Makalu (8485m.) is one of the most technical mountains from eight-thousanders club, and is Located in the Mahalangur Himalayan ranges, the same range to which Mt. Everest belong. It is just 20 kilometers away from Mt. Everest and located in the Makalu Barun National Park, which sometimes appears in the news as a possible place to study on Yeti. Makalu has two sister summits, Makalu II (7678m) and Chomo Lonzo (7804m).
Climbing Makalu requires a high level of commitment and skills. It is a very difficult mountain to climb, possibly one of the hardest. The pyramid shape of the top of the mountain offers a tricky challenge for many of the climbers. Climbers are required to have perfect skills in rock and ice climbing, especially while tackling steep itches and sharp ridges.
There were three attempts made in 1954, two in spring and one in autumn, to reach the summit of Makalu, the fifth highest peak on Earth, but all attempts failed during that year. Makalu was first ascended on 15 May, 1955 by a French expedition team led by Jean Franco. Mr. Franco along with Lionel Terray and Sardar Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa successfully summit Makalu and made history. Ever since, climbers from all over the world have flocked with a desire to climb the mountain. The French Makalu Expedition team climbed Makalu by the north face following the northeast ridge, via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La). Later, it became the standard route for Makalu climbing though west face is also approachable.
The mountain has been climbed without supplemental oxygen and even during winter. Our experienced climbing guides (Sherpa) who have already climbed Makalu many times will ensure that you will have the best possible assistance to reach your summit goal. All the logistics support and expertise will be available from Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition for climbing Makalu.
On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands. The representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can also choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon, you will drive back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
After early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive to the domestic airport terminal. Receive your boarding pass and fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (510m.) takes about 45 minutes. Then you will have free time for preparation of the trek.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail descends steeply for about 2 and half hours up to the river Neguwa Khola. The trail passes through the suspension bridge and then ascends through forest and a few hamlets. People of this area are mainly engaged in agriculture and the crops grown here are paddy, millet, potatoes and vegetables depending upon season. There is a check post and local office of Makalu Conservation Area.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail slightly ascends but major part of the trail is flat and easy through the bushes. Tashigaon, surrounded by verdant forest is a big Sherpa village. You find prayer flags fluttering in the sky in and around village. The camping spot in this village is an ideal choice.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail ascends throughout the day and you will walk through forest of rhododendrons and Sal trees until you reach destination. Kongma la is a ridge and there is only one tea house here.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail ascends and then follows a trail until you reach a beautiful lake named “Kalo Pokhari” at the height of (4004 m). Thereafter you trek downhill to reach Mumbuk. It is a camping spot surrounded by green forests.
Stay overnight at lodge/local house.
The trail today is bit adventurous and strenuous. The trail passes for about 3 hours through a landscape which is very prone to landslides. The Barun River adds more dimensions to the trail with its spectacular views of Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) 6739 m, Peak 7 (6185 m.).
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail ascends through the grassland and forest. You can enjoy the majestic peaks such as the Mt. Tutse (Peak 6) 6739 m, Peak 7 (6185 m), Isuwa La (5340 m) and many unnamed mountains and peaks. Yak Kharka is a grazing field and you camp overnight here.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail passes through a flat trail and will descend to a perennial river. As you reach Makalu Base Camp, you will be mesmerized by the views of Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m), etc.
Stay overnight at camp.
Stay overnight at camp.
Stay overnight at camp.
Stay overnight at camp for all nights.
After ascending for a few hours, the trail moves along flat level path and at the end it descends to reach Yangle Kharka. En route, you walk through rocky forest path with views of green hills and huge stones at some distance.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail ascends for almost three hours through the same landscape of landslide. Then, you have to trek uphill passing through jungle all the way to Dobato. This is not a village but a camping place.
You camp for the night.
The trail descends steeply up to Khongma la via Kali Pokhari through jungle. You again walk along downhill all the way to Tashigaon.
Stay overnight at camp.
The trail steeply descends in the beginning and will pass through a steep ascend later on to reach Num. You pass through a small forest of bamboo and small villages.
Stay overnight at camp.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Transfer to the airport for final departure.
All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
Accommodation in Kathmandu
5 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 5 star standards hotel
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with private A/C vehicle and English speaking tour guide including entrance fees
Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenir
Flight ticket
Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
All permits
Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Makalu, Restricted area permit for Makalu region, Entry Permits for Makalu Barun National Park and TIMS card
Porters
Porter per member up to Base Camp from Soti Khola and from Base Camp to Arughat
Base Camp Staffs
Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen helpers as per group size
Staff Salary and allowance
All involved Nepalese staffs & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipments, foods & clothing
Insurance
Medical & Emergency rescue insurance for all involved Nepalese staffs during the entire trip as per government rule
Liaison Officer
1 Government Liaison officer with full equipments, salary, accommodation and insurance as per government rule
Garbage Management Fee
Garbage transfer & garbage disposal fees as per government rule
Base Camp equipments
Foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning tent, 1 Kitchen tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower tents, 1 Staffs tent, 1 tent for Nepalese Base Camp staffs, store tents, Tables, chairs & necessary cooking gears like Epi gas, high pots, stove, etc.
High Camp services
High altitude tents at (C1) (C2) (C3) (C4), high altitude appropriate food for member, Sherpa and all climbing and cooking crews
Ropes
All required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing
Rope Fixing Team
The team of experienced Sherpa will fix the route on Makalu (no extra charge will be applied to members)
High Altitude Climbing Sherpa
Personal climbing guide/Sherpa (1 climbing member will have 1 climbing guide who is trained, experienced and Government license holder)
Climbing Sherpa Salary & Allowance
Salary, equipments, meals and clothing for climbing guide
Bonus
Carry bonus of Sherpas and route fixing charges
Oxygen (O2) Bottle
2 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 1- oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa
Oxygen Mask & Regulator
1 Set of Oxygen mask & regulator for each member and high altitude Sherpa
Back up Sets
Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask and regulator (with appropriate additional charge)
Gamow Bag
1 Rescued sled (Gamow bag) for emergency
Heater
Heater at Base Camp in each Dining and other necessary camp
Solar/Generator
1 Solar panel and generator for lights and battery charge for laptop and other electronic devices at Base Camp
Satellite Phone
Satellite Phone for emergency communication available for members with appropriate charge
Walkie-Talkie
Walkie –Talkie for communication from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp
Permits
Satellite Phone / walkie-talkie permits
First Aid Kit
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staffs
Certificate
Certificate for Makalu (8485 meters) climbing issued by Tourism Ministry after climbing Mt. Manaslu successfully
Tax and VAT
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Lunch & Dinner
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from trekking / expedition than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night in Kathmandu
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking / expedition due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel Insurance
Medical and personal high risk travel insurance which should cover helicopter evacuation cost and medical treatment cost incase required
Rescue Evacuation
Medical and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required (Rescue, Repatriation, Helicopter, Medication, Medical Tests and Hospitalization costs)
Personal Expenses
Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages (However we will provide soft drinks for members at base camp)
Personal Equipments
Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking /climbing Gears
Toiletries
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and your other personal items used to keep yourself clean
Filming
Permit fee for special filming by using camera or drone
Internet
Internet service is available with extra charge during the trek and Base Camp
Summit Bonus
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa (Normally US$1300 applies to full board member)
Tips
Tips for Base Camp and other involved staffs
Service above Base Camp
If you are taking just Base Camp services, then there will be not be any service from company above base camp
Rope Fixing
The cost for using fixed rope during the expedition will apply only to Base Camp service users
Extra services
Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
Mountaineering Equipments
Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)
Clothing and Wears
Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle
Essential Gears
Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents
Gadgets
Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight
Sun Protection Items
Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm,
Medical
First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)
Other Essentials
Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter