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Description

Mount Makalu Expedition - 51 Days

Mount Makalu, the fifth highest peak (8,485m), lies in the Mahalangur Himalayas on the Nepal-Tibet border. Known for its pyramid shape and challenging ascents, it offers steep ridges, technical climbing, and stunning views. Nearby, the pristine Makalu-Barun Valley enriches its allure with rare flora and fauna.

Trip Facts

Category/Destination 8000m+ Expeditions
Duration 51 Days
Start Point Kathmandu
End Point Katmandu
Max Elevation 8463m
Trekking Grade Challenging
Best Season Spring Season
Lodging Tea house & Camping
Group Size 15 pax Maximum
Transportation Flight
Activities Trekking , Climbing 
Extra Activity
Price
Ask for Price

Next Departures

20 Apr 2025 Custom Date

Introduction

Mount Makalu is the fifth highest mountain at 8,485 metres (27,838 ft). It is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China. Being one of the eight-thousanders, Expedition of Mount Makalu has been hot topic among mountain climbers. Mount Makalu is an isolated peak whose shape is a four-sided pyramid which has enriched its beauty.


Makalu has two notable subsidiary peaks. Kangchungtse, or Makalu II (7,678 m) lies about 3 km (2 mi) north-northwest of the main summit. Rising about 5 km (3.1 mi) north-northeast of the main summit across a broad plateau, and connected to Kangchungtse by a narrow, 7,200 m saddle, is Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m).Makalu is one of the harder eight-thousanders, or is considered one of the most difficult mountains to climb. The mountain is notorious for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges that are completely open to the elements. The final ascent of the summit pyramid involves technical rock/ice climbing.

The first expedition on Mount Makalu was made by an American team led by Riley Keegan in the spring of 1954. The expedition was composed of Sierra Club members including Allen Steck, and was called the California Himalayan Expedition to Makalu. They attempted the southeast ridge but were turned back at 7,100 m (23,300 ft) by a constant barrage of storms. A New Zealand team including Sir Edmund Hillary was also active in the spring, but did not get very high due to injury and illness. In the fall of 1954, a French reconnaissance expedition made the first ascents of the subsidiary summits Kangchungtse (October 22: Jean Franco, Lionel Terray, sirdar Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa and Pa Norbu) and Chomo Lonzo (October 30: Jean Couzy and Terray).

Makalu was first summited on May 15, 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco. Franco, Guido Magnone and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa summitted the next day, followed by Jean Bouvier, Serge Coupé, Pierre Leroux and André Vialatte on the 17th. This was an amazing achievement at the time, to have the vast majority of expedition members to summit, especially on such a difficult peak. Prior to this time, summits were reached by one to two expedition members at most, with the rest of teams providing logistical support before turning around and heading home. The French team climbed Makalu by the north face and northeast ridge, via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La), establishing the standard route.


Makalu is considered one of the most challenging mountains to climb and requires fine technical skills. Makalu-Barun Valley is a Himalayan glacier valley situated at the base of Makalu in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal. This valley lies entirely inside the Makalu Barun National Park.
Barun Valley provides stunning contrasts, where high waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, craggy rocks rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks. This unique landscape shelters some of the last pristine mountain ecosystems on Earth. Rare species of animals and plants flourish in diverse climates and habitats, relatively undisturbed by human kind.

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu, where you will be met by your expedition team. Check into your hotel and rest after your travels. Take the evening to explore the city or relax, depending on your arrival time.

Spend the day resting and adjusting to the local environment. Finalize gear checks, ensure your equipment is in good condition, and attend a pre-trek briefing with the team. You can also explore Kathmandu’s cultural sights, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) or Boudhanath Stupa, depending on your interest and energy levels.

Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (460m), enjoying views of the eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival, drive to Num (1,500m), the starting point of your trek. This drive offers a first glimpse of the mountainous terrain and rural villages.

Begin your trek with a scenic walk from Num to Seduwa (1,540m). The trail is gradually uphill, passing through forests and villages. You'll enjoy your first taste of the trekking environment, with views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Day 06: Trek to Tashigaon (2,070m)

Spend a day at Tashigaon to rest and acclimatize. It’s essential to adjust to the altitude before heading further. You can explore the village, learn about local customs, and prepare for the next phase of the trek.

Trek to Khongma (3,560m), ascending through forests of pine and rhododendron. The route becomes steeper as you get closer to your destination. The beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and valleys provide plenty of motivation.

Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600m), passing through alpine meadows and rugged terrain. The higher altitude means fewer settlements, and the environment starts to feel more remote and untouched.

Trek to Langmale Kharka (4,400m), where the landscape becomes increasingly alpine. You’ll pass through rocky ridges and get your first views of the towering Makalu massif, an inspiring sight as you approach base camp.

Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), a challenging and rewarding day. The trail becomes steeper and rougher as you approach the base camp. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain views, including the magnificent Makalu.

This is the primary phase for summiting Mount Makalu. Over the next 31 days, you will make several attempts to summit, with rest, acclimatization, and climbing in stages. The team will assist with all technical aspects of the climb, and you’ll be adjusting to higher altitudes as you ascend.

After completing the climb, begin your descent to Yangle Kharka (3,600m). This will help your body adjust back to lower altitudes and allow you to reflect on the climb.

Trek down to Mumbuk (3,550m), retracing part of the earlier trail. The descent is easier on the body, and you can enjoy the stunning views of the valley once more.

Continue your descent to Khongma (3,560m). The change in altitude allows for better acclimatization, and the lower altitudes offer a more comfortable pace.

Trek back to Seduwa (1,540m), completing another leg of the return journey. The trail becomes more familiar as you pass through lush forests and beautiful landscapes.

Drive from Num back to Tumlingtar (460m). The drive is a chance to relax after the trek and enjoy the last views of the mountains.

Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest and relax after the physical challenge of the expedition. You can also explore more of the city or visit places you missed earlier.

After completing the trek and climb, enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu (1,400m). This day gives you time to relax, recover, and reflect on your incredible journey. You can visit the local markets for souvenirs, explore cultural landmarks you may have missed earlier, or simply unwind at your hotel. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy Nepalese cuisine and prepare for your departure.

Depart from Kathmandu and continue your journey home or to your next destination. Your adventure in Nepal comes to a close, leaving you with memories of an incredible climbing expedition.

Includes

SERVICE IN KATHMANDU

  1. Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle.
  2. 5 night’s accommodation in Kathmandu in a 4 star hotel including breakfast on twin sharing basis.
  3. Kathmandu-Tumlingtar and return flights as per itinerary. (Extra cost for Heli Flight)
  4. Welcome & Farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu.


GOVERNMENT & RELATED CHARGES

  1. Mt. Makalu climbing royalty fees,
  2. Garbage deposit fees, Rope-fixing charge
  3. 1 Liaison officer for one expedition team
  4. Makalu-Barun national park permit fee and other relatable permit fees


SERVICE IN TREK

  1. Accommodation during the trek in local Teahouse/Lodges.
  2. All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
  3. Services of an experienced English-speaking trekking guide during the trek and their entire expenses.
  4. Porters (One porter for every 1 members) and their entire expenses
  5. First Aid Kit (Carried by trek guide)

BASE CAMP SERVICE

  1. Base Camp Accommodation with an individual sleeping tent with mattress.
  2. Base Camp service (shared with the group) includes a kitchen tent with the cook, kitchen boy, dining tent with tables and chairs, shower tent, toilet tent, storage tent, gas heater,etc.
  3. EPI gas and High altitude foods during the climb having high calories.
  4. First aid kit.


EXPEDITION SERVICE

  1. 6 Supplementary Oxygen for Climber and 4 for Climbing Sherpa including mask and regulator.
  2. One climbing Sherpa for one climbing member during the climbing period.
  3. Sherpa's remuneration and load-bearing bonus (this bonus does not include the summit bonus)
  4. Climbing equipment, transportation, lodging, food, and salaries for Sherpas and staff are provided.
  5. The expenses of Insurance for Sherpa, trekking guide and porters and salary for all staffs. (includes Heli evacuation for Sherpa)
  6. All the expenses of Liaison officer including wages, gears and equipment.
  7. Walkie-Talkie and Satellite Phone (Charges Per Call).
  8. Rope fixing charge and Applicable local and government taxes.
  9. First aid kit.

Excludes

  1. International airfare to and from Kathmandu and Nepal Visa Fees
  2. Travel & medical insurance including insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation
  3. Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu except welcome or farewell dinner
  4. Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, bottled water, bar bills, trekking/climbing gears, etc.
  5. Summit bonus for Sherpa ($750) & tips for local staffs ($200)
  6. Cost for the daily weather forecast
  7. Any extra cost arising out of natural calamities or cancellation of the program
  8. All other items not mentioned in the list of ‘Inclusions

Terms and Conditions

Booking Terms and Conditions

Destination Map

Mount Makalu, Tingri County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet, 858200, China

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