Overview
Mt. Makalu Mountaineering Expedition is one of the most exciting adventures that one can experience in the whole Himalayan region.
A technical mountain to climb on top of a black rock pyramid-shaped peak, hence the name Mt. Makalu. Located around Khumbukarna Himalayan range towards Far North East Nepal, towers high in between Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Mt. Makalu stands as the world’s 5th highest peak at 8,463 m / 27,766 feet high. The first successful ascent was by French Expedition on May 15th, 1955, and since then the mountain is seldom climbed. Where success rate is quite low than other 8,000 meters peaks, listed as the toughest peaks to conquer.
However, in recent years various national mountaineers have reached the summit, despite its tough and challenging route to the summit.
Besides the exciting mountaineering adventure, the trek to Makalu base camp is equally fascinating. The trail follows from low warm sub-tropical farm areas of Tumlingtar and Arun River valley. Then heading higher to cooler green hills reaching the last permanent village of Tashi-Gaon, the home of highlanders, the Sherpa’s. From the Tashi-Gaon onwards into pure Mountain Wilderness, as climb leads to a steep up through the beautiful forest. Enchanting woodland lined with tall rhododendron, pines, firs, and fir trees, reaching high Khoma Danda.
A high ridge facing the grand vista of Kanchenjunga towards the east with Baruntse Himal and Mt. Makalu in the North. The walk follows the ridge crossing the smaller pass of Keke-La and Shipton-La above 4,000 m and past glacial ponds.
Then enter the scenic Barun Valley, enclosed within giant snow peaks and rocky high cliff walls. Where tree lines slowly disappear on moving higher ground to the end of a valley at Mt. Makalu Base Camp. Where our adventure starts at the picturesque spot at Makalu Base Camp, close to Baruntse, Chumling, and Changtse Himal.
At Makalu Base Camp have a few days for acclimatization and preparations as well as to study the route of the climb. We have 20 full days for the ascent to the summit of Mt. Makalu.
Where all members, guides, and staff will be engrossed for more than a week ferrying loads of gear and food. To store at respective higher camps, to make the climb safe and successful requires a maximum of four camps.
Beside Base Camp at 5, 250 m / 17,224 feet high, a perfect height for acclimatization. As well as for exercise and practice climbing activities and surveying the route of the climb.
After climbing up and down carrying provisions to various higher camps up to the last final Camp IV. Which is above 7,800 m / 25, 590 feet high close to the towering summit of Mt. Makalu.
On completing all the endeavors storing gear and food, and checking the route of the climb. The leader or guide will decide on the final summit bid, then start the adventure. Climbing from the North-West route and following the lead guide, and taking care of technical sections. After a few days of steady climb reach the summit of the world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu. Enjoy the stunning panorama of giant peaks that surrounds the top, overlooking Mt. Everest’s rare Khangsung East Face. Includes an array of snow-capped peaks, with spectacular views of Eastern Nepal landscapes and across the border towards Tibet, China.
On completing the climb, feeling on top of the world back to base camp for the return journey to low mid-hills. Walk amidst the beautiful Barun Valley with a climb to Kongma Danda and then a long descent to Seduwa village. Finally, the trek ends with the last climb to Num for an exciting drive to Tumlingtar Town.
A short scenic flight brings you back to Kathmandu, after an overwhelming adventure and experience on Mt. Makalu Mountaineering Expedition.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02-03:Free day in Kathmandu in preparation for the Makalu expedition.
Day 04: Fly to Tumlingtar 950 m overnight in a local lodge.
Day 05: Drive to Num 1,500 m – 05 hours overnight in a local lodge.
Day 06: Trek to Seduwa 1,493 m – 05 hours.
Day 07: Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,200 m – 04 hours.
Day 08: At Tashi Gaon rest with local hike and preparations.
Day 09: Trek to Khoma Danda 3,500 m – 05 hours
Day 10: Trek to Mumbuk 3,570 m – 06 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Nehe Kharka 3,750 m – 06 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Makalu Base Camp 5,250 m -06 hrs.
Day 13-14:At Base Camp.
Day 15-34: (20 days) Expeditions period for the climb to Makalu summit.
Day 35:Back to Base Camp.
Day 36: Clean up and pack the end of expeditions.
Day 37: Trek to Nehe or Yangri Kharka 3,645 m – 06 hours.
Day 38: Trek to Mumbuk – 05 hours.
Day 39: Trek to Khoma Ridge – 05 hours.
Day 40: Trek to Nawa Gaon 2,500 m via Tashi Gaon -06 hours
Day 41: Trek to Num via Seduwa – 04 hours.
Day 42: Drive to Tumlingtar via Khandbari for 3-4 hours.
Day 43: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 44-45:In Kathmandu rest and submit a report to the concerned department.
Day 46: International departures for homeward bound.
Trip Highlights
- “An adventure from low warm sub-tropical to arctic zone of ice and glaciers. Enjoy the scenic country walks around nice traditional farm mid-hill villages. Dramatic changes of climate, vegetation and landscapes throughout the trek. Adventure around Arun and scenic Barun valleys enriched with exotic flora-fauna. Climb to the summit of world’s 5th highest Mt. Makalu with panoramic scenery.”
