Makalu Expedition 2024
Overview
The Mount Makalu Expedition offers intrepid adventurers a thrilling and challenging journey to conquer the fifth-highest peak in the world, standing at an awe-inspiring 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level. Nestled in the heart of the remote Himalayas, this expedition also promises breathtaking vistas, pristine wilderness, and a test of physical and mental fortitude.
Starting in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, the expedition team also embarks on an exhilarating flight to Tumlingtar, the gateway to the Makalu region. The trek to the base camp is an arduous yet rewarding adventure, winding through lush forests, quaint villages, and crossing high-altitude passes that provide glimpses of Everest, Lhotse, and other majestic peaks.
As the expedition progresses, trekkers experience the region’s rich biodiversity, including rare flora and fauna unique to this part of the world. The Makalu Barun National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors some of the planet’s most exotic and endangered species, adding to the trip’s natural wonder.
Conquering Mount Makalu: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
Upon reaching the base camp, climbers acclimatize and prepare for the daunting ascent. The route demands technical expertise, ice climbing skills, and a keen understanding of the mountain’s unpredictable weather patterns. The Makalu summit poses formidable challenges, but the indescribable sense of accomplishment and the panoramic view from the top make it all worth it.
Safety remains paramount throughout the journey, with experienced guides and Sherpas accompanying the team, providing guidance, support, and local knowledge. The expedition also allows for camaraderie and cultural exchange with the indigenous Sherpa communities, who share their traditions and insights into living in this rugged terrain.
The Mount Makalu Expedition is not for the faint-hearted, requiring prior mountaineering experience, physical fitness, and mental resilience. However, those who dare to take on this extraordinary feat will be rewarded with a life-changing adventure and a profound connection with one of the world’s most remarkable mountain landscapes.
Summary
In summary, the Mount Makalu Expedition is an unforgettable odyssey that showcases the raw beauty of the Himalayas, tests adventurers’ mettle, and leaves participants with cherished memories of a journey that transcends ordinary limits.
Itinerary
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DAY 1: Arrival In Kathmandu And Transfer To The Hotel
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will need to obtain the Entry Visa (if you have not obtained it from your country). At the arrivals gate, one of our representatives shall be waiting to receive you. Then, s/he will drive you to the hotel for you to rest and relax.
Altitude1400 m
MealsN/A
Accommodation3-5 Star Hotel
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DAY 2: Official Procedures, Briefing And Preparation
The next day, we will complete all the necessary procedures like obtaining permits and other documentation. We will also prepare for our expedition. A short briefing will be conducted to inform you about the technical aspects of the Expedition. You may go sightseeing and shopping in the evening.
Altitude 1400 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation 3-5 Star Hotel
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DAY 3 : Fly From Kathmandu To Tumlingtar And Drive To Num (1560 M)
After the early morning breakfast, we will drive to the airport and take a short flight to Tumlingtar, the deepest valley in Nepal. Tumlingtar, in Sankhuwasabha district is the gateway to Makalu Barun National Park. From there, we will meet our crew members and take a 4-5 hour drive to Num, a small village in the Koshi region of Nepal. There we will stay overnight in a tented camp.
Altitude 1560 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 4: Trek From Num To Sheduwa (1510 M)
After a night’s stay in Num, we set our feet on the trail towards Sheduwa. First, we descend steeply for 2 and a half hours to reach the Neguwa River with a suspension bridge, crossing which leads us to ascend the dense forests and small settlements. We get to witness the picturesque crop plantation in terraced fields. Later, we reach a check post of Makalu Conservation Area where we will need to take some entry passes.
Altitude 1510 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 5-6: Trek From Sheduwa To Tashi Gaon And Acclimatize (2070 M)
The trail from Sheduwa to Tashi gaon is easy as we need to walk through flat surfaces through the bushes and occasional ascents. After walking for almost 4 hours, we reach Tashigaon, a huge Sherpa village, decorated with prayer flags. We will set up our camp to rest overnight.
Altitude 2070 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 7: Trek From Tashi Gaon To Khongma (3760)
The trail from Tashi Gaon to Khongma is an uphill climb through the forests of Rhododendron and pine trees. Kongma La is a ridge with a single tea house. So, we set up a tented camp and rest overnight. Enjoy the meals prepared by our chefs and cooks.
Altitude3760 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 8: Trek From Khongma To Mumbuk (3520 M)
From Khongma, we head towards Mumbuk on a trail that ascends initially until we reach a beautiful lake, “Kalo Pokhari” meaning “a black lake” at 4004 m, and then descends to reach Mumbuk.
Altitude 3250 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 9: Trek From Mumbuk To Nehe Kharka (4320 M)
The trek gets a bit difficult as well as adventurous from Mumbuk as the trail passes through a section prone to landslides. The latter parts of the trails ascend through the grasslands and forests. The majestic views of Mt Tutse, Peak 7 (6185 m), Isuwa La (5340 m), and many other peaks. The Kharka is pasture land and an exceptional spot for Camping.
Altitude 4320 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 10-12: 10-12: Trek From Nehe Kharka To Makalu Lower Base Camp (4870 M) And Acclimatize
From Nehe Kharka, we ascend towards the Lower Base Camp of Mt. Makalu. The views of Mt. Makalu (8481 m), Baruntse (7152 m), Kali Himal (6985 m), Chamlang (7390 m), Makalu II (7640 m) are spellbinding from the Base camp. We will spend two more days in the lower base camp for acclimatization and expedition preparation.
Altitude 4870 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 13: Hike From Lower Base Camp To Higher Base Camp
After acclimatizing at the lower base camp, we hike up to the higher base camp at around 5600 m.
Altitude 5600 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Full Board Camp Service
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DAY 14-42: Climbing Period Of Mt. Makalu (8481m)
We will then start our expedition to the legendary Mt. Makalu. We will conduct multiple rotations around the higher camps before the Summit Push. Our team of Sherpas will set up the fixed ropes throughout the route. We will set up higher camps and rotate back and forth to consecutive camps for training as well as acclimatization. Eventually, when the weather is favorable and everyone is good to go, we head for the Summit Push. On Summit Day, we start early so that we reach the top at Dawn to witness the glorious Sunrise. After spending some quality time at the Summit, we then descend to the lower camps and finally to the Base Camp by the end of Day 42.
Altitude 8481 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Full Board Camp Service
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DAY 43: Cleaning Up Base Camp And Preparation To Return
EEN strictly follows eco-travel and responsible tourism. So, before we return we make sure we clean up all the trash and garbage that we produced during our stay at the Camp and higher camps. After cleaning up the Base Camp, we prepare to return to Yangle Kharka.
Altitude 4870 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Full Board Camp Service
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DAY 44: Trek From Makalu Base Camp To Yangle Kharka (3600 M)
We retrace our path back to Yangle Kharka through the adventurous trail. We will then rest overnight in a tented camp in Yangle Kharka.
Altitude 3600 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 45: Trek From Yangle Kharka To Khongma (3560 M)
From Yangle Kharka, we retrace the path with the landscapes of landslides. After 4-5 hours we finally reach Khongma to camp overnight.
Altitude 3560 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 46: Trek From Khongma To Sheduwa (1510 M)
During our return, we cover more distance as we descend on major parts. So, we trek to Sheduwa through Tashigaon upon our return.
Altitude 1510 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Camping
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DAY 47: Trek From Sheduwa To Num And Drive To Khandbari
The trail from Sheduwa to Num descends steeply at the start and later ascends to reach Num. After passing a small forest of bamboo and small villages, we finally reach Num. from Num, we will meet our crew and drive to Khandbari and rest overnight in a hotel.
Altitude 866 m
Meals BLD
Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
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DAY 48: Drive From Khandbari To Tumlingtar And Fly Back To Kathmandu
After a night’s stay in Khandbari, we have our breakfast and drive to Tumlingtar airport. Then, we will fly back to Kathmandu and rest at the hotel.
Altitude1400 m
Meals Breakfast And Lunch
Accommodation3-5 Star Hotel
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DAY 49: Free Day In Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you can relax in Thamel, a popular street for tourists where you can get anything you want. You may do some shopping, eat in a nice restaurant, get some spa, do some laundry and many other things. There are also many different attractions in Kathmandu including but not limited to Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath Stupa, Basantapur, Bhaktapur, Patan, and so on. You may go sightseeing around these areas with one of our city guides. We will join for the farewell dinner in the evening.
Altitude 1400 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation 3-5 Star Hotel
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DAY 50: Final Departure
If you have not signed up for any other Add-ons Adventure packages, it’s time to bid you farewell. One of our representatives will drop you off at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure.
Altitude 1400 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation N/A
Include / Exclude
Cost Includes:
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- Airport transfer costs
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (4 nights)
- Domestic Flights: Kathmandu-Tumlingtar
- All land transportation for all members, climbers, staff, porters, guides, Liaison Officer
- Makalu Expedition Permit, National Park Entry Fees
- Garbage Management and Shipment fees
- Lodging and food (3-time full course meals ) during the overall trek
- Base Camp Food, Tents for Dining, Sleeping, Toilet, and Shower, Tables, Sleeping mattresses, pillows, quilts, and all essentials
- Wages and allowances for porters, guides, Climbing Sherpas, Cooks, and helpers
- Fees for Liaison Officer
- Luggage carriage fee (up to 60 kg per member)
- Insurance for all Nepali staff and members
- Solar panels for light and charging at the base camp
- Heater service in the Dining Tent
- 2 Oxygen cylinders per member and 1 cylinder for high altitude Sherpa
- Permits for satellite phones
- 1 walkie talkie per member for communication
- High Camp Service: Cooking Gas, utensils, gears, and equipment in Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3, and Camp 4
- All taxes imposed by the Government of Nepal
- Comprehensive Medical Kit
- Makalu Climbing Certificate issued by MoCTCA (After the successful ascent of Mt. Makalu)
Cost Excludes:
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
- Expenses incurred due to extended stay in Kathmandu
- Travel and Medical Insurance for the climbing member
- Expenses of personal nature like alcoholic beverages, telephone, Internet bills, Laundry, etc.
- Bonus and tips for climbing Sherpa ($1000) and staff ($200)
- Emergency Rescue and Evacuation (Recommended to purchase an insurance policy that covers emergency repatriation)
- Anything not mentioned in the Cost Inclusions section
Price per person
Usefull Information
Equipment List
FAQs
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Best Seasons March to May, September to November
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Group Size 1-15
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Duration 50 DAYS BOOKING OPEN FOR 2024
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Maximum Altitude 8350M
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Trek Difficulty Very Hard
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