Makalu Base Camp Trek is an adventurous and beautiful journey in the off-beaten trails of eastern Nepal. The 3 weeks long trek lets you experience many flora and fauna and biodiversity with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Makalu Base camp trek takes you through the Makalu National Park and the Makalu Conservation Area. These are protected areas that require permits. It is one of the Makalu Base Camp Trek permits required for the trek.
Apart from the Makalu National Park Permit, you will also require the Makalu Rural Municipality permit. The permits required for the Makalu Base Camp Trek depends largely on the route you choose to take for the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Required Makalu Base Camp Trek Permits
Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit
One of the main permits you will require for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is the Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit. The cost of the Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit varies based on your nationality.
- Nepali citizens – 100 NPR (USD 1) per person per entry
- SAARC citizens – 1,500 NPR (USD 15) per person per entry
- Foreigners – 3,000 NPR (USD 30) per person per entry
As stated above, Nepali citizens should only pay NRs 100 per person for entering the National Park. The citizens of Saarc countries should pay NRs 1500 per person for entering the Makalu National Park. However, the cost of the entry permit for foreigners in NRs 3000 per person which is approximately USD 30.
Makalu Rural Municipality Permit
Another permit you will require for the Makalu Base Camp trek is the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit. This Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit is required for you to enter the Makalu region. Makalu region as a whole is protected by the government as a restricted area because of the National Park and the 5th highest mountain of the world, Mt. Makalu. It is at an altitude of 8463 meters.
The cost of the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit is NRs 2000 which is approximately USD 20.
Restricted Area Special Permit – Condition Apply
Apart from the two major Makalu Base Camp Trek Permits, you may also need the Restricted Area Special Permit. This is required based on the route you are taking. If your Makalu Base Camp Trek Itinerary takes you through the Kanchenjunga Base Camp route and enters restricted villages like Chepuwa, Hatiya, Kimathangka, and Pawakhola. If you are planning on entering these villages, you will need the special permit costing you about USD 10 per week per person for the first 4 weeks. Then the cost is USD 20 for a week per person for additional weeks.
Required Documents
For the Makalu Base Camp Trek permits you will require your official valid documents as prescribed by the government. The documents required at hand and for the permits are listed below:
- Original passport of your home country with at least six months validity
- Two passport size photos for the permit forms and more just to be safe
- Nepal entry visa stamp on your passport
- Travel insurance covering travel rescues above 6000 meters
- Cash for the permit fees
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FAQs
Do children need permits as well?
Children under the age of 10 are not required to have the Makalu National Park Permit. However, it is a matter of fact that the children should be physically capable of handling the trek. But, there will be no Makalu Base Camp trek permits required for children under the age of 10.
Is a TIMS card required?
No, Makalu Base Camp Trek does not require a TIMS card. The TIMS card was successfully replaced by the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit. This helps in the actual development of the Makalu region.
Where do I apply for the permits?
Applying for the Makalu Base Camp trek permits can be done by yourself as well but mostly the trekking company does the deed for you so you don’t have to face the hassle.
But if you are not traveling with a trekking company, you can apply for the permit at the entry point or in Kathmandu. You can get the permits at the point of entry of the Makalu region and the Makalu National Park.
However, if your Makalu Base Camp Trek route includes restricted areas, you will have to present the following for the restricted area permit:
- An authorized person from local trekking agency like a guide or porter
- A group of two or more people in a group
- File for the special permit through an agency
With all the required documents prepared beforehand, you will get your Makalu Base Camp Trek Permits ready in 2-3 hours. So, you can enjoy your trek without much delay. Also, if you choose a Local trekking company, they will have your permits ready for you so you can start your trek without any hassle of government offices. So, choose a trusty local trekking company to get the most out of the trek.
