The best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are spring, from April to May, and autumn, from October to November. In these months the weather is most stable, the rivers are lower and the mountain views are clearest. Because the approach crosses warm, wet lower valleys, the rain and leeches of the monsoon matter more here than on higher, drier routes.
Spring: April and May
Spring brings warmer days, flowering rhododendrons in the upper forests and good chances of clear mornings. Afternoons can be cloudy. March can still be cold and snowy at the highest camps. Late May sees the build-up to the monsoon, with more cloud and humidity.
Autumn: October and November
Autumn is clear and dry after the monsoon, with excellent views. October is the most popular month. November is colder, quieter and often very clear, but nights at the upper camps can be well below freezing, and the days are short.
Winter and monsoon
Winter, from December to February, is cold and the upper valley can hold snow, which affects the trail and may make parts impassable. Some services close. The monsoon, from June to September, brings heavy rain, landslides, leeches and poor visibility, and it is not recommended for this trek.
How to choose
- Choose October for the most reliable weather and clearest views.
- Choose April for flowers and moderate temperatures.
- Choose November for quiet trails, with warm gear for the cold nights.
Plan for weather
Even in the best months, a landslide or a spell of rain can close sections of trail. Keep spare days in the schedule, travel with an experienced guide and agree in advance how decisions will be made if the route is blocked.
