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Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, is one of its most aesthetically pleasing - a near-perfect pyramid of rock and ice thrusting 8,463m into the sky over the Nepalese - Tibetan border. First climbed by a French expedition in 1955, it’s long been regarded as one of the more difficult of the 8,000m peaks - and a huge achievement for mountaineers who make it.
Fifth highest peak :
Lying just 14 miles east of Everest, Makalu’s 8,463m bulk straddles the border between the Khumbu region of Nepal and Tibet. A near-perfect pyramid structure, with four sharp ridges, Makalu is stark and stunning, presenting a tough challenge even for experienced mountaineers.
Considered one of the more difficult of the 8,000ers, Makalu is famous for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges that are exposed to the elements. It’s known for testing climbers’ endurance, and the final ascent of the summit pyramid requires technical rock and ice climbing skills. In short, this is not a mountain that you’d want to tackle unprepared.
Royal Nepal Group’s hugely experienced guiding team have summited Makalu many times between them. Extreme weather conditions pushed all the others attempting the peak to turn around, but thanks to careful preparation, and good decision making at key junctures, the Royal Nepal Group team made it to the top and back again safely.
Our guides aren’t just mountaineers, they’re highly trained in alpine rescue and recovery techniques. Several of our team have set records for performing rescues at extreme altitudes. This, combined with our intimate knowledge of the mountain, means you’ll be in the safest possible hands when taking on this tricky, technical climb.
Royal Nepal Group’s Makalu expedition takes 51 days, based on around 4-7 hours of climbing a day, with plenty of time baked in for rest stops and weather contingencies. The package includes the internal flights, climbing permits and all equipment and logistical costs bar your personal gear and insurance.
We’ll guide you from the moment you sign up to the moment you step on your plane home from Kathmandu, ensuring that you have the smoothest expedition experience possible.
Itineraries
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu; transfer to Hotel
Day 02
Expedition preparation and trip briefing with Welcome dinner
Day 03
Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num; Overstay night in Num village
Day 04
Trek from Num to Seduwa
Day 05
Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon
Day 06
Trek from Tashi Gaon to Kauma
Day 07
Acclimatize day in Kauma; acclimatize hike in Kauma
Day 08
Trek from Kauma to Khongma
Day 09
Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk
Day 10
Trek from Mumbuk to Neh Kharka
Day 11
Trek from Neh Kharka to Sherson
Day 12
Trek from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp
Day 13 - Day 42
Climbing period for Makalu
Day 43
Trek from Basecamp to Neh Kharka
Day 44
Trek from Neh Kharka to Mumbuk
Day 45
Trek from Mumbuk to Kauma
Day 46
Trek from Kauma to Tashi Gaun
Day 47
Trek from Tashi Gaun to Seduwa
Day 48
Trek from Seduwa to Num and drive to Tumlingtar
Day 49
Flight back to Kathmandu; transfer to Hotel
Day 50
Leisure day in Kathmandu
Day 51
Depart for the country of residence
Included
- Arrival & Departure: Pick and drop facility-Airport/Hotel/Airport
- Accommodation: 4 nights at a standard hotel in Kathmandu on arrival and departure on Bed & Breakfast Basis - Twin Sharing
- Transportation: All required equipment Transportation for all Members and Staffs from Kathmandu-Tumlingtar–Basecamp (by Porters)- Tumlingtar (by porters)- KathmanduFood & Lodging: Major meals during Trekking for Members & Staffs
- Welcome Dinner: One Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu with the Office’s Staffs.
- Permit: All necessary paper works: Makalu Barun National Park Permit, TIMS permit, and conservation entry fees
- Trekking Map: Makalu Region
- Porters: Porters per member up to Base camp & back from Basecamp
- Dinner: 1 Farewell Dinner at a tourist-standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Nepalese Staff
- Oxygen: 2 oxygen bottles for each member and 1 oxygen bottle for each high-altitude Sherpa
- Mask & Regulator: 1 Set of top Out mask for each member and high-altitude Sherpa
- High Altitude Climbing Sherpa:1 Climbing Sherpa per member
Excluded
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepalese Visa Charges
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra night in Kathmandu: Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from the expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Insurance: Travel and High-Altitude Insurance / Accident / Medical / emergency evacuation
- Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages, Personal equipment, and shopping
- Sherpa summit Bonus: Mandatory – Minimum USD 1,300
- Tips: Please calculate some tips for Basecamp staffs and porters
- The full set of Member's personal climbing equipment & clothing
- Rescue Evacuation: Emergency rescue evacuation cost, if needed, and all other expenses of personal nature
- Any other item not listed in the "Price Includes" section.
All Royal Nepal Group expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.
All accommodation is included from the initial meeting point through to the end of the expedition, including four nights stay in Kathmandu. We always choose the highest quality hotels, even when travelling through more remote areas with less established infrastructures.
Our base camp accommodation is also of the highest quality and comfort and can be completely tailored to the demands of global lifestyles. We can discuss options and your needs during the booking phase.
All communal equipment is included ie. high quality ropes, stoves, tents etc. You are responsible for personal gear and clothing, eg. harness, crampons, helmet, ice axes etc. A full essentials list and advice (if required) will be provided at time of booking.
Yes. We guarantee a 1:1 guide to client ratio on every expedition, with four additional climbing Sherpas acting as reserves, ready to chip in if needed. This helps ensure the highest safety standards.
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