Mt. Makalu, standing at 8,463 meters, is the world’s fifth-highest peak and is renowned for its striking pyramid shape. Like Annapurna and Kangchenjunga, Makalu is a highly technical climb, making it a serious challenge that demands an experienced team, proven mountaineering skills, and strong logistical support.
The expedition begins with a short, thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a scenic four-hour Jeep ride to the trailhead. The trek to Base Camp (BC) is adventurous, featuring ups and downs, river crossings, and stunning landscapes. While the trail was once devoid of accommodations, lodges now exist in many villages along the route, including a basic lodge at BC.
At Base Camp, climbers will rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the ascent. Advanced Base Camp (ABC) is located at 5,700 meters, and above it are four higher camps: Camp I on a glacial plateau at 6,150 meters, Camp II at 7,000 meters, Camp III at 7,300 meters, and Camp IV on the North Ridge at 7,850 meters. From there, the final push to the summit at 8,463 meters will take several challenging hours.
For those opting for Full Expedition Service, a highly experienced Sherpa guide will accompany you every step of the way, helping you reach the summit safely and return to Base Camp.
Trip Info
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Hotel/Tea house/Camping
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Spring /March, April, and May
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Fly/ Car/ Jeep/ Tourist bus
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8463m
Overview
Mount Makalu (8,485 m) was first successfully climbed in the spring of 1955 by a French team, but the early attempts by other expeditions set the stage for this achievement. In the spring of 1954, an American team led by William Siri, known as the California Himalayan Expedition to Makalu and composed of Sierra Club members including Allen Steck and William E. Long, attempted the southeast ridge but were forced to turn back at 7,100 m (23,300 ft) due to relentless storms.
At the same time, a New Zealand team, which included Sir Edmund Hillary, also attempted the climb but was unable to reach significant altitude because of injury and illness. Later that year, in the fall of 1954, a French reconnaissance expedition successfully reached the subsidiary summits. On May 15, 1955, the French climbers Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy made the first ascent of Makalu’s main summit during their expedition led by Jean Franco.
Trip Highlights
- less crowded than Everest.
- just as challenging as Everest.
- 3rd highest mountain in the world.
- The trek into Base Camp in remote uncommercialized region.
- incredible views of Everest, 8848m, Lhotse, 8516m, Makalu I, 8463m, Makalu II, 7660m, Peak 38- 7591m, Pumori, Lhotse Shar, 8410m, Barunste 7145m, Chamlan 7319m, Kanchanjunga, 8586m, Jannu Himal, 7710m.
