Key Features of the Mardi Himal Trek
- Marvel at the incredible sights of some world's highest peaks; Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and more.
- Interact with locals and learn more about their enriched cultures, traditions and lifestyles.
- Encounter some of the endangered wildlife while traversing.
- Feel the thrill of crossing an altitude above 5000 meters.
- Stunned yourself while revealing the hidden treasures of Nepal.
- Relish an amazing tranquil trail throughout the journey.
Difficulties with Altitude Gain on Makalu Trek
Altitude gain is the main difficulty in Makalu Trek that occurs while ascending to the high-altitude terrain. Generally, the trek involves gaining significant elevation, reaching up to over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) within a span of days.
A strenuous walk of 6-7 hours each day into the wild Himalayan terrain with steep uphill and downhill normally gains 1000 meters of altitude gain on a single day. Rapid ascent greatly increases the chances of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a concern for many trekkers at new high heights, requiring acclimatization and proper preparation.
Altitude illness evinces in several symptoms like; nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and breathlessness. The most effectual preventive measures involve maintaining a proper level of hydration by drinking an accessible amount of water and gradually subsiding to a lower elevated area to permit the body to acclimatize and return to normal. If the body doesn’t come to a normal state, take preventative medications.
Difficulties with Makalu Base Camp Trek Duration
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the strenuous and longest treks that usually takes around 18 to 20 days to conclude, based on several factors such as your fitness level, acclimatization days, weather conditions, and the specific itinerary preferred.
Undoubtedly, Makalu Base Camp Trek is the most physically demanding trek where the individual needs the stamina to walk for around 6-7 hours in each day of the 20-day trekking period. The distance and duration equally raise the difficulty level, as this trail covers approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles), this may differ depending on the itinerary you choose. Make sure to be properly physically and mentally fit and have endurance power to tackle the problems during Makalu Trek.
Difficulty with Wild and Remote Terrain during Makalu Trek
Makalu Base Camp lying in the remote region offers an adventurous off-the-beaten-path to the natural paradise. Surely, to witness a stunning vista and stand right away on high Mountain Makalu, there comes an obstacle passing through the rugged Himalayan terrain. It is one of the factors that cause the Difficulty in Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Makalu Trekking Trail presents a formidable challenge navigating through dense forests, arduous ascents and descents, rocky paths, and cramped ridges, as this trek necessitates prior mountaineering experience. Trekking for multiple days at high altitude essentials physical fitness, endurance, and mental flexibility.
Difficulty arises due to Unforeseen Weather Circumstances
Trekking in the Makalu region can be difficult due to utmost weather conditions. It's crucial to comply closely with the guide's instructions. If you're trekking without a guide, exercise extra caution on the trails and be prepared to take necessary safeguards in case of unpredictable weather changes.
The winter months (December-February) at the Makalu base camp can be marked by grating and unforeseen climate state, often noticeable by strong winds. Due to the possible difficulty constituted by the exigent and varying weather, it is important to take ample precautions while conquering the base camp. For a safer and greater experience, it is advisable to plan visits during the Autumn and Spring seasons when the weather is generally more stable.
Difficulty increases with Technical Challenges
Depending on the trekking route selected, visitors may experience technical climbing sections, such as crossing rivers, and glaciers or steering long steep passes. Required equipment, such as; crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses, for a safe and enjoyable journey.
If not a technical climb, some segments of the trail may need basic mountaineering skills, mainly when accessing higher elevations.
Physical Fitness Training Required
Makalu Base Camp Trek is sure a difficult one but not an unfeasible one. Anyone can complete this trek if the individuals work out for some time. Preparation is the measure key to conquering the Makalu Base Camp with lots of excitement.
Adequate preparation such as cardiovascular exercises, leg strengthening, jogging, hiking, swimming and such like others will help to achieve the dreamy snowy destination. You just need to focus 30 minutes every day a month before your trek to get all set for your trekking journey.
But before embarking on the journey make sure to consult with your doctor whether it is fine to trek in high altitude or not. Because measure conditions like heart problems and serious other problems can’t make their trek to higher altitudes.
Best Time to do Makalu Base Camp Trek
If you plan your trip at the right time, then the Makalu trek difficulty level will decrease and ease you to trek joyfully. The Makalu base camp trek can be done all year round but there are some seasons considered as the best trek in Nepal. Spring and Autumn Seasons are on the list which provide favorable weather, clear skies and spectacular Mountain views.
During the month of March, April, May, September, October and November the surroundings will much amazing to commence the journey and grant the wonderful and clear views of Mount Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Chamlang (7319m), and Baruntse (7129m) and many more.
Note: We advise not to trek in the Monsoon and Winter seasons. The trek will be more challenging because of the wet and slippery path in Monsoon. The weather will be freezing cold in Winter, so there wouldn’t be a chance to trek smoothly.
Permits Essential for Makalu Base Camp Trek
Normally, treks in Nepal require certain permits for entry permission in the Makalu Region. In Makalu Base Camp trek, two permits are essential. Look out on the list below
Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit
Makalu Rural Municipality Permit.
These permits come with entrance fees. However, if you are planning with the trekking agency, they can arrange the permits, relieving your concerns.
Permit cost:
For SAARC country (Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit cost is NPR 1500 per person)
For other country (Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit Cost is NPR 3000 per person)
Makalu Rural Municipality Permit cost is NPR 2000 per person.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive to Chichila | 50 Mins flight, 3-4 hours' drive
Day 3: Trek from Chichila to Num | 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek from Num to Seduwa | 6-7 hours
Day 5: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon | 4-5 hours
Day 6: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda | 6-7 hours
Day 7: Acclimatization Day
Day 8: Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate | 6-7 hours
Day 9: Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka | 6-7 hours
Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka | 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek from Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp | 6-7 hours
Day 12: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 13: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka | 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobate | 6-7 hours
Day 15: Trek from Dobate to Khongma Danda | 5-6 hours
Day 16: Trek from Khongma Danda to Tashigaon | 4-5 hours
Day 17: Trek from Tashigaon to Seduwa | 4-5 hours
Day 18: Trek from Seduwa to Num | 5-6 hours
Day 19: Trek from Num to Tumlingtar | 6-7 hours
Day 20: Tumlingtar to Kathmandu | 50 mins flight
Day 21: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Note: The itinerary can be customized according to the trekker’s preferences.
Conclusion
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of the adventurous treks which thrills the trekkers as well as rewards the glorious top Himalayan Views. Mostly, suitable for experienced trekkers who are physically fit, have previous high-altitude trekking experience, and are prepared for the more challenges of remote wilderness trekking. But for beginners’ proper acclimatization, physical training, and comprehensive gear and equipment are crucial to conquer the journey feasibly.
Undoubtedly, Makalu Base Camp is the finest trek that surely leaves an unforgettable mark for a lifetime.
