About Makalu Expedition

Makalu (8,463 mt / 27,765 ft) is the 5th highest peak on the planet and one of only 14 peaks that rise over 8,000 mt / 26,247 ft.  It is located in the eastern region of Nepal and is considered one of the most technically challenging peaks in the world and a major goal for experienced, worldwide mountaineers.

We are ready and able to assist you in accomplishing your greatest climbing aims safely and soundly. Your dream of standing atop a demanding 8,000 m peak and the feeling of ultimate success and achievement will be in safe hands as you let us take care of the logistics.

The mountain was first climbed by a French team in 1955. It lies less than 20 km / 12.5 mi west of Everest and has a pyramid-shaped the main peak. The usual approach route is by the northwest ridge. Spring is considered the best season for conditions on the mountain and Autumn is another option. You can fulfill a lifetime highlight and individual ambitions and share the achievement in every walk of life from friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances, to climbing peers who will respect the hard work, commitment, stamina, and skill it takes to get to the top of Makalu.

As demanding as this climb is, you can leave everything to us and simply focus on achieving the aim of a lifetime. The Makalu Expedition is a fully supported journey and we are with you in all ways every step of the way with Himalayan veteran Sherpas. You will be with knowledgeable, experienced specialists that take your well-being personally and offer the best chance of summit success.

The journey passes through Makalu Barun National Park up to a serene alpine valley, uninhabited except for seasonal shepherds. To the north of Makalu-Barun National Park is the border with Tibet

We begin the journey to the Makalu Base Camp trek with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, a splendid village near the Arun River where the crew assembles. The route begins in the lush hills with charming villages rural farmlands. This journey takes trekkers off the beaten path and offers cultural interaction and insights that cannot be found on the busier and more commercialized routes. The path travels through a beautiful landscape that will be unforgettable. Visitors to the region will mostly have the remote trails to themselves!  The natural beauty and peaceful setting in the faraway valley can give you an overwhelming sense of being truly away from worldly cares and concerns.

 The hiking ascends through the majestic territory.  As the trails climb, we get closer and closer views of the magnificent Himalaya. After ascending to Base Camp we meet more crew and refresh our climbing skills. Along the journey, we include adequate rest days to ensure acclimatization. On these days, we take the chance to explore the beautiful surrounding area while we become accustomed to the altitude. 

The timetable is planned by veteran climbers with special attention to season and safety. We always adhere to the highest safety standards and ensure that this trip is designed for comfort and well-being, especially by following a graded ascent with proper acclimatization.

In Kathmandu, we begin with team introductions and expedition briefings, equipment inspection and other preparations.

We establish our Base Camp at 4,800 mt / 15,748 ft. Advanced Base Camp is around 5,700 mt / 18,700 ft. Camp I is around 6350 mt / 20,833 ft, Camp II is nearly 6,675 m / 21,900 ft, Camp III is about 7,400 mt / 24,280 ft. And Final Camp from where we push for the summit is 7,600 mt / 24,935 ft.

We arrange a crew of porters and sometimes yaks to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent and personal, high-performance sleeping tents. At base camp, our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

We are devoted to the highest standards in the industry and look forward to guiding you on the adventure of a lifetime to the top of the 5th highest and one of the most challenging peaks in the world!

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Climbing preparation day (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3Expedition Briefing at Nepal Tourism Board. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 4Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (520 mt.) and drive to Chichila. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 5Chichila to Num (1,490 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 6Num to Sedua (1,460 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 7Sdeua to Tashi Gaon (2,070 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 8Tashi Gaon to Khongma (3,560 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 9Rest day for acclimatization and exploration. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 10Khongma to Mumbuk (3,570 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 11Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka - (3,600 mt.).Walking 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 12Yangle Kharka to Sherson (4,615 mt.). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 13Sherson to Makalu Base Camp (5,000 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 14to Day 47 Climbing Period. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 48Makalu Base Camp to Yangle Kharka. Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 49Yangle Kharka Mumbuk. Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 50Mumbuk to Khongma. Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 51Khongma to Tashi Gaon. Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 52Tashi Gaon to Num. Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 53Num to Chichila. Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 54Drive from Chichila to Tumlingtar. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 55Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 56Leisure day in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner & Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 57Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
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