Mountaineering

Makalu Expedition

Details Overview Itinerary Includes/Excludes Equipment

USD $ 35000

Individual Price

Book now

Makalu Expedition

Of Nepal's eight mountains above 8000 m, Mt. Makalu is Nepal's fourth highest and world’s fifth highest peak at 8,485 metres (27,838 ft). Mount Makalu lies just 19 km southeast of the giant Mt. Everest on the border of Nepal and China in the eastern Himalayan range. The height of this mountain itself is remarkable, but it's flawless pyramid form with four straight ridges make it more stunning and majestic. The mountain's name is taken from the Sanskrit word Maha-Kala which means big black and is by the name of one of most powerful Hinduism's gods-Shiva. In the local dialect, the mountain has another name Kumba Karna which means the giant. Makalu has proven to be a difficult climb, as only five of his first 16 attempts have been successful. It was in 1955, that the French team led expedition first scaled the peak of Mt. Makalu. Makalu base camp consists of a natural wonder-The Barun Valley. With breathtaking elevated waterfalls crashing within the deep gorges, this valley facilitates varied species of flora and fauna. You can also witness rich cultures of ethnic groups such as Sherpa and Kirat. The base camp is usually placed at around 5,600 m, followed by four camps before climbing to the top. The first camp is 6,100 m, the second camp is 6,600 m, the third camp is 7,200 m and the final camp is 7,600 m. Mt. Makalu Expedition is full of challenges and hazards. Therefore, Wongchhu Peak Promotion provides an experienced team who will help all expedition members to climb Mount Makalu. Embark on the awe-inspiring Makalu Expedition, a formidable challenge to conquer the 8,485m Makalu Peak Nepal, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, nestled in the pristine Makalu Barun National Park. This high altitude expedition begins with a trek through the remote Barun Valley base camp, offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga neighbor trek landscapes. Designed for elite climbers, the journey demands technical alpine ascent skills, navigating Himalayan glacier traverse and icefall navigation challenges with expert Sherpa climbing support. Starting from Num village access, the route tests endurance with rigorous mountaineering acclimatization, blending raw adventure with the serene beauty of Nepal’s eastern Himalayas. Book Makalu Expedition today for an unforgettable Makalu summit climb that marks a pinnacle achievement in Nepal elite mountaineering.

Overview

Trip Code WPP-001-MXP

Destination Nepal

Altitude 8463m

Season Spring and Autumn

Difficulty Hard

Accomodation Hotel, Tea House & Tent

Duration 50 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu Day 2 : Full Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley Day 3 : Preparation Day in Kathmandu Day 4 : Fly to Tumlingtar, Drive to Num Day 5 : Trek from Num to Seduwa Day 6 : Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun Day 7 : Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma Day 8 : Acclimatization and Rest Day in Khongma Day 9 : Trek from Khongma to Dobato Day 10 : Trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka Day 11 : Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Day 12 - 13 : Trek from Langmale to Hillary Base Camp / Makalu Base Camp Day 14 : Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Makalu Advance Base Camp (5,300m/17,388ft) Day 15 42 : Trek to Makalu Advance Base Camp Day 43 : Cleaning Up Base Camp Day 44 : Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka Day 45 : Trek from Yangri Kharka to Khongma Day 46 : Trek from Khongma to Seduwa Day 47 : Trek from Seduwa to Num, Drive to Khandbari or Tumlingtar Day 48 : Drive from Khandbari to Tumlingtar, Fly to Kathmandu Day 49 : Leisure Day in Kathmandu Day 50 : Departure from Kathmandu

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Land at Tribhuvan International Airport; transfer to hotel for expedition briefing and rest. Evening welcome dinner with Kathmandu Valley culture insights. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Full Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Explore UNESCO sites (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath) to immerse in Kathmandu Valley culture. Team bonding and gear review. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Preparation Day in Kathmandu

Finalize permits, gear checks, and logistics with Sherpa climbing support. Optional shopping for essentials. Overnight in hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Tumlingtar, Drive to Num

Morning flight to Tumlingtar (50 min), then drive to Num (2-3 hours) through lush forests. Gateway to Num village trekking. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 5: Trek from Num to Seduwa

Begin Barun Valley trek through terraced fields and Sherpa hamlets along the Arun River. Gentle ascent for acclimatization. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 6: Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun

Ascend through rhododendron forests and Hyolmo villages, crossing suspension bridges. Stunning Kanchenjunga neighbor peaks views. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 7: Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma

Steeper climb into alpine meadows; first glimpse of Makalu massif. Visit local gompas. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 8: Acclimatization and Rest Day in Khongma

Active rest: Short hikes to ridges for high altitude mountaineering prep. Health checks and team strategy. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 9: Trek from Khongma to Dobato

Trek through rocky terrain with glacier views. Focus on steady pacing for acclimatization. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: Trek from Dobato to Yangle Kharka

Descend slightly, crossing streams and meadows. Spot Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep. Overnight in camp.

Day 11: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale

Ascend to higher altitudes; traverse moraine paths with increasing Himalayan glacier navigation exposure. Overnight in camp.

Day 12 - 13: Trek from Langmale to Hillary Base Camp / Makalu Base Camp

Reach Makalu Base Camp over two days, setting up full expedition facilities (tents, kitchen, medical). Day 13: Rest and route scouting. Overnight in base camp.

Day 14: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Makalu Advance Base Camp (5,300m/17,388ft)

Move to Advanced Base Camp for closer summit access. Set up high-altitude tents. Overnight in camp.

Day 15 42: Trek to Makalu Advance Base Camp

First Round, a day of rest, and a Puja
Climb up to camp I (6100m)
Reach Camp II (6600 m) and then descend to Advance Base camp.
Base camp's day of rest
Next Rotation
Climb up to camp I (6100m)
Scale Camp II (6600m)
Reach camp III (7400), then descend to camp II (overnight)
Make your way to Base Camp
During the peak push, rest and get ready Pushing Up to Camp I (6100m)
Starting at 5 a.m., climb to camp II.
Go up Camp III (overnight) begin at 9:00 a.m.
Starting at 4 am, reaching Camp IV at 1 pm, taking 6 hours off, and Then beginning the summit ascent at 8 pm
Ascend to Camp IV after spending the night climbing and reaching The summit about 6-7 morning.Overnight in Tent.

Descending to Camp II
Descend to base camp
following the summit, base camp is packed up and cleared out.
Note: Please be aware that the activities described during the climbing period are only a preliminary schedule. Your climbing guide makes the real summit plans while you're at base camp. Due to the unpredictable weather in the Himalayas and your degree of fitness, the activities may alter. We suggest you to reserve a flexible flight and give yourself extra time in case you need it for the summit push.

Day 43: Cleaning Up Base Camp

Dismantle camp, ensure eco-friendly practices, and celebrate with Sherpa climbing support team. Overnight in base camp.

Day 44: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Yangri Kharka

Begin descent through Barun Valley; enjoy final Himalayan panorama views. Overnight in camp.

Day 45: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Khongma

Retrace alpine meadows; reflect on summit achievements. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 46: Trek from Khongma to Seduwa

Free day to explore Kathmandu Valley culture, shop, or relax. Optional spa or cultural visits. Overnight in hotel.

Day 47: Trek from Seduwa to Num, Drive to Khandbari or Tumlingtar

Final trek to Num; drive to Khandbari or Tumlingtar (2-3 hours). Overnight in teahouse.

Day 48: Drive from Khandbari to Tumlingtar, Fly to Kathmandu

Drive to Tumlingtar; catch flight to Kathmandu (50 min). Evening debrief. Overnight in hotel.

Day 49: Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Free day to explore Kathmandu Valley culture, shop, or relax. Optional spa or cultural visits. Overnight in hotel.

Day 50: Departure from Kathmandu

Our coordinates at Wongchhu Peak Promotion will see you off at the Tribhuvan International airport as your board on a flight towards home. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure. Farewell ceremony with expedition certificates. End of Makalu summit climb.

Includes

Airport/Hotel transfer in Kathmandu,
All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicle in Kathmandu,
Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights pre and 2 nights post on B/B plan on sharing post,
Full-day Kathmandu Heritage site sightseeing by private tourist vehicle,
Professional English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing,
City tour entrance fees of the heritage sites,
Experienced and government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing guide during the trekking and climbing period,
All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; Kitchen tents, store tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced Base Camp and high camp,
Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars, etc.)
Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base camp,
Food and accommodation during the trek in full board,
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served at base camp,
All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during the expedition for both members and crews,
Daily weather Report service from Seattle based,
Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Makalu,
Nepal government Royalty and fees,
One experienced, trained, government-licensed, climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client,
All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurance for all involved staff in trekking and expedition,
Group emergency equipment and medical supplies,
Medical consultation services at the base camp,
Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, cooks, Kitchen boys,
Equipment allowance and wages for Government Liaison Officers,
Solar equipment for light and also for charging various electric devices,
1 generator at base camp for computers and other electronic devices,
Headset radios for communication in the mountain,
Satellite Phones (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
Internet at base camp (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required,
Rope fixing costs,
The heater will be provided at the base camp for heating the dining room,
Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator will be provided,
Travel and rescue arrangements,
Ice fall usage Charge,
5 bottles of 3LTR Poisk Oxygen for members,
Daily Dispatches on www.wppnepal.com,
Welcome and Farewell dinner with beverages.

Excludes

Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
If required to change from airplane to helicopter to/from Tumlingtar due to weather issues, the additional cost of the helicopter will be shared amongst clients,
Personal trekking and climbing gear Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast and farewell dinner)
Alcohol and Beverages during the trek and climbing season
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.)
Emergency Medical Evacuation & any medical costs.
Any other item not listed in the 'Price Includes' section

Equipments

Embarking on an Mt. Makalu expedition requires high-quality equipment to ensure safety and success. The harsh and unforgiving environment at such altitudes demands equipment that is both durable and reliable. Here are some essential pieces of equipment required for an 8000m expedition:

1.0 Travel Documents

Valid passport
Credit/Debit card
Passport size photo (6 pieces)
Insurance paper and contact address
Family contact number

2.0 Upper Body Wear

Expedition down jacket
Basecamp down jacket
Lightweight fleece top
Wind shirt
Gore-Tex jacket
Waterproof shell jacket
Base layers tops
Trekking cloths
Casual wear

3.0 Lower Body Wear

Thermal bottom base layer (2-3 pcs)
Fleece trousers (2-3 pcs)
Gore-Tex pants (1 pcs)
Mid-weight pants (1-2 pcs)
Lightweight quick dry trekking pants (2-3 pcs)
Gaiters for trekking boots
Down pant Underwear (4-6 pcs)

4.0 Headwear

Sun cap
Desert cap
Balaclava
Banadana or Buff
Fleece hat
Neoprene face mask
Neck gaiter
Sunglass
Ski goggles

5.0 Handwear

Thin fleece gloves (2 pairs)
Liner gloves (2 pairs)
Wind stopper/screen tap gloves (2 pairs)
Mountaineering gloves with removable liners
Summit gloves-8000m

6.0 Footwear

Socks (6 pairs)
Lightweight shoes/sandals
Trekking boots 8000m
mountaineering boots 6000m
mountaineering boots
Save gaiters
Down bivvy boots
Camp boots
Foot-wearing system

7.0 Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp
Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort
Thermarests Mattress (Cell foam)
Down Matteres (Inflatable)
Sleeping bag Liner
Inflatable Pillow

8.0 Climbing Equipment

Power Bank
Pee Bottle
Altimeter watch
Pocket Knife
Walking Stick/Trekking Pole
Satellite Phone with credit
Battery
Headlight 500-700Lumens
Spare Snow Goggles
Tape Slings/240cm
Unlock Carabiner (2pcs)
Lock Carabiner (3pcs)
Climbing Helmet
Summit Down Suit – 8000m
Jumar / Ascender
Belay Devices / Figure of 8/ATC guide
Harness
Ice Axe with Spike & Axe Protector
Crampons (fit with boot)/ Packing cover

9.0 Bag packs

Rucksacks 35 L -50 L
Duffle Bag 120 L – 150 L (2pcs)
Laundry / Garbage Bag (Large)
Water Proof Stuff Sacks / Dry Bag –small/medium / Large (3-4)pcs)

10.0 Sun stuff

Banana Boat/Nivea
Sun Cream (up to -50SPF)
Lip Guard - 30 to -50 (SPF)
Sun Glasses (Uv Protection)
Glaciers Glasses (Uv Protection
) Moisturizer / Lotion

11.0 Toiletries (Personal)

Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Soap
Shampoo
Towel
Garbage Bag

12.0 Eating & Drinkings

1 ltr. Water Bottle
1/1.5ltr. Thermos Mug (Opt.)
Spoon / Fork (opt.)
Bowl (opt.)

13.0 Medical / First Aid

Brufen / Ibuprofens
Antibiotic
Diamox
Paracetamol
Handy Plaster
Crack Bandage
Tincture Iodine
Ondem
Cetirizine
Electrolyte
Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxiety)
Codopar (Headache & chest pain)
Salbetol 4mg (Breathless)
Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days)
Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection)
Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil)
Menstrual Products