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Makalu Expedition 2026

Overview

Climbing the Makalu with our 55-day Kathmandu to summit itinerary. This expedition is the best adventure for those who want a less crowded expedition. Makalu is situated in the Mahalangur Himalayas, southeast of Mount Everest. Makalu Mountain stands at 8,463 meters. Makalu is a technically challenging peak, but it's perfect for experienced climbers who want to tackle more challenging routes before Mt. Everest. Makalu is the fifth-highest 8,000-meter peak and one of the most demanding challenges in the Himalayas. Mount Makalu was first climbed on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzey, members of a French expedition led by Jean Franco. Makalu is home to flora and fauna and rich in Sherpa tradition. Makalu is surrounded by the Barun River and the deep, isolated Arun Valleys. 
The journey begins with an adventurous trek from Num to Base Camp at 4,870 meters, where climbers acclimate and prepare for the climb. From Basecamp, Climbers follow a series of high camps, gradually gaining altitude while adjusting to the thin air. During the trek, you can see several peaks like Mount Makalu, Mount Everest, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, and many more.
Summiting Mount Makalu is not just about reaching the summit, but about immersing yourself in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, an unforgettable experience of life.

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Itinerary

We will come to pick you up at the international airport with a warm welcome, with some marigold malas. After all, meet with the Himalaya King trekking and expedition staff to introduce each other and together go to the hotel in the city by car. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

Max Alt. 1,350 m

Hotel

Breakfast

Arrival Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel Arrival Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Second is for the permit, gear checking, and important documents preparation day. On the day, visit the market shop for expedition things in Thamel. Have you leisurely visited some pilgrimage place near the city and in the evening, enjoy the welcome dinner with live culture show, and attend an expedition briefing by your professional climbing guide. 

Max Alt. 1350 m

Hotel

Breakfast

Preparation, Gear checklist for Makalu Expedition Preparation, Gear checklist for Makalu Expedition

About an hour of flight to Tumlingtar. After landing in Tumlingtar, we will have a bit of a briefing, a break, and then start walking towards Khandbari (1040 m). Stay overnight in Khandbari at the lodges.

Max Alt. 1040 m

Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Tumlingtar (1010 m) from Kathmandu, trek to Khandbari Fly to Tumlingtar (1010 m) from Kathmandu, trek to Khandbari

After breakfast, walk towards Chichila through many small villages. Chichela is a settlement of Gurungs at 1830m. On the way, we have to walk through bamboo groves and a rhododendron forest. Stay overnight at Chichela.

Max Alt. 1230 m

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Chichella (1380 m) from Khandbari Trek to Chichella (1380 m) from Khandbari

Starting with the views of the snowcapped peaks, Makalu and its surrounding peaks. walking through a straight, little up and down path through the forest to have lunch, and after lunch, heading to Num camp.

Max Alt. 1490 m

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Num (1,490 m) from Chichila Trek to Num (1,490 m) from Chichila

Today's trail descends steeply from Num through the corn field of Lumbang. Have to walk a tough, steep climb to Seduwa through tiny terraces planted with corn and barley. 

Max Alt. 1460 m

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Sedua (1,460 m) from Num Trek to Sedua (1,460 m) from Num

On the way to Tashigaun, the trail crosses meadows and several streams, then climbs to the Sherpa village of Tashigaun.

Max Alt. 2060 m

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaun (2060 m) Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaun (2060 m)

"Tashi Gaun" means village of Aspicious in Tibetan; it is a sherpa village. Tashi Gaun is the final gateway of the Himalayas. Beyond it, the trail climbs relentlessly into a world of icy ridges and dense forests. A very hard day of the trek, as the trail goes up really steeply. 

Max Alt. 3,470 m

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Tashi gaun to kauma (3,470 m) Trek from Tashi gaun to kauma (3,470 m)

Acclimatization is a rest day

Max Alt. 3,470 m

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization and rest day in Kauma Acclimatization and rest day in Kauma

Day start with a steep climb through rhododendron forest, less steeply to the top of the ridge. This trail rewards breathtaking views of Chamlang (7,290 m), Peak 6  (6,739 m), and Peak 7 (6105 m), then you have to walk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons to Mumbuk camp.

Max Alt. 3,570 m

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk (3570 m) Trek from Kauma to Mumbuk (3570 m)

The trail from Mumnuk to Neh Kharka is a steep gully with a stream for about 500 m. The trail is ill-defined, rocky, and sloopy mud as it leads up to the glacial valley. From this trail, you can have a good view of Peak 6. Neh kharka is is located on a large open grassy plain at an elevation of 3,000 m.

Max Alt. (3,710 m)

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Mumbuk to Neh Kharka Trek from Mumbuk to Neh Kharka

This trail turns westward and leaves the Rhododendron forests for the alpine tundra. Here you can have a pyramid peak(7,168 m), Peak 4  (6,720 m), and breathtaking views of these peaks. Sherson is a bit dangerous today as the altitude gains more than 1500 m, but we don't have a choice because we don't have a suitable place for camp between Nehkharka

Max Alt. 4,610 m

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Neh-kharka to Sherson (4,610 m) Trek from Neh-kharka to Sherson (4,610 m)

This day is a gradual climb to a minor pass of about 100 m. where you can experience a magnificent south face view of Makalu, also, and youcan see the complete panorama view os Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse 

Max Alt. 5010 m

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sherson to Makalu Basecamp Sherson to Makalu Basecamp

This trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, as it involves steep ascents and descents, rugged terrain, and crossing the high pass shepton. This trek follows the Arun River through dense forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages. This journey takes a long time with rewarding views of the Himalayan peaks, including Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Chamlang. where you can experience the local lifestyle during the trek. Makalu Base Camp is a remote destination that offers an unforgettable memory of natural beauty.

Max Alt.

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Manaslu Base camp Explore Manaslu Base camp

Acclimatization day at Makalu Base Camp. Acclimatization day is important to adjust our bodies to high altitude. During the acclimatization day, we can do preparation and arrangement for the high camp.

Max Alt.

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization day at Makalu Base camp Acclimatization day at Makalu Base camp

During this period,  we will have training preparation, acclimatization, and a camp push towards the summit point. From Basecamp, everything will be organized by the Basecamp team, like cooking, tents, and others. Our experienced guide will train you before climbing Mount Makalu with proper guidance and safety. Our experienced guide will monitor the weather forecast for safety. During this period, we will do camp rotation from camp 1 to camp 2 to camp 3 to camp 4 with proper acclimatization and briefing. 

Max Alt. 8,000+m

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Expedition period (8,463 m) Expedition period (8,463 m)

This day is important, and we will head early in the morning to the top of Mount Manaslu. From the top, we can have an iconic view of the Himalayas, with the most rewarding view on the way to the top. Reaching the top is challenging, but it still offers the most unpredictable views and experiences from the top.

Max Alt. 8,463m

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

summiting day and back to  Makalu Base camp summiting day and back to  Makalu Base camp

The trek from Neh Kharka to Numbuk is rewarding with the views of peaks.

Max Alt.

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from NehKharka to Numbuk Trek from NehKharka to Numbuk

As the altitude decreases, it feels easier to return with a rewarding view on the way. It takes 5-6 hours of walking. 

Max Alt.

Tented Camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Numbuk to Kauma Trek from Numbuk to Kauma

You can enjoy the trek with the rhododendron forest leading to the Sherpa village of TashiGaun. This trek takes 6-7 hours of walking.

Max Alt.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Kauma to Tashigaun Trek from Kauma to Tashigaun

With the long descent of the trek, you will see the farmland and habitat more on the trail. This trek takes 6-7 hours of walking.

Max Alt.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from TashiGaun to Pakuwa Trek from TashiGaun to Pakuwa

Trekking from Pakuwa to Bumlung takes 6-7 hours of walking. This trail continues through villages, terrace fields, and forest paths.

 

Max Alt.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pakuwa to Bumlung Pakuwa to Bumlung

This day is the last day of hiking. The trek from Bumlung to Tumling tar takes 6-7 hours of walking through villages, forests, and farmland. This path gradually leads toward the Arun Valley. After several hours of trek, we reach Tumlingtar. 

 

Max Alt.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Bumlung to Tumlingtar Trek from Bumlung to Tumlingtar

You will have a leisure day for laundry, shopping, and a rest day.

Max Alt.

Tea House

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly back to Kathmandu from  Tumlingtar Fly back to Kathmandu from  Tumlingtar

You can go for sightseeing in Kathmandu valley, like Swyombunath Temple, Bouddhanath stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, which are listed in world heritage sight, or outside the valley, like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square. Today is the last day of your expedition, and you will have a farewell dinner with our team.

Max Alt.

Hotel

Dinner

Farewell dinner at Kathmandu Farewell dinner at Kathmandu

Final departure day from Nepal. After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the international airport for your onward journey. Trip ends with wonderful memories, and we wish you a safe journey ahead. 

Max Alt.

Hotel

Breakfast

Final departure day Final departure day

Cost Includes

Permit costs and garbage deposit for the Ministry of Tourism

3 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on B/B basis

Arrival and departure transfer services to the domestic flight as per the itinerary.

All expedition equipment, like: kitchen tent, store tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for the Advanced Base Camp and Camp Two

Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bar, etc).

Experienced and licensed Trekking and climbing guide during the trek and climbing

Accommodation and Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trekking and high camp 

Satellite phone for emergency usage

Radio set for members and climbing guide

Cost Excludes

International flight ticket and airport taxes.

Nepali visa fees

Travel insurance

lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu 

Personal gears

Shopping at Kathmandu

Extra activities like bar bill, laundry.

Extra porters or a guide

Extra snacks and water during the trek

Tips for guide, porter, driver, BC staff, and sherpa climbers. 

Sleeping Bag 

Makalu Expedition 2026
Gear List

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Equipment

Down Jacket and pants

Thermal T-shirts and pants

Windproof Jacket and Pants

Waterproof Jacket

Rain cover

Mountaineering boots and Trekking shoes

Trekking socks, neck gaiter, and gloves

UV Rays sunglasses, Lip Balm, and sunscreen

Climbing Helmet

Carabiners, crampons, and necessary climbing hardware

Headlight with extra battery, power bank

Ice axes and ice screw

Climbing Harness

Sleeping Bag

Backpack (50 liters)

Water bottles and a Thermos

Snacks and high-energy food

Trekking poles

Fixed Departure

Start Date
Duration
Available Dates
Price From
2026-05-01
55 Days
Available
$15000.00
2026-09-01
55 Days
Available
$15000.00
2026-10-01
55 Days
Available
$15000.00

FAQs

This expedition takes around 55 days for all hiking, climbing, and summiting Mount Makalu with proper acclimatization.

Permits required for the Makalu Expedition are; 1) Makalu Barun National entry permit 2) Climbing permit (Makalu 8,485m) 3) TIMS 4) Local Liaison Officer 5) Insurance (Highly Recommend)

Yes, of course, you need previous climbing experience to climb Mount Makalu because Makalu Expedition is a technically challenging mountain. For your safety, previous experience of other peaks and technical climbing skills are necessary.

The best seasons to climb Mount Makalu are the spring and Autumn Seasons. Spring season ( April-May) and Autumn season (September-October), when weather conditions are stable during the climb.

Experienced climbers are essential during any expedition. Without an experienced climber, reaching above 8,000 is almost impossible. In the Makalu expedition, experienced climber guides are important to ensure your safety. An experienced climber can handle any emergencies. For Makalu, experienced climbers are essential for maintaining safety, providing critical technical expertise, and ensuring the success of expeditions at high altitudes. Experienced climbers are trained for advanced first aid and rescue techniques, which help save someone's life at high altitude during emergencies. Experienced climbers are well-skilled in mountaineering, such as the proper use of equipment, such as crampons, ice axes, and Jumar devices, for safe movement in steep rock and ice.

Yes, but only rescue is available in Basecamp and in lower altitudes. since Makalu is a remote place. Helicopter rescue is limited compared to other expeditions. In high altitudes, a helicopter rescue is available for serious illness or accidents. In the case of Makalu, helicopters can reach Makalu base camp (4,870 m) and the nearby villages quickly, according to Nepal Helicopters. At higher camps, climbers may need to descend with the support of guides and sherpa team members before a helicopter rescue can be arranged. Expedition teams normally carry satellite communication devices to contact rescue services if needed.

The Makalu Expedition is widely regarded as one of the most challenging expeditions in the Himalayas, due to its technical climbing requirements, steep snow slopes, technical rock sections, and steep pitches. Unlike the Everest expedition where the route is more established and frequently supported by fixed ropes and a large expedition. Makalu sees fewer climbers and demands greater self-reliance. Makalu requires more technical ice climbing skills. Makalu is a much more challenging peak compared to Cho-Oyu, Everest, and Manaslu. The upper section of the mountain includes technical terrain such as Makalu La and the steep summit ridge, where climbers must carefully navigate mixed ice and rock. Because of these factors, Makalu is considered a hard expedition among 8,000-meter peaks

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