Trip Planner
Trip Planner

Makalu Expedition

Max. Altitude

8463m

Best Season

Oct-Dec & Mar-May

Activity

Expedition

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

KathmanduThe 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.

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

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, vooden bridge and river, nepal himalayas mountains, barun valley

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 (2)

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.

Adventure-Makalu-Himalayan-region-of-Nepal (2)

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.

makalu mountain view
makalu mountain view
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.

Equipment Checklist

Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal

  • Breathable Underwear
  • Sports Bra
  • Base Layers
  • Trekking Shirts
  • Trekking Trousers and Shorts
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Down jacket (insulated jacket)
  • Windcheater (water proof)
  • Sun protection Hat
  • Headband or Beanie
  • Scarf or neckband
  • Gloves (inner and outer )
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Hiking Socks
  • Thermal Socks
  • Gaiters
  • Duffel Bag
  • Day pack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Hydration bladder or Water bottle
  • Head Lamps
  • Batteries
  • Personal towel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Sun lotion
  • Medical & first-aid kit
  • Woolen socks
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Lip Guard
  • Insulated pants
  • Baby wipers

Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal

  • Water bottle
  • Batteries and bulbs
  • Flashlight
  • Personal towel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Rucksack
  • Sun lotion
  • Medical & first-aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Polypropylene/wool socks
  • Other required equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Down Jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Trekking shoes/boots
  • Camp shoes
  • Jumperorpile jacket
  • Hiking pants
  • Hiking shirts
  • Full–sleeves shirt
  • T-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • Gloves
  • Woolen hat
  • Long underwear
  • Goggles or sun glasses
  • Gaiters
  • Sun block for lips
  • Light cotton socks
  • Mountain trekking boots
  • Woolen socks to wear with boots
  • Nylon wind breaker
  • Insulated pants
  • Nylon wind pants
  • Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
  • Sun hat
  • Long cotton hiking shorts
  • Fleece/wool for climbing
  • Lightweight fleece
  • Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
  • Down high altitude sleeping bag
  • Down jacket/trousers/vest
  • Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
  • Water proof climbing jacket
  • Head torch/batteries/bulbs
  • Climbing sunglasses
  • Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
  • Sun screen
  • Warm climbing trousers
  • Wool long underwear
  • Other required equipment
  • Climbing boots
  • Gaiters
  • Ice axe
  • Harness
  • Crampons
  • Karabiners
  • Tapes/slings
  • Snow bars
  • Ice screws
  • Rock pegs
  • Deadmen
  • Crash hat
  • Day bag
  • Rucksack
  • Lip salve
  • T-shirts
  • Ascenders
  • Ascenders
  • Kit bag

Whats 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

Whats 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.

Makalu Expedition - Essential Information

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