Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Technical Challenging
  • Trip Style: Summit
  • Transport: Private Vehicle & Flight
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge & Camping
  • Group Size: 16
  • Max Elevation: 8463m

Highlights

  • Makalu Expedition is at 8,463 meters – the 5th highest mountain in the world.
  • Magnificent view of Mt Kanchenjunga to the east and Mt Shishapangma to the west with several snow-topped chains of mountains in between.
  • Opportunity to explore the less-visited areas of Makalu-Barun National Park
  • Scenic Flight: Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu

Description

Are you an experienced mountain climber looking for a real challenge? Try Makalu, a four-sided pyramid soaring 8,485m (27,838 ft) in the Mahalangur Himalayas 19 km southeast of Mount Everest in the Makalu Barun National Park. Makalu has two subsidiary peaks. Kangchungtse or Makalu II (7,678 m) about 3 km north-northwest of the main summit and Chomo Lonzo (7804m) that is connected to Kangchungtse by a narrow saddle of 7200m.

Makalu is definitely not a simple climb and is technically difficult and said to be one of the most challenging 8000m plus peaks in the world. You will have to climb some very steep inclines and across razor-sharp ridges that will expose you to the often extreme weather conditions that prevail over this mountain. The last leg of the ascent requires some technical skills as you traverse a rocky terrain. Makalu has never been climbed during winter.
 
Most climbs traverse the north-western side of the mountain. The base camp is usually established at around 5,600m, with other camps at 6,100m, Camp 2 is at 6600m, the third camp is at 7200m and the last camp is at 7600m.
We have scheduled a few extra days in the itinerary in the event of the weather being unsuitable for climbing. These days are not wasted and will further help you to acclimatize as we camp at several altitudes on the side of the mountain at designated base camps. We will make an early morning start on the day of the climb, allowing ample time to reach the summit. Morning weather is often calmer and more predictable, but we mustn’t forget that “mother nature” makes its own rules.

Climbing Makalu requires you are fit and an experienced climber. It is considered a difficult and challenging climb with snow and ice to traverse along with several technical sections. You should be familiar with the use of crampons, ice axes, harnesses, grappling ropes, and other alpine climbing techniques.

Some climbers recommend a gradual ascent to higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is most likely the major factor in denying a climb to the summit –and of course a sudden change in the weather.
 
The best season to climb Makalu is in April or May, in the spring, or in October and November in the fall season. Climbing mountains will teach you patience, persistence, and gratitude. It will also leave you memories to last a lifetime.

Mount Mania's Sherpa guides (well known for their climbing skills) will lead you safely to the summit. Our guides are government certified and experienced climbers. We take no chances with your well-being and hence have allowed several days to make up for unforeseen circumstances, such as adjusting to higher altitudes and the possibility of altitude sickness.

50 Days Makalu Expedition Itinerary

Expand AllHide All
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 1560m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 1510m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 2070m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 2070m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 3760m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 3520m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4320m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4870m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4870m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4870m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 5270m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 8,463m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4870m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 3700m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 1570m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 460m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1320m

What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • All arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
  • 4 Nights hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on BB Plan.
  • Kathmandu to  Kathmandu land transfers.
  • Mt. Makalu expedition permit (Royalty; US$ 900 for member).
  • Government official Liaison Officer for Mt. Makalu Expedition. 
  •  Makalu Conservation Area entry permits
  • Special/Restricted Makalu area trekking and TIMs card for members.
  • All camping equipment in Advance Base Camp and other camps.
  • Food, accommodation and guide during trekking in teahouse/lodge.
  • Food during expedition period cooked by our experienced cook at ABC.
  • 1:1 experienced private climbing Sherpa guide for climbing support.
  • 2 Oxygen (4 Ltrs.) bottles for climbing member and 1 for Sherpa.
  • Mask & regulators 1-set for climbing member and Sherpa.
  • Gamow bag at ABC for emergency rescue purpose.
  • Baggage allowance carrying by mules/porters up and down to BC: 50 kg.
  • Required high altitude food for climbing member and Sherpa.
  • Insurance, wages, meal and allowances for climbing Sherpa and BC staffs.
  • Solar panels for light and battery charging in base camp.
  • Icefall and rope fixing charges, tents at high camps C1, C2, and C3.
  • First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.Walkie-talkies & satellite phone for communication (uses charge $ 5 per unit for Sat-phone).
  • Office service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal.
  • Farewell Dinner & MOUNT MANIA  Special Gifts.
  • All goverment taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Extra Baggage Charges
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section 
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Climbing Guides, Porters,Kitchen staff and Drivers

Useful Information

Mount Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world and height of 8463 meters and located in Mahalunger Himalayan range. It is an attractive mountain having the shape of a four-sided pyramid. Makalu is considered one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb having its steep ice and knife-edged ridges. The final ascent of the summit pyramid involves technical rock climbing. Makalu is the only Nepalese 8,000m peak which has yet to be climbed in winter condition.

The name Makalu is a word from the Sanskrit Maha Kala, a name for the Hindu god Shiva that translates as “Big Black.” The Chinese name for the peak is Makaru.


Travel Insurance

This tour package doesn't include your personal insurance you should have travel insurance covering emergency evacuation. 


Accommodation

The accommodation in a valley and other major cities will be according to your requirements.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • 4 Star Hotel
  • 5 Star Hotel

Lodges, Guest Houses and Tented Camp during Trekking and Climbing period.


Visa

You can have Tourist Visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on arrival. 'On Arrival' visa procedure is simple and very fast.