Trekking to Makalu Base Camp is considered one of the ten most incredible yet extremely challenging trekking adventures that lead to the base of Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain, which has an elevation of 8,485 meters. This trek is adorned with stunning nature - green forests, white mountains, clean rivers, and idyllic villages. People mostly wonder whether the Makalu Base Camp Trek is difficult. Let’s understand the answer in very simple terms, one step at a time, like narrating a story to a small child.
Where the Trek Takes You
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is the adventure that locates you in the Makalu-Barun National Park area, which is in the east of Nepal. The park is a natural haven with wild and beautiful flora and fauna, and it also has nature trails that are quite serene. The journey is initiated at a place called Tumlingtar. From there, hikers pass through villages and forests until they reach the mountains of the highlands. The ultimate goal is to get to the base camp of Mount Makalu which is at an altitude of around 4,870 meters above sea level.
The entire trek is mostly about the duration of 3 weeks. So, for almost twenty days, you are on a climb, discovering and taking up nature's beautiful yet tough trails. There will be some easy days but the majority of them will be steep and long.
The Walking Experience
If you believe that a trek is only a simple walk, then it may appear that it is not difficult. Nevertheless, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is quite tough as the trails ascend and descend large hills and deep valleys. You might be walking for six to eight hours each day. The paths are not like roads; they are rocky, uneven, and sometimes, slippery.
While climbing, you may feel your legs burning and your heart getting faster. When going downhill, your knees may get tired. However, if you walk slowly and take breaks, it can be controlled. The journey is like a long story, where each step takes you closer to the mountains.
The High Altitude Challenge
Altitude is the toughest point of the trek. The higher you go, the thinner the air will be. This means that the amount of oxygen available for breathing will be less. The base camp is in a place where the air is much lighter than in normal areas. That's why many trekkers get exhausted very quickly and in some cases, get headaches or feel dizzy.
Altitude sickness is what can happen to anyone and it is called like that. So, the trekkers move slowly, rest often, and drink a lot of water. In addition, there are some "rest days" during a trek when people stay in one place to help their bodies get used to the altitude. The word that refers to this process is acclimatization.
If you move quickly, your body will not be able to acclimatize and it will be dangerous. But if you continue cautiously, the body gradually gets acclimatized to the lower amount of oxygen.
The Weather Conditions
Weather on the Makalu Base Camp Trek can also be one of the reasons for the difficulty. In the lower parts, the days might be warm, but as you go higher, it gets really cold, especially at night. Also, the weather might not be what you expected; it can be bright and warm one moment and then rain or snow the next.
There are proper seasons for this trek and spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best ones. At these times, the sky is mostly clear, and the temperature is almost identical. It is very cold in winter and during the monsoon season, heavy rains make the trail wet and slippery. Thus, if you want to be safe and comfortable during the trek, choosing a good season is very important.
Physical Strength and Fitness
You do not have to be a superhero to complete the Makalu Base Camp Trek but surely, you should be physically fit. One must be capable of long hours of walking and at the same time, steep hill climbing. In case you usually perform such activities as walking, jogging, or stair-climbing, then it will be a great support to your body during the trek.
This trek might be extremely hard for people who are completely unfamiliar with long walks and have not been used to them. However, if you prepare your body, eat well, and take your rest as you should, then you will be able to go through it quite easily. The main thing is not to rush. Taking it slow keeps you fit and also, it allows you to take in the surroundings.
The Remote Nature of the Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trek is not a crowded or popular trail like the Everest or Annapurna Trek. It is a very quiet and remote trek. There are not many people who go there and also, there are very few villages or shops on the way. Thus, you should prepare yourself to eat simple food and live in basic conditions.
Most of the tea houses on this trail are small ones that are built by local families. They serve simple meals like rice, noodles, potatoes, and tea. The rooms are small and probably do not have heaters. The electricity supply is very limited, and sometimes there is no internet. Some trekkers like the simplicity and peacefulness of it while some feel it difficult.
Being far away means that it is hard to have medical services and rescue if something happens. Therefore, the trekkers who intend to go there should be very careful in their preparation, get proper guidance, and be cautious.
The Mental Challenge
Makalu Base Camp Trek is not just a physical challenge — it is a mental challenge as well. Three weeks walking in silent mountains might at times give a feeling of loneliness. You may miss your home and get tired of walking every day.
Still, this trekking teaches patience and strength to the soul. One learns to love even the very basics — a cup of hot tea, a sunbeam, or the smile of local children. When at last, you are at Makalu Base Camp and the towering white mountain is in front of you, you experience pride and joy. All your tiredness is turned into happiness.
The Help of Guides and Porters
If the way is too long and a bit difficult in some parts, it is better to have a porter and a guide with you. A guide knows the way, understands the local language, and can help you if you are in a problem. Having a porter with you, your heavy bag can be carried by him and you can carry a light backpack freely.
They make your trek quite comfortable and safe. Besides that, they also give you lots of interesting information about the mountains, villages, and culture, which helps to make the journey more fun.
Comparing Makalu Trek with Other Treks
When you compare Makalu Base Camp Trek with other treks in Nepal, it is considered to be the most challenging one. The treks of Ghorepani Poon Hill and Langtang are said to be shorter and easier. Likewise, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also thought to be less hard and more comfortable because of having better lodges and facilities.
On the other hand, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is long, high, and far away from the settlements. The roads are bad, and the villages are quite far from each other. That is the main reason why it is called a difficult trek. But, at the same time, it also feels a lot more peaceful and natural because very few people go there. Here, you can actually experience the real wilderness of the Himalayas.
The Reward of the Journey
Despite the difficulty of the Makalu Base Camp Trek, it is still one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal. The views are breathtaking, and the sight of Mount Makalu is something you will always remember. You get to trek among rhododendron trees, witness the snow-covered peaks getting brightened by the sun, and trek under a clear blue sky.
The local people are very friendly, and their simple living will teach you the love of living close to nature. When you arrive at the base camp which is surrounded by complete silence and snow-covered mountains, you get a feeling as if you have come to a magical world.
Conclusion
So, is Makalu Base Camp Trek difficult? Such a difficult question to answer! The answer is yes. But it's also gorgeous. It is a pretty long walk and really steep at times. There will be moments when you will be tired, however, the trek is very quiet and full of marvels. Besides, the higher you go, the thinner the air, the more difficult the roads and the colder the nights. Nevertheless, with a lot of patience, thorough preparation, and a positive attitude, any nature lover who respects and loves nature can make it.
It is not only about the Makalu Base Camp Trek which is a walking route, but it is also about finding your inner power, learning to slow down and appreciating the silent beauty of the Himalayas. It teaches you that while something can be difficult, it can still be beautiful and worthwhile. When you finally find yourself at the foot of Mount Makalu and looking up at the bright white summit, it is at that moment that it dawns on you that each step, each climb, and each challenge was worth it.
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