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Makalu hiker
Makalu view 4 lowres
Makalu

One of the great forgotten trekking routes of Nepal, the strenuous two-week march straight to the base camp of the world’s fifth-highest mountain, the daunting Mt Makalu (8,463m) will delight those who revel in tranquil mountain trails, a sense of being off the beaten path and, most importantly, awesome mountain views.

The route zig-zags up and down along the Arun and Barun valleys taking in isolated villages, forests hung in mosses and orchids, high yak pastures and, finally, the rock and ice wastes around the base camp area. The reward is some of the most inspiring mountain vistas in Nepal.

A combination of logistical problems, the difficulty of the trekking and the lack of side routes and connecting trails means that only a few hardy groups come out this way. Most leave with the smug smile of people who’ve just experienced the magic of an older, more dramatic corner of Nepal. This is definitely a trek for the discerning walker.

Hidden gems in Makalu

Makalu

Makalu to Everest trek

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler
Experience

One of the most challenging treks in this book is the Makalu to Everest traverse via the very high passes of Sherpani (6,135m), West Col (6,143m), Baruntse Base Camp (5,700m) and Amphu Laptsa (5,850m) before descending into the Everest region at Pangboche. You should allow a minimum of three weeks for this trek and a lot more if you want to explore the Everest region in depth. You will need full expedition equipment, an experienced team, mountaineering experience and to be prepared for many nights’ camping above 4,500m.

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Makalu

Makalu Basecamp trek

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler
Experience

There’s only one standard route to Makalu base camp and it’s a simple there and back along the same trail. But this is a real wilderness trek and there are only permanent villages for the first and last couple of days. Most of the time the only other people you’ll meet are herders with their yaks. For me, the highlight of this trek is camping in gorgeous spring flower meadows well away from other people and waking to soaring mountain views.

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Makalu tours

Nepal Mountaineering (Peak Climbing)
Nepal

Nepal Mountaineering (Peak Climbing)

Technical peak climbing
16 – 20 days From $2,450 pp
Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu

Makalu Base Camp Trek

19 days From $2,352 pp

Makalu travel companies

South Asia

Travel Max Guide

Day tours and treks in the Himalayas
Nepal

Alpine Ramble Treks

Leading Kathmandu-based trekking agency
South Asia, Southeast Asia

Red Lantern Journeys

Culture, culinary, and adventure tours in Asia
Nepal

Amigo Treks & Expeditions

Leading Kathmandu-based trekking agency
South Asia, East Asia

Nepal Footprint Holiday

Locally-owned Kathmandu trekking company
South Asia

Apex Asia Holidays

Adventures to Nepal & Bhutan

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