- Airport Pickup and Drop Service: Transportation to and from the airport for both international and domestic flights ensures a smooth start and end to your journey.
- All Necessary Trekking Permits: Includes all required permits for trekking in the Makalu Barun National Park and other regulated areas.
- Accommodations During the Trek: Comfortable tea house stays are provided throughout the trek.
- Meals (B/L/D) and Tea/Coffee During the Trek: All meals and hot beverages are covered during the trek.
- Licensed and First Aid-Trained Trekking Guide: A professional guide with first aid training will accompany you, along with one porter for every two trekkers.
- Guide and Porter Costs: The salary, food, equipment, and insurance for the trekking guide and porter are included.
- Flight Tickets: Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and back are covered.
- Private Transport During the Trek: Includes all necessary ground transportation for the trek.
- First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with essential medications is available.
- Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is provided if needed (refundable upon return).
- Himalayan Spirit trekMerchandise: Includes a T-shirt, duffle bag, trekking map, and water purification tablets.
- Official Expenses and Taxes: All local and government taxes and VAT are included.
What's Excluded
- International Flight Tickets and Nepal Entry Visa: You are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your international flights and visa for entry into Nepal.
- Travel and Health Insurance: Must include coverage for emergency rescues and evacuations.
- Personal Expenses During the Trek: Any personal expenses such as snacks, beverages, bottled water, thermos hot water, Wi-Fi, etc., are not included.
- Tips for Guide and Porter: While not mandatory, tipping the trekking guide and porter is expected and appreciated.
Cost Included
- Airport Pickup and Drop Service: Transportation to and from the airport for both international and domestic flights ensures a smooth start and end to your journey.
- All Necessary Trekking Permits: Includes all required permits for trekking in the Makalu Barun National Park and other regulated areas.
- Accommodations During the Trek: Comfortable tea house stays are provided throughout the trek.
- Meals (B/L/D) and Tea/Coffee During the Trek: All meals and hot beverages are covered during the trek.
- Licensed and First Aid-Trained Trekking Guide: A professional guide with first aid training will accompany you, along with one porter for every two trekkers.
- Guide and Porter Costs: The salary, food, equipment, and insurance for the trekking guide and porter are included.
- Flight Tickets: Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and back are covered.
- Private Transport During the Trek: Includes all necessary ground transportation for the trek.
- First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with essential medications is available.
- Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is provided if needed (refundable upon return).
- Himalayan Spirit trekMerchandise: Includes a T-shirt, duffle bag, trekking map, and water purification tablets.
- Official Expenses and Taxes: All local and government taxes and VAT are included.
What's Excluded
Cost Excluded
- International Flight Tickets and Nepal Entry Visa: You are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your international flights and visa for entry into Nepal.
- Travel and Health Insurance: Must include coverage for emergency rescues and evacuations.
- Personal Expenses During the Trek: Any personal expenses such as snacks, beverages, bottled water, thermos hot water, Wi-Fi, etc., are not included.
- Tips for Guide and Porter: While not mandatory, tipping the trekking guide and porter is expected and appreciated.
Food
Due to the remoteness, the food menu is limited but includes traditional Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat, lentils, roti, curry, momos, and noodles. Trekkers are advised to carry additional snacks such as instant soups, dry fruits, instant noodles, juice, nuts, and herbal tea for convenience.
Makalu Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost ranges from $1500 to $5000, depending on factors such as trek duration, accommodation, and transportation. The package typically covers most expenses, but additional costs for international airfare, Nepal entry visa, hotel stays in Kathmandu, personal expenses, travel insurance, and tips for guides and porters are excluded.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is crucial, covering emergency rescues and evacuations, as the Makalu region is remote with limited health services. In case of a medical emergency, an air evacuation might be necessary.
Travel Tips
- Electricity: Charging devices in tea houses often incurs extra costs. Bringing a solar charger or power bank is recommended.
- Internet: Nepali SIM cards with data are the cheapest option for internet access, though connections may be unstable or unavailable in remote areas.
- Luggage: Trekkers should carry a backpack with essentials (up to 5 kg), with heavier items packed in a duffel bag provided by the trekking company.
- ATM: There are no ATMs on the trekking route. Ensure you withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu.
Tipping: Tipping guides, porters, and drivers is customary but not included in the package cost. Trekkers are encouraged to tip based on their satisfaction with the service.
Highlights of the Makalu Base Camp Trek:
- Majestic Arun Valley: Wander through one of Nepal's most beautiful trekking regions.
- Scenic Landscapes: Cross green terraced farmlands and sheer cliffs, immersing yourself in the unspoiled nature of the Himalayas.
- Mountain Views: Witness glorious sights of majestic mountains such as Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Lhotse, and other eastern peaks like Kanchenjunga.
- Wildlife Sightings: Spot endangered wildlife such as Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and Musk Deer.
- Makalu Barun National Park: Explore the fascinating national park, rich in biodiversity.
- Blossomed Trails: Trek through trails filled with vibrant rhododendron blossoms.
- Cultural Diversity: Meet and interact with diverse ethnic groups like the Rai, Gurung, Shingsawa, and Sherpa.
- Less Crowded Route: Enjoy a quieter and offbeat trekking route compared to other popular treks.
Unique Features of the Makalu Base Camp Trek:
- Panoramic Mountain Views: Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, where major mountains can be hidden from view, the Makalu Base Camp trek offers continuous panoramic views of majestic peaks such as Everest (8,848.86m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Kanchenjunga (8,586m).
- Elevation: Mount Makalu stands at an elevation of 8,463 meters, making it the fifth-highest peak in the world.
- Rhododendron Forests: Experience the beauty of evergreen rhododendron forests along the trails.
- Cultural Exploration: The trek offers a chance to explore the rich and diverse cultural practices and traditions of the Gurung, Rai, and Sherpa communities.
- Remote Lifestyle: Get a glimpse into the lifestyle of locals in very remote areas.
- 16-Day Adventure: This trek spans 16 days, starting from terraced farmlands of the Rai ethnicity, passing through rhododendron forests, and reaching the base camp of Makalu.
- Diverse Wildlife: Encounter exotic wildlife such as Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, and Red Pandas in the Makalu Barun National Park.
- Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic views of some of the world’s highest mountains, glacier lakes, and the Hinku Valley from vantage points above the Makalu Base Camp.
- Tailored Itineraries: Himalayan Spirit trek Trails offers customizable itineraries to suit individual preferences, ensuring a memorable trekking experience.
Why Choose Himalayan Spirit trek Trails?
- Trustworthy and Reliable: A reputable local trekking operator in Nepal with years of experience.
- Well-Designed Itineraries: Carefully crafted itineraries to provide the best possible experience.
- Tailor-Made Options: Flexibility to customize itineraries based on trekkers’ preferences.
- Memorable Experience: Commitment to offering a memorable trekking experience at a fair price point.
- Proven Track Record: Successfully arranged thousands of trekking expeditions for travelers worldwide.
