Makalu Expedition
Trip Overview
The Makalu Expedition (8,463m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world, is one of the most challenging and less-crowded 8000-meter climbs in Nepal. Known for its steep ridges, technical sections, and remote approach, Makalu offers a true expedition experience for seasoned mountaineers.
The journey begins in Kathmandu with preparations, followed by a flight to Tumlingtar and an overland drive to Num. The trek progresses through the remote Makalu Barun region, passing dense forests, traditional villages, and high alpine landscapes before reaching Makalu Base Camp.
Unlike Everest and Lhotse, Makalu presents a more isolated and technically demanding ascent, involving steep snow slopes, exposed ridges, and mixed climbing terrain.
Best Seasons to Travel:
The best time for the Makalu Expedition is during spring (April to May), when weather conditions are generally more stable and favorable for climbing and summit attempts. Autumn (September to October) is also possible, although colder temperatures and shorter weather windows make it less preferred compared to the spring season.
Notes to Travelers:
The Makalu Expedition is recommended only for highly experienced mountaineers with previous high-altitude climbing experience above 6,500 meters. Climbers must possess strong physical fitness, advanced mountaineering skills, glacier travel experience, and the mental endurance required for one of the Himalaya’s most demanding expeditions.
Accommodation during the trekking approach includes basic teahouses and lodges in lower villages, while higher sections of the expedition are fully supported with tented camping. Due to the remote and isolated nature of the Makalu region, facilities are limited, requiring proper preparation, adaptability, and expedition readiness.
Makalu is not simply a mountain expedition but a true Himalayan challenge into one of Nepal’s wildest and most remote alpine environments. It rewards climbers with extraordinary mountain scenery, extreme adventure, technical climbing experiences, and the unmatched satisfaction of standing atop the world’s fifth-highest mountain.
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and hotel transfer.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel, with time to rest and prepare for the expedition.
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Day 2 : Preparation, briefings, shopping, and permit formalities.
Final expedition briefings, gear checks, and official permit processing are completed.
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Day 3 : Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num
A scenic flight to eastern Nepal followed by a drive to Num, the starting point of the trek.
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Day 4 : Trek to Sheduwa.
Descend and ascend through forested trails and terraced fields to reach Sheduwa village.
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Day 5 : Trek to Tashi Gaon
A gradual climb through rural settlements leading to the last permanent village in the region.
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Day 6 : Trek to Khongma Danda.
A steep ascent through forests into alpine terrain, gaining significant altitude.
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Day 7 : Trek to Dobate.
Cross high passes and descend through rhododendron forests to Dobate.
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Day 8 : Trek to Yangle Kharka .
Follow the Barun River valley through remote landscapes and yak pastures.
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Day 9 : Trek to Langmale Kharka.
Gradual ascent into open alpine terrain with stunning Himalayan views.
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Day 10-11 : Trek to Makalu Lower Base Camp and acclimatization.
Reach Lower Base Camp (Hillary BC) and spend time acclimatizing with short hikes.
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Day 12 : Trek to Makalu High Camp / Advanced Base Camp.
Move to Advanced Base Camp and establish climbing camp with full camping setup.
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Day 13-42 : Climbing period; summit Makalu.
This phase includes acclimatization rotations, load ferrying, and establishment of higher camps. The route involves technical climbing on steep snow, ice, and mixed terrain leading to the summit ridge. Full camping support throughout.
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Day 43 : Preparation to return and Base Camp cleanup.
Dismantle camps and ensure environmental cleanup before departure.
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Day 44 : Trek to Yangri Kharka .
Begin descent through alpine terrain, retracing the approach route.
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Day 45 : Trek to Khongma Danda.
Gradual ascent and descent through high ridges and forests.
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Day 46 : Trek to Sheduwa.
Descend back into lower altitude villages and warmer climate.
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Day 47 : Trek to Num and drive to Tumlingtar.
Final trekking day followed by drive to Tumlingtar.
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Day 48 : Fly to Kathmandu; hotel transfer and farewell dinner.
Return flight to Kathmandu with evening celebration dinner.
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Day 49 : Debriefing, rest, and shopping in Kathmandu.
Free day for rest and final preparations.
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Day 50 : Final departure.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Cost Inclusion
- All arrival and departure transfers with Snowy Horizon’s assistance.
- 4 Nights 3 Star Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on BB Plan as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu flight tickets to members and guide.
- Complete and well-furnished camping facilities at Advanced Makalu Base Camp.
- Toilet and shower tents in the camping area, with each member box tent.
- During the trek, three meals a day (BLDtea/coffee) and tea-house /lodge accommodation.
- Freshly cooked 3 meals daily (BLDtea/coffee) by Snowy's professional cook in ABC.
- 50kg: 40kg per person individual baggage allowance for trekking up and down to ABC.
- Barun National Park and local village entry permits.
- Expedition royalty and climbing permit for climbing the normal route of Mt. Makalu (8463m).
- 1:1 experienced private climbing Sherpa guide during trek and climb (MakaluApproached).
- Fully paid government-appointed Liaison Officer for the expedition team.
- Required high-altitude food for CI, CII, CIII, and CIV to the climbing member &support Sherpa.
- Rope and route fixing charges to the fixing team and organization.
- 6 Oxygen bottles (4L) -4 for Members and 2 for Sherpa with mask & regulator sets.
- Oxygen, mask, and regulator for emergency medical use at Base Camp.
- Sharing dome tents for camps I, II, III, and IV between the members and the Sherpa.
- All wages, equipment, medical, and accidental Insurances for the Sherpa & involved staffs.
- Gas heater in the dining, solar panel, and petrol generator for light and charging your devices.
- Satellite phone for emergency communication with the cost of US$ 5 per minute call at ABC.
- First aid medical kits for the group and the staffs at the advance base camp.
- Our service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal.
- Necessary assistance for individual travel arrangements where required.
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a domestic culture show in Kathmandu.
Cost Exclusion
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
- Laundry, communication expenses, and Internet uses.
- Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, camera/video fees, and trekking gears.
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations
- Any additional staff other than those specified in the package.
- Rescue, repatriation, medicines, medical tests, and hospitalization expenses for members.
- Summit bonus to your private Sherpa guide for the summit push(Minimum US$ 1500.00)
- Insurance policy for medical treatment and helicopter search and rescue for members.
- Permits for walkie-talkie& filming, skying, paragliding etc.
- Defined and listed personal trekking and climbing gears for the member.
- Tips to Base Camp Staffs is mandatory; a minimum of US$ 300 per member for the kitchen team.
- Any other item not mentioned in the “Full Board Service Package Include” section.
Related Packages
Everest Expedition
Ama Dablam Expedition
Baruntse Expedition
Kanchenjunga Expedition
Himlung Himal Expedition
Lhotse Expedition