Arrival at Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Receive a briefing about the expedition and prepare for the journey toward Mount Makalu.
Mount Makalu (8,485m) is the fifth-highest mountain in the world, located in the remote eastern Himalayas. Climbing this majestic peak is a challenging endeavor, requiring technical skills, physical endurance, and meticulous planning.
We offer different expedition packages to cater to varying levels of service and support.
Choose the expedition experience that suits you best.
A professionally supported Makalu expedition designed for climbers seeking a strong balance between essential services, safety and value.
An enhanced expedition experience combining professional climbing support with premium accommodation, transportation and personal services.
Build an expedition around your schedule, experience level, climbing objectives and preferred services.
Every custom expedition can be designed around your preferred schedule, climbing objectives, support level, acclimatization requirements and group size.
Professional high-altitude expedition support and experienced Sherpa leadership.
Strong emphasis on acclimatization, preparation and emergency support.
Local knowledge and connections help create a smoother and richer expedition experience.
Makalu is known for steep pitches and knife-edged ridges, making it one of the more technical 8,000m peaks.
Experience a remote Himalayan environment with fewer crowds than the Everest region.
Travel through traditional Sherpa villages and experience local culture and hospitality.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Receive a briefing about the expedition and prepare for the journey toward Mount Makalu.
Spend the day in Kathmandu preparing for the expedition. Check required equipment, review expedition plans and become familiar with the technical equipment required for the ascent.
Continue expedition preparation while enjoying time in Kathmandu. Explore the city if desired, study maps and ensure all expedition equipment is ready before departure.
Complete the final preparation in Kathmandu. Check climbing equipment, review maps and expedition logistics, and prepare for the journey into the remote Makalu region.
Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal. Tumlingtar lies between the Sabha River and Arun River and serves as the gateway toward the Makalu region. Overnight at camp.
Begin trekking from Tumlingtar toward Mane Bhanjyang. The settlement lies at approximately 1,030 meters as the expedition begins its gradual approach toward the higher Makalu region.
Trek through bamboo woods along the edge through Arun Than, Sheka and Bhotebas. The trail leads deeper into the remote eastern Himalayan landscape.
Walk through villages and lush forests toward Num. Enjoy expansive views from the ridge before reaching the village.
Descend through forests and terraced land toward Arun Khola. Enter Makalu National Park, where the required permits are registered. Overnight at camp.
Trek along the ridge between Kasuwa Khola and Ipsuwa Khola, passing peaceful villages and paddy fields before reaching Tashi Gaun.
Move toward Khongma, the final stop before crossing Shipton La and descending toward the upper Barun Valley. Enjoy views of scrub and rhododendrons along the route.
Continue toward Makalu Base Camp through the higher mountain terrain. The route progresses toward Dobato while the expedition gradually adapts to increasing elevation.
Continue through the remote upper Barun Valley toward Jark Khola. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as the expedition approaches Makalu Base Camp.
Continue toward Hillary Base Camp through the dramatic upper Barun Valley. The surrounding Himalayan landscape becomes increasingly dominated by glaciers and high mountain peaks.
Reach Makalu Base Camp and establish the expedition base. Spend time acclimatizing to the high-elevation environment while enjoying spectacular views of Makalu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Sherpa guides help carry loads toward Advanced Base Camp at approximately 5,700 meters. Organize climbing equipment and continue acclimatization in preparation for the summit climbing period.
Begin the extended summit climbing period. The expedition moves between Base Camp, Advanced Base Camp and the higher camps while allowing time for acclimatization, weather windows, route preparation and summit attempts.
Continue acclimatization and organize the equipment required for the higher camps. Sherpa support assists with load movement and route preparation above Base Camp.
Move behind the side moraine and onto the glacier. Establish Camp I at approximately 6,150 meters as the expedition begins its progression toward Makalu La.
Continue toward Makalu La, ascending steep slopes to establish Camp II at approximately 7,000 meters. The climbing terrain becomes increasingly technical and demanding.
Climb the Headwall toward the north-west ridge at Makalu La and establish Camp III at approximately 7,300 meters. The expedition continues through increasingly technical terrain.
Establish Camp IV on the North Edge at approximately 7,850 meters. From this high camp, the expedition prepares for the final summit push through the couloirs toward the summit.
Ascend the final couloirs toward the summit of Makalu. The expedition's summit objective is approximately 8,462 meters, followed by a controlled descent according to weather, route and expedition conditions.
The extended summit climbing period allows the expedition team to work around weather conditions, acclimatization requirements, route preparation, rotations between camps and suitable summit windows. The climbing team progresses according to mountain conditions and safety considerations.
Continue the summit preparation period with climbing rotations, acclimatization and logistical preparation between Base Camp and the higher camps.
Rest and prepare for the next climbing rotation. Equipment, oxygen, climbing systems and expedition logistics are reviewed while waiting for suitable mountain conditions.
Continue the flexible summit period. The climbing team uses the available time for acclimatization, camp rotations, weather monitoring and preparation for the final summit attempt.
Continue the higher-camp rotation toward Camp I. The team progresses according to acclimatization, route conditions and the expedition's climbing plan.
Continue climbing rotations toward Camp II at approximately 7,000 meters as conditions permit. The team continues to prepare for the summit push.
Progress through the technical upper section toward Camp III. Continue acclimatization and route preparation while monitoring conditions for the eventual summit push.
Continue preparation around Camp IV and the North Edge. The team monitors weather and route conditions before committing to the final summit push.
When weather and mountain conditions are suitable, the expedition undertakes a summit attempt toward Makalu's 8,462-meter summit objective.
Days 33–50 form the flexible summit climbing period of the expedition. These days provide the necessary time for weather windows, acclimatization, rotations, route preparation, summit attempts and safe descent from the higher camps. The exact sequence depends on mountain and weather conditions.
Descend from Base Camp toward Yak Kharka and enjoy the final views of Makalu before continuing down the valley.
Continue downward from Yak Kharka before moving upward through the rock furrow toward Mumbuk. The landscape gradually becomes greener and more lush.
Walk through rhododendron and fir forests. Cross Shipton La, Keke La and Ghungru La before descending toward Khongma and eventually reaching Tashi Gaun.
Return over the same trail toward Seduwa and Arun Khola, continuing through the forest before reaching Num.
Continue the return journey toward Chichira as the expedition moves back toward Tumlingtar and the road and air connection to Kathmandu.
Complete the final trekking section and reach Tumlingtar, the final location of the trek before returning to Kathmandu by air.
Wake early and take the flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and settle back into the city after the expedition.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu following the expedition. Rest or explore Kathmandu Valley and its cultural landmarks.
Enjoy another free day in Kathmandu or explore the Kathmandu Valley, including Durbar Square, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your journey back home, completing the 60-day Makalu Expedition.
Prospective participants must have prior experience in high-altitude climbing, having successfully summited peaks above 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). This experience is essential for acclimatization, understanding the effects of altitude, and developing the necessary skills for an ascent of Mount Everest.
Proficiency in technical climbing skills, including the use of crampons, ice axes, fixed ropes, and other mountaineering equipment, is mandatory. Everest presents challenging sections that require a strong foundation in both basic and advanced climbing techniques.
Excellent physical fitness is a prerequisite for Everest expeditions. Participants should engage in a comprehensive training program focused on cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and endurance to withstand the demands of prolonged climbing at high altitudes.
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