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Mt. Makalu Expedition

Background Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and is also said to be one of the most […]

  • trip code

  • group-size

    person

  • duration

    58 days/57 nights

  • maximum attitude

    8,481 mm

  • meal Accomodation

    Very Strenuous and Very Technical

Background

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and is also said to be one of the most technical mountains. The whole trip leading up to the mountain and back is an inspiring experience and humbling to even the most veteran mountain climbers. On your way to the top, you pass by mesmerizing landscapes, remote villages, and thriving cultures. You will also grow to respect the crew that aid you climb the mountain, and help make the expedition happen with their adept climbing skills, acclimatizing capacities and knowledge of the mountain. The climb up to the mountain which can take over a whole month is a worthwhile experience of thrill, teamwork and an amazing reward of victory at the end. Become one of the few people to engrave your name in history. 

The trip will begin with a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. It is a good way to get accustomed to the Nepalese traditions and culture before embarking further into your journey. After getting hold of your climbing permit, you will be heading on your way to Tumlingtar airport from where you will begin your trek. The initial climb to Mane Bhanjyang in humbling and you will get your permits checked there. Dwell deep into the Makalu Conservation area and navigate to Chichila by crossing the Mane Bhanjyang pass. Interact with the Tamang locals at Bhote bas and proceed towards Num. This ancient settlement is inhabited by Tibetan locals. Walk along the banks of the Arun river and barley fields to arrive at Seduwa. Move past the roaring Isuwa Khola to reach Tashigaon and finally cross a ridge at Chipla to reach Kauma. Gather courage to surmount the Shipton La pass and Keke la pass to arrive at Dobato and feel free to admire the Kalo Pokhari which is a bit creepy. As the elevation increases, you can see snow and you make your way to the Hilary base camp via Yak Kharka. Admire the snowy terrain and forge towards the Makalu base camp. A period of more than a month is allocated for summiting the Makalu Mountain. Climb through Camps 1, 2, 3, and 4 to finally reach the summit. Slowly make your way back to the base camp and after collecting all the necessities, proceed to Yak Kharka. The trail now enters the Barun valley and we will retrace our steps back to Tashigaon, Num, and finally Tumlingtar. Catch a quick flight to Kathmandu from here which marks the end of this majestic adventure. 

Miteri Nepal has an immense reputation in the traveling industry for being the only company that can conduct numerous inland and outland tours and expeditions. We have an experience that spans more than a decade. Our staffs are well trained and can handle your query with absolute ease. We provide climbing equipment too and our rates are much more flexible than any company out there.

Trip Facts

Geography: Mountainous

Location: Makalu-Barun National Park

Level of Difficulty: Very Strenuous and Very Technical 

Duration of Trek: 58 days

Max Altitude: Makalu (8481m)

Religions: Buddhism

Ethnic People: Gurung, Sherpa, Tsumba

Accommodation: Lodges, Teahouses, Camps

Transportation: Flight to and from Tumlingtar

Minimum Pax: 2

 

Trip highlights 

 

  1. Exploring the valley for an appetizing taste of Nepali culture with a trip of the Kathmandu valley. 
  2. Exploring the lifestyle of the people of the many villages that base their lifestyle around the rough landscapes of the Makalu foothills. 
  3. Observing the delightful Himalayan panorama from the summit of the Makalu mountain 
  4. Visiting Tibetan Buddhism influenced villages like Num, Seduwa, and Tashigaon to learn the cultural and natural impact that they have on the environment.
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel for refreshment.

    After arrival, you will be warmly greeted by an Miteri Nepal representative. After picking you up from the airport we will be dropping you off at your designated hotel. Spend the day resting after your long flight. The company will provide you with a welcome dinner and you can choose to do some light shopping as well. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Day 02: Sightseeing around world heritage sites

    Today we will be warming up for your trek ahead. We will be visiting several Heritage sights that make their home in the Kathmandu valley. Notable ones we ought to visit is the Swayambhunath stupa, a very old stupa tied to the origins of the Valley. The Pashupatinath Complex, a very significant spiritual Hindu complex and the Massive Boudhanath Stupa, a community of great Tibetan influence. We can also travel to the durbar squares of Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu alternatively. Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Day 03: Issue climbing permits

    This long expedition requires you to get a special climbing permit. Today we will be securing that in hand and then the rest of the day can be spent at your discretion. It’s also a good time to introduce yourselves and each other to your expedition partners and guides today. After getting the permits sorted, we can further explore the remaining parts of the Kathmandu valley. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Day 04: Fly to Tumlingtar (285m-938ft) and arrange for porters.

    The Flight to Tumlingtar is short and sweet. There are extensive views of the mountains that embrace the horizon. The porters of this region are gifted and natural-born climbers. We will need to find porters in Tumlingtar, from where many treks in the Manaslu region commence. The porters will be a great aid to you for over the next two months. Their larger respiratory capacity and adept footwork at climbing make it ideal for them to help you with your luggage on your way up to the mountain. Be sure to see that you have got all the necessities sorted before heading out. Overnight in Tumlingtar.

  • Day 05: Trek to Mane Bhanjyang (1440m-4724ft)

    On the first day of the trek, we will be heading towards Mane Bhanjyang pass, alongside the Sabha Khola. We will pass by the Khandbari village which is set on a hilltop and is fairly well populated. There are many shops and lodges. To continue further, it is necessary to get our permits sorted. As we proceed ahead, we can see a Makalu Barun Office and there, we get our permits sorted. After Khandbari, we will walk amidst farmed terraces, hillside hamlets and small farms on our way to Mane Bhanjyang. Overnight in Mane Bhanjyang.

  • Day 06: Trek to Chichila. (1980m-6496ft)

    We will make our way to Chichila by climbing away from the Mane Bhanjyang pass. The trail is said to be an old trade route and is defined properly for travelers. We will cross forests of Bamboo on our way to Arun than before traveling amidst farmed terraces again. The Tamang village of Bhote bas is next before you climb up to a pass at Gogane. Your first mountain views appear today with that of Chamlang (7319) and Makalu itself.  Finally, we reach Chichila which is mostly inhabited by Gurung. Overnight in Chichila.

  • Day 07: Trek to Num (1851m-6072ft)

    Scant glimpses of the mountains will remain during the trek if the clouds are clear. We begin the trek by climbing across the ridge at Sankranti Maduwa. It is beautifully decorated with Mani walls, and subsequently, we reach Hururu. The fertile subtropical woodlands cover your trail and provide shade, and the mountains peek you through the canopy. We will arrive at Num after a long and tricky descent from Mure. Overnight in Num. 

  • Day 08: Trek to Seduwa (1500m-4922ft).

    From Num, we follow the trail up away from the village, on the adjacent ridge. On our way to Lumbang, we can witness wonderful green fields. The locals here are involved in agriculture and animal husbandry. On our way to Seduwa, we will need to descend to the river level to walk a straightforward trail. Then, we cross the Arun River and head to its northern bank and finally climb up the valley again. The trail is again filled with green terraces of rice, maize and barley, and the yellow mustard flowers. After a long climb, you will be arriving at Seduwa. Overnight in Seduwa.

  • Day 09: Trek to Tashigaon. (2100m-6890ft)

    We continue along rice terraces up to Manigaon. From there, we will trek on a trail which borders the Isuwa and Kasuwa rivers. Crossing the bridge away from the Isuwa Khola and then climbing up from the Kasuwa Khola we will arrive at Narbugaon. From here, it’s a pleasant walk along with farms, farmlands, meadows, and glades. There are wildflowers of Gingers which can be seen on the way. The locals in Tashigaon follow Buddhism so it would be better to learn the facts and figures about it from them. Overnight in Tashigaon.

     

  • Day 10: Trek to Kauma. (3760m-12337ft)

    Today, the climb is pretty extensive and you can even feel the variation in altitude. Be sure to tread carefully though. The first stop on the way is the ridge at Chipla. The trail picks up in steepness as the climbing gets even tougher. The route passes through boulder-strewn streams and into the high pasture. Further ahead is one such named pastures called Unshisha (3180m). The trail does not get easier from here, as we again climb atop the ridge separating the Isuwa and Kasuwa rivers. We climb above to the campsites at Kauma.

  • Day 11: Trek to Dobato. (3700m-12140ft)

    The trek today will lead us through four high passes. This trek, in addition to being tough, will also help you acclimatize in the high altitude. The trek begins with crossing the Kauma La pass at 3603m and after you conquer it, you climb to the Shipton La pass and a further climb will lead you to Keke La pass. The passes are regularly covered in snow, and on your way from Shipton to Keke, you can also notice an eerie black lake named Kalo Pokhari. The final pass before Dobate is the Tutu La (4080m). From Dobate, you can see mesmerizing views of Chamlang, Peak 6(6524m), Peak (6578m). Overnight in Dobato.

  • Day 12: Trek to Jark Kharka (4800m-15749ft)

    We will pass by subalpine forests covered in rhododendron and then cross the Barun River which later transcends into the Yangri Kharka meadow. The high meadows are decorated by prayer flags. From Yangri Kharka, it’s a gentle trek up to Nghe Kharka(3750m) The landscape around here is rocky and mesmerizing. The river Barun meanders in an S shape as you climb the cliff up to Riphuk Kharka (3930m). From here, you will bypass a wonderful waterfall and later arrive at Jhak Kharka (4210m). From here, we pass Yak Kharka (4400m) and climb the Barun glacier and find ourselves in the vicinity of Jark Kharka. Overnight in Jark Kharka. 

     

  • Day 13: Trek to Hillary Base Camp (4800m-15749ft)

    We will leave Jark Kharka with mesmerizing views of Chamlang peak, Peak 3(6477m), and peak 5(6404m). Further ahead, the trail gives wonderful views of the Honku Chuli (6833m) peak. We will soon turn northwards of the mountainous valley, and see the looming Makalu Mountain. Follow the infant river up to Shershong, and from there observe the trail becoming barren and rugged. After a steep climb, we reach Hillary Base Camp which lies beside the Barun Lake. Overnight in Hillary base camp.

     

  • Day 14: Trek to Makalu Base Camp. (4870m-15978ft)

    The basecamp of Makalu Barun is not too exciting view wise. However, the feeling of achievement and the sight of the base of the mammoth Makalu will hype you up for the climb. There are different locations to camp for Makalu including the Hilary basecamp from before or the French camp nearby. From Makalu basecamp, we may also hike to a vantage point on a ridge northeast of Shershong. From here, there are wonderful views of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and Everest in addition to the unobstructed and penultimate view of Makalu. Overnight in Makalu Base Camp.

  • Day 15-48: This is climbing period Mt. Makalu.

    The fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu is also considered to be a very technical climb. There will be a total of 4 camps set higher on the mountain. The climb will also involve getting back to our camps after gains in altitude for steady acclimatization. The climb begins from the West face headwall’s base and climbs along with the icefall. Camp one(6100m) is on this base while camp 2 is situated at 6,600m and provides great views of Everest and Lhotse north face. We will return to Basecamp, then after a few days’ skip camp one onto camp 2 for the next step. This phase will also have us set camp at Camp 3 at 7,400m and is the first time we will experience advanced climbing over rock outcrops and ice crevasses. The third acclimatizing phase will begin once we return to basecamp. The fourth push up is the final push, however, it’s wise to wait and watch for a perfect weather window for our ascent. We will be heading straight to Camp 2 and then to Camp 4. The final day of summiting will have us climb up the French Couloir to protect us from the jet streams as we make a very technical climb up to the summit. We will soak in the mesmerizing views of the mountain before having to descent down. The descent is made quickly as we abseil down from the French couloir to Camp 4 and then to Camp 2. We can be back to basecamp within the next day.  

     

  • Day 49: Back to base camp and clean up Base Camp

    After successfully conquering the Makalu Mountain, we shall get back to the basecamp and begin wrapping up our expedition. We will need to take care of our waste and pack up our tents. Leaving the site in good condition for future travelers is also our duty. The task is not boring though as you are given wonderful views of the surrounding mountains to keep you company. Overnight in Base Camp.

  • Day 50: Trek back to Yak Kharka.

    We will retrace our steps from where we came. Passing by the Shershong meadow, and Honku Chuli and the campsite at Merek, we will arrive at Yak Kharka. The downhill walk can be pretty taxing after completing the Makalu climb. After hours of walking, we shall finally reach Yak Kharka. It is a grazing ground for the sheep and yaks. The tiny stone hotel here will warm you up after a long and strenuous expedition. Overnight in Yak Kharka. 

  • Day 51: Trek to Mumbuk.

    From Yak Kharka, we will pass the Jhak Kharka meadow again, and the waterfall on the way to Riphuk Kharka. From here, we head to the cluster of huts at Nghe Kharka. The landscape is again a sea of meadows as we arrive at the prayer flag decorated Yangle Kharka. We will then follow the vales and gorges of the Barun valley up to Mumbuk (3550m), which sits beside a stream. The tiny stone hotel here will warm you up after a long and strenuous expedition. Overnight in Mumbuk. 

  • Day 52: Trek to Tashi Gaon.

    Today if we are going to make it to Tashigaon, it’s going to be an extremely long and hard day, if not we can stop by at Kauma. We will first cross the Shipton La and then admire the serene views from the top. We forge towards Khauma and then make an extensive descend back to Tashigaon. There are several small lakes along the way, while the forests get dense as we lower down the altitude. Be sure to book the lodges in Tashigaon as they tend to be packed easily. Overnight in Tashigaon.

  • Day 53: Trek to Num

    From Tashigaon, we will retrace our steps back to Seduwa. We will formally exit the Makalu Barun National park today. Then we will travel alongside the Hingsa and Isuwa Rivers. We then cross the Arun River and go into the Lumbang village which is surrounded by terraced fields. From here, it’s a descent down the ridge into Num. Interact with the locals here to get a much deeper insight into their lives and culture. Overnight in Num. 

  • Day 54: Trek to Chichila.

    We will retrace our steps back from the Sherpa villages of Mure, Hururu, and Sankranti Maduwa and pass back to the Gurung village of Chichila. Unlike the time on your way up, take your time to slowly trek and descent down. This is both easy on your knees as well as it helps to soak in the different cultures around this region. Overnight in Chichila.

  • Day 55: Trek to Tumlingtar.

    We will retrace our steps back the fairly populated villages on this day. The destinations include Gogane pass, Bhote bas, Sheka, Arun Than and then we head to Naya Bazar by crossing the Mani Bhanjyang pass. We will finally arrive at the hilltop headquarters in Khandbari before making our way to Tumlingtar. Take a much-deserved rest as it is the final day of your trek. Overnight in Tumlingtar.

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