The Makalu Base Camp trek is a challenging and remote trekking route that takes you to the base camp of Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. Located in the eastern region of Nepal, the trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga.
The trek starts with a flight to Tumlingtar, followed by a drive to Chichila. From there, the trail gradually ascends through beautiful forests, terraced fields, and remote villages. As you gain altitude, the landscapes change, and you’ll pass through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes.
The trek is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the Red Panda and Snow Leopard. You’ll also encounter various ethnic groups along the way, such as the Sherpas, Rai, and Limbu, who have their own unique cultures and traditions.
Reaching the Makalu Base Camp is a rewarding experience, as you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. The campsite offers stunning views of Makalu’s impressive south face, which is one of the most challenging and technical climbs in the world.
Due to its remote location and challenging terrain, the Makalu Base Camp trek is recommended for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and have previous high-altitude trekking experience. It is a less crowded trekking route compared to the popular Everest and Annapurna regions, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience.
My partner and I met KV Rai (owner and operator of Mountain Planner) in April of 2017 when he guided us on a 7 day trek in the Langtang Valley of the Himalayas. KV did everything to ensure that our trek was memorable. He was professional, knowledgeable, fun, and full of energy. My partner and I are highly athletic and he ensured that our pace and activities were consistent with our abilities and interests. KV also went out of his way to make our experience authentic, allowing us to interact with the villagers and owners of the teahouses in ways that we did not see others doing. We had an opportunity to cook with a family and share a meal and spent time with the villagers when other trekkers stayed with their groups. These were precious moments that left lasting impressions. Further, KV’s knowledge of geography, culture, politics, etc. made our trip a tremendous learning experience. We absolutely adored KV and trek. By the end of the trip, we had developed such a strong bond with KV and were so enamored with the Nepal he had shown us that we were determined to return the following year to do the Everest Base Camp trek.
We stayed in touch with KV via Facebook messenger and email throughout the next break we had from our work as international teachers and began to plan our next trip to Nepal. As we got closer to the trip we said that we would not go with another guide other than KV. We made this a reality, returning to do the Everest Base Camp trek in December of 2017.
Our trip completing the Everest Base Camp trek was spectacular. On this trip, KV was managing two additional clients. The first trek we were his only clients. Despite this, and the fact that the clients were not equip in many ways for such an undertaking, KV did a miraculous job of balancing all of our needs and varying physical capabilities. Again, he was professional, thoughtful, and knowledge. We watched him navigate some difficult choices to accommodate the limitations of his other clients, and balance giving us the time and attention as if we were family. Everest Base Camp was the single most amazing trekking experience I have ever had and may have in my life. An essential part of that was KV and the relationship that we had developed. KV ensures that you are informed, safe, comfortable (or as comfortable as you can be at 17,000 ft in December), and happy. His energy is infectious; his smile is joyous; his attention to detail fantastic.
The Everest Base Camp trek was a year and a half ago. I communicate with KV at least once a month. I am as close to him as many family members. He even offered to host our wedding at his family home. I cannot speak more highly of him and his business. If you want an authentic, memorable, once in a lifetime experience, trek with KV and Mountain Planner.
I highly recommend Mountain Planner. Kevin is a wonderful human.
It was so much fun to spend the week exploring Nepal with him. He did a great job customizing our vacation to fit our needs. We got to experience trekking in the mountains near Pokhara and the Annapurna range; explore the jungle in Chitwan National Park; explore the sights of Kathmandu; and see Mt Everest from a Himalayan mountain flight. Kevin arranged all of this and made great recommendations on all of it.
Thanks to my friend Ray, enjoy the Until now, better experience in trekking, we spent 2 unforgettable weeks in the EBC plus Gokyo, He knows all the places he manages permits and always accompanies with good humor, I will go back to this wonderful country and I will do the trekking of the annapurna as not with my great friend, 5 stars could not be enough.
Gracias a mi amigo Ray , disfrute del Hasta ahora, mejor experiencia en trekking , pasamos 2 semanas inolvidables en el EBC mas Gokyo , El conoce todos los lugares gestiona permisos billetes y siempre acompaña con buen humor , volvere a este maravilloso pais y hare el trekking del annapurna como no con mi gran amigo , 5 stars no pudo ser mejor .
In April 2019 I had the possibility to visit for a first time Nepal , and I would like recommend Mountain Planner. Kevin prepared a wonderful trip to me , kevin did and excellent job organizing my short vacation fitting it into my special request .Indeed exploring sight of kathmandu , exploring the Mt Everest having a wonderful mountain flight ,
between others important places , I know that in 6 days I can’t do too much, but it was a great experience to me and I will be back for others new experiences
Kevin arranged all of this short adventure, and Sandip Rai was my private tourist guide during this awesome short trip.thanks a lot to Both of you guys.
Highly recommended to Mountain Planner. Very professional and attentive. Beautiful landscapes, Everest base camp and Gokyo lakes. An incredible experience. I’ll repeat with other trek!
Again in Nepal, On October 06 – 16 / 10 / 2018 to Annapurna Base Camp Trek with same guide Mr. Kevin through the very responsible trekking company ”Mountain Planner Treks & Expedition”. Mountain Planner help me to enjoy the travel with funny moments.
It’s really great hike. I would like to recommend ”Mountain Planner” who looking forward trek to Nepal for vacation with very responsible trekking guide and trekking company. Thank you very much Mountain Planner for great support and effort to complete successful trip to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
