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Makalu Expedition

24 Days • Hard-Moderate • Best season: Autumn/Spring
Makalu Expedition

Overview

The Makalu Expedition is a challenging 62-day journey to the world’s fifth-highest peak (8,485m / 27,838ft) in Nepal. Renowned for its steep faces, sharp ridges, and technical climbing sections, Makalu offers experienced mountaineers an exclusive and intense Himalayan adventure. This expedition combines rigorous high-altitude climbing with exposure to remote landscapes and unique Sherpa and Tibetan cultures.

The trek begins from Tumlingtar or Suketar, passing through Makalu Barun National Park, dense rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and isolated Sherpa villages. Key stops include Num, Tashigaon, Khongma, and the base camp at Makalu Base Camp (5,700m), where climbers prepare for the summit rotation. Acclimatization climbs are included at Camp I, II, III, and IV to ensure safe progression to the summit via the standard route along the North-West Ridge.

This expedition allows climbers to witness spectacular Himalayan vistas, including peaks like Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, while traversing glaciers, crevasses, and high-altitude ridges. Beyond climbing, the journey immerses adventurers in the remote culture of the Makalu region, with visits to Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional settlements.

The Makalu Expedition is supported by a team of professional mountaineering guides, Sherpas, and cooks, ensuring climbers’ safety, proper acclimatization, and logistical management. With careful planning and perseverance, reaching the summit of Makalu provides an unparalleled sense of achievement and one of the most rewarding Himalayan experiences.

Makalu Expedition | Major Highlights

  • Summit Makalu (8,485m / 27,838ft) via the standard North-West Ridge route.
  • Trek through the remote Makalu Barun National Park with pristine landscapes.
  • Explore traditional Sherpa villages and high-altitude settlements.
  • Witness panoramic Himalayan views including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga.
  • Experience glacier and moraine trekking with fixed ropes and high-altitude camps.
  • Full expedition support with experienced guides, Sherpas, and logistics team.
Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu
Max: 1350 m

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative greets you and transfers you to Hotel Yak & Yeti or similar accommodation. The bustling capital of Nepal, surrounded by rolling hills and the distant Himalayas, offers a perfect introduction to your expedition. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to rest or explore Thamel’s colorful streets. Dinner is on your own, with plenty of options ranging from Nepali dal bhat to international cuisines. Overnight at your hotel.

Hotel
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2-3 — Preparation and Briefings
Max: 1350 m

These two days are dedicated to expedition logistics and official procedures. You will attend briefings at the Department of Tourism, where climbing permits and mountaineering guidelines are issued. Your guides will also conduct detailed gear checks, ensuring all equipment is ready for the high-altitude climb. Free time allows for last-minute shopping in Kathmandu’s trekking stores. Evenings can be spent relaxing at your hotel or enjoying cultural excursions.

Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 — Fly to Tumlingtar & Drive to Num
Max: 1980 m
↑: 630 m

A short scenic flight takes you from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, with sweeping views of the Himalayan range. From here, a long and winding drive brings you to the hilltop village of Num. The road traverses terraced fields, forests, and rural settlements before climbing to your lodge or campsite in Num.

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 — Num to Seduwa
Max: 1980 m
↓: 480 m

The trail descends steeply through forests to the Arun River, followed by a strenuous climb up the opposite valley wall. By afternoon, you reach Seduwa, the gateway to the Makalu-Barun National Park. This village features terraced fields and traditional houses. Overnight at a lodge or camp.

(Start: 1,980m / 6,496ft → End: 1,500m / 4,922ft | Max: 1,980m / 6,496ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑0m / ↓480m)

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 — Seduwa to Tashigaon
Max: 2100 m
↑: 600 m

A steady uphill walk through farmlands and forested trails leads to Tashigaon. This is the last permanent settlement on the route to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is filled with birdlife and views of distant peaks. Evening at a lodge or campsite.

(Start: 1,500m / 4,922ft → End: 2,100m / 6,890ft | Max: 2,100m / 6,890ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑600m / ↓0m)
 

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 — Tashigaon to Khongma Danda
Max: 3500 m
↑: 1400 m

Today is a challenging day, climbing steadily through dense forests before emerging onto alpine ridges. Khongma Danda offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks and valleys. Overnight at a lodge or camp.

(Start: 2,100m / 6,890ft → End: 3,500m / 11,483ft | Max: 3,500m / 11,483ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑1,400m / ↓0m)

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 — Acclimatization at Khongma
Max: 3800 m
↑: 300 m
↓: 300 m

A rest and acclimatization day helps prepare your body for higher altitudes. Side hikes along ridges offer breathtaking mountain panoramas and help with gradual adaptation. Evening rest at the lodge.

(Start: 3,500m / 11,483ft → End: 3,500m / 11,483ft | Max: 3,800m+ / 12,467ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs hike | ↑300m / ↓300m)

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 — Khongma to Dobato
Max: 3650 m
↑: 150 m

The trail ascends and descends across high passes and alpine landscapes. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon. You reach Dobato by evening and stay in a lodge or camp.

(Start: 3,500m / 11,483ft → End: 3,650m / 11,975ft | Max: 3,650m / 11,975ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑150m / ↓0m)

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 — Dobato to Yangle Kharka
Max: 3650 m
↓: 50 m

You trek through rhododendron forests and descend gradually toward Yangle Kharka. The valley opens into pasturelands where yak caravans often graze. Overnight at a lodge or camp.

(Start: 3,650m / 11,975ft → End: 3,600m / 11,811ft | Max: 3,650m / 11,975ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑0m / ↓50m)
 

Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 — Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka
Max: 4410 m
↑: 810 m

The trail climbs steadily, passing yak pastures and glacial streams. Langmale Kharka is a high pasture area with excellent views of Makalu and nearby peaks. Evening at a lodge or camp.

(Start: 3,600m / 11,811ft → End: 4,410m / 14,469ft | Max: 4,410m / 14,469ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑810m / ↓0m)
 

Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 — Acclimatization at Langmale Kharka
Max: 4700 m
↑: 300 m
↓: 300 m

Another essential acclimatization day is spent hiking to nearby ridges and returning to Langmale. This helps strengthen lungs and legs for the final ascent to base camp. Overnight at lodge or camp.

(Start: 4,410m / 14,469ft → End: 4,410m / 14,469ft | Max: 4,700m / 15,419ft | Duration: 5–6 hrs hike | ↑300m / ↓300m)
 

Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 — Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp
Max: 5018 m
↑: 608 m

The trail ascends steadily over rocky terrain and glacial moraines. Arriving at Makalu Base Camp feels rewarding as the mighty Makalu towers above. Base camp lodges or camps are set up here.

(Start: 4,410m / 14,469ft → End: 5,018m / 16,464ft | Max: 5,018m / 16,464ft | Duration: 6 hrs | ↑608m / ↓0m)
 

Camp Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14 — Rest & Acclimatization at Makalu Base Camp
Max: 5018 m

A vital rest day for acclimatization and recovery. Short walks around base camp offer magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse. Preparation for higher camps begins.

(Start: 5,018m / 16,464ft → End: 5,018m / 16,464ft | Duration: – hrs)
 

Camp Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15 — Base Camp to Advance Base Camp
Max: 5600 m
↑: 582 m

A gradual but challenging ascent leads to Advance Base Camp, established on glacial terrain. This will serve as the main staging area for the summit push. Overnight in tents.

(Start: 5,018m / 16,464ft → End: 5,600m / 18,373ft | Max: 5,600m / 18,373ft | Duration: 5 hrs | ↑582m / ↓0m)
 

Camp Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16-53 — Climbing Period for Makalu
Max: 8485 m
↑: 2885 m
↓: 2885 m

This period is dedicated to acclimatization, establishing high camps, and making the summit attempt.

  • Camp I (6,100m): Snow slopes and glacial travel.
  • Camp II (6,600m): Technical ice climbing with crevasses.
  • Camp III (7,400m): Steep snow ridges and exposed sections.
  • Camp IV (7,800m): The launching point for the summit push.

From Camp IV, you climb steep snow and ice to reach the summit of Makalu (8,485m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain. The summit panorama includes Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and Kanchenjunga. You then descend safely back to Advance Base Camp.

(Start: 5,600m / 18,373ft → End: 8,485m / 27,838ft | Max: 8,485m / 27,838ft | Duration: 38 days | ↑2,885m / ↓2,885m)
 

Camp Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 54 — Advance Base Camp to Yangle Kharka
Max: 5600 m
↓: 2000 m

Descending back into lush valleys, you retrace your steps to Yangle Kharka. The increase in oxygen makes walking easier, and the environment becomes greener. Overnight at a lodge or camp.

(Start: 5,600m / 18,373ft → End: 3,600m / 11,811ft | Max: 5,600m / 18,373ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑0m / ↓2,000m)
 

Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 55 — Yangle Kharka to Dobato
Max: 3650 m
↑: 50 m

A gradual ascent brings you back to Dobato. You will retrace familiar alpine paths, enjoying the return to lower altitudes.

(Start: 3,600m / 11,811ft → End: 3,650m / 11,975ft | Max: 3,650m / 11,975ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑50m / ↓0m)

Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 56 — Dobato to Khongma
Max: 3650 m
↓: 150 m

You cross high ridges and return to Khongma Danda. The lodge or camp here offers warm meals and rest.

(Start: 3,650m / 11,975ft → End: 3,500m / 11,483ft | Max: 3,650m / 11,975ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑0m / ↓150m)
 

Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 57 — Khongma to Seduwa
Max: 3500 m
↓: 2000 m

The trail drops steeply through forested hillsides and terraced farmland. You reach Seduwa village for your overnight stay.

(Start: 3,500m / 11,483ft → End: 1,500m / 4,922ft | Max: 3,500m / 11,483ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑0m / ↓2,000m)
 

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 58 — Seduwa to Num
Max: 1980 m
↑: 480 m

Retracing your steps, you descend to the Arun River before climbing steeply back up to Num. Evening at a lodge or camp.

(Start: 1,500m / 4,922ft → End: 1,980m / 6,496ft | Max: 1,980m / 6,496ft | Duration: 6–7 hrs | ↑480m / ↓0m)

Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 59 — Num to Tumlingtar
Max: 1980 m
↓: 1575 m

A scenic drive brings you down to Tumlingtar, where you rest in a lodge before flying back to Kathmandu.

(Start: 1,980m / 6,496ft → End: 405m / 1,329ft | Max: 1,980m / 6,496ft | Duration: 4 hrs drive | ↑0m / ↓1,575m)

Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 60 — Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Max: 1350 m
↑: 945 m

A short mountain flight returns you to Kathmandu. You are transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy city comforts after weeks in the mountains.

(Start: 405m / 1,329ft → End: 1,350m / 4,430ft | Duration: 30 min flight | ↑945m / ↓0m)
 

Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 61 — Leisure in Kathmandu
Max: 1350 m

This buffer day allows for sightseeing, shopping, or rest. Visit heritage sites like Patan Durbar Square or relax in cafés. In the evening, a farewell dinner with cultural dance performances celebrates your successful expedition.

(Start: 1,350m / 4,430ft → End: 1,350m / 4,430ft | Duration: – hrs | ↑0m / ↓0m)

Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 62 — Final Departure

After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight. You depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of Makalu and the Himalayas.

Meals: Breakfast
Cost Includes
  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
  • Domestic flights or road transfers as per itinerary.
  • Accommodation in 4-star hotels in Kathmandu and lodges/teahouses during trekking.
  • Full-board meals during trekking and high-altitude climbing.
  • Makalu climbing permits, restricted area fees, and National Park fees.
  • Professional mountaineering guides, Sherpa support, and cooks.
  • High-altitude expedition equipment (tents, fixed ropes, ladders).
  • Cultural experiences in Sherpa villages along the trail.
Cost Excludes
  • International airfare to/from Nepal.
  • Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, etc.).
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude mountaineering coverage.
  • Tips for guides, porters, and staff.
  • Meals in Kathmandu outside hotel arrangements.
  • Optional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary.
FAQs

The ideal periods are pre-monsoon (April–May) and post-monsoon (late September–November). During these months, climbers can expect stable weather and clear skies, providing safer conditions for high-altitude climbing.

Makalu is one of the most technically demanding 8,000m peaks, featuring steep ice walls, ridges, and glacier travel. Prior experience in high-altitude mountaineering is essential, as well as knowledge of fixed ropes and crevasse navigation.

Absolutely. Professional guides and Sherpa support are critical for route management, acclimatization advice, and safety during the ascent. Independent climbing without expert support is not recommended.

Climbers need excellent physical fitness, endurance, and prior high-altitude experience. Daily trekking of 6–8 hours, strength training, and cardiovascular preparation are highly recommended.

Multiple rotations to higher camps are included, allowing the body to adjust to altitudes above 6,000m and reducing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Rest days in base camp and higher camps are essential for safe summit attempts.

Essential mountaineering gear includes high-altitude boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, insulated clothing, gloves, sunglasses, and a sleeping bag rated for extreme cold.

Yes, prior experience on technical Himalayan peaks or equivalent alpine climbs above 6,000m is necessary. Makalu is not suitable for beginners.

 

Yes, full-board meals are provided during trekking and climbing, prepared by professional expedition cooks to ensure proper nutrition and energy at high altitudes.

Safety is ensured through experienced guides, Sherpas, fixed ropes, oxygen backup, and high-altitude medical kits. Climbers receive detailed briefings on glacier navigation, avalanche awareness, and high-altitude risks.

Some climbers combine Makalu with Tsum Valley or Everest Base Camp treks for extended Himalayan exploration and acclimatization experience.

Makalu Expedition

Trekking & Hiking Adventure

Duration 62 Days
Grade Hard-Moderate
Meal B/L/D
Accomodation Hotel/Lodge/Camp Tent
Best Season Autumn/Spring
Start/End Kathmandu
Max Altitude 8485
Activity Mountain Expeditions

ASSOCIATED WITH

Tourism Board
Nepal Government
Keep
NMA Nepal
TAAN

WE ACCEPT