When to Go: The Best Time for Makalu Base Camp Trek
Are you trying to figure out the best time to embark on the breathtaking Makalu Base Camp Trek? To be precise, autumn is the best time to visit Makalu Base Camp, and spring is the second-best time for the trek. This blog discusses the ideal times of year to trek in the Makalu region and why.
Best of the Best: Autumn Season
Autumn is universally the best season to visit any trekking region of Nepal. This holds true for treks in the Makalu region as well. What makes it the most ideal time for trekking in Nepal is its pleasant weather and the major Nepali festivals that happen during this time.
When it comes to weather, autumn offers more stability and clarity than any other season of the year. So, the likelihood of precipitation, snowfall, or sudden weather changes is lowest during the autumn. Hence, during your Makalu Trek, you won’t have to worry about the paths being muddy and slippery because of rain or snow blocking the trails to high passes.
Also, the days are bright and clear, offering the utmost clarity for you to see stunning views of clear blue skies and almighty peaks like Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Everest. Likewise, the mild temperature during the day (average 17°C) makes you comfortable walking for hours. Yet the nights can be cold, but they are tolerable (average 2°C).
Another great thing about autumn is that most of the major Nepali festivals fall during this season. The two biggest festivals in Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar, fall in the autumn, particularly in October and November. This means you’ll have the chance to get insights into Nepalese culture, tradition, and lifestyle in the most authentic and grand way possible.
However, don’t forget that the Makalu region lies in the Himalayas, where it is difficult to predict the weather. There have been cases of bad weather conditions even during the most ideal season of the year.
Spring Season
The weather during spring (March, April, and May) is similar to that of autumn, making it the second-best season for trekking in Nepal, including the Makalu region. The sky is mostly clear, so you’ll be able to see clear landscape views of lovely peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.
The days are sunny and bright, with mild temperatures. The temperature is a little higher than that of autumn. It will continue to rise slowly day after day as it’s time for the summer season after spring. Still, it is comfortable enough for trekking to Makalu Base Camp. In comparison to autumn, there can be a little more chance of rainfall in the lower regions and snowfall in the higher regions. However, the chances are not very high.
Apart from clear weather, spring is supported by nature in terms of beauty. This is the time when rhododendrons and other exotic flowers bloom in their full glory along the entire mountain slope. Because of the lushness and vibrancy of these recently bloomed flowers and trees, it seems like the entire Makalu region is smiling at you.
Winter Season
The months of December, January, and February fall under the winter season. This season is a challenging time for the Makalu Base Camp Trek. It’s because winter comes with extremes in weather. However, with proper caution, training, and experience, many can have a successful trekking journey to the Makalu Base Camp.
The weather is unpredictable, with heavy snowfall taking place at any time. Also, the temperatures reach below the freezing point, especially in the higher regions. There are high chances of the trails being blocked due to heavy snowfall. Especially the trails in and around high passes can be dangerous due to the huge deposition of snow. Due to these extremes, winter time is considered difficult for the Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Yet for seasoned trekkers, winter can be a great time as it offers the thrill and adventure they might be seeking. In addition, the season also offers great visibility. Though it is cold, you can still get to witness clear blue skies, magnificent peaks, and nearby landscapes. The scenery is different and unique than that of autumn and spring, as the mountains and hills are completely covered in white snow.
Hence, winter can also be an ideal trekking season for those who can withstand extreme and unpredictable weather.
