What Permits Are Needed for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

respuesta rápida

For the Makalu Base Camp Trek you need a Makalu Barun National Park Permit at $40, a TIMS Card at $20, and if you exit via Lukla a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit at $30 plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit at $20. Total permit cost in 2027 is $60 to $110 depending on route. Permits are arranged by your trekking agency in Kathmandu in one day.

Desglose detallado

The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts at Tumlingtar, crosses the Makalu Barun National Park boundary at Num, climbs to Makalu Base Camp at 5,250 metres, and exits back to Tumlingtar. The standard 18 to 22 day route needs two permits.

The Makalu Barun National Park Permit costs $40 for foreigners, payable at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Num. The TIMS Card costs $20 for an individual trekker or $10 per person in a group through a registered agency. Both must be obtained before reaching Tumlingtar.

If your route exits via Lukla and the Everest corridor, you also need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit at $30 and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit at $20.

Desglose de costo/componente

que afecta la respuesta

Route. The standard in and out via Tumlingtar needs only Makalu Barun and TIMS. The Makalu to Everest traverse needs Sagarmatha and Khumbu permits too. Season. Permit offices close on public holidays. Spring 2027 has the Nepali New Year holiday on April 14, when offices shut.

Nationality. SAARC citizens pay discounted rates, around $10 for Makalu Barun. Chinese and Western passport holders pay full price. Group size. Groups of two or more through an agency get the discounted $10 TIMS rate.

Consejos de reserva

Use a registered agency. The Makalu Barun Permit requires an agency letterhead for the application in 2027. Carry 6 passport photos. Two for each permit plus spares. Bring original passport plus two copies. Offices verify the entry stamp.

Pay in cash at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Card payments add a 4 percent surcharge. Process permits 1 full day before your Tumlingtar flight.

Comparación con alternativas

Compared with Kanchenjunga, which needs a $20 per week restricted area permit on top of conservation area fees, Makalu is simpler. Kanchenjunga total permits run $80 to $120 for a 20 day trek. Compared with Upper Dolpo, which needs a $500 restricted area permit for 10 days, Makalu is dramatically cheaper.

Compared with Annapurna Circuit, which needs only ACAP at $30 and TIMS at $20, Makalu is slightly more expensive but far less crowded. The permit process is straightforward in 2027.

Errores comunes a evitar

Trying to buy permits at Tumlingtar. The checkpoint sells only TIMS, not the park permit. Buy everything in Kathmandu. Forgetting passport photos. Offices will not process without them, and photo booths do not exist past Kathmandu.

Skipping the Sagarmatha permit on a combined Makalu to Everest route. Trekkers caught without it at Monjo face a $50 fine plus back payment. Buying TIMS as an individual when a group rate applies. You save $10 per person by booking through an agency.

preguntasrán el

Can I buy Makalu Barun permits at the trailhead?

Partially. The TIMS Card is sold at the Tumlingtar checkpoint, but the Makalu Barun National Park Permit must be bought in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office. Allow one full day in Kathmandu for permit processing.

How much do Makalu Base Camp permits cost in 2027?

$60 to $80 for the standard in and out route via Tumlingtar. Add $50 if your route exits via Lukla and the Everest corridor.

Do I need a restricted area permit for Makalu Base Camp?

No. Makalu is not a restricted area. You need the Makalu Barun National Park Permit and TIMS only. Restricted area permits apply to Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo, Mustang, and Manaslu.

Can my agency arrange Makalu permits in one day?

Yes. A registered Kathmandu agency can process both permits in 4 to 6 hours if you provide passport copies and photos by 9 am.

sumario

The Makalu Base Camp Trek needs two permits: the Makalu Barun National Park Permit at $40 and the TIMS Card at $20 for an individual or $10 per person in a group. Total cost is $60 to $80 for the standard route, or $110 to $130 for a combined Makalu to Everest exit. Arrange both through a registered agency in Kathmandu one day before your Tumlingtar flight.

idea de narración

Trekkers who plan one full day in Kathmandu for permit processing can complete the Makalu Base Camp Trek with a total permit cost of $60 to $80 in 2027. Use a registered agency, carry 6 passport photos, and confirm your route before paying. The permit process is straightforward when handled in advance and far simpler than the Kanchenjunga or Upper Dolpo restricted area paperwork.

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