Guide and Porter Hire for Makalu Base Camp Trek

Hiring a guide and porter for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is essential for a safe, well-organized, and inspiring journey, especially due to the region’s remote location, challenging terrain, high altitude, and limited infrastructure. A professional guide ensures proper navigation, assists with permits, provides valuable insights into local culture and biodiversity, and offers critical support in high-altitude areas. They also manage logistics such as food, accommodation, and transportation. Meanwhile, an experienced porter lightens your load, allowing you to fully enjoy the trek’s dramatic landscapes, including breathtaking views of Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Hiring a guide and porter not only enhances your overall experience but also ensures your safety and comfort, turning this adventurous Himalayan journey into an unforgettable experience.

Overview of Makalu Base Camp Trek 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging and less-traveled journey that takes you into the heart of Makalu-Barun National Park—one of Nepal’s most pristine and remote trekking regions—and to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the world’s fifth-highest peak. The trail winds through stunning natural landscapes and traditional Sherpa and Rai villages, offering rich cultural encounters and a glimpse into the unique mountain lifestyle. Starting from Tumlingtar, the route gradually ascends through diverse ecosystems before reaching the rugged and isolated base camp of Mt. Makalu. Due to its remote location and demanding terrain, this trek requires excellent physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and careful planning. The Makalu Base Camp Trek is perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking solitude and the opportunity to explore one of the last untouched corners of the Himalayas.

Makalu Base Camp Trek- Cost Breakdown 

When planning the Makalu Base Camp Trek, several factors affect the total cost, including accommodation, permits, meals, transportation, guide and porter services, and other extra expenses. If each cost is calculated separately, the total may appear higher than the full-package price. Therefore, we highly recommend that trekkers opt for a full-package option for a more affordable, hassle-free, and well-organized experience. For our standard itinerary, the total cost is USD 1,140 per person, based on a minimum of two participants.

Please note that the cost may vary depending on group size, trek duration, transportation preferences, and the level of service you choose. Below is a general cost breakdown:

Cost for Hiring Guides and Porter for this Trek 

Makalu Base Camp Trek - Requre Permits and cost

The Makalu Base Camp Trek requires two types of permits and the cost is different from the nationality: the Makalu Barun National Park Permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit. These permits are mandatory to ensure the safety and security of trekkers throughout the journey. The permit costs are as follows:

Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit

• Cost: US$ 30 per person, per trek for all foreigners
• Cost: US$ 15 per person for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) citizens

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card

• It Cost US$ 20 per person/ per Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek -Transportation Costs:-

The starting and ending point of the Makalu Base Camp Trek is Tumlingtar. You can reach and depart from Tumlingtar either by flight or a long drive by road. Transportation costs vary depending on the type of vehicle or travel option you choose. So you can choose based on your budget and time.  The estimated costs are provided below:

• Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, Flight: USD 170 per person – takes approximately 35 minutes, it means USD 340 for round trip
• Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, Private Jeep: USD 350 (accommodates 6–7 people) – takes 10-14 hours, it means USD 700 for round trip 
• Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Public Bus: NPR 2500 to 3000 per person – takes 12 to 16 hours

Accommodation and Meal Costs

During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you'll stay in lodges and basic teahouse accommodations at higher elevations, with meals typically provided at the same places. While the facilities are simple and slightly more expensive due to the remote location, the overall costs for accommodation and meals are generally reasonable for such a remote area. Compared to the Annapurna and Everest regions, food and lodging are more basic but slightly more expensive.

Accommodation:

• Tea house accommodations: USD 5 to USD 10 per night – basic twin-sharing rooms with a blanket, pillow, and bed cover, but no other facilities.

Meals:

• Meal cost: USD 5 to USD 10 per meal.

The total cost depends on how much you eat, so it's recommended to budget around USD 20 to USD 30 per day for food, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one cup of tea with each meal.

To be safe, you should plan for a daily food and accommodations budget of USD 30 to USD 40 per person.

Extra Cost Considerations for the Makalu Base Camp Trek

In addition to the basic trek budget mentioned above, there are several extra costs to consider during the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging are typically not included in the accommodation cost.

• A hot shower usually costs around NPR 500
• Charging a device (like a mobile phone or camera) costs NPR 200 to 400
• Wi-Fi access typically costs NPR 200 to 400 per night

We highly recommend bringing a power bank or a small portable solar panel for charging your devices. It's also wise to buy a local SIM card for phone calls and internet access, and to limit hot showers to save money.

Drinking water, hot beverages (like coffee, hot chocolate, lemon ginger tea), juices, and alcoholic drinks are more expensive in remote areas. Prices vary depending on the item, but usually range from NPR 200 to 700 per item.

Additionally, you may want to donate to monasteries or offer small contributions to tea houses, and it’s customary to tip your guide and porter.

Because of these extras, the overall cost of the Makalu Base Camp Trek may appear higher than expected, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Hire Guide from Kathmandu for Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Kathmandu, so hiring a guide from Kathmandu is highly recommended to ensure a hassle-free trekking experience. A guide from Kathmandu will accompany you from the beginning to the end of the trek, supporting all logistics throughout the journey.

Some trekkers choose to hire a guide from Tumlingtar in an attempt to reduce costs. However, this often results in higher charges because local guides in those areas have limited work opportunities and may demand more. In contrast, guides from Kathmandu are highly experienced, regularly engaged in trekking and well-trained to provide better overall service.

Why Hire a Porter for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

The Makalu Base Camp trekking route is located in a remote region in the northeastern part of Nepal, southeast of Mount Everest. It is one of the less-traveled trails, where trekkers must walk through traditional villages, dense forests, and dry, rugged landscapes, with altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 5,000 meters.

The trail can be challenging, especially due to frequent ascents and descents at both low and high elevations. Walking with a heavy backpack in such conditions can be difficult, so hiring a strong and reliable porter is highly recommended for anyone trekking to Makalu Base Camp.
A porter helps carry your gear, easing the physical load and allowing you to enjoy the trek more fully. Porters don’t just carry your bags—they often bring a cheerful spirit to the journey, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

With a porter, you’ll be able to walk freely with just a light daypack, making it easier to take photos, enjoy side trips, and truly appreciate the beauty of the region. Overall, hiring a porter enhances your trekking experience and helps create lasting memories.

Varieties of Hiring Guides available for Makalu Base Camp Trek

High Pass Adventure offers a variety of guides for the Makalu Base Camp Trek to suit your budget. The cost varies depending on the type of guide you choose, such as Licensed/Certified Guides, Guide-cum-Porters, and Porter-cum-Guides. 

If you are a first-time trekker in Nepal planning to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek, hiring a licensed/certified guide is highly recommended. A second option is a guide-cum-porter—someone who both guides you and carries a small portion of your belongings.

You can also hire a porter-cum-guide for a more budget-friendly option. A porter-cum-guide leads the trail and carries your luggage, typically up to a certain weight limit. For a hassle-free and enriching trekking experience, we highly recommend hiring both a guide and a porter for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, allowing you to fully focus on enjoying the journey.

How to Book a Guide for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

High Pass Adventure offers experienced and reliable trekking guide and porter hire services for the Makalu Base Camp Trek. To book a certified guide or a strong and dependable porter, simply contact us via phone, email, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger. We make it easy to hire a professional guide, porter, or porter-guide tailored to your trekking needs.

Hiring a professional guide for the Makalu Base Camp Trek ensures your safety, provides local knowledge, and enhances your overall trekking experience. High Pass Adventure guarantees a transparent and hassle-free booking process.

Choosing a certified and experienced guide through High Pass Adventure not only improves your Makalu Base Camp trekking journey but also gives you peace of mind, knowing you're in expert hands.