Makalu Base Camp Trek

The best months for clear Makalu Base Camp views are definitely September and October.

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is very secluded compared to the standard EBC trek.

Yes, there are a couple, but you need to be there during the autumn season to experience them. You also have to be there at the right time and date.

Typically, we form a single group of 6 trekkers. However, we can also work out a larger group with additional guides.

Yes, prior high-altitude trekking experience is mandatory for this route since it is a physically demanding trek.

No, there are no age limits for joining this trek, but we do not take kids under 12 years of age.

There are no particular exercises; you just have to focus on endurance training and cardio exercises.

On average, you will have to walk for about 5 to 6 hours, so you should train accordingly.

Yes, a multi-day or multi-week trekking experience is required for Makalu since it is a physically demanding and difficult trekking destination.

You can go on short hikes to nearby hills or just use the treadmill in an incline setting. While the environmental conditions will be drastically different, the incline will feel the same.

You just need to have a pair of trekking boots and microspikes for this trek. You can also carry other gear if you want to.

Just normal trekking shoes will be enough for any part of this Makalu Base Camp Trek.

No, a standard Nepal visa is not enough for the Makalu trek; you must also have the necessary trekking permits and travel insurance.

Absolutely, your trek or travel insurance must cover the medical expenses and rescue operation expenses up to 5000 meters of elevation.

Without the assistance of an agency, you need to visit the Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara to obtain the necessary permits.

Yes, all the mandatory permits are covered by the trek package.

There are many companies that offer trek insurance packages. You can consult the trek experts at Morning Star to recommend the best options.

Yes, your insurance needs to have helicopter evacuation coverage; that is the main point of getting trek insurance.

No, permits are not refundable tickets.

Technically, a guide is required to enter the Makalu Barun National Park; you can visit the other regions with a guide as well. However, at this point, it will not be much of a trekking experience.

Per trekker, your luggage needs to be under 12 kg. Extra weight will be met with extra charges.

Yes, Morning Star’s trek guides are trained for altitude sickness emergencies. They know the drill and will contact the rescue services asap.

Yes, you can, but the chances of getting one are highly unlikely.

You should just tip whatever you are content with; there is no norm for tipping guides and porters.

Yes, our porters will carry all your gear all the way to the base camp and back.

The bedding materials are pretty standard; however, it might be a bit stiff for international visitors since soft, spring-loaded mattresses are not a thing in the remote villages.

Yes, hot showers are available at Khongma Danda teahouses and most of the tea houses along the route. It will cost you a buck or two.

While Chichila teahouses have electricity, there is no reliable internet connection.

Yes, you will have plenty of vegan meal options above Tashi Gaon and throughout the entire Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Yes, Langmale Kharka is one of the authentic Sherpa villages in the region, offering a variety of local and traditional food options.

You can just pack energy bars since we will be having lunch en route; you do not want to stuff yourself too much during trekking days.

The daytime temperature in late October ranges from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, while at night, the temperature drops to way below 0 degrees Celsius.

No, the possibility of that happening is very low; however, you might experience some snowfall around that period.

Yes, monsoon rains can often be heavy, offering really poor visibility.

April is not really the monsoon period in Nepal, but you can expect a little rain here and there.

The autumn season offers the best visibility. You will get a crystal clear view from the base camp.

It is not really needed, but you can use them if you feel confident with them.

You will definitely feel the difference in temperature as Dobato is 1960 meters higher than Chichilla. The difference will be around 10 to 12°C.

At Langmale, you need to watch for shortness of breath, a slight headache, lightheadedness, and nausea.

No, there are no emergency clinics near Makalu Base Camp. Emergency services are the only form of medical help.

Yes, you can expect leeches between Num and Seduwa during the month of July.

Absolutely, Diamox helps a lot if you get altitude sickness. It holds the power to save your trekking journey.

While local spring water sources are usually germ-free, transporting can contaminate it. So, we recommend always using water purification tablets.

There are no risks while visiting the Makalu Barun National Park. The carnivores live far away from the trekking trails, while the herbivores are usually chill.

No, there is no mobile signal at Dobato, but we can use a satellite phone to reach out for help.

You are free to cancel the trek for whatever reason, but you will not receive a full refund, as we have already spent most of the initial deposit to arrange a seamless trek for you.

Yes, the permits are a part of the trek package; you won’t have to pay for them separately.

For a trek in March, you should book the trek about 18 to 20 weeks early, so that you have enough time for physical training and other preparations.

Unless you change the trek date on the same day of booking, you will be charged for it. Depending on how late you change the date, you will have to pay additional fees.

No, cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances that we have no control over do not return you the full deposit. We will offer you a partial refund or a trek to a similar destination.

No, there are no group discounts in any of our trek packages.

No, altitude sickness is an element that we can not control, so the refund policy does not offer a refund.

Flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar are generally always on time.

We will preferably use a jeep to reach Chichila from Tumlingtar since jeeps are the best option for rugged roads. Normal cars and buses will have issues traversing the route.

Yes, there are alternative routes, but they require a long walk. Usually, you will not experience a blockage at that point of the trek.

Yes, you can do so, but it will come at a price.

The entry time is around 1.5 hours before the scheduled time of the flight. One of our reps will escort you to the airport as per the schedule.