Here are answers to the questions trekkers ask us most. Can’t find what you need? [Contact us] or message us on WhatsApp (+977 9861714199).
MAST is a government-registered, licensed trekking agency based in Khandbari, eastern Nepal. It was founded in 2010 by the SESF Foundation. We organize treks mainly in the Makalu, Arun Valley and Kanchenjunga regions, and we reinvest our profits in local education and community projects
Social trekking means trekking in a way that benefits the people who live along the trail. You stay in family-run tea houses and homestays, walk with a porter-guide from a local village, and part of our income supports schools and elderly care. You get an authentic experience of rural Nepal, and your visit helps local families directly.
Your money stays in the villages you visit, and you trek with people who were born in the area. Many guests also find it better value. Our reviews on [Tripadvisor] say more than we can.
Choose a trek, tell us your dates, and we’ll send you a final itinerary and price. To confirm, send us a copy of your passport, a passport-size photo, your travel insurance details and a 20% deposit. See [Payment Methods].
Yes. We can change the length, route, pace, accommodation (tea houses, homestays or camping) and add cultural visits or volunteering. Tell us your plans, and we’ll design a [tailor-made trek] for you.
If you cancel at least three weeks before your trek, your deposit is refunded [minus any costs already paid]. Full details are in our [Terms and Conditions].
Your porter-guide’s salary (including their food, accommodation and insurance), trekking permits and national park fees, reserved jeep transport, a Khandbari hotel room, our service charge including VAT, and a contribution to our community projects.
International and domestic flights, Nepal visa, travel insurance, personal gear, tips, and your food and accommodation on the trail.
You pay tea houses and homestays directly, so 100% of that money goes to local families, and you’re free to choose what you eat and where you stay. Most tea houses charge around NPR 500–700 per night for a room and a similar amount for a plate of dal bhat. [Check and update these prices.]
Yes. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Khandbari, but none on the trekking routes. Bring enough Nepali rupees for food, accommodation and extras before you leave Khandbari.
Tips are not included and are always your choice, but they are much appreciated. [Suggested amount, e.g. about 10% of the porter-guide’s wages, or $__ per day.]
Spring (March–May), for rhododendrons in bloom, and autumn (September–November), for clear skies and mountain views. The Sabha Pokhari pilgrimage trek is an exception: it’s best in August, during the festival.
For most treks: a TIMS card and the national park or conservation area entry fee (e.g. Makalu Barun National Park). Restricted areas such as Kanchenjunga, Tsum Valley and Upper Arun need special permits. We arrange all permits for you.
Yes, it’s required. Your insurance must cover trekking at high altitude, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. The Makalu and Kanchenjunga regions are very remote.
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (about 30 minutes), then drive 20 minutes to Khandbari. We’ll meet you at Tumlingtar airport. If your flight is cancelled, you can fly to Biratnagar and travel by road via Dharan (6–8 hours). We can reserve a jeep for you.
Good trekking boots, warm layers, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, a water filter or purification tablets, a headlamp, a power bank or solar charger, snacks and toilet paper. For high passes in spring or winter, bring microspikes.
Yes. Our porter-guides come from villages in the Makalu Arun region. They know the trails, the weather and the tea-house families. They speak basic English and carry 15–20 kg of your luggage.
Yes. If you can walk comfortably for several hours a day and are in normal health, we’ll suggest a suitable trek, such as the Makalu View Trek (7 days) or Char Dhara Trek (4 days), and plan shorter walking days if needed.
Yes. We can plan easier routes, shorter days, extra rest days, more homestay time and school or community visits for student groups.
Treks like Makalu Base Camp go above 4,500 m, so altitude sickness is possible. Our itineraries include acclimatization days, and your porter-guide knows the warning signs. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell. The only cure for serious symptoms is to descend.
Near Khandbari, yes. On the Makalu route, mobile data usually works up to Tashigaon and phone signal up to about Shipton La. After that, expect no connection.
Yes. Many of our guests trek alone with a porter-guide.
Small groups of 1–6 people, for safety, comfort and a better experience in the villages.
Makalu Arun Social Trek (MAST)
Khandbari 7, Sankhuwasabha.
Eastern Nepal.
Phone: +977 29562716
Mobile: +9779842084078
WhatsApp: +9779861714199
Email: makaluaruntreks@gmail.com
© 2010 Makalu Arun Social Trek(MAST), Khandbari, Sankhuwasabha All Rights Reserved.