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000). The standard route is not a restricted area, so no restricted-area permit is needed. We arrange all three and they are in the price.
Are there teahouses all the way to Makalu Base Camp?
There are teahouses on the route, but they are basic, and the ones at Dobato, Langmale and Base Camp are small and seasonal. We confirm them before each departure. At Base Camp you may sleep in a tent. We tell you before you book.
How hard is the Makalu Base Camp trek?
It is a hard trek. The climb from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda is about 1,400 m in one day, and the Shipton La day is long. You should be fit and ideally have done a multi-day trek before.
How high is Makalu Base Camp, and what about altitude sickness?
Makalu Base Camp is at 4,870 m. We go up slowly, rest at Khongma Danda and sleep two nights at Base Camp. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks you every day. If anyone has symptoms that do not get better, we go down.
How do I get to the start of the trek?
We fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and take a jeep through Khandbari to Num. The road is rough and the drive takes 4 to 7 hours. Budget uses shared jeep seats; Standard and Luxury have a private jeep.
Can I do the Makalu Base Camp trek solo?
Yes, with a licensed guide. A solo trekker pays the solo price. On Standard a solo trekker has no porter and the guide carries up to 10 kg. On Luxury you have your own porter.
What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury on this trek?
Budget is a guide, shared rooms and shared jeep seats; you carry your bag and buy your own food. Standard adds all meals, a porter for every two people and a private jeep. Luxury gives each person a porter, a guide for every two, more food and drinks, and the best room each lodge has. There is no helicopter in any tier.
What food and water are included?
Standard: breakfast, lunch and dinner, a cup of tea or coffee with each meal, fruit at breakfast and 2 litres of hot water a day. Luxury: three meals, all the hot water you can drink, and your porter carries tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, fruit and nuts. Budget includes no food or water.
What travel insurance do I need for Makalu Base Camp?
Buy it at home, not in Nepal. It must cover trekking up to 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation.
Makalu Base Camp or Everest Base Camp: which should I choose?
Everest Base Camp has more lodges, more people and easier logistics. Makalu is much quieter and more remote, with basic lodges and harder days. If it is your first trek in Nepal, Everest is the easier choice. If you want quiet and do not mind simple lodges, Makalu is worth it.
When is the best time for the Makalu Base Camp trek?
October to mid-November is the best time, and April to May is good too. Late September and March are possible. In December to February snow can close the Shipton La, and in June to early September the monsoon brings rain, leeches and landslides on the road.
How do I book, and what is the deposit?
Send us a WhatsApp message or an enquiry with your dates. The deposit is 10% and you pay the rest in Kathmandu. The deposit is non-refundable, but you can move your trip to any date within one year with at least 72 hours' notice.
Secure payment by Himalayan Bank.
