Makalu Base Camp: The Gateway to Untouched Wilderness

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeफेरी भेटौं
  [feri bhetou]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहैन
  [haina]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto chha?]
• Fine. And you?ठिक छ। र तपाईंलाई?
  [thik chha. ra tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तिमीले अंग्रेजी बोल्छौं?
  [timile angreji bolchhau?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [maile samjhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसामा खाँदिन
  [ma bhansama khandin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chiyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया तिर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya tirn chahanchu]

• Help!मदत!
  [madat!]
• Go away!दूर जाओ!
  [dur jao!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [praharilai bolaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktarlai bolaunuhos!]
• I'm lostम गुमाएको छु
  [ma gumaeko chu]
• I'm illमलाई रोग लागेको छ
  [malai rog lageko chha]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्न गएको छु
  [ma sirjana garn gayeko chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahango chha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य हाल्न सक्नु हुन्छ?
  [ke tapain mulya haln saknu hunchha?]

• What time is it?कति बजे हो?
  [kati baje ho?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भएको छ
  [ek baje bhaeko chha]
• Half past (10)दसबजे देखि आधा
  [dasbaje dekhi aadha]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [pach]
• 6छ
  [chh]
• 7सात
  [sat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ छ...?
  [kaha cha...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?तपाईंले मलाई देखाउन सक्छिनु होला (नक्सामा)?
  [tapainle malai dekhau sakinu hola (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को को हुन्छ?
  [arko ko hunchha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... मा)
  [ek tikat (.... ma)]

Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, was first surveyed in 1849 by the British Survey of India. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that Western climbers began to turn their attention to this remote peak. In 1954, an American team led by William Siri made the first serious attempt to climb Makalu, though they did not reach the summit.

The first successful ascent of Makalu was achieved on May 15, 1955, by a French expedition led by Jean Franco. The team, which included climbers Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy, opted for the northwest ridge route. Remarkably, the expedition saw multiple climbers reach the summit over successive days, a rare feat for its time.

In 1992, the Makalu-Barun National Park was established, encompassing an area of 1,500 square kilometers. This protected area is known for its unique biodiversity, ranging from tropical forests to alpine meadows, and is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard and red panda. The establishment of the park marked a significant step in the conservation of the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Makalu Base Camp is not just a launching point for climbers but also a site of cultural importance. The region is inhabited by the Sherpa, Rai, and Lhomi people, who have lived in these high-altitude environments for centuries. Their rich traditions, including festivals, rituals, and daily practices, are deeply intertwined with the mountainous landscape.

In recent years, Makalu Base Camp has become a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The trek to the base camp offers stunning views of Makalu and other Himalayan peaks, as well as a chance to experience the local culture and hospitality. Modern expeditions continue to challenge the peak, contributing to its legacy as one of the most formidable mountains in the world.

Makalu Base Camp is located in the eastern region of Nepal, and getting there involves multiple steps. The nearest major airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Tumlingtar Airport. Following the flight, a drive to Num village is required, which is the starting point of the trek to Makalu Base Camp. The trek usually takes about 8-10 days, passing through various villages and high-altitude terrains.

Transportation options are limited due to the remote nature of Makalu Base Camp. After reaching Tumlingtar Airport, local jeeps or buses can be hired to reach Num village. From Num, the journey is entirely on foot. Ensure you arrange transportation in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons. Porters and guides are also available for hire to assist with carrying luggage and navigating the trek.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit cards are rarely accepted in rural areas and along the trekking route, so it is crucial to carry enough cash. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and a few larger towns en route, but it's advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before starting the trek. Local tea houses and lodges usually accept only cash.

Makalu Base Camp is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. The area has low crime rates, but petty theft can occur. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid trekking alone. Be aware of altitude sickness and acclimatize properly. There are no high-crime areas specifically targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and cautious is advised.

In case of an emergency, contact the nearest police station or medical facility. Emergency contact numbers in Nepal are 100 for police and 102 for ambulance services. It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation, as the terrain is remote and medical facilities are limited. Carry a basic first aid kit and familiarize yourself with altitude sickness symptoms and remedies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear comfortable trekking gear. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be patient, as transport can be irregular. Don't expect luxury services. Greetings: Do greet locals with a 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Makalu Base Camp like a local, engage with the local Sherpa and Rai communities. Learn a few basic phrases in Nepali to communicate better. Visit local monasteries and participate in festivals if your timing allows. Carry reusable water bottles and purifying tablets to minimize plastic waste. Support local businesses by purchasing handicrafts and local produce. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the region.