Mt. Makalu Expedition

56 Days

Mt. Makalu (8463m) is the fifth highest mountain Peak on the Earth. Situated in the heart of Everest region, Mt. Makalu is just 14 miles east of Mt. Everest. Deep isolated valleys of Arun and Barun river surrounds the Makalu Himal.

The trail to the mountain follows the pristine forests and alpine meadows. Makalu-Barun area contains a wide range of rich and diverse flora and fauna. You will have an opportunity to explore the unique culture and traditions of Rai, Sherpa, and Bhotia ethnic community.

The economically backward community is rich in cultural heritage and traditions. The unique natural and cultural treasures get preserved by these communities. They try to keep their lives away from the materialistic world. The area is remote and little known outside of the trekking community.

Avid trekkers have always rated the trail to be one of the finest in the world. Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy ascended the peak on May 15, 1955. They belonged to a french expedition team. Mt. Makalu was first measured and photographed by the British Everest survey in 1921 from the Tibetan side.

The west face of the mountain lying on the Nepal side is quite dangerous. There were five failed attempts before the successful expedition of Mt. Makalu. The West Face of Mt. Makalu was first successfully ascended in 1997. Sergey Efimov led Russian expedition team climbed the Makalu via West Face on May 21, 1997.

The majestic Makalu is a four-sided pyramid situated in the Mahalangur region. Makalu is widely regarded as one of the most challenging mountains to climb in the world. Some climbers suggest it is even more complicated than the mighty Everest. A mountaineer has to tackle several steep technical sections and with knife-edged ridges.

The tour starts after a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. The trekking journey starts from Tumlingtar. We pass through many charming little villages staying in local lodges and camps. The trail also moves along the terraced farmed hills and the rhododendron trees.

After a trek of almost a week, we arrive at the spectacular Makalu Base Camp. Sherpa crew members help us immensely by setting up our tents and cooking nutritious meals. They also check on our health conditions and train and acclimatize us for the climb ahead. We train rigorously and prepare ourselves for the strenuous climb.

After almost two weeks of training and preparation, we start our ascent to the summit. We overcome several technical sections to arrive at the summit. The spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains and the beautiful environment will amaze us. The final ascent to the summit pyramid has a tough rock climbing sections. Prior experience of a mountain and rock climbing with an excellent physical condition is a must.

After some time at the summit, we descend to the Base Camps. We clean up the Base Camp and retrace our steps back through the charming villages of Mumubuk, Tashi gaon, Num, Khandbari and finally arrive at the town of Tumlingtar. We end our journey on a scenic flight from Tumlingtar.

Are you an avid mountaineer? Do you love challenges? If yes, then the Mt. Makalu expedition is ideal for you. We are offering this spectacular mountaineering package at an affordable cost. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now!

Highlights of The Trip

  • Ascending the 5th highest mountain in the world, Mt Makalu(8463m)
  • Spectacular view of Kanchenjunga to the east and Mt Shishapangma to the west along with other snow-capped mountains in the distance
  • Exploring the Makalu Barun National Park
  • Scenic mountain flight of Tumlingtar-Kathmandu-Tumlingtar
  • Opportunity to train with the veteran climbers
  • Incredible hospitality of the Nepalese people
  • Exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung, Rai, sherpa and Bhotia community

Best Time for Mt. Makalu Expedition

The weather conditions at the Himalayas is quite extreme and unpredictable. The unpredictable weather and the changing temperature play an essential part in determining the best time for the Mt. Makalu expedition.

Spring

The ideal time for climbing Mt. Makalu is the spring season. The month of April-May is when most of the climbers attempt the mountain. The temperature is quite moderate around time.

The spring season also sees the abundance of wildflowers, especially the rhododendron flower. The pleasant weather condition and clear blue skies make for a great trip.

Autumn

The small window between September-November is also available for Mt. Makalu expedition. The autumn season arrives after the monsoon season. Thus, there are no risks of rainfall and snowfall during the season.

You can climb the mountain in perfect conditions. The unobstructed view of the mountains over the blue sky adds to the beauty.

The Difficulty Level of Mt. Makalu Expedition

Makalu is one of the most technically challenging mountains in the world. Several technical sections will test you to the core. The freezing temperature, dipping oxygen levels, bulky clothes, and gears are some of the factors that make the climb of Mt. Makalu quite tough.

The climber needs to use the axe, fixed ropes, crampons, and many other mountaineering gears. You must practice your skills in other peaks before attempting Mount Makalu. You must keep in mind the various factors like altitude sickness, sleep deprivation, frostbite that increase the risk of the expedition.

The climb to the summit gets scheduled early to make it to the top before noon as to avoid the strong afternoon winds that pose a threat. Exhaustion is another crucial factor that increases the risk of collapse during descent.

The excellent Sherpa crew will protect you at all times. Acclimatize regularly and always put your safety first. Also, listen to the experts and the team leader. If you follow these rules diligently, you will be able to ascend the mountain successfully.

Day 01 :Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m).

Day 02-03 :Sightseeing, trip preparation briefing.

Day 04 :Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar(920m) and then trek to Manebhanjyang(1100m).

Day 05 :Manebhanjyang to Kuwapani (1420m).

Day 06 :Kuwapani to Num (1800m) .

Day 07 :Num to Sheduwa (1510m).

Day 08 :Sheduwa to Tashigaon (2070m).

Day 09 :Tashigaon to Khongma (3760m).

Day 10 :Khongma to Sanopokhari (1710m).

Day 11 :Sanopokhari to Mumbuk (3550m).

Day 12 :Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3600m).

Day 13 :Yangle Kharka to Hillary Base Camp (4800m).

Day 14 :Hillary Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp (4870m)

Day 15-46 :Climbing Period (summit Makalu 8463m).

Day 47 :Cleaning up Base Camp and ready to return.

Day 48 :Base Camp to Yak Kharka (3600m).

Day 49 :Yak Kharka to Mumbuk (3550m).

Day 50 :Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon (3420m).

Day 51 :Tashi Gaon to Num (1800m).

Day 52 :Num to Chichira(1615m).

Day 53 :Chichira to Tumlingtar via Khandbari (920m).

Day 54 :Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu.

Day 55 :Rest day.

Day 56 :Final departure.

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Mt. Makalu Expedition
From $15,900
/ Adult
  • 56 Day(s)
  • Strenuous
  • 8463
  • 2+
  • Spring
  • Aeroplane
  • Breakfast / Lunch / Diner
  • Expeditions
  • Tea house and camping

Trek’s Routes Map

Mt. Makalu Expedition