Mount Makalu Expedition

Upon your arrival, your representative will receive you at the Tribhuwan International Airport and take you to your accommodation. After that, you may unwind at the hotel before taking a leisurely evening stroll around Thamel’s streets.

Today, you will have a brief meeting with your guides and team members. You’ll go over the necessary papers for permits, some climbing tips, and a briefing about the trip.

Following the meeting, you are free to kick back at your hotel, get ready for the upcoming step of your travel, or visit attractions of Kathmandu, namely Patan Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath.

With a picturesque flight to Tumlingtar, where you’ll be able to admire the towns, mountains, and landscapes from above. Next, after arriving in Tumlingtar, we will take a bus or jeep ride towards Num. We’ll be traveling to Num over a fairly smooth but twisting road.

We will arrive at Sedwa, a lovely town with wonderful hospitality, on the fourth day. We will climb up to Seduwa via well-maintained steep stairs beside the Arun River. You will see the local fauna, farmlands of cardamom, thick bamboo woods, and many more fascinating sights along the route.

Eventually, we’ll arrive at the Makalu-Barun National Park, where we need to register our permits before continuing to Seduwa.

We will walk to Tashigaon today along a path lined with stone stairs. We’ll trek through a trail surrounded by woodlands and wildlife, which creates a relaxing trekking experience. You’ll feel relaxed and refreshed as you head towards Tashigaon.

Furthermore, you will encounter Mani Walls more frequently as you proceed.

Today we’ll begin the hike early morning, and the trails will be surrounded by Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendrons. Our seven-hour hike will wind through dense rhododendron woods and pass by several villages, including Dhara and Unshisa.

Moreover, along the way, we’ll take in amazing vistas of the surrounding flora and fauna and the incredible landscape.

Khongma Danda is a peaceful village located at a height of 3,500m. As you’ve gained some height here, take this day to rest and adapt to the changing elevations. You can opt to hike to some nearby viewpoints to enjoy the panoramic scenery offered by this place.

We will go past the two main places of our journey today, Keke La Pass at 4152m and Shipton La Pass at 4220m.

We begin with a strenuous climb uphill over rugged, rocky terrain to reach Shipton La Pass. The pass offers magnificent views of snow-capped peaks including Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse which will surely leave you star-struck. From there, we will go to Keke La Pass, which offers breathtaking vistas of high peaks.

Then, after there, we trek downhill to get to Dobate.

To reach Yangri Kharka, we’ll take a cautious trek down the Barun River’s steep, rocky route, which offers majestic views of the Chamlang and Tutse mountains. We’ll pass through rhododendrons and pine forests while hiking, and you’ll also get a chance to enjoy a waterfall.

We continue up the stone steps and arrive at the lovely Yangri Kharka.

We’ll move on a trail dotted with Mani Walls and Buddhist prayer flags today. These routes will be comparatively easier and smoother than the previous ones and offer spectacular views of the lofty mountains and picturesque surroundings.

We’ll also be traveling through towns like Yak Kharka, Jhak Kharka, and Merek finally bringing us to Lagmale Kharka.

Ultimately, we’ll hike up to Makalu Base Camp today, the bottom of Mt. Makalu, the fifth-highest summit in the world. However, getting there will not be easy, as we’ll set off on a dry, stony path that moves beside the Barun River.

Then, after crossing the river and trekking up a short distance, we’ll arrive at Makalu Base Camp. The views from the base camp are truly captivating! Soak in the sight of the lofty Makaul massif and other peaks like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and others during your time there.

Climbing the fifth tallest mountain is no joke, so for 2-3 days, you’ll take detailed climbing training given by your guides and other instructors. You’ll spend these days at the base camp, training, acclimatizing, and replenishing your energy for the summit.

After completing your training, you’ll set off to Advance Base Camp (ABC) at 5300m. The trail today will be challenging, so walk carefully following your guide’s lead. Walking alongside the moraine of a glacier, we’ll push forward on sharp ascents with rocky terrains.

Finally, starting from the seventeenth day, we’ll begin climbing Mt. Makalu. Starting with a religious ritual called puja, we’ll begin ascending.

First, you will climb up to Camp I at 6400m, trekking through rough terrains with slopes, large stones, and slippery paths with ice. You will then trek through a glacier which will take about 4 hours to reach the camp.

Now, the trail to Camp 2 includes steep ice sections, ladder pathways, and an hour of struggle on snow. This stretch can take about three hours to complete, making it an intermediate climb.

In this way, walking over tough snowy paths using your climbing gears, and following your guide’s lead, you’ll push your way to the third and fourth camps. Take acclimatization days as you’ll be gaining significant elevations and low oxygen levels.

Ultimately, following sufficient acclimatization, you’ll climb the Makalu Massif. You’ll ascend at night to reach the summit by morning. With a strenuous climb up, using fixed ropes and ladders, and navigating through tough sections in cold and harsh winds, we reach the summit. The joy and triumph you’ll experience will be indescribable. Enjoy the high, take pictures, and make your way back to the lower base camps, Camp 4 then Camp 3 then Camp 2 then Camp 1 slowly.

By the end of your 20-day climbing period, you will reach the Makalu Base Camp. spending the last day at the heights surrounded by the Himalayas enjoying the serene moment, and making memories with your team.

We’ll start heading back towards Kathmandu starting today. We’ll reach Yangri Kharka today, retracing our route. You will also go through some villages like Shershong, Langmale Kharka, and Merek.

Moreover, along the route, you’ll get the chance to relive the beautiful scenery of lush forests, hills, highland landscapes, and mountains at the back.

Today, we’ll head towards a temporary camping region in the Barun Valley, Mumbuk. Trekking through stone stairs, we pass by Dobate and follow the path along the Barun River. As we descend to Mumbuk, the landscapes become more green, and lush forests of rhododendrons and pines cover our surroundings.

Continuing on the trail, we reach Mumbuk, where we’ll spend the night.

Once again, taking a short hike through lush colorful forests with rhododendrons and pins vegetation, we will reach Tashigaon. With a slow-paced walk, we’ll stop frequently and enjoy the stunning vistas of towering mountains up in the clouds, green farms, and forests ahead of us.

Walking through dense forests on ascending and descending trails, we reach our destination, the Num Village. The views of terraced farmlands, green hills, swift streams, and passing Sherpa Villages will keep you going.

With this, your last trek of this journey concludes. Take the evening to engage with your team members and look back on the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve collected.

After a filling breakfast, you’ll ride to Tumlingtar on a bus or private vehicle. The ride will take about 5 hours so you can relax as you watch the passing scenery from the window. Upon reaching Tumlingtar, rest up at your hotel and enjoy the evening interacting with locals and creating fun memories.

Finally, on this day, you get back to Kathmandu via a swift flight from Tumlingtar over the majestic mountains and hills. After arriving, feel free to unwind at your hotel or explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu.

After the end of your adventurous and challenging journey up the fifth tallest peak in the world, we’ll take an easy stroll around Kathmandu city visiting major attractions. Your guide will take you on a tour around several heritage sites and other locations so sit back and relax.

Your long Mount Makalu Expedition tour comes to an official end today. After a farewell from your agents, you will be transported to the International Airport in Kathmandu according to your flight’s time.