Makalu Base Camp Trek - 20 Days

1. Trekking Guide and Support Team

At Alpinist Club, your trekking guide plays an essential role in ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized journey. From coordinating daily activities to managing logistics and monitoring your well-being, your guide will support you throughout the trek.

Our guides are familiar with the Makalu region, local cultures, mountain conditions, and trekking routes. They will explain the daily itinerary, provide information about the surrounding landscapes, and advise you on walking pace, acclimatization, and safety. Please follow your guide’s instructions, particularly in remote areas and at high altitudes.

Depending on your group size, route, and logistical requirements, your Nepalese trekking team may include:

• Lead Guide (Sirdar): Oversees the trekking team, coordinates logistics, manages the daily itinerary, and monitors group safety.
• Assistant Guide: Supports the lead guide, assists trekkers, and helps coordinate daily trekking activities.
• Porters: Carry the group’s luggage and supplies along the trekking route.
• Camping Crew: For itineraries that include camping, cooks and kitchen staff may be arranged to prepare meals and manage the campsite.

For groups of four or more trekkers, Alpinist Club may arrange one lead guide, one assistant guide, and two porters, depending on the itinerary and operational requirements. The final team composition will be confirmed before departure.

Personal Baggage Allowance

For tea-house trekking, each participant is generally allowed up to 15 kg of personal luggage carried by porters. Your daypack should contain essential items such as water, snacks, warm clothing, rain protection, personal medication, and valuables.

Please pack efficiently and respect the baggage allowance. Porter arrangements and luggage limits will be confirmed before the trek.

Alpinist Club arranges appropriate insurance and essential equipment for its Nepalese trekking staff in accordance with the requirements of the trip.

2. Accommodation in Kathmandu

During your stay in Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a comfortable tourist-standard hotel, generally in the Thamel area or nearby. We will select the hotel based on availability and the package arrangements.

Your package includes three nights of twin-sharing hotel accommodation with breakfast, as specified in the itinerary.

Meals in Kathmandu

A welcome dinner is included in the package. Other lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are generally at your own expense unless specifically stated in the package.

Kathmandu offers a wide range of dining options, including traditional Nepali dishes, international cuisine, and vegetarian meals.

3. Accommodation During the Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek passes through a remote part of eastern Nepal, where accommodation is more basic than on popular trekking routes such as Everest and Annapurna.

Most overnight stays are in local tea houses, small lodges, or family-run guesthouses. Facilities vary from village to village and may include twin-sharing rooms, simple beds, communal dining areas, and shared toilets. Private bathrooms and hot showers are not consistently available.

In some locations, facilities may be very basic, particularly at higher elevations and in less-developed settlements. Room availability can also be limited during busy trekking periods.

If your selected itinerary includes camping sections, appropriate tents, cooking arrangements, and support staff must be confirmed in advance. Camping equipment and services should not be assumed to be included unless listed in your package.

4. Meals and Drinking Water

During the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided according to the package inclusions. Meals are generally prepared by tea-house kitchens, with the menu depending on local availability.

A typical day's meals may include:

• Breakfast: Eggs, toast, chapati, Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, tea, or coffee.
• Lunch: Dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soup, potatoes, or other available local dishes.
• Dinner: Soup, dal bhat, rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, or other lodge-menu options.

Dal bhat, a traditional Nepali meal of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables, is a common and filling option for trekkers.

Please inform Alpinist Club about any dietary restrictions or food allergies before departure. Special dietary requirements may be more difficult to accommodate in remote villages.

Drinking Water

Safe hydration is essential throughout the trek. We recommend carrying reusable water bottles and treating water using suitable purification tablets, filters, or other approved methods.

Avoid drinking untreated water from streams and taps. Bottled water may be available in some villages, but availability and prices vary, and disposable plastic contributes to environmental pollution.

Tea, coffee, bottled drinks, and other beverages are included only as specified in your package. Additional drinks and snacks are generally at your own expense.

5. Trek Difficulty and Physical Fitness

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a challenging, remote, high-altitude trekking adventure suitable for people with good physical fitness and previous experience with multi-day hiking.

The journey typically involves long walking days, steep ascents and descents, uneven trails, suspension bridges, remote settlements, and changing weather conditions. Depending on the itinerary, crossing the Sele La passes adds further physical demands.

Trekkers should be prepared for:

• Several hours of walking on most trekking days.
• Sustained ascents and descents on rugged mountain trails.
• Cold temperatures and possible snow at higher elevations.
• Limited facilities and services in remote areas.
• The physical effects of altitude and reduced oxygen availability.

The daily walking duration and elevation gain vary according to the route and overnight stops. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for the planned walking hours, elevations, and distances.

6. Physical Preparation and Training

We recommend beginning your physical preparation at least two to three months before departure, or earlier if you are not regularly active.

A suitable training program may include:

• Regular hikes on varied terrain, gradually increasing distance and elevation.
• Cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming.
• Stair climbing and uphill walking to build endurance.
• Strength exercises for your legs, core, and back.
• Training with a daypack to become comfortable carrying essential items.

If possible, complete several longer hikes on consecutive days to prepare for the demands of multi-day trekking.

Good physical preparation improves comfort and endurance, but it does not eliminate the risk of altitude sickness.

7. Medical Check-up and Personal Health

Before travelling, consult your healthcare professional about your fitness for prolonged trekking at high altitude. Discuss your itinerary, maximum sleeping altitude, previous altitude-related problems, existing medical conditions, and any medications you take.

A dental check-up before departure is also sensible because access to dental care is limited in remote mountain areas.

Bring sufficient supplies of any prescribed medication, together with a personal first-aid kit and any necessary medical documentation. Inform your guide of relevant medical concerns that could affect your safety during the trek.

8. Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

The Makalu Base Camp Trek reaches high elevations, where altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness.

Symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

To reduce the risk:

• Follow the planned acclimatization schedule.
• Ascend gradually and avoid unnecessary exertion at altitude.
• Drink fluids regularly and eat sufficient food.
• Inform your guide immediately if you develop symptoms.
• Never continue ascending when experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness.

Severe symptoms, including confusion, difficulty walking straight, breathlessness at rest, or a worsening cough, require urgent medical assessment and may necessitate immediate descent and evacuation.

Medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox) may be appropriate for some trekkers, but it should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional before the trip. No medication completely eliminates the risk of altitude sickness.

Your guide may adjust the pace or itinerary when necessary to protect the group’s health and safety.

9. Weather and Best Seasons

The best seasons for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are generally spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)

• Spring: Warmer daytime conditions, blooming rhododendrons, and good opportunities for mountain views.
• Autumn: Generally stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions.
• Winter: Very cold conditions, possible heavy snow, and increased difficulties on high passes.
• Monsoon: Heavy rainfall, slippery trails, leeches at lower elevations, landslides, and possible flight disruptions.

Weather can change quickly in the Himalayas, even during the recommended seasons. Snow, strong winds, rain, and cold temperatures may affect walking conditions and access to high passes.

The final decision to cross a pass or continue along a trail should always consider current weather, trail conditions, and the safety of the group.

10. Group Size

Alpinist Club organizes the Makalu Base Camp Trek for small groups and private parties. Group size depends on the selected departure, availability, and logistical arrangements.

Small groups allow more flexibility, closer communication with the guide, and a more personal experience of local villages and mountain landscapes.

Private departures may be arranged for individuals, couples, families, or groups of friends, subject to permit requirements and the availability of guides and support staff.

The final group size and staff arrangements will be confirmed before departure.

11. Personal Trekking Equipment

Trekkers are responsible for bringing their personal clothing and trekking equipment. Alpinist Club will provide a detailed packing list before departure and help you prepare for the expected weather and trail conditions.

Essential items generally include:

•  Trekking boots and comfortable hiking socks.
• Layered clothing, including thermal base layers and fleece.
• A warm down jacket and waterproof jacket and trousers.
• A suitable sleeping bag for the expected temperatures.
• A comfortable daypack and reusable water bottles.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, and warm gloves.
• A headlamp with spare batteries.
• Personal medication, toiletries, and a small first-aid kit.
• Trekking poles, if preferred.

Sleeping bags and down jackets may be available for rent through Alpinist Club, subject to availability and any applicable rental charges. Please arrange rentals before departure.

12. Safety and Emergency Procedures

Your safety is a priority throughout the Makalu Base Camp Trek. Our team plans the journey carefully, monitors trekking conditions, and provides guidance on walking pace, acclimatization, and daily safety.

The trek takes place in a remote region where access to medical facilities, roads, and communication networks may be limited. Emergency response can take time, particularly during poor weather.

Depending on the route and availability, communication arrangements may include mobile phones, local networks. The equipment provided will be confirmed for your specific departure.

If a medical emergency occurs, your guide will assess the situation, coordinate appropriate assistance, and arrange descent or evacuation when necessary. Helicopter evacuation depends on weather, visibility, landing conditions, aircraft availability, and operational restrictions.

Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory. Trekkers must ensure that their policy covers the maximum altitude and activities included in their itinerary.

13. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Your policy should specifically cover:

• Trekking at the maximum altitude of your itinerary.
• Emergency medical treatment.
• Helicopter evacuation and rescue at high altitude.
• Trip cancellation and interruption.
• Repatriation and other relevant emergency expenses.

Please check the policy wording carefully. Some standard travel insurance policies exclude high-altitude trekking or helicopter rescue.

Insurance for Nepalese guides and porters is arranged by Alpinist Club as specified in the package, but this does not replace your personal travel insurance.

14. Permits and Trekking Regulations

The Kanchenjunga region is a restricted trekking area, and visitors must comply with the applicable permit and entry requirements.

The required documentation generally includes the Makalu Restricted Area Permit and Makalu National Park Permit  (KCAP). Permit conditions, authorized routes, and requirements for trekking with a registered agency and licensed guide must be followed.

Alpinist Club will coordinate the required permits according to the confirmed itinerary and current regulations. Please carry your passport and any required travel documents during the trek.

Permit rules and fees can change, so final arrangements will be confirmed before departure.

15. Electricity, Internet, and Mobile Connectivity

Mobile coverage, internet access, and electricity are limited and inconsistent in the Kanchenjunga region. Some villages may have charging facilities, while other locations may offer little or no access.

Charging phones, cameras, and power banks may involve an additional fee. We recommend carrying a power bank, spare batteries, and suitable charging equipment.

Do not rely on continuous mobile connectivity during the trek. Inform family or friends that communication may be intermittent, particularly in remote valleys and at higher elevations.

16. Money and Personal Expenses

Carry sufficient Nepalese rupees for personal expenses during the trek. ATMs and card-payment facilities are generally unavailable along much of the route.

Personal expenses may include additional drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging fees, internet access, laundry, and tips for the trekking team.

Prices for basic services often increase with elevation because supplies must be transported into remote mountain settlements.

17. Responsible and Sustainable Trekking

The Makalu region is valued for its pristine landscapes, biodiversity, and traditional communities. All trekkers are encouraged to travel responsibly and respect the natural environment.

Please follow these guidelines:

• Carry reusable water bottles and minimize single-use plastic.
• Take all non-biodegradable waste back to appropriate disposal points.
• Respect local customs, religious sites, monasteries, and community traditions.
• Ask permission before photographing local people.
• Follow designated trails and your guide’s instructions.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging vegetation.
• Use water and other local resources responsibly.

Responsible trekking helps protect the region’s environment and supports the communities that welcome visitors.

18. Communication and Pre-Trek Briefing

Before departure, your Alpinist Club team will review the itinerary, accommodation arrangements, permits, packing list, baggage allowance, and transportation schedule with you.

You will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any dietary requirements, medical concerns, or equipment needs.

The guide will also explain the daily routine, expected walking conditions, safety procedures, and the importance of following the planned acclimatization schedule.

19. Flexibility and Itinerary Changes

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventure in a remote mountain region, and conditions may change unexpectedly. Weather, trail conditions, illness, landslides, flight disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances can affect the planned itinerary.

Your guide may recommend changes to the walking schedule, overnight stops, or route when necessary for safety. Alpinist Club will make reasonable efforts to maintain the planned itinerary, but reaching every destination cannot be guaranteed.

Additional accommodation, meals, transportation, or evacuation expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances may be payable by the trekker unless covered by the package or insurance policy.

20. Final Preparation with Alpinist Club

The Makalu Base Camp Trek offers a remarkable opportunity to explore one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayan regions and visit the spectacular northern and southern approaches to Mount Kanchenjunga.

With appropriate physical preparation, suitable equipment, realistic expectations, and respect for the mountains, you can enjoy a rewarding and memorable trekking experience.

Alpinist Club will assist with the necessary preparations, explain the practical arrangements, and help you understand what to expect before setting off on your Himalayan adventure.