When Is The Best Time For Makalu Base Camp Trekking In Nepal

Getting on a journey to the stunning Makalu Base Camp in the Himalayas is an experience that will leave you in awe of nature's grandeur. Situated in the eastern region of Nepal, Makalu Base Camp offers trekkers a unique opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the world's fifth highest mountain, Mount Makalu (8,481 meters). However, choosing the right time to undertake this adventure is crucial to ensure an unforgettable and safe trekking experience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the best time for the Makalu Base Camp trek, taking into consideration weather conditions, visibility, and other important factors.

Mt. Makalu View from Makalu Base Camp.

There is a varied weather pattern in Makalu Base Camp trek throughout the year. Like any other climatic area in Nepal, there are 4 weather patterns in the Makalu region, namely: Spring (March-May), Summer/Monsoon (June-August), Autumn (September-November), and Winter (December-February).

Monsoon- Avoid this season

The Monsoon period that begins in June and lasts till the end of August is permeated by the regular rainfall in the subalpine areas of Makalu. This area receives about 4000 mm of rainfall every year during the monsoon. The trails are slippery and muddy, making it difficult to traverse during this period of the year. Additionally, monsoon clouds gather over the horizon for most of this period obstructing the views of the Himalayan mountains.

The temperature variation in the Makalu region during the monsoon is relatively warm owing to the summer heat in the area. The daytime temperature during this period is 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. It is not advisable to trek to Makalu during monsoon owing to erratic rain showers across the space. The trek is obstructed furthermore by humid weather, hovering insects, and leeches across the trail.

Shipton La Pass 4220 meters on the way to Makalu Base Camp Trek

Winter time-not recommended for novice trekkers

Winter in the Makalu region is harsh with regular snowfall in the higher elevated areas. Similar to other regions within Nepal, winter brings in the gush of cold wind from the east and the whole spatial distribution of the place is dry and arid. Trek to Makalu in Winter, while possible, the utmost care has to be taken while planning your itinerary. While the lower areas of the trek are easily accessible even during the peak winter time, the major passes of the trek: Kauma La(3637m), Tutu La(4125m), and Keke La(4170m) are filled with deep ridden snow during the winter.

Another challenge of trekking to Makalu in winter is the sharply plummeting temperature drop that occurs in the higher elevations. In general, the temperatures in the Makalu region during winter are extremely cold, often dropping well below the freezing point. It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach -20 degrees Celsius or even lower at higher elevations. It is advised that you make your travel arrangements with a recognized trekking company if you are planning to trek to Makalu in winter.

Spring Season- the best time for Makalu Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

Amongst the best season to trek in Nepal, is Spring time which begins in March and lasts till May. This particular time of the year is typified by an amusing aura, calm weather with warm sunny days. The Makalu trek is best enjoyed during the spring which provides the best views of the Himalayan mountains and surrounding geography. The temperature variation is not harsh with evenings and mornings getting a bit chilly. Rest assured, the weather window for trekking in Makalu is perfect during the spring.

Apart from the appeasing temperature, the trail leading to Makalu Base Camp is filled with the diverse flora of the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area. These magnificent flowers blanket the hillsides with hues of red, pink, and white, creating a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. Besides, Springtime calls for the Holi festival in Nepal, so you might be in for a festive treat. The daytime temperature during Spring ranges from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and nighttime ranges from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius or even lower in elevation beyond 4000 meters.

Our Camp at Nehe Kharka on the way to Makalu Base Camp Treks in Nepal 

Autumn Season, another fantastic time for Trekking to Makalu Base Camp

Trek to Makalu in Autumn is prosperously rewarding. Considered the second-best time of the year for Trek to Makalu Base Camp in Nepal. Autumn lasts from September up till November in Nepalese highlands. This time of the year receives minimal precipitation relative to the harsh monsoon. It contributes to optimal trail conditions and a clear weather window for amusing views of the towering peaks of the Makalu region. Additionally, the raging rivers spread across the trail are also less swollen which makes traverse to the base camp convenient.

During this Season we celebrate Dashain & Tihar which is the biggest festival of Nepalese. Which makes the autumn season even more preferable. During autumn, the skies are usually clear, creating perfect conditions for capturing stunning panoramic vistas of the snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and picturesque landscapes. The temperature of Makalu in Autumn during the daytime is between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. The night times are chilly with a range of -5 to -15 degrees Celsius or even lower.

Besides the best time for the Makalu Base Camp trek, the itinerary itself has a significant impact on the overall trekking experience.

Embarking on the remarkable journey to Makalu Base Camp is an adventure that requires careful planning and a well-crafted itinerary. The itinerary plays a crucial role in shaping your experience, ensuring that you make the most of your time, encounter the highlights of the region, and overcome the challenges along the way. So in addition to the best time, we are providing you the Best Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek. In this section, we will explore how the itinerary impacts your trek to Makalu Base Camp, allowing you to create a truly memorable and fulfilling journey.

Best itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek.

The traverse to the base of Mt.Makalu is an amazing journey that follows through lush forests, enchanting mountain vistas, raging river crossing, small hamlets and natural enriches. The Makalu Base Camp trek usually takes anywhere between 18 days to 24 days depending on the pace of your trek. While Visit Himalaya Treks offers 21 Days with the Best Itinerary for Makalu Base Camp Trek.

After an exhilarating flight to Tumlingtar Airport(500m) from Kathmandu, we begin our journey. The trail follows through the Arun River which originates in the Tibetan mainland and heads to the southern plain of Nepal after conflux with the Saptakoshi River.

The trek begins from Num village and takes on the Arun river basin throughout the journey. The trail makes several rivers cross through suspension bridges reaching over small hamlets of Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Khongma, Yangle Kharka, and others. In the meantime, you will have to traverse through 3 high passes: Kauma La(3637m), Tutu La(4125m), and Keke La(4170m). As you move further from Yangle Kharka, you will have to cross several glacial moraines to finally reach Makalu Base Camp.

The trek to Makalu Base Camp is strenuous for beginners as the elevation reaches the almost 5000 meters mark. On average, you will have to walk for at least 6 hours each day during your trekking days which might increase to 8 hours depending on the section of the trek. This trek requires you to make occasional switchback ascents, so being in your best physical condition is required. The overall length of the trek adds up to 110 -120 kilometers long. There are 4 different Best itineraries for Makalu Base Camp Trek  that you can choose from:

Another Great Camp at Base Camp of Mt. Makalu.

Classic Makalu Base Camp Trek:

The classic Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary follows the conventional route that takes up to 21 days round trip to complete. We take a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and follow the trail.

Sherpani Col Traverse:

Another best itinerary to reach Makalu Base Camp is the traverse via the famous Sherpani Col(6155m). Sherpani Col separates the two biggest trekking havens in Nepal: Everest and Makalu region. This trek usually takes up to 22 days to complete.

Barun Valley Trek:

Another highlighted itinerary for Makalu Base Camp is via Barun Valley which is the shortest itinerary of all. The duration of the Barun Valley trek ranges from 14 to 16 days depending on the pace of the trekkers.

Arun Valley Trek:

Arun Valley Trek itinerary provides an authentic rural experience with the trail navigating through small villages, deep gorges, terraced farms, and lush green jungles all along the way.

Additional things to consider for making your journey remarkable

• Ensure adequate acclimatization with rest days at strategic points.
• Plan a gradual ascent to minimize the risk of altitude-related problems.
• Include viewpoints and side trips to maximize exposure to scenic highlights.
• Allocate time for cultural immersion and interaction with local communities.
• Consider the trekking season and weather conditions for optimal views and safety.
• Allow enough time for the trek, considering your fitness level and pace.
• Obtain necessary permits and adhere to safety guidelines.
• Consult with a local trekking agency or guide for expert advice and customization.

VHT best team at Makalu Base Camp.

Why is VHT the best trekking company for Makalu Base Camp Trek?

With so many trekking companies offering Makalu Base Camp Trekking packages, there are multiple reasons why you should choose Visit Himalaya Treks as your adventure partner.

Promising History:
VHT has been a prominent adventure operator in Nepal since 2008. With a history spanning over two decades, we have satisfied customers worldwide and strive to provide the best trekking experience for your Nepal adventure.

Swift Response:
At VHT, we value your time and prioritize prompt responses to your queries and concerns. Our dedicated team, comprising corporate managers to ground-level staff, is trained to address any problems you may encounter, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.

Hands of Local Knowledge:
Our committed indulgence in the trekking industry for over 2 decades has let us experience and connect with almost every trekking trail in Nepal. We have a widespread connection with the locals, communities, and service providers of the area.

Safety Measures:
It is paramount to take safety measures into consideration when organizing any adventure activity.  Our guides and ground staff are professionally trained to execute rescue and first-aid necessities if things don't go the way we want to. We fully ensure our guides and porter and take necessary precautions at every step to ensure that you have a comfortable journey.

Experienced and Strong Team:

Visit Himalaya Treks has a professional team of knowledgeable support staff familiar with the Makalu region. With expertise in terrain, weather patterns, and potential challenges, our team ensures a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.

Quality of gears used by Visit Himalaya Treks:

At Visit Himalaya Treks, we prioritize the quality of gear for the Makalu Base Camp trek. Our strong and new equipment ensures guest safety, comfort, and an exceptional experience in challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Enjoy the Short clip of the video from Makalu Base Camp.

Conclusion

The best time for the Makalu Base Camp trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for favorable weather, clear skies, and stunning views. Additionally, choosing a well-designed itinerary and a reliable trekking company greatly enhances the overall trekking experience.

If you have been planning for Makalu Base Camp Trek and want to make it a remarkable journey, choose Visit Himalaya Treks as your trekking company.