Faq of Makalu Base Camp Trek

» How long is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Generally, Makalu Base Camp Trek is 18-24 days long but you can customize/personalize the trekking days and the itinerary according to your requirements with Nepal Mountain Trekkers.

» How expensive is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The budget for Makalu Base Camp Trek ranges from USD 2,500.00 up to USD 4,000.00 or more depending upon the group the size, services you choose, and as per your requirements and specifications.

» What is so special about Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp Trek helps you observe the lifestyle of the cross-section of people besides traversing through high altitude terrains, snow-clad landscapes, a steamy forest of low altitude, glaciers and glacial lakes and an array of awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks.

» How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Makalu Base Camp Trek is a demanding trekking expedition requiring trekkers to walk around 6-8 hours on average on difficult terrains and have very good physical fitness with regular exercising routine.

» Is it safe to go for Makalu Base Camp Trek after Earthquake?

The earthquake of 2015 had an adverse effect on the trekking trails and the local inhabitants back then but now after the patience and positive attitude of the people along with their effort and collaboration from several donors, the trails are totally recovered and fine for trekking again. Though the lifestyle of people is somehow still lagged behind in some reasons because of trekkers and their contributions, they’ve got a light of hope that they will rise again.

» What is the best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Spring months from March to May and Autumn months from September to November are the best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek. 

» Are there any hospitals or medicals during Makalu Base Camp Trek?

There are several health posts along the trail where very basic medical facilities are available up to Tashigaon but there are barely any medical facilities afterward. Hence, it is recommended to have your own first-aid kid and regular medical supplies along with you during this trek.

» What will happen in the case of emergency during Makalu Base Camp Trek?

In the case of emergency, our highly experienced and determined trekking staffs and guides who are the inhabitants of this region and are professional in these fields would guide you with the best instruction according to the situation. They are well aware of every kind of risks and the solutions and they would be in touch with the company along with your trekking session, so there is no reason to worry about, just enjoy the trek.

» What foods and accommodations can we expect during Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The foods provided during the trek are mostly the typical Nepalese food i.e. Dal Bhat and the accommodation are basic tea-houses as well as tent-camps.

» Why to choose Nepal Mountain Trekkers for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Nepal Mountain Trekkers is a travel agency formed with the involvement of highly experienced and professional trekkers with an experience of more than two decades in trekking in the Himalayas. Moreover, we do have staffs from all the special parts of the country to provide you with the proper and adequate information and make you enjoy the best of your trip. In our years of experience, none of our clients had any complaint or dissatisfaction from our company and till now all our previous clients highly recommend our team to their friends and family which is the reason behind our dedication and diligence. Once you trek with our team, you will surely think of visiting Nepal time and again with us as our other clients.

» Why do we need a guide and porters for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

It is necessary to take a highly experienced and licensed guide to instruct you and help you explore the best of this trek as well as to take care of you during the trek. If you go trekking without a guide then you won't get to know the things you ought to explore as well as there might arise several problems on the trail. On the other hand, to enhance the comfort of trekking, you might need porters to carry your loads. 

» Is the water safe to drink?

Since the trail of this trekking is mostly rural, the drinking water available during this trek would be tap water, well water or hand pumps and should be purified prior to drinking them. Hence, you should buy bottled waters or should have water purifying pills or any other equipment to ensure drinking safe water.

» What is the required equipment to go for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

» Is it important to have insurance before going to Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Well, it is not compulsory to be insured but as we already know “Prevention is better than cure”. If you are insured then you can have a relaxed trip without worries and enjoy with a free mind.

» Is it possible to get shower during the trek?

Yes, it is possible to get hot showers during Makalu Base Camp Trek on the lodges you would be staying overnight or during acclimatization.

» Is it possible to customize the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary on my own?

No doubt about that, the itinerary is all yours and you can customize or personalize it according to your requirements with Nepal Mountain Trekkers.

» Is Makalu Base Camp Trek safe for solo trekker or solo female trekker?

The trek could be extremely adventurous and exciting for solo trekkers and since you will be walking through off-the-beaten paths, it is somehow risky for the solo trekker and solo female trekkers. You need to be aware and capable of handling several situations in order to prevent from obligations and challenges during the trek. So, at least a highly experienced and certified trekking guide is needed for this trek even for solo trekkers. 

» Do we need a special permit for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you will need a special permit for Makalu Base Camp Trek because Makalu is a restricted area as well as you will have to pass thru Makalu Barun National Park, you would need to have Makalu Restricted Area Special Permit, Makalu Barun National Park Permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).

 

» Is it possible to take Drone at Makalu Restricted Area? How much would it cost?

The rules and regulations for Operating UAV (drone) in Nepal as per the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) are:

No one shall operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone in Nepal without obtaining permission as follows:
1.    Tourists intending to fly UAV during their visit in Nepal shall obtain prior permission from the following agencies:
•    Department of Tourism
•    Ministry of Home Affairs
•    Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (not necessary for UAV less than 2 kg and below 200 ft from ground level)
2.    For research and study purpose, the permission of the following agencies is required:
•    Line Ministry/Department relating to the subject matter of research/study
•    Ministry of Home Affairs
•    Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (not necessary for UAV less than 2 kg and below 200 ft from ground)
3.    UAV Pilots should be proficient in flying and have basic knowledge of rules pertaining to drone operation
4.    Do not fly UAV in a way that may cause a safety risk to the aircraft flying in the area.
5.    Small flying Toys can be operated inside the private premises.
6.    Flying UAVs in the public areas for fun requires permission from the local security agencies.
7.    The liability of any harm to the persons or damage to the property caused due to the UAV operation shall be the responsibility of the person flying the drone.
8.    Refer the following documents for detailed requirements for UAV operations in Nepal:
•    ‘Flight Operations Directive No. 7, May 2015’ of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
•    ‘Procedure for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flying’ of Ministry of Home Affairs
9.    Do not use UAV other than the scope of permission.
10.    Flying a UAV without due permission shall be considered Illegal and shall be subjected to the punishment in accordance to the prevailing civil aviation rules.

Likewise, the cost of flying a drone at Annapurna Conservation would vary upon the purpose of taking the drone so please proceed to inquiry along with the purpose of taking it.

» Will I get altitude sickness during Makalu Base Camp Trek?

There is a possibility of getting altitude sickness during Makalu Base Camp Trek but with proper acclimatization and health care as well as the guidance from trekking staffs, you shouldn’t face the trouble of altitude sickness.

» Could I use ATM and Credit Cards during the trek?

ATMs and credit cards are accessible only on the major cities of Nepal, so during your Makalu Base Camp Trek, you can use ATMs and credit cards only while you are in Kathmandu or other district headquarters like Tumlingtar.
 

» How much should I tip to my guide and porter?

Well, the tip for guide and other trekking staffs like porters and drivers is not mandatory but since they contribute their time apart from family to make you enjoy the best of your trip ensuring your safety and satisfaction, we recommend you to contribute some amount of tip for them. In Nepal, it is practised that 10% of the total amount you pay for your trek and tour is contributed as a tip.

» Are telephone and internet facilities available during the trek?

Yes, in most of the lodges and tea-houses, the telephone and internet facilities are available during your trek. But in some places, they might charge some amount for the service. And you can also use mobile data all along the trail throughout your trekking session to access the Internet and to communicate with your friends and family except for some isolated places.

» How can I charge my batteries (mobile, camera and other electronic devices) during Makalu Base Camp Trek?

While you are on Makalu Base Camp Trek, you can get access to electricity for charging your electronic devices at lodges and tea-houses but you can only get access to the two-pin adapter in some of them so you should bring conversion plug or another converter if your device charger is not suitable with two-pin plug. And while you stay overnight in tent-camps, it is recommended to have your own power supply if possible.