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Makalu Expedition

  • 52 Days
  • Difficult
max-altitude

Max. Altitude

8463m
best-season

Best Season

Oct-Dec & Mar-May
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Activity

Climbing
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Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Makalu Expedition

Mt. Makalu (8463m) is the fifth highest mountain Peak on the Earth. Makalu or “Big Black” is situated just 19km South East from Everest in the Makalu-Barun National Park bordering Tibet. Its size alone is impressive, but it’s perfect pyramid structure with four sharp ridges makes this mountain all the more spectacular. The first climb of Mt. Makalu was made on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco.

Makalu expedition summit Nepal or climbing Mount Makalu’s popularity is increasing in recent years. Makalu trekking is formerly a controlled trekking area of eastern Nepal, it extent five major ecological zones where can be found the lush, tropical Arun valley, dense forests or rhododendron, fir, and alpine meadows that lead to the mighty Barun glacier.

The route begins with a flight into Tumlingtar (285m), a town at the base of the hills that climb into Makalu-Barun National park. We will then drive to our trailhead in Chichila. The journey from this point is a 9-day route on foot through villages and subtropical forests, descents ascents of the Arun valley, and hikes over a series of passes, including Shipton La pass (4200m) to finally reach Makalu base camp.

We will take a few days to rest and acclimatize at base camp before starting our rotation rounds on the mountain. Using the route of the first ascent, we will ascend via the North West ridge. From Makalu base camp, we will place 5 camps on the mountain, beginning with an advanced base camp located just across the glacier moraine. The route between Camp 1 to Camp 3 climbs between seracs and crevasses with sections of steep mixed climbing. Camp 4 to the summit is a significant day that involves negotiating a steep ice band, crevasses, a 300m gully and an exposed summit ridge

Makalu Expedition Itinerary

day 01 Today upon your arrival in the Airport in Kathmandu we will assist you to your hotel. Stay overnight at Hotel.

day 02-04 Kathmandu Cultural Exploration and Expedition Preparation

The days we will visit the places of historical and cultural importance around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath, Swyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and many other places. We will also complete the government processes for getting expedition permit. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Kathmandu

day 05 Today early in the morning we board a flight to Tumlingtar. We visit and explore the places, culture and natural beauty around. Stay overnight at Guest House.

day 06 Today we trek the route following the river passing through forest, farmland, hill, suspension bridges and villages to reach Mane Bhanjyang. Stay overnight at Guest House.

nepal-suspension-bridge

day 07 Today we trek up the route passing through rhododendron forest, hill, natural beauty all around and many cultural villages to reach a Sherpa village Chichira. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 08 Today we trek up the root crossing many suspension bridges. The way passes through a forest of rhododendron and pine. The variety of birds can be observed in the forest. Moving forward we pass through villlages and farmlands to finally reach Num. Stay overnight at guest house.

forest-camp-kokar

day 09 Today we continue the trek through alpine forest up and down crossing river and suspension bridges to reach Seduwa. The astonishing mountain landscape can be observed on the way to Seduwa. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 10 The journey continuous through rocky trail uphill. The glimpse of Makalu can be observed on the way. We trek pass many cultural villages following Tibetan culture to finally reach Tashi Gaon. Stay overnight at guest house.

Mount-makalu-with-clouds

day 11 The trail forward becomes difficult today. The altitude increases gradually and the trail becomes rocky. We trek pass waterfall, forest and hill to finally reach Kauma. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 12 Today trek continues uphill passing many small mountain settlement, yak pasture, farmland, forest and beautiful landscape to finally reach Dobato. Stay overnight at guest house.

Adventure-Makalu-Himalayan-region-of-Nepal

day 13 The uphill trek carries on, we trek the rocky trail with the glimpse of Makalu Himal and panoramic view of mountains all around to finally reach Jark Kharka. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 14 Today we move forward the trail and the trek becomes more difficult. The route becomes icy and rough rocky. We pass the rubble of glacier and icy trail to reach Hilary Base Camp. Stay overnight at tented camp.

day 15 The trail becomes more difficult as we move forward. We pass through glaciers and rough trail. The air becomes thinner and trek becomes more adventurous. Then we reach Makalu Base Camp. Stay overnight at tented camp.

day 16 Today we move forward through glacier and icy trail. At times using the expert advice and ropes to finally reach Higher Base Camp. Stay overnight at tented camp.

camping-in-makalu

day 17-43 Makalu Summit and Return to Base Camp

These days we reach the summit of Makalu and return back to Makalu Base Camp. We climb this mountain with the help of climbing gears and expert advice. As we approach summit the climb becomes more difficult and atmosphere becomes thinner. The summit of this peak is at the height of 8463m. Making it to the top is a huge achievement and lifetime experience. We enjoy the views of mountain range on the way. The views of sunrise and sunshine are astonishing which can be observed during expedition. After successfully stepping at the top of the peak and spending some time we climb down the mountain to reach Makalu Base Camp. Stay overnight at tented camp.

day 44 Today the return journey continues and we climb down the trail continuously to reach Yak Kharka. Stay overnight at guest house.

Larkya Pass In Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Height of 5160m
Larkya Pass In Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Height of 5160m

day 45 Today we trek down the route through many small Sherpa settlements and their farms. Exploring the culture and hospitality of people in these villages we make our way to Mumbuk. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 46 Today we trek past pine and rhododendron forest, valley and mountain villages to reach Tashi Gaon. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 47 Today we trek down the return trail passing through many suspended bridges, riverbanks and dense alpine forest to reacnh Num. Stay overnight at guest house.

Adventure-Makalu-Himalayan-region-of-Nepal-

day 48 Today our trek down the route continuous. We pass through beautiful landscape, forest and many local villages. We enjoy the hospitality of the people in these area and explore their culture. We finally reach Chichira. Stay overnight at guest house.

day 49 Today we trek past easy route passing through valley and forest. Glimpse of the mountains at the far distance can be observed on the way. At the end of the day we reach Tumlingtar. Stay overnight at guest house.

makalu-view-on-the-way

day 50 Early in the morning living all those Himalayas behind, we board a flight back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day is free time for you. You can rest or you can roll around tourist hubs in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel.

day 51 Today is free day at Kathmandu. You can plan for the day as your wish. You can go for shopping or you can hang around tourist hubs around Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel.

makalu-trekking-nepal

day 52 Today is your departure day. We will assist you to the airport prior to your flight.

Makalu-Expedition-52-Days-Map

What's Included

  • All ground and air transportation throughout the trek.
  • Best available accommodation and full board meals throughout the trek.
  • One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • All national park and conservation areas permit fee.
  • Government taxes & office service charge

What's Excluded

  • Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa charge.
  • All beverage and others personal expenses.
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  •  Hot shower during the trek.
Starting from

$17,500

per person (in USD)
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top rated - Based on 200 TripAdvisor & 93 Google Reviews

  • 2 + people 9999
    US$ 17500
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Tripadvisor Reviews

EXCELLENT
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Based on 210 reviews
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Stefano G profile picture
Stefano G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Esperienza di viaggio bellissima Ottima agenzia seria e affidabile. Abbiamo fatto un trekking privato upper Mustang abbinato a visita Katmandu. Tutto perfetto. Guida Badri fantastica con esperienza e grande professionalità. Porter Dan bravissimo. Inoltre hanno sempre mostrato una grande empatia. Bravissimi
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Sharon D profile picture
Sharon D
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EBC da sogno + visita Katmandu d’eccezione Grazie a Life Himalaya Trekking, io e mio marito abbiamo potuto realizzare un sogno. Sin dal momento dell’organizzazione dall’Italia, Shiba si è dimostrato estremamente disponibile e celere nelle comunicazioni. E, una volta qui, abbiamo potuto verificare immediatamente quanto efficiente sia l’intera equipe che compone la compagnia. Shiba è di una dolcezza e simpatia infinita, ci ha coccolati accompagnandoci attraverso tutti gli aspetti organizzativi del nostro viaggio, dal trekking al Campo Base dell’Everest alle visite culturali a Katmandu e d’intorni, passando per tutte le tipologie di trasporto di cui abbiamo avuto bisogno. Grazie a lui, abbiamo avuto il piacere di trascorrere il nostro tempo in Nepal insieme a persone uniche, che ci hanno permesso di conoscere da vicino questo meraviglioso Paese e la gente che lo abita. Tika è stato la nostra guida durante l’escursione verso il EBC e, grazie a lui e al nostro porter Podam, abbiamo vissuto un’esperienza meravigliosa ed autentica! Entrambi molto preparati, sono stati bravissimi a prendersi cura di noi, grazie alla loro attenzione anche per le piccole cose, ai consigli e alle nozioni che ci hanno fornito, ma, soprattutto, grazie alla loro simpatia che ci ha permesso di vivere con leggerezza anche le situazioni più difficili. Tika è un intrattenitore eccezionale, nonché ottimo fotografo; è stato la nostra famiglia per più di una settimana e gli siamo molto grati. L’intera esperienza per raggiungere il Campo Base dell’Everest è stata totalizzante, ci ha rapiti sotto ogni aspetto, paesaggistico e umano. È stato emozionante raggiungere la meta attraverso un percorso durato circa una settimana. Ma è stato altrettanto incredibile e commovente volare con l’elicottero da Gorak Shep fino a Lukla, ripercorrendo dall’alto ogni passo conquistato e ogni luogo vissuto durante i giorni precedenti. Ci teniamo a ringraziare anche Promot, Raj, Rajan e, soprattutto, la nostra eccezionale guida turistica Ajya, che ci ha accompagnato attraverso i luoghi più iconici di Katmandu, raccontandone la storia e ogni aspetto culturale. La passione e l’amore per il proprio lavoro ci ha permesso di immergerci in un mondo che, altrimenti, avremmo compreso e vissuto solo a metà. Grazie anche a tutti gli altri membri che hanno collaborato alla riuscita del nostro viaggio. Questo è un arrivederci, non vediamo l’ora di tornare in Nepal!
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Inspiration763559
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Unforgettable life experience We were extremely satisfied with our Everest Base Camp trek with Life Himalaya Trekking. From the moment we were picked up at the airport, everything was organized perfectly. Due to weather conditions, the company arranged a helicopter flight for us, which made the start of our adventure even more special. Our guide, Rabin, was exceptional. He was kind, caring, and looked after us every step of the way. Whenever we felt unwell, he made sure we were comfortable and helped us recover. His knowledge of the mountains, careful approach to acclimatization, and genuine care for our well-being allowed us to continue the journey safely. Most importantly, he treated us like family, making the entire trek feel like a trip with friends rather than a guided tour. Our porter, Arjun, was equally amazing. He was always cheerful, funny, and incredibly helpful. During acclimatization hikes and challenging moments, he even helped with our backpacks when we were struggling. His positive attitude made every day more enjoyable. Both Rabin and Arjun are true gems and a huge asset to the company. We cannot thank them enough for everything they did for us. A special thank you also goes to Shiba, the owner of Life Himalaya Trekking. He was friendly, professional, and made our experience truly special from beginning to end. I also had a unique experience during this trip as I participated in the Everest Marathon. Rabin and Arjun came to support me, pace me, and cheer me on during the final kilometers, helping me reach the finish line. It meant so much to me and is something I will never forget. Thank you, Life Himalaya Trekking, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are incredibly grateful for the memories, friendships, and support we received throughout this unforgettable adventure. With love and gratitude, Dominika
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Dawn G profile picture
Dawn G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome experience with Life Himalayan I had a wonderful time trekking EBC. Birsha Rai was an awesome guide he made sure I had anything I needed. He made sure my accommodations were good and I had plenty of water and snacks for the trek. Dhan Kajl was my porter and he took extra care of my things my bag was always clean and dry when delivered to my room. He even carried my day pack the last stretch of EBC trek. Life Himalayan took care of me from the moment I landed and was without one bag to making sure I made all my helicopter connections. Someone was there every step of the way. I am so grateful that I chose to travel with Life Himalayan. Thank you! 😊
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Roving04696555305
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5 Stars! Life Himalaya Trekking gave us an amazing experience! We had the most wonderful guide, Jal Tamang. Not only did he provide amazing conversation, high spirits, and tons of great information about the Everest region, he went above and beyond when a member of our party got altitude sickness. He worked tirelessly to bring food & water to them during their hospital stay, but also coordinated their time in Lukla after they had had to descend. I still made it to Base Camp, and throughout our journey he made the entire experience unforgettable. The accommodations were also truly top notch, with the earlier tea houses offering hot showers, readily available charging, and even heating pads under the mattresses. Highly recommend, thank you Jal!
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Cynthia C profile picture
Cynthia C
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Camp de base Everest Quelle belle expérience! Life Himalaya trekking et sont équipe est vraiment super. Notre guide Rabin Ray est un professionnel de la montagne. Il a pris grand soin de nous tout le long du parcours. Notre porteur Tik aussi, toujours là pour nous aider. Shiba le propriétaire est un professionnel et il prend soin de nous rencontrer et s'assurer que tout se passe bien avant notre départ. Les transports, hôtel et autres, tout était parfait. Merci beaucoup à tous
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david b profile picture
david b
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Lifetime Experience! Life Himalaya Trekking took great care of us. We wanted to do Everest Base Camp in as little time as possible and found this company. We found out they are family owned Sheba is the owner and his son Raj were both awesome. Sheba first started as a Sherpa, then became a guide and now owns his own company. Our guide Rabin was so kind to us! Rabin always went out of his way to take care of us every step of the way. Rabin also started as a Sherpa and now is a guide. I would highly recommend this company our shortened trip to Everest Base Camp from 10 to 7 days because of our tight schedule was a success and a trip of a life time that my good friend and I will remember the rest of our lives. What an amazing experience and a spacial thank you to Sheba, Raj, and our incredible guide Rabin for making it happen and bringing us back safe.
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akrishnappa
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Submitting Mera Peak - thanks to Sagar and Robin for making it happen I had a truly wonderful 11 days trek that culminated in successfully summitting Mera Peak. My guides Sagar and Robin were outstanding. They built rapport with each hiker in the group and understood each persons capabilities. They walked with us every step of the way and were always on hand to make sure we safely crossed tricky and dangerous sections. They encouraged, entertained, and gave us moral support especially during the push to summit. At one point, the going got so tough that I was almost ready to turn back. Sagar gave me the much needed encouragement, confidence, and made sure I didn't give up. I couldn't have made it to the top without them. The views from the top were just spectacular and it was worth every bit of the effort. Thanks to Life Himalaya Trekking for making it possible for me to have this beautiful once in a lifetime adventure!!!
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Dhanya J profile picture
Dhanya J
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent team fantastic service My friend and I completed the Everest Base Camp trek with Life Himalaya in April 2026, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Shiba was incredibly prompt with communication and thoughtfully customised the itinerary according to our requirements and preferences, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. We were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Kiran, and from that moment onward he ensured we were well looked after every step of the journey. His care, compassion, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of the mountains and local culture were outstanding. Kiran consistently prioritised our safety, comfort, and enjoyment, making the trek both rewarding and memorable. Our porters, Dhan Kumar and Asthan, were equally caring and supportive. I wholeheartedly recommend Life Himalaya for their exceptional trekking experience, professionalism, and genuine Himalayan hospitality. Kiran is truly one of the best guides we have experienced, and we look forward to returning for more adventures with Life Himalaya in the future.
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Paul D profile picture
Paul D
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The best memories and the best of times Life Himalayas were outstanding from the start to finish, every situation catered gor. I especially liked the personal touches from the owners Sheba, he needs every one ate the start of the trip and take toy out for a farewell meal at the end. Our guide Pro and sherpa Arg were both absolute hero's. Would not hesitate in recommending this comany
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Per Person $17,500

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