Essentially, Makalu Base Camp Trek is nature's display to you with the closest touch of Mount Makalu, the world's 5th highest peak towering 8,485 meters. The journey is perfect for those who are madly in love with nature, adventurous, and prefer silence to a crowd. However, quite often people come up with the question, "How difficult is Makalu Base Camp Trek?" To get this point, let's break each aspect down and understand it in very simple terms.
*Understanding the Trek
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Makalu Base Camp Trek is absolutely not a mere casual walk or a simple stroll. It's a once-in-a-lifetime expedition and a revelation of the harsh earth through the mountainside, forest, river, and highlands. The trek generally takes 20 to 22 days to complete. During these days, trekkers go on foot for long hours every day and sometimes they have to ascend a steep hill while at other times they have to descend a deep valley.
The trek starts from Tumlingtar and ends at Makalu base camp. During the walk, you will pass through villages, rhododendron forest areas, and quiet mountain trails. On the way, you will see towering mountains, local rivers and will get to know how the villagers live a very simple life.
*The Walking Difficulty
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In case you wondered how difficult the walk would be on this trek, the level of difficulty would be from moderate to high. The trek is not as easy as the Annapurna or Langtang treks. Each day you have to walk for 6-8 hours on uneven trails. There are instances where the trail goes uphill for several hours and makes it harder for you to breathe. On the contrary, when it is going downhill it makes your knees tired.
During the trek, there will be suspension bridges and rocky paths and at some times it may be raining and the areas will be slippery. Nevertheless, if you keep a slow pace, take breaks, and drink enough water, your body will get used to the trip.
*The Altitude Challenge
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The main reason why Makalu Base Camp Trek is considered a difficult one is because of the high altitude. The higher the climb, the thinner the air is and it contains less oxygen. This is what makes breathing difficult for most people. Base camp, in fact, is at an altitude of about 4,870 meters.
At such heights, some of the trekkers may experience dizziness, headache, and generally, be very tired. This is called altitude sickness. It is quite normal but if the issue is not taken seriously it can be dangerous. To be safe from it, the trekkers have to ascend slowly so that their bodies get acclimatized to the altitude. This process is referred to as acclimatization.
*The Weather and Temperature
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The Makalu region has a different range of weather. Lower areas can be hot in the daytime while it can be cold at night even in the higher parts. There is also the possibility of snow around the base camp.
Without a doubt, the best times to do the trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). It is during these times that the weather is great, the sky is clear, and the views are spectacular. In winter, the weather can be very cold and during the monsoon season (June to August), the trails are muddy and slippery which makes walking difficult.
*Physical Fitness Needed
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If you are set on finishing the Makalu Base Camp Trek, then you don't have to be a top athlete, but good physical condition is still necessary. You should be able to walk for long hours carrying a light backpack. Regular walking, jogging, and stair climbing done before the trek will make your body less prone to fatigue.
Due to its length and steepness, this trail may be too hard for an untrained trekker. However, those who have some trekking experience or have done a few weeks of training before their trip can manage it well.
*Food and Accommodation
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This trail is quite far different from the likes of the route to Everest or Annapurna. That is why the Makalu Base Camp Trek is not that popular among trekkers. As a consequence, tea houses and lodges on this route are very few. Those that exist are very basic. You may not always get delicious food and warm rooms.
Most tea houses serve the following foods as simple meals: rice, noodles, soup, and vegetables. Rooms are small and may not even have heaters. Because of this, trekkers are advised to bring warm clothes and sleeping bags for their comfort. Tea houses may be simple but that is the reason for their charm, however, the comfort level can make the trek seem more challenging for those who are used to a certain lifestyle.
*The Mental Challenge
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This journey will also challenge your mental strength besides demanding physical one. Walking in lonely areas, away from big towns for so many days might make some people experience feelings of loneliness or tiredness. There are no big shops or luxuries to be found. You have to rely on yourself and keep moving every day.
However, this is also what makes the Makalu Base Camp Trek so amazing. It imparts such qualities as patience, courage, and love for nature to you. In fact, when for the first time you are at the base camp and see Mount Makalu right before your eyes, all your tiredness goes away. You get a feeling of pride for accomplishing something difficult yet great.
*Support and Guidance
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Generally, a guide and a porter are recommended to be taken along by those who are on this trek. The guide assists you in finding the correct path, talks with the locals, and ensures your safety. The porter carries your heavy bag so that you can go on comfortably. This help makes the trek doable and enjoyable.
It is possible to trek alone but it would be better if the person is experienced as the area is remote and there are not many people living there. Besides, in case of emergency, it will be easier to get help if there is a guide and a porter.
*Comparing Difficulty with Other Treks
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Makalu Base Camp Trek is more challenging than Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Langtang Trek when compared with other popular treks in Nepal. It is just about as tough as EBC but the factor of solitude is much higher since fewer people go there.
Hence, it is not only difficult, strongly, it also invites the adventurer inside yourself. You face nature as it is and real wilderness.
Conclusion
In brief, Makalu Base Camp Trek is a tough yet very rewarding trek. A long and remote trail with a lot of ups and downs is what it is. You will be made to face steep climbs, cold nights, and thin air. But you will be allowed to see amazing mountains, peaceful valleys, and the local life of the Himalayas.
Definitely, if you are well-prepared, slow, and have a positive attitude, then you can do it. The trek is a challenge to both your body and mind but it is this very challenge that brings you great joy.
If a person is into real adventure and …
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