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Makalu Expedition

Makalu Expedition

Makalu Expedition is typically a 56-day expedition.

Group rate from
US$

22,990

Duration

56 Days

Per person · 2–10 travelers

Ask about departure dates

Private departure from US$ 22,990 · 2–10 travelers

  • Traveling with a group? Ask about group rates
  • We’ll help tailor the trek to your budget

Duration

56 Days

Max elevation

8,463m

From group price

US$ 22,990

Per person · 2–10 travelers

Amigo traveler rating: 4.9/5 across 548 reviews · Google, Tripadvisor, Amigo website

Is this trek right for you?

Technical, extreme adventures requiring training and experience.

Trekking involves altitude, weather, and trail risks. A planned itinerary, acclimatization days, and guide support cannot guarantee safety or reaching the planned destination. Conditions may require changes to the route.

  • Getting around

    Private Car & Flight

Makalu Expedition trip guidePDF

Your trip planning kit

Makalu Expedition

Trip overview

Service level
Amigo Plus
Comfort profile
Expedition Grade
Accommodation standard
Hotel/ Lodge/Tent

Route highlights

  • Attempt Makalu with an experienced high-altitude expedition team.

  • Trek through the Arun Valley towards Makalu Base Camp.

  • Prepare for glacier travel and technical climbing at extreme altitude.

  • Allow time for acclimatisation and a suitable summit weather window.

Mount Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world (8,485m) and located 12miles southeast of Mt Everest, is a pyramid-shaped mountain in Nepal. Located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, the summit ridge is also the demarcation point that indicates the border between Nepal and Tibet. One of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb was, however, first attempted on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco.

Read full trip overview

Mount Makalu Expedition: Makalu Expedition is typically a 56-day expedition.  Out of 56 days, days 16–46 are set aside for climbing and acclimatisation and the remaining days as the trekking period. The expedition starts with a flight to Tumlingtar, which is at an elevation of just 920m. However, in just 10 days, the trail passing through the narrow gorges of the Arun Valley, rhododendron forest, and local pastures rises into the high alpine country, leaving the subtropical valley behind. Your eyes get a chance to feast on the incredible diversity of flora, fauna, and the pristine culture of the local people, en route to and from the base camp.

The ascent is made past the southeast peak and along the southeast ridge. The Makalu base camp is set at an altitude of 4,870m. Three high camps: camp I at 6500m, camp II at 7,300m, and camp III at 7900m are set above the base camp. C1 and C2 are set at the bottom of the southeast peak ridge and the final camp, C3, is at the beginning of the southeast ridge. The climb is moderately technical with exposure on the southeast ridge and requires some fixed rope set-up from 5800m- 6100m and from 6500m to 7500m. Starting base of the West Face, we climb into the hanging ice fall to the right part of the ice-fall. Now from the plateau above the ice-fall, the trail heads towards the ice-rock wall that extends to 7400m high. The final section of the summit involves technical rock climbing. The top greets you with a heavenly surrounding view.

The Makalu Expedition package is one of the best expedition packages offered by Amigo Treks and Expedition. Our standard package ensures comprehensive mountaineering logistic service required from Kathmandu up to the summit. The company makes the arrangement of bed and breakfast in Kathmandu; however, full board (meal and accommodation), is arranged in a teahouse during the trek and in a tented camp during the climb. The company also ensures that the climbing and trekking guides are English speaking, trained, licensed, and experienced.

All necessary permits, climbing documents, traveling logistics including airfares, ground transportation, porters and other individual services required by the Mountaineers will be arranged by the company. Dining tents, expedition quality personal tents, kitchen tents, toilet facilities, portable shower facilities, and tent accommodation required by our staff will also be arranged by the company. Moreover, we also provide satellite phones, internet access, handheld radios for communication purposes between high camps and base camps, while on the mountain, and a solar panel to charge batteries.

Late Spring and autumn are the best seasons to attempt Mt. Makalu. Come in a group for a special group discount. Moreover, if you are looking to attempt some other mountains, we make the best arrangement for Mt. Pumori Expedition, Mt. Everest Expedition, Manaslu Expedition, and even Annapurna Expedition.

Day-by-day route outline

25Days outlined

Review the route day by day, or expand all days to compare the details.

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel

    Day details

    On arrival at Kathmandu airport, an Amigo representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and confirm the arrangements for the expedition briefing.

  2. Day 2

    Days 2–3: Expedition preparation and briefing

    Day details

    Meet the expedition team in Kathmandu for the briefing, equipment checks and preparations. These two days provide time to organise personal gear and the documentation needed before travel to Tumlingtar.

  3. Day 4

    Fly to Tumlingtar and trek to Manebhanjyang

    Day details

    Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar when weather permits and begin the approach towards Manebhanjyang. Meet the trekking crew and settle into the pace of the journey through eastern Nepal.

  4. Day 5

    Trek to Kuwapani

    Day details

    Continue from Manebhanjyang towards Kuwapani on the route through the eastern hills. The team will set the pace and arrange stops according to the trail and conditions.

  5. Day 6

    Flexible trekking day towards Num

    Day details

    This is a flexible trekking day on the approach towards Num. The precise walking section and overnight stop will be set by the expedition team according to trail conditions and the group’s progress.

  6. Day 7

    Trek to Num

    Day details

    Continue towards Num through the hills of the Arun region. Expect changes in elevation and weather as the approach moves towards the upper valley.

  7. Day 8

    Trek to Seduwa

    Day details

    Leave Num and descend towards the Arun River before climbing towards Seduwa. The route involves substantial changes in elevation, so walk steadily and allow the team to manage the pace.

  8. Day 9

    Trek to Tashigaon

    Day details

    Trek from Seduwa towards Tashigaon through inhabited hillside country. This is an opportunity to settle into the rhythm of the trek before the route enters higher terrain.

  9. Day 10

    Trek to Khongma

    Day details

    Climb from Tashigaon towards Khongma on a demanding ascent into higher country. The team will monitor acclimatisation and adjust the pace or schedule if needed; report any altitude symptoms promptly.

  10. Day 11

    Trek towards Sano Pokhari

    Day details

    Continue from the Khongma area towards Sano Pokhari through high mountain terrain. Weather and trail conditions can affect progress; the team will choose the route and stopping point accordingly.

  11. Day 12

    Trek to Mumbuk

    Day details

    Trek onwards towards Mumbuk. The high approach can involve exposed sections and changing weather, so follow the guide’s instructions and keep the day flexible.

  12. Day 13

    Trek to Yangle Kharka

    Day details

    Continue towards Yangle Kharka through the Barun valley. The route enters increasingly remote country, with views of the surrounding mountains when conditions are clear.

  13. Day 14

    Trek to Hillary Base Camp

    Day details

    Trek from Yangle Kharka towards Hillary Base Camp on the approach to Makalu. The terrain is high and remote; keep a steady pace and tell the guide how you are feeling.

  14. Day 15

    Trek to Makalu Base Camp

    Day details

    Continue to Makalu Base Camp and settle into the expedition camp. Meet the climbing team, organise personal equipment and discuss the acclimatisation plan before moving higher.

  15. Day 16

    Days 16–46: Makalu climbing and acclimatisation period

    Day details

    Days 16–46 are reserved for acclimatisation, equipment checks, rotations to higher camps and a summit attempt if conditions permit. Makalu is a serious high-altitude climb involving glacier travel and steep snow, ice and rock. The climbing leader will decide the route and timing according to weather, conditions and the team’s health; a summit cannot be guaranteed.

  16. Day 47

    Clean base camp and prepare for the return

    Day details

    After the climbing period, pack equipment, clear the camp and organise loads for the return. The team will review weather and trail conditions before departure.

  17. Day 48

    Trek to Yak Kharka

    Day details

    Begin the descent from base camp towards Yak Kharka. The day’s pace and exact stopping arrangements will depend on the team and the condition of the trail.

  18. Day 49

    Trek to Mumbuk

    Day details

    Continue back through the Barun valley towards Mumbuk. Expect remote trails and changing weather as the team retraces the approach.

  19. Day 50

    Trek to Tashigaon

    Day details

    Trek from the Mumbuk area towards Tashigaon on the return across the high approach. This is a demanding section; the leader may adjust the plan to the weather and the group’s condition.

  20. Day 51

    Trek to Num

    Day details

    Continue from Tashigaon towards Num, descending through the villages and valleys of the approach. The route includes changes in elevation and may be adjusted for local conditions.

  21. Day 52

    Trek to Chichira

    Day details

    Leave Num and continue towards Chichira. The landscape becomes more settled as the team makes its way back through the eastern hills.

  22. Day 53

    Trek to Tumlingtar via Khandbari

    Day details

    Continue to Tumlingtar via Khandbari. The team will organise the practical arrangements for the final section according to local trail and road conditions.

  23. Day 54

    Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

    Day details

    Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu when conditions permit and transfer to the hotel. Flights may be delayed by weather, so allow flexibility in onward plans.

  24. Day 55

    Free day in Kathmandu

    Day details

    Keep a free day in Kathmandu to rest after the expedition. Optional sightseeing or personal errands can be arranged independently and are at your own expense.

  25. Day 56

    Departure transfer

    Day details

    After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight. We will confirm your pickup time and departure arrangements.

What is included in the trip price

18items

The essentials and support items that are already built into the package.

  • Cost Includes

  • Arrival and departure transfers by private car

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (4*deluxe)

  • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu

  • One day guided city tour in Kathmandu valley

  • Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and return air tickets

  • All meals (Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast) during the trek

  • Accommodation (Lodge/Guest House) while on a trek

  • Trekking Permits and TIMS permits for the trek

  • Trekking guide during the trek and climbing Sherpa while climbing

  • Required porters and yak to carry luggages and other essentials supplies

  • Special climbing permits and its procedure

  • Garbage deposit fees

  • All wages, equipments, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs during the trip

  • First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.

  • Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication with company staff and available for members with the cost of US$ 4 per minute call.

  • Required fixed and dynamic rope during climbing period.

  • Gamow Bags/Oxygen

What to budget for separately

11items

Items travelers usually pay for separately, depending on style, spending habits, and optional upgrades.

  • Cost Excludes

  • Nepal arrival visa fees

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

  • Monument entrance fees while on Kathmandu tour only

  • All snacks, energy drinks, mineral water, cigarettes, packed food

  • Personal nature items, Laundry Expenses, Tips

  • Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone And Internet expenses

  • Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gears

  • Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses

  • Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.

  • Personal climbing gears

Group rates by party size

Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.

2-10 travelers

US$ 22,990

per person

Questions travelers usually ask before booking

These route questions cover Nepal, expedition in nepal planning, and the logistics travelers usually want clarified before they commit.

9Answers ready

Makalu is for experienced high-altitude mountaineers with a strong record on glaciated peaks. You should be confident using fixed ropes and moving on exposed snow, ice and rock. Tell us about your previous climbs so we can discuss whether the expedition is suitable for you. For a trek without the summit climb, see our Makalu Base Camp Trek.

We generally plan Makalu for late spring or autumn. Conditions on the mountain, the team’s acclimatisation and a suitable weather window determine the climbing schedule; reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.

The standard expedition is 56 days, including the approach from Tumlingtar and time for climbing. Weather, health and route conditions may require changes to the plan.

Makalu is a serious 8,000-metre expedition in a remote area. Climbers face crevasses, steep snow and ice, exposed terrain, extreme altitude and changeable weather. It calls for technical experience, endurance and careful acclimatisation.

The package lists a four-star deluxe hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and lodges or guesthouses during the trek. During the climb, the expedition description provides for tent accommodation at camp.

The package includes airport transfers by private car and return flights between Kathmandu and Tumlingtar. From the Tumlingtar area, the expedition continues overland and on foot toward base camp. Weather may affect flights.

We arrange the special climbing permit and the trekking permits listed in the package. You will need a valid passport and Nepal visa; we will confirm the current paperwork and route requirements with you before departure.

The package lists breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel, welcome and farewell dinners, and breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek. The expedition description also provides meals at camp during the climb. Please tell us about dietary needs before departure.

The package lists the fixed and dynamic ropes needed during the climb. Personal climbing gear is excluded. Ask us for the equipment list and to confirm any additional group gear before booking.

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