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A fully supported expedition to Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world. Makalu is both physically and technically more challenging than some of the other 8000m peaks like Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum II.
The trek to Makalu Base Camp takes around 9 days through some truly spectacular and varied landscapes. Upon arriving in Tumlingtar (518m) we drive to Num, where we will start our trek proper.
We climb the classic North Ridge of Makalu via four camps utilising the support of a regular team of experienced climbing Sherpa's who carry all group equipment and oxygen. Adventure Peaks provides a fully supported Makalu expedition at a very competitive price and we don't use phrases "you may need to carry your own oxygen up and down the mountain". The climbing route is fairly direct with the steepest sections between Camp 2 & Camp 3 and on summit day. Good weather on the Makalu La also plays a critical role in progressing further up the mountain.
There is no getting away from it Makalu summit day is a hard day. Negotiating the difficult terrain both on ascent and descent takes a long time. You will need a very high level of cardio fitness as well as endurance and determination to stand a chance of successfully climbing Makalu.
The Makalu expedition is a professionally-led expedition for experienced mountaineers who want to work as part of a team to tackle the mountain in conjunction with our very experienced British leader and Sherpa team.
Additional costs
Sherpa Summit Bonus $1,000
General Staff and Porter Tips $500
(see what's excluded tab for more details)
Day 1 | International flights. |
Day 2 | Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, close to thefamous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. (H,B). |
Day 3 | Fly to Tumlingtar (518m) after which we take a 5 hour drive to Num(1490m) (C,L,D,B). |
Day 4 | Num - Sedua(1,460m) The trail today descends steeply from Num through the terraced cornfields of Lumbang. The terrain is particularly rocky. From Lumbang we have tough steep climb to Sedua (5-6hrs). (C,B,L,D) |
Day 5 | Seuda - Tashi Gaon (2070m) The trail today crosses gentle meadows and several streams, before climbing to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley (5hrs). (C,B,L,D) |
Day 6 | Tashi Gaon - Kauma (3470m) A very hard day trekking today as the trail ascends steeply. We walk through sparse forests, along a ridge and after a further rise descend into Kauma (6hrs). (C,B,L,D) |
Day 7 | Rest Day At Kauma (3470m) Today is an acclimatisation day, although we would normally anticipate going for a short easy walk if people feel up to it. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 8 | Kauma - Mumbuk (3,570m) The day starts with a steep climb, lessening as we make our way through some rhododendron forests, to the top of the ridge. From here you will have superb views of Chamlang (7,290 m), Peak 6 (6739 m) and Peak 7 (6105m). From here we will descend through a pine and rhododendron forest to Mumbuk (5hrs). (C,B,L,D) |
Day 9 | Mumbuk - Neh Kharkha (3750m) Today the trail descends a steep gully and streambed for about 500m. The trail is ill defined, rocky and muddy in places as it makes its way up the glacial valley. From here |
Day 10 | Neh Kharka to Sherson (4615m) Today the trail heads westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7168 m), Peak 4 (6720 m) etc. Due to the limited places to stay along this part of the route it does meant there is a significant height increase today as Sherson is at 4615m. However our acclimatisation day at Kauma will help minimise the effects. (7hrs). (C,B,L,D) |
Day 11 | Sherson to Makalu Base Camp(5000m) From Shershon it is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 100 m . From here you will have be greeted by the magnificent South face of Makalu. You will also be able to |
Days 12 - 15 | Explore Base camp and acclimatise ready for the move to ABC. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 16 | Move to ABC (5700m) Located on a rocky outcrop the journey to ABC is along glacial moraine (7 hrs). (C,B,L,D). |
Days 17 - 45 | Climbing Period. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 46 | Descend to BC. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 47 | Makalu BC to Neh Kharka. We retrace our steps down the Barun Valley. (C,B,L,D). |
Day 48 | Neh Khaka to Mumbuk. (C,B,L,D). |
Day 49 | Mumbuk to Kauma. We trek across the Shipton La and descend to Kauma. (C,B,L,D). |
Day 50 | Kauma to Tashi Gaon A long walk today to reach Tashi Gaon. (C,B,L,D). |
Day 51 | Tashi Gaon to Pakuwa We walk through farming settlements to Rai village.and then continue through forests to Pukuwa. (C,B,L,D) |
Day 52 | Pakuwa to Bumlung. Through forests and over rocky ridges we make our way to the Chhetri village of Bumlung. (C,B,L,D). |
Day 53 | Bumlung to Tumlingtar. Finally we make our way to Tumlingtar ready for our flight to Kathmandu the next day. (C,B,L,D). |
Day 54 | Fly to Kathmandu. If you prefer you can depart late evening on your international flight (H,B). |
Day 55 | Depart Kathmandu. Alternatively depart in the morning to arrive home same day. |
It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:
Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/
We are aware the following provide insurance:
Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)
You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.
Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com