Makalu Expedition

52 Days
Difficult

Max. Altitude

8463m

Best Season

Oct-Dec & Mar-May

Activity

Climbing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

top rated - Based on 214 TripAdvisor & 107 Google Reviews

2 + people 9999
US$ 17500

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Tripadvisor Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 218 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Experience78263 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent Experience with Life Himalaya Trekking
Excellent Experience with Life Himalaya Trekking – Highly Recommended! A big thank you to the entire team at Life Himalaya Trekking Pvt Ltd for organising such a wonderful experience for us. We arrived in Kathmandu on 12 October 2026 and completed our 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp. Everything was organised very well from start to finish, and the team looked after us throughout the journey. A special thank you to our guide, Birsha Rai, who communicated with us so well. His English was excellent and easy to understand. He was friendly, professional and very flexible, making sure we were comfortable along the way. Our two Sherpa porters were also incredibly kind and helpful. We also appreciated the warm welcome and the lovely farewell ceremony with lunch. It was a beautiful way to finish our adventure. Thank you to Shiba, the Managing Director, and the whole Life Himalaya team for making our Everest Base Camp trek such a memorable experience. We are from Australia and would happily recommend Life Himalaya Trekking to anyone planning an adventure in Nepal. You can book with confidence! Thank you again for everything! 🇦🇺🏔️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lea M 
 
 
 
 Verified Stunning mountain views and adventurous trails
This is our second time booking with Life Himalaya Trekking and we were nothing but happy with the entire experience. Our two week trip started with the meetup in Kathmandu and travelling to Lukla for the meeting of our guide Pramod and our Porter Lilaraj - everything was organized perfectly. From then on we were in great hands throughout our tour, always well taken care of and always looked after. Pramod was full of knowledge and insight of the area and the surrounding mountains. Lilaraj helped us with our bags and made the trip feel a little lighter for us. We are so thankful to both of them for supporting us on our trip - it would not have been as much fun and as comfortable without both of them! We really enjoyed the EBC trail as well - the weather was fantastic and the views of the mountains on this trail are phenomenal. But be prepared for quite a busy trail and definitely some exhausting parts along the way. But with the support of Pramod and Lilaraj, we made it to our goal to reach the EBC and we are very proud of the achievement. It would not have been possible without all the help from Life Himalaya Trekking - we cannot wait to come back for our next tour!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lea M 
 
 
 
 Verified Big thanks to Life Himalaya Trekking for a wonderful EBC trek!
We went recently on the EBC trek for 14 days with Life Himalaya Trekking - and everything was organized perfectly. From the communication ahead of the trip to the hike itself - we were well taken care of. Shiba, the head of the company, made sure our trip started and ended smoothly. Our guide Pramod was so kind and very well informed, we got the best possible information while trekking. Our porter Lilaraj supported us along the whole trek. We have nothing to complain about and we look forward to visiting beautiful Nepal again. And we look forward to our next tour with Life Himalaya Trekking!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   peter m 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing
Amazing experience. Guide was knowledgeable and I always felt safe and well looked after.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jessica M 
 
 
 
 Verified An Incredible Trek with the Best Team!
I completed the Manaslu Circuit with Saugat and Aunil, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! The trek was breathtaking, the organization was perfect, and the views were simply stunning. Saugat’s knowledge, professionalism, and expertise as a guide, together with Aunil’s help, kindness, and support as a porter, made the whole experience even more special. I couldn’t have asked for a better team! I will definitely come back to Nepal, and I will choose this agency, Saugat, and Aunil again without hesitation. 10 stars for my new friends! Thank you both for making this adventure unforgettable!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Louis L 
 
 
 
 Verified Outstanding experience with Life Himalaya Trekking
We have just returned from a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp with Life Himalaya Trekking (plus 3 days in Katmandu). From start to finish, Shiba—the owner of this prestigious agency—delivered service that far exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Birsha Rai, provided exceptional support throughout what is a very demanding trek. We were consistently impressed by the quality of his guidance, his attitude, and his services; we truly appreciated how fortunate we were to have his support every step of the way. The trek turned into an exceptional human experience. Louis L.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Scott F 
 
 
 
 Verified Outstanding Everest base camp experience
Outstanding trekking company. Shiba was great to work with. He handled all our questions and changes in our itinerary with no problem. We had the best guide and porter anyone could ask for. We enjoyed all the places we stayed. I would highly highly recommend this trekking company. If you wanna trek to Everest Base camp.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Andrew T 
 
 
 
 Verified Mardi Himal Trek
A life changing experience! Milan and Bhim were the best guide and porter for our very first trek in the Himalayas. Although the weather wasn’t always on our side, we got to see the most spectacular views, stayed in the best hotels/ camps and definitely got to tick off an item on the bucket list. Thank you Milan, for your wealth of knowledge and for guiding us safely through some rather wet and rainy conditions. We will definitely be back!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stefano G 
 
 
 
 Verified Beautiful travel experience
Excellent, serious, and reliable agency. We did a private Upper Mustang trek combined with a visit to Kathmandu. Everything perfect. Fantastic guide Badri with experience and great professionalism. Porter Dan was very good. Furthermore, they always showed great empathy. Very good
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sharon D 
 
 
 
 Verified Dream EBC + exceptional visit to Kathmandu.
Thanks to Life Himalaya Trekking, my husband and I were able to realize a dream. From the moment of organizing from Italy, Shiba proved to be extremely available and quick in communications. And, once here, we were able to immediately verify how efficient the entire team that makes up the company is. Shiba is infinitely sweet and friendly; he pampered us, guiding us through all the organizational aspects of our trip, from the trek to Everest Base Camp to cultural visits in Kathmandu and surroundings, covering all types of transportation we needed. Thanks to him, we had the pleasure of spending our time in Nepal with unique people, who allowed us to get to know this wonderful country and its inhabitants up close. Tika was our guide during the hike to EBC, and thanks to him and our porter Podam, we experienced a wonderful and authentic adventure! Both very knowledgeable, they were excellent at taking care of us, thanks to their attention to even the small things, the advice and information they provided us, but especially due to their friendliness, which allowed us to approach even the most difficult situations with ease. Tika is an exceptional entertainer and a great photographer; he was our family for more than a week, and we are very grateful to him. The entire experience of reaching Everest Base Camp was all-encompassing; it captivated us in every aspect, both scenic and human. It was exciting to reach the destination after a journey that lasted about a week. But it was equally incredible and moving to fly by helicopter from Gorak Shep to Lukla, retracing from above every step taken and every place experienced during the previous days. We would like to thank Promot, Raj, Rajan, and especially our exceptional tour guide Ajya, who accompanied us through the most iconic places in Kathmandu, sharing their history and every cultural aspect. The passion and love for one's work allowed us to immerse ourselves in a world that, otherwise, we would have understood and experienced only halfway. Thanks also to all the other members who contributed to the success of our trip. This is a goodbye; we look forward to returning to Nepal!
  
 
  
  
 
 
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