Mt. Makalu Expedition (8,463m) - 58 days

Trip Info

Trip Code: DHA/M/MX-58

Destination: : Nepal

Trekking Duration: 14 days

Climbing Period: 35 days

Trek Type : Local teahouse basis

Grade:

Maximum Elevation : 8,463M.

Best Month of the Year : April, May, Sep & Oct

Hotel Accommodation : 5 nights, 3 star hotel, single room on BB basis

Overview
Services
Fitness
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Reviews

Mt. Makalu Expedition - Brief Introduction

Mt. Makalu (8,463m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is an isolated peak, located just 22 km east of Mount Everest between Everest and Kanchenjunga, on the Nepali-Tibetan border. Its size alone is impressive, but its structure, that of a perfect pyramid with four sharp ridges, makes this mountain all the more spectacular. It has proved to be not only a beautiful peak but also challenging. Previously, it had been admired and studied by several Everest parties and it was first climbed by the French in 1955.

Climbing on Makalu is physically and mentally tough and very challenging therefore climbers are required to have considerable climbing experiences at higher altitudes, preferably in the Himalaya.

Dream Himalaya Adventures support full board expedition services up to the summit of the peak and as well as base camp and advance base camp logistic services. We are committed to providing you with the best quality services. All Climbers will be assisted by our well experienced Sherpas at the ratio of 1:1 including a Sherpa head guide/sirdar. Our Sherpa are highly qualified, experienced and they are proficient mountaineers with excellent success rates, and are always focussed on the safety of clients as their number one priority.

Climbing Routes and High Camps

Our expedition to Mt. Makalu begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Tumlingtar and we will start our walk from Tumlingtar, just above the Arun River to Makalu lower Base Camp at approximately 4,800 meters. We'll ascend via the Northwest/normal route of Makalu La Ridge, establishing 4 high camps on the mountain. Our strong & professional high altitude climbing Sherpas will fix ropes as required. Depending on our fitness, we'll be moving up and down the mountain several times, acclimatizing and stocking the higher camps. This expedition is fully supported by all the base camp & high camp services. Teamwork is important for successfully scaling the summit of Mt Makalu.

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Climb the world’s fifth highest peak, Mt. Makalu with professional and already summitted Sherpa Guides
1:1 Personal climbing Sherpa guide to each climber on summit push
Enough Oxygen system will be stocked on the higher camps for safe climbing purpose
Fully medical back up and smooth communication system on the mountain and regular weather forecast information
An unforgettable and amazing trek into the Arun valley
Excellent logistic set up at base camp to give most comfort to the climbers
Most experienced expedition cook and his crew team

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrival in KTM, Transfer to Hotel& Briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other climbers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Half Day sightseeing and afternoon equipment checking and fitting

In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, equipment checking and getting ready for the trip.

Day 3
Final preparation and packing

This is the preparation day. Expedition is a long and challenging activity. We need to get well prepared and equip ourselves with all necessary equipment and accessories for successful and enjoyable expedition.

Day 4
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight (45min), drive to Khadbari (1,040m) 2hrs

It takes 45minutes of flight to reach Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. The air route is scenic with aerial views of mountains like Ganesh Mountain, Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. We will reach Tumlingtar Airport that is perched atop the hill. Driving from airport, we will reach to the right edge of Shawa Khola. Chamlang Mountain can be seen at distance. Driving along the river, we will proceed towards Khadbari which is a mountainous town with banking and other facilities. Stay overnight in Khadbari.

Day 5
Drive to Num (1,560m) 5hrs

We take local jeep drive from Khadbari to Num via Mane Bhanjyang village and Pangma to Bhotebas. This pretty village offers spectacular mountain views towards north. Passing through tiny local settlements, we will traverse rhododendron forest and reach Sakurate. We will continue to follow the path through rhododendron forest to Num where we will stay overnight in a local logde.

Day 6
Trek to Sedua (1,980m) 5hrs

We will follow the descending path fromNumand walk through forest to Lumbang. From there, the trail drops down toArun River. Moving through the slippery path, we will reach a suspension bridge from where we will climb uphill to Sedua. Entry point to Makalu Barun National Park exists in Sedua. Stay overnight in Sedua.

Day 7
Trek to TashiGaon (2,100m) 3-4hrs

From Sedua, the trail continues through farmland and mani walls. Climbing to the top of hill located aboveIpsuwa and Kasuwa rivers, we will pass through Sherpa village of Navagaon to reach KharsingKharka. Moving further, we will reach Tashigaon which is the last significant village that we encounter on our expedition.

Day 8
Trek to Khongma (3,200m)5-6hrs

Leaving Tashigaon early in the morning, we will walk through rhododendron and oak forest. The trail takes us through meadow area where we can see local herd grazing lazily over lush green vegetation. The trail contours up through stone steps to Khongma which is located atop the hill. Stay overnight in Khongma.

Day 9
Trek to Mumbuk (3,520m) 6hrs

From Khongma, we will traverse the colourful forest and reach to the ridge with mani walls and prayer flags. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and crossKeke La pass (4,230m) and Tutu La pass (4,200m) before lowering down through rhododendron forest to Mumbuk. Stay overnight at Mumbuk.

Day 10
Trek to YangleKharka (4,200m) 7hrs

Trek after Mumbuk is bit challenging. We will walk through landslide prone area for about 3 hours. Barun River can be seen from most of the point. We can also enjoy the panoramic views of Peak 6 (6,739m) and Peak 7 (6,185m). Stay overnight in YangleKharka.

Day 11
Rest & Acclimatization day

YangleKharka is one of the best place to take rest. The view of mountains from YangleKharka is unbeatable. Explore around YangleKharka for proper acclimatization and prepare yourself for the challenging climb to Makalu summit. Stay overnight at YangleKharka.

Day 12
Trek to Langmale/Shershon (4,630m)8hrs

Walking upstream, we will reach NgleKharka. Enjoying mountain views from NgleKharka, we will reach the alpine meadow of RupakKharka from where we will walk towards another shepherd area of JhakKharka. Walking past waterfall, we will reach summer grazing land of Yak Kharka from where we will head west and walk through gravel area with breath-taking view of Lower Barun glacier to Sherson from where we will stay overnight.

Day 13
Trek to Makalu lower base camp (4,870m) 6hrs

Walking along eastern side of valley that allows scenic view of Makalu mountain, we will take slow descend to small pass. Climbing that pass, we will lower down to river and walk through boulders to reach Makalu Base Camp that is located on the western edge of river. Enjoy the breath-taking view of south face of Makalu from base camp and stay overnight.

Day 14
: Rest, Acclimatization & Preparations day

This is the rest day which helps us for proper acclimatization to the increasing altitude before climbing Makalu. To the right side of our camp exists many interesting view points from where we can get closer look at Makalu Mountain, BarunPokhari, Lhotse and Everest. We can take short hile to the meadow and return to Base Camp for overnight stay.

Day 15
Trek to Advance Makalu base camp (5,600m) 3-4hrs

Walking through the desolate area from lower Makalu Base Camp,we will reach to Advance Makalu Base Camp that exists at the snout of Barun glacier. We will place our camp nearby the glacial pond. We can climb a little higher than our camp for better view of Makalu. Return to Advanced Camp.

Day 16-17
Acclimatization and preparations for climbing to higher camps

We will spend the first couple of days at Advanced Base Camp. The guide will share Makalu Climbing strategy with us. We will climb to High Camp I and lower down to Base Camp. Rotation of camps help us in acclimatization.

Day 18-50
Acclimatization, load ferries, route opening, summit attempt of the Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and descend to the base camp

Days from 18 to 50 are dedicated in climbing Makalu. We will choose the normal route that progresses through southeast ridge.We will place 3High Camps.
High Camp I and High Camp II
High Camp I is located at 6500m and High Camp II exists at 7300m. These two Camps are founded at the base of southeast ridge. We will cross glacier and pass through snow field and hanging ice fall. Basic Alpine climbing technique is enough to reach up to Camp II. We need to climb 35 to 45 degree slope.
High Camp III
High Camp III is located at the beginning of southeast ridge at 7900m.We need to climb 50 to 55 degree slope till we reach High Camp III.
Climb to Makalu Summit and Descend to Base Camp
Expect to climb 70 to 75degree slopes to reach to the summit. We will need help of fixed ropes. After enjoying spectacular views of mountains and surrounding from summit, we will return to base camp where we will celebrate successful climbing of Makalu.

Day 51
Trek to Yangle Kharka 6-7hrs

Return trip begins on this day. We will clean Makalu Base Camp and return to YangleKharka via Sherson.The path is scenic with panoramic views of several mountains. Stay overnight at YangleKharka.

Day 52
Trek to Mumbuk, 6hrs

Return trail from YangleKharka to Mumbuk is easier as we will be following descending trail for most of the day. We will walk past rock fall and then the trail takes us through rock gully all the way to Mumbuk. Returning to Mumbuk, we will be greeted with green sceneries. Stay overnight at Mumbuk.

Day 53
Trek to Tashi Gaon, 6hrs

Leaving Mumbuk early in the morning, we will walkthrough rhododendron and fir forest. We need to cross Keke La, Shipton La Pass and Ghurung La Pass so that we can reach Khongma. The trail takes sharp descend from Khongma to TashiGaon where we will stay overnight.

Day 54
Trek to Num 5hrs

From Tashi Gaon, we will lower down to Arun River and retrace the route to Seduwa. Walking through forest, we will lower down once again to river and climb through the opposite side of valley to reach Num where we will stay overnight.

Day 55
Drive to Tumlingtar 5hrs

After breakfast, we start our drive to Tumlingtar, which will be about 4 to 5 hours of drive and we stay overnight at Tumlingtar in a guesthouse.

Day 56
Fly to KTM, transfer to hotel

We will take flight back to Kathmandu from Tumlingtar. Once we reach domestic airport in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to hotel. Take rest. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 57
Free Day for Shopping & Evening celebration time

This is a free day. You can go for shopping in freak street of Thamel. Return to hotel. We will celebrate the successful adventure.

Day 58
Final departure

You will be transferred to the Airport as per your flight schedule. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

COST INCLUDES Full Board Price

Mt. Makalu Climbing Permit and all government taxes
National park/Conservation permit fees
Liaison officer wages, allowances and insurance
5 (five) nights, 4-star hotel accommodation on single room BB basis
All location transport by private vehicle
Porters/Yaks to carry expedition loads to & from Base Camp (BC)
Expedition Sherpa Guide/Sirdar
Experienced & Professional high altitude personal climbing Sherpa on 1:1 ratio
Experienced Expedition Cooks and Kitchen helpers
Quality single tent to each client at BC with sleeping mattress
Quality dinning tent at BC
All necessary kitchen & camping equipment
Shower facility at base camp
Quality high altitude tents for the higher camps
All necessary climbing hardware gears including the ropes
Highly preferable meals at BC and for the higher camps
All the hot drinks with beverages during the expedition
Quality high altitude freeze dried food & individual packet food
EPI gases with burner for high camps
POISK Oxygen (03 cylinders Per Client & 01 cylinder Per Sherpa)
Mask and Regulator to each client (to be retuned after expedition)
Walkie-talkie set to each client with radio base at BC
Satellite phone for the emergency call (Personal call on payable basis)
Solar Panel/Generator with accessories at BC for recharging & power supply
Oxygen set at BC for medical purpose
Gamow bag /PAC at BC for medical purpose
DHA duffel bags to each client
Daily wages, equipment bonus of staff
Insurance of local team members
All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle
Half day city tours in Kathmandu
Celebration meal in Kathmandu

COST EXCLUDES Full Board Price

High altitude coverage travel insurance
International Air ticket & any departures taxes
Personal climbing equipment
Cost of emergency evacuation and medical treatment cost
Cost of personal natures of expenses
Tips & Summit bonus to the local staff
Cost occurred due to delay and cancellation of flights, extension of trek and climbing period etc.

COST INCLUDES Base Camp Price

Mt. Makalu Climbing Permit and all government taxes
National park/Conservation permit fees
Liaison officer wages, allowances and insurance
5 (five) nights, 3-star hotel accommodation on single room BB basis
All local transport including airport arrival/departures by private vehicle
Porters/Yaks to carry expedition loads to & from Base Camp (BC)
Climber’s personal allowed loads maximum 80kg per/climber (i.e. personal climbing gears, mountain food, tents, Oxygen etc.)
Expedition Base Camp Sherpa Manager
Experienced Expedition Cooks and Kitchen helpers
Quality single tent to each client at BC with sleeping mattress
High quality dinning tent at BC with heater
All necessary kitchen & camping equipment
Highly preferable meals at base camp during expedition period
Teahouse based food and accommodation facility during the trekking period
All the hot drinks with beverages during the expedition
Satellite phone for the emergency call (Personal call on payable basis)
Solar Panel/Generator with accessories at BC for recharging & power supply
Oxygen set/PAC bag at BC for medical purpose
Expedition duffel bags to each client
Daily wages, equipment bonus of staff
Insurance of local team members
Half day city tours in Kathmandu
Welcome and celebration meal in Kathmandu

COST EXCLUDES Base Camp Price

High altitude coverage personal travel insurance
Cost of emergency evacuation and medical treatment cost
International Air ticket & any departures taxes
Personal climbing equipment/gears
High altitude climbing Sherpa guides
High tent, high food, Oxygen & Mask for climbing purpose, climbing hardware gears (i.e. snow bars, ropes etc.)
All other required logistic services above base camp
Cost of personal natures of expenses
Tips & Summit bonus to the local staff
Cost occurred due to delay and cancellation of flights, extension of trek, and climbing period and also due to any natural disasters etc.

Fitness

Climbing at and above 8,000 meters is inherently dangerous and is not the place to be learning mountaineering and climbing skills. Any expedition that goes to 8,000m requires a very high level of aerobic fitness. Being fit will certainly improve your chances of reaching your chosen summit. Your resting heart rate should be below 60 but preferably below 50. You should be able to run 50km on flat ground in approximately6 hours. Endurance and the ability to carry a heavy pack of up to 25kg is more important than sprint ability.

In order to get ready for this challenge, you need to be trained at least for about 8 to 12 months to prepare yourself as a strong candidate. You can go to the fitness center every morning for about 2 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack (i.e. 10kg, 15kg, 20 kg, and up to 25kg), manage some time for cycling for a couple of hours for 3 or 4 times a week. On the summit push, extra effort is required walking on ice and climbing up to 10 – 14 hours. On our all-8000m expeditions, we supply excellent logistics; good ratios of climbing support sherpas and a standard quantity of oxygen, which plays a vital role in the success and safe climb of the peak.

Experience Necessity

Dream Himalaya Adventuresstrongly suggest that you must climb a number of 6,000m peaks in order to gain mountaineering proficiency and also undertake a trip to one of the 7,000m peak or one of the technically difficult 6000m peak i.e. Mt. Amadablam or similar, where you experience expedition camping, higher altitude, and how to deal with the cold. If you are fit and motivated but lacked technical climbing skills or suitable experience, we have options to keep you safe and get you high. This might be a personal Sherpa or a pre-trip training course.

You must have well knowledge about using mountaineering gears, good with rock climbing and ice climbing, will increase the chances of reaching the summit andalso previous mountaineering experiences are mandatory but don’t really require any high level of technical experience.

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Testimonials

Ondrej Havlak

Milose Havla 7, 15200, Prague, Czech Republic

Excellent communication with Dawa! We had some WhatsApp calls and discussed everything necessary in advance. I appreciate the assistance with the rental in KTM and the prompt solution for transporting luggage. Additionally, I am grateful for arranging the rental of crampons when I realized in BC that my crampons didn’t fit my large boots.

Sushila Rajagopal

Bangalore. INDIA

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake Nov 2024 • Friends We did the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake deviations with Dream Himalaya Adventures in Oct/Nov 2024. The guide Dorje was knowledgeable about the area, and he and our porter Phurba were very attentive to our needs. We had a great time on the trek. I have done several treks with Dream Himalaya and all of them were well organised. I do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Enrico and Alessandra

Gallarana 4, 20063 Cernusco s/N, Italy

Excellent private Kanchenjunga circuit trek, with Drohmo Ri ascent, Nupchu Pokhari side trip and more Oct 2024 • Couples While we were looking for a support agency for a customized trekking program for the Kangchenjunga area, we immediately appreciated the fact that Dream Himalaya Adventures already included the possibility of climbing Drohmo Ri, a non-technical but almost 6000m high viewpoint, above the North Base Camp of Kangchenjunga. The Managing Director Dawa Sherpa then answered very accurately and quickly all our additional questions about other possible optional excursions, the possibility of managing the stages in a flexible way, the possible overnight stay in Pangpema, the difficulties of the itinerary, the conditions of the accommodation and the current possibilities of road access to the

Richard Moriarty and Family

United Kingdom

Family trip to EBC Aug 2024 • Family Dream Himilaya provided superb comms and logistics and bespoke service for my family. Dawa and the team are real experts with good contacts. Would definitely recommend.

Eva and Igor

Slovenia

Great experience! Oct 2024 • Couples Great experience with the agency and all of the employees who are extremely professional yet warm, welcoming and always ready to help. Everything from beginning to the end was easily arranged and worked perfectly. I definitely recommend it 200 %

Wilfredo B.

Philippines

Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek Nov 2024, Had an amazing time with Dream Himalayan Adventures. Despite such short notice, they were able to organise an EBC trek and assigned a very capable and competent local guide who happens to be an excellent photographer.

Stan Stevens

New Salem, MA, United State

I highly recommend Dream Himalaya. They have a first-rate operation with personal attention to trek planning, good communication before and during the trek, and excellent trek organization. In spring 2024 I contacted Dream Himalaya to arrange a custom solo private trek. Dream Himalaya came recommended by a Sherpa friend who has used their services a lot. Dream Himalaya’s manager, Dawa Sherpa (Lama), corresponded with me via email to plan the trek and made all arrangements. Dawa Sherpa fine-tuned the trip arrangements exactly as I wished and came through on every detail, including arranging a private jeep to and from trailheads, telephoning lodges to reserve rooms (this is important during busy times of the year on popular routes), and providing an

Patrick Stadie

Germany

The trip was excellent! This was our third trip to Nepal after Annapurnatrek and Kailash and agencywise it was by far the best one! Already the time in Kathmandu was greatly planned. During the trek and climb (14 days) everything worked out perfectly. Our guide (Nigma, a multiple Everest summiter (!)) was more then experienced and summit days was a blast for me and my son (16 y.). On ChoLa Pass (5.300 m) we got in a little trouble, since my wife had problems with the altitude, but this was solved immidiatly by our guide with a bottle of oxygene and she got down safely. As far as I can tell, we always stayed in the nicest guest- and teahoues

Nils Riva

Switzerland

Très bonne organisation de la planification jusqu'au départ. Professionnel. L'équipe au BC est top Merci Dawa. In English translation Very good organization from planning to departure. Professional. The team at BC is great Thanks Dawa.

Denise Doyen

California, USA

From the first morning meeting, when Dawa Sherpa Lama (our trip organizer and guide) carefully advised us on what to pack and what to leave in hotel in Kathmandu while we were on our high altitude trek, to the hike from Lukla to Namche Bazaar to the Sherpa village of Thame, to Everest View Hotel and then up to Tengboche Monastery -- and finally back to the city for tourist sites and shopping, we were in the best of hands. We had fun, we felt adventurous and always safe and well accommodated at nice tea houses and lodges. Such an amazingly stunning country! All the special requests I had made for research for my book were met and then some.

58 days

Price 2025 : USD 22700

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