Makalu Expedition

Makalu Expedition

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    Group Size
    2
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    Region
    Makalu Region
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    Geography
    Mountain/ Forest/ Village/ River
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    Difficulty
    Strenuous
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    Max Altitude
    8463m
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    Accommodation
    Hotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge/Tented Camp
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    Transportation
    Hotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge/Tented Camp

The mind-boggling heights of the snow-capped Himalayas are a feast for the eyes for any traveler, be they domestic or international. In the community of world’s highest peaks, the perilous yet astounding Makalu, at an altitude of 8463m, proudly stands as the fifth highest peak in the world. The dramatic four-sided, pyramid-shaped mountain rises just 14 miles southeast of Mount Everest (8848m), the highest mountain in the world. The expedition to its summit is a trail of stopovers that leave you in awe with the mosaic of natural, historical, and cultural diversity.

Makalu lies within Makalu-Barun National Park that protects pristine ecosystems. The remote Barun valley below Makalu is home to some of the richest and most diverse floras and faunas of Nepal, which includes rare species like red panda, snow leopard, and Asian golden cat. The expedition features Arun valley – the deepest valley in the world. Diverse ethnic communities of Rai, Sherpa, and Bhotia inhibiting the lower parts of the valley are the custodians of the biological and cultural treasures, untouched by modernization in their most pristine form.

The expedition starts after a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, and thereafter, you ascend and descend valleys while enjoying the beautiful ridges surrounded by lush green forests or beautiful rivers, passing through pristine quiet villages exhibiting rich cultures, and crossing some high passes to reach the Makalu Base Camp. Thereafter, you climb gradually and acclimatize as you scale the giant in a period of 30 days. The period may vary because of the extremely dubious climate in the mountain.

The climb itself involves a combination of rock climbing, ice climbing, and high-altitude mountaineering. Climbers must navigate steep ice faces, crevasses, and unstable snowfields, and must be prepared to deal with extreme weather conditions, including high winds, snow, and freezing temperatures.

The Makalu Expedition is not for the faint-hearted, and only experienced climbers with a high level of fitness and technical skills should attempt it. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution, as well as a strong team of support staff, including sherpas, guides, and porters, to help ensure the safety and success of the expedition.

Once you embark on a journey to scale the giant, with our team of highly experienced mountaineers, you are guaranteed the ultimate mountaineering experience and a safe return to home with unforgettable memories that will last you a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning Views: The expedition provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga.
  • Challenging Climb: Climbing Makalu via the southeast ridge is a challenging and technically demanding climb, which makes it an ideal expedition for experienced mountaineers.
  • Remote and Pristine Environment: The region is relatively unspoiled and remote, with pristine mountain landscapes and few visitors.
  • Remote and Pristine Environment: The region is relatively unspoiled and remote, with pristine mountain landscapes and few visitors.
  • Cultural Interaction: The expedition provides an opportunity to interact with the local Sherpa community, learn about their culture and traditions, and witness their daily life in the mountains.
  • Adventure and Personal Growth: The expedition is a challenging and rewarding adventure that can push climbers to their limits, helping them grow personally and develop new skills.
  • Natural Diversity: The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, making it a unique and exciting place to explore.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (920m), trek to Mane Bhanjyang (1100m)

Day 02-03: Trek from Mane Bhanjyang to Kuwapani (1420m)

Day 04: Trek from Kuwapani to Num (1800m)

Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa (1510m)

Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon (2070m)

Day 07: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma (3760m)

Day 08: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3520m)

Day 09: Trek from Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka (3600m)

Day 10: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Shershon (4630m)

Day 11: Trek from Shershon to Makalu Base Camp (4870m)

Day 12-43: Climbing Period (summit Makalu 8463m)

Day 44: Preparation to returning

Day 45:  Trek from Base Camp to Yak Kharka (3600m)

Day 46:  Trek from Yak Kharka to Mumbuk (3550m)

Day 47: Trek from Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon (3420m)

Day 48:  Trek from Tashi Gaon to Num (1800m)

Day 49: Trek from Num to Chichila (1615m)

Day 50:  Trek from Chichila to Tumlingtar (920m)

Day 51: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (1350m)

Makalu Expedition Itinerary

Enjoy the scenic flight to the rugged airport at Tumlingtar, after which you trek to your first camp in Mane Bhanjyang. Walking past dense forests and several villages like Baidyagaon, Danda Gaon, Khandbari, Masranggi, Naya Bazaar, and Sunarpangma, you will arrive in Mane Bhanjyang. Overnight in Mane Bhanjyang.

Today's full day trekking (5-6 hours) through stunning landscapes to the village of Kuwapani, is the start of your strenuous journey. You pass many small villages like Baralgaon, Chiplegaon, Bhotebas, Gogane, and Chichila whilst enjoying the scenic terraced farms to arrive in Kuwapani.

You stay an extra day in Kuwapani to acclimatize. You can explore the surrounding and spend your time interacting with the friendly locals. Overnight in Kuwapani.

Trek through quaint villages and dense mountain forests. Seated on the edge of a ridge offering great views on both sides, is the village of Num. A typical Num evening displays alluring patterns of thunder and lightning. Overnight in Num.

A steep descent down to Arun River and then serpentine ascents up the other side while being accompanied by forests on the valley sides all along takes us to Seduwa from Num. Makalu Barun Conservation Area Park starts as you cross the bridge above Arun River, on your way to Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa.

Climb the ridge bounded by Isuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola on the east. Cross through peaceful villages and small paddy fields to reach your destination for the day. As you've already entered the conservation area, you'll see lesser villages and more trees, and might spot few wild animals. Overnight in Tashigaon.

You take on a sharp accent towards Khongma. Ascending past Sadema and Dhara Kharka, you enter Makalu Barun National Park at Unshisa. You climb further on the ridge of Isuwa Khola and Kasuwa Khola to reach Khongma. The vegetation on this trail changes to shrubs and rhododendron from the evergreen forest. Overnight in Khongma.

Today, you set off early as it is a strenuous trek crossing four passes in a day. Climb up to Kauma La Pass and then Keke La Pass where you will also get to rest around Kalo Pokhari area. Then, it is a steep climb up to Shipton La Pass from where you descend to Tutu La Pass. Continue descending through sparse vegetation, you reach the village of Mumbuk. Overnight in Mumbuk.

Pass through rhododendron forests walking alongside Barun River and in upper Barun valley. Thereafter, a pleasant walk while gradually gaining altitude to reach Yangri Kharka at the base of the valley. You follow Barun River upstream throughout the trail. Overnight in Yangri Kharka.

Pass through spectacular sceneries of yak pastures, lush forests, boulder fields, and icy glaciers to reach Shershon, the last settlement on the trail. You get an unobstructed view of the Himalayas of the Makalu Barun region including Makalu (8463m), Hunku Chuli (6833m), Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6524m), and Peak 7 (6758m) among others. Overnight in Shershon.

With Chamlang (7321m) on the left and Makalu (8463m) on the right, it is a steep climb to reach Makalu Base Camp from Shershon. You walk through icy moraines of Barun Glacier as you leave the sprout of Barun River. En route, you can make a visit to the glacial lake Barun Pokhari. Continue climbing on an icy and slippery trail to reach Makalu Base Camp. Overnight at the camp.

Guided by your climbing leader, gradually acclimatize and ascend to the summit of Makalu at an astonishing height of 8463m. You are required to follow the instructions of your climbing leader strictly in order to minimize accidents. The number of days for climbing the peak depends on the weather condition, so you are required to have patience throughout the expedition. The spectacular view from atop Makalu will make it a worthwhile climb.

By this day, we will have already scaled the giant and safely reached the base camp. We clean up the camp as we begin our journey back home. Overnight at the camp.

Descend down the base camp and pass through Shershon, Langmale Kharka, and Merek and down the valley to reach Yak Kharka. You slowly start noticing vegetation around you, after spending a lot of time amid ice and snow. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Walk through pasturelands following Barun River downstream as you pass the places like Nehe Kharka, Yangri Kharka, and Temathang Kharka to reach Mumbuk. Overnight in Mumbuk.

Walking back across Tutu La, Shipton La, and Keke La, you reach Khongma. You continue descending through the forest and alongside Isuwa Khola until you exit Makalu Barun National Park in Unshisa. You then walk to Tashigaon for an overnight stay.

Retrace your trail all the way down to Arun River and climb back the opposite side of the valley to reach Num. You walk past Narbugaon, Seduwa, and Mul Gaon, and cross the bridge over Arun River as you exit Makalu Barun Conservation area. You then continue descending to the village of Num.

It is an easy walk from Num to Chichila, as you cross the villages of Hururu, Satbaini, Kuwapani, and several other small villages. Overnight in Chichila.

Final trek day from Chichila to Tumlingtar via Gogane, Bhotebas, Mane Bhanjyang, and Khandbari. Overnight in Tumlingtar.

On your return flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu, you enjoy the Himalayan panorama one last time. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Makalu Expedition Included

  • All Domestic flights charges.
  • All Transportation service from starting and ending points of Makalu Expedition.
  • Climbing Sherpa guide for Makalu Expedition(2:1).
  • Mount Makalu Expeditions Group climbing gears like rope, ice bar etc.
  • Permits for the Mount Makalu Expedition.
  • High altitude meal (Full board).
  • All the expenses & insurance of Liaison officer (Govt. of Nepal).
  • Expedition manager, cook, support crew and porters with their equipments, daily wages, food & insurance etc.
  • Camping & Kitchen equipment like base camp tents, dining tent with table and chair, kitchen tent with all utensil and toilet tent.
  • High altitude tents and necessary gadgets like EPI gas and burner for high climb.
  • We provide warm clothing, trek gear for nepali staff including porters.
  • Life & medical insurance for Nepali staff & Porters.
  • Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) & Gamow Bag along with the comprehensive First Aid Kit.
  • Communication device like Satellite Phone & Willkie-Talkie in case of emergency.(USE PAY)
  • Emergency Oxygen with regulator and mask while on mount Makalu Himal Expeditions.(USE PAY)
  • Agency service charge.

Makalu Expedition Excluded

  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Medical and personal high risk insurance.
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bar & Beverage Bills
  • Personal equipment & climbing gears.
  • Emergency Rescue evacuation
  • Climbing Bonus for Makalu base camp staffs, tips and personal nature expenses.
  • Permit fees and customizetripom charge for Sat phone, communication gadget and commercial filming while on Makalu expedition.
  • Garbage Deposit USD 3,000.00 (Sharing of the total person) and Deposit fee will be not refunded if the clients (climber) don't take back their garbage to Kathmandu.

General Packing List

Here a general packing for Makalu Expedition:

Climbing Gear:

  • Climbing boots (double-layered and insulated for cold weather)
  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
  • Climbing harness
  • Carabiners
  • Helmet
  • Ropes
  • Ascender and descender devices
  • Trekking poles

Clothing:

  • Base layer tops and bottoms (synthetic or wool)
  • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
  • Hardshell waterproof and breathable jacket and pants
  • Gloves (liner gloves, insulated gloves, and shell gloves)
  • Hat (warm and windproof)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection and side shields
  • Gaiters

Camping Gear:

  • High-altitude tent
  • Sleeping bag (rated for below freezing temperatures)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Stove and fuel
  • Cooking utensils
  • Water bottles or hydration system
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Solar charger or extra batteries for electronics

Personal Gear:

  • Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
  • Personal first aid kit with medications for altitude sickness and common illnesses
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
  • Trekking towel
  • Sunglasses with UV protection and side shields
  • Camera and memory cards

Miscellaneous:

  • Cash (Nepali rupees and Chinese yuan)
  • Passport and necessary permits and visas
  • Maps and guidebooks
  • Repair kit for equipment and clothing
  • Trash bags
  • Communication devices (satellite phone or radio)

It’s important to note that this is a general packing list and may need to be adjusted based on individual needs and preferences.

Makalu Expedition FAQ's

On all of our expeditions, there is a requirement for each expedition member to have insurance to cover any personal or medical mishaps that may occur during the expedition. This should cover you for any costs incurred in the event of any illness, medical emergency, or evacuation that occurs while on the expedition.

Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 to $4 per minute.

You should be in the best shape and should get checked with your physician before embarking on this strenuous journey. You should be comfortable walking for 5-9 hours. The challenges are different every day, but the more prepared you are, both mentally and physically, the smoother your trip will go.

All our guides carry extensive medical kits for any medical emergency. You need to bring any medications you regularly use plus extra (don’t forget to tell us about them).

Once we have received your application, we will send information pack which includes an assortment of information including detailed equipment lists.

You’ll get breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as snacks, and ample hot and cold drinks. Our cooks provide you with excellent local and western food. If you have the special dietary requirement, please let us know so that we can work on it before the expedition kicks off.

You will have your own tent in Base Camp, but on the mountain, you will be sharing a tent with others. Depending upon the location, you might need to share a room in higher altitude. A single supplement is also available. Please contact our office for further details.

Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and porter for the Makalu Expedition. A guide can provide expert advice and support during the climb, while a porter can carry the necessary equipment and supplies.

Climbers must bring a range of specialized equipment, including crampons, ice axes, ropes, harnesses, helmets, and high-altitude mountaineering boots. They must also bring warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a tent, and food and supplies for the duration of the climb.

The Makalu Expedition is considered to be one of the most challenging climbs in the world, and there are many risks involved, including altitude sickness, falls, avalanches, and extreme weather conditions. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the risks and to take all necessary precautions to minimize them.

Makalu Expedition Client Reviews

  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Group Size
    2
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Region
    Makalu Region
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Geography
    Mountain/ Forest/ Village/ River
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Max Altitude
    8463m
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Accommodation
    Hotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge/Tented Camp
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Transportation
    Hotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge/Tented Camp
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Samjhana Pokhrel