Makalu Expedition (8,482m)

Explore the Fifth Highest Peak in the World – Mount Makalu

Standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet), Mount Makalu is the fifth highest mountain on Earth and one of the most technically challenging peaks in the Himalayas. Famous for its pyramid-shaped summit and dramatic ridges, Makalu offers a unique and thrilling climbing experience for seasoned mountaineers seeking an elite Himalayan expedition.

Situated in the Mahalangur Himal region of Nepal, Makalu is located 19 km southeast of Mount Everest. The mountain is surrounded by untouched landscapes, pristine valleys, and remote Sherpa villages, offering climbers a peaceful and authentic high-altitude adventure. Unlike Everest, Makalu sees fewer climbers, making it an ideal choice for those seeking solitude and a true Himalayan challenge.

Makalu Expedition Highlights

★ Fifth Highest Peak: Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,485 meters(27,838 ft).

★ Pyramidal Summit: Renowned for its pyramidal shape and technically demanding climbing routes, Makalu offers a true adventure for experienced mountaineers.

★ Spectacular Views: The expedition provides panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan giants.

★ Remote Trekking Routes: The approach passes through unspoiled Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude meadows, offering trekkers a genuine Himalayan experience.

★ Cultural Experience: Trekkers and climbers encounter traditional Sherpa culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of local communities.

★ Adventure & Challenge: Makalu presents technical climbing challenges, including steep ice walls and rocky ridges, requiring high-altitude experience, stamina, and advanced mountaineering skills.

★ Base Camp Experience: The Base Camp, located at 4,800–5,200 m, serves as the gateway to higher camps and allows climbers to experience Himalayan camp life with breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

★ Expedition Duration & Group Size: A typical expedition lasts 50–60 days, including trekking, acclimatization, and summit push. The recommended group size is 4–12 climbers for safety and efficient logistics.

Trip overview

Max Altitude: 8,485 m
Climbing Route : Northwest Ridge (Standard Route)
Best Season : Spring (Apr–May) & Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Duration: 40–45 Days
Group Size: 1–10 Climbers
Difficulty : Extremely Difficult / Expert Level:

Permits requires:

1. Makalu climbing permit issued by the Government of Nepal

2. Makalu barun National Park entry permit

Day 01 : Arrival In Kathmandu And Transfer To Hotel (1300m.)

Day 02 : Preparation For Expedition (1300m.)

Day 03 : Flight from Kathmandu to tumlingtar (410m.) and drive to num (1560m.)

Day 04 : trek num to sinuwa (1500m.)

Day 05 : trek sinuwa to tashigaun (2100m.)

Day 06 : trek tashigaun to kongmala pass (3500m.)

Day 07 : trek kongmala to dhoban (3810m.)

Day 08 : trek dhoban to yanglekharka (3557m.)

Day 09 : trek yanglekharka to langmale kharka (4410m.)

Day 10 : trek langmale kharka to Makalu lower base camp (4870m.)

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise
Best view of Everest, Nuptse, and surrounding peaks
Trek down to Pheriche
Overnight in Pheriche

Day 11 : acclimatization at Makalu lower base camp(4870m.)

Day 12 : Makalu lower base camp to Makalu hicamp (5827m.)

6–7 hours trek
Final day on the trail
Overnight in Lukla

Day 13 : to 35 makalu climbing period (5827 to 8481m.)

Day 36 : base camp cleanup and trek back to yanglekharka

Transfer to airport
Farewell and end of trip

Day 37 : trek back yanglekharka to tashigaun

Day 38 : trek back tashi gau to num

Day 39 : trek back num to tumlingtar

Day 40 : flight from tumbling tar to Kathmandu (45minuts) flight

Day 41 : Kathmandu for sighting

Day 42 : departure

Cost Includes

✅All domestic flights (Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu)

✅Airport pick-up and drop-off with private transportation

✅4-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast

✅All trekking accommodations in local teahouses/lodges

✅Full Base Camp service including private tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, shower & toilet tents

✅All meals during trekking and climbing (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

✅Highly experienced Sherpa climbing team (1:1 Sherpa ratio on summit day)

✅All staff salaries, insurance, food, equipment, and accommodations

✅Climbing permits for Makalu Expedition

✅ Makalu–Barun National Park entry fees

✅High-altitude tents and equipment for all higher camps

✅Fixed ropes and climbing gear arrangement

✅Oxygen cylinders and mask/regulator sets (as required)

✅Satellite phone / communication system for safety

✅Comprehensive first-aid and medical kit

✅Weather forecast updates for summit strategy

✅Porters for carrying luggage during trekking and Base Camp load ferry

✅Group climbing ropes, ice screws, snow bars, and essential gear

✅All necessary government taxes and official paperwork

Cost Excludes

❌ International airfare & visa fees. The cost usually does not include your flight to/from Nepal or Nepal visa costs.
❌ Travel / personal medical / high-altitude insurance. You’ll almost always need to arrange and pay for your own insurance (especially emergency / rescue / evacuation coverage).
❌ Personal climbing/trekking gear and equipment. Items like boots, crampons, ice-axe, harness, down suit or warm clothing, sleeping bags, goggles/glasses, trekking poles, personal gear, etc., are not included.
❌ Meals in Kathmandu (outside the arranged package). Often only breakfast (or none) is covered in Kathmandu; lunch/dinner there are extra.
❌ Tips / summit bonus / gratuity for staff. Climbing Sherpa summit bonus, tips for guides/porters/base-camp crew — these are usually extra.
❌ Emergency rescue / helicopter evacuation / medical costs (if required). Unless you purchase extra insurance or a rescue package, evacuation or rescue costs in emergencies are typically excluded.
❌ Extra nights (accommodation) in Kathmandu or delays. If flights are delayed, or if you arrive earlier / depart later than the schedule, extra hotel nights are usually paid by climber.
❌ Anything not explicitly listed under “cost includes.” (E.g. special services, extra staff, extra oxygen beyond the standard allocation, special permits for filming, satellite phone use, excess baggage charges, personal extras, unforeseen events, route-fixing charges, etc.)