Adventure Friendship
Makalu Expedition
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Summit Mt. Makalu (8,463 m) – the 5th highest mountain in the world, known for its technical climbing challenges.
- A pure alpine adventure involving steep ridges, knife-edge passages, and mixed rock-ice climbing.
- Trek through Makalu–Barun National Park, one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in Nepal with exotic wildlife such as the red panda and musk deer.
- Explore untouched Sherpa, Rai, and Bhote communities, preserving ancient Himalayan traditions.
- Scenic flight to Tumlingtar and trek across high passes including Kauma La, Tutu La & Keke La.
- 31 days of progressive climbing & acclimatization, guided by highly experienced Sherpa instructors.
- Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga from the summit ridge.
- Full base camp services with dining tents, heating arrangements, fresh meals, solar power & generator backup.
- Professional one-to-one Sherpa assistance for maximum safety and summit success.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1,400 m]
Meals: BB Plan + Welcome Dinner
Our team will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you may rest or explore nearby markets at your leisure. - Day 2 : Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Expedition Preparation
Meals: BB Plan + Dinner Party
Visit Kathmandu’s major UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Basantapur Durbar Square. In the afternoon, your guide provides a detailed briefing on the Makalu Expedition. You may purchase or rent any last-minute gear. Evening cultural dinner. - Day 3 : Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar & Drive to Khadbari [1,030 m]
Flight: 45 minutes • Drive: 2 hours
Meals: All meals
Take a scenic flight to Tumlingtar and drive up to Khadbari, the district headquarters and a culturally rich town inhabited by Newar and Rai communities. Overnight at a lodge. - Day 4 : Day 04: Trek from Khadbari to Chichira [1,830 m]
Trek: 5–6 hours • Meals: All meals
Begin your trek through terraced farmlands and small villages like Mane Bhanjyang and Bhotebas, enjoying the first distant views of Makalu before reaching Chichira. - Day 5 : Day 05: Trek from Chichira to Num [1,490 m]
Trek: 6 hours • Meals: All meals
Walk through dense forests of bamboo and oak, pass the Sherpa village of Mure, and traverse Daju La Pass (2,100 m) before descending to Num. - Day 6 : Day 06: Trek from Num to Seduwa [1,460 m]
Trek: 6–7 hours • Meals: All meals
Make a steep descent to the Arun River, cross a suspension bridge, and climb through forests of oak, sal, and rhododendron to Seduwa—the gate to Makalu-Barun National Park. - Day 7 : Day 07: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon [2,070 m]
Trek: 5–6 hours • Meals: All meals
Trek through terraced fields, stone steps, Mani walls, and rhododendron forests before reaching Tashigaon, the last permanent village en route to Makalu Base Camp. - Day 8 : Day 08: Trek from Tashigaon to Kauma Danda [3,470 m]
Trek: 6–7 hours • Meals: All meals
A steep climb through forests and stone staircases takes you past Chipola and through diminishing tree lines. After lunch at Dhara, continue the ascent to Kauma Danda. - Day 9 : Day 09: Kauma Danda to Mumbuk via Kauma La, Tutu La & Keke La
Elevation: 3 Passes – 3,603 m | 4,125 m | 4,170 m
Trek: 7–8 hours • Meals: All meals
Cross three dramatic high passes with stunning views of Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Baruntse, and Chamlang. After Keke La, descend steeply to Mumbuk. - Day 10 : Day 10: Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka [3,700 m]
Trek: 4–5 hours • Meals: All meals
Descend to the Barun River’s southern bank, then climb through forested terrain to the pastureland of Nehe Kharka. - Day 11 : Day 11: Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shersong [4,615 m]
Trek: 6–7 hours • Meals: All meals
Walk through Yangri Kharka, lush forests, yak pastures, rock fields, and gradually ascend to the open meadow of Shersong. - Day 12 : Day 12: Trek from Shersong to Makalu Base Camp [4,800 m]
Trek: 4–5 hours • Meals: All meals
Climb over the moraine ridge and descend towards the stone huts of Makalu Base Camp. The campsite offers extraordinary panoramic views. - Day 13 : Day 13–43: Climbing Mt. Makalu (8,463 m) – Summit & Return to Base Camp
Meals: All meals
Spend several weeks acclimatizing and making rotation climbs to higher camps. Sherpa guides establish and secure all higher camps. Summit day is chosen based on the best weather window.
Enjoy sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Cho Oyu, and surrounding Himalayan giants from the summit. Descend safely back to base camp. - Day 14 : Day 44: Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Mumbuk
Trek: 6–7 hours • Meals: All meals
Retrace your steps through Shersong and Nehe Kharka before reaching Mumbuk. Celebration dinner with the team. - Day 15 : Day 45: Trek from Mumbuk to Tashigaon
Trek: 6–7 hours • Meals: All meals
Cross the same high ridge region and return to Kauma Danda before descending to Tashigaon. - Day 16 : Day 46: Trek from Tashigaon to Num
Trek: 5–6 hours • Meals: All meals
Walk through forests and terraced farms, descend to Seduwa, and cross the Arun River. A final ascent brings you to Num. - Day 17 : Day 47: Trek from Num to Khadbari
Trek: 6–7 hours • Meals: All meals
Climb to Daju La Pass, pass Kuwapani, and continue through Chichira and Mane Bhanjyang before arriving at Khadbari. - Day 18 : Day 48: Drive from Khadbari to Tumlingtar
Drive: 2 hours • Meals: All meals
A relaxing drive back to Tumlingtar marks the end of the trekking section. - Day 19 : Day 49: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by morning flight and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time in the city.
Meals: BB Plan
- Day 20 : Day 50: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
A full free day to visit the remaining UNESCO sites in Bhaktapur and Patan. Evening for souvenir shopping and relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 21 : Day 51: Final Departure
Our team will transfer you to the airport for your international flight home. Thank you for choosing the Makalu Expedition with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Cost Inclusion
- Airport arrival & departure transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with BB plan.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu with an experienced city guide, all entrance fees, and private vehicle.
- All essential ground transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Climbing permit for Mt. Makalu Expedition.
- All required trekking permits and Makalu–Barun National Park entry fees.
- Kathmandu – Tumlingtar – Kathmandu round-trip flight.
- Tea house accommodation during the trekking days and full camping accommodation during the climbing period.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trekking and climbing.
- One climber = One licensed, experienced climbing Sherpa guide.
- Required numbers of porters, kitchen staff, and supporting crew.
- All essential camping equipment (dining tent, toilet tent, store tent, tables & chairs).
- Each guest is allowed up to 60 kg of personal climbing equipment during the expedition (transported by porters/yaks/mules).
- Government-appointed Liaison Officer.
- All staff salaries, meals, insurance, equipment, and clothing.
- Essential climbing gear provided for the expedition.
- Makalu regular route royalty + climbing permit fees issued by the Department of Tourism.
- TIMS permit for trekking inside the Makalu Conservation Area.
- Emergency oxygen-mask & regulator (4 cylinders for each climber, 2 for each Sherpa).
- Backup fuel-powered generators and guide maps.
- Fresh food supplies, warm beverages, and heaters at base camp for comfort during the long expedition.
- Satellite phone (usage charges apply per minute).
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All applicable taxes, VAT, government paperwork, and official service charges.
- No hidden costs — all government and logistical expenses included.
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International airfare and Nepal tourist visa fees.
- Personal climbing gear.
- Personal climbing & travel insurance (mandatory).
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & additional hot beverages.
- Costs for personal activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- US$1,500 summit bonus for each Sherpa guide.
- Staff tips and gratitude.
- Refundable garbage deposit as per government rules.
- Expenses caused by unforeseen circumstances (natural disasters, political issues, flight cancellations, etc.).
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