# Makalu Expedition

> The Makalu expedition is a full-service climb of the 8,485 m peak by the Makalu La (north-west ridge). The fifth-highest mountain in the world is a striking four-sided pyramid near Everest, and one of the most technical of the 8,000 m peaks. A French team made the first ascent in 1955.Our 55-day expedition includes the climbing permit and royalty, an experienced climbing Sherpa for every climber on summit day, base camp and high camp services, supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator, and all logistics from Kathmandu.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 55 days
- **Difficulty:** Very strenuous, technical
- **Activity:** Mountaineering expedition
- **Max altitude:** 8,485 m (summit of Makalu)
- **Best season:** Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct)
- **Group size:** 1–12 climbers
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the approach, tents at base camp and high camps
- **Meals:** All meals during the expedition; breakfast in Kathmandu
- **Price:** from US$26,900 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/makalu-expedition
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=makalu-expedition

## Overview
**Quick answer:** a 55-day Makalu expedition by the Makalu La (north-west ridge), from US$26,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty, climbing Sherpa support, base camp and high camp services and supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator.

This expedition is for experienced mountaineers. See our [guide to expeditions in Nepal](/category/expeditions-in-nepal) for requirements, permits and how to prepare.

### At a glance

FactDetailsSummit8,485 mRouteMakalu La (north-west ridge)Duration55 days from KathmanduBase campAdvanced base camp, about 5,700 mHigh campsCamps on the glacier and at the Makalu La (about 7,400 m), with a high camp aboveRoyaltyIncludedCostFrom US$26,900 per climber

## Highlights
- Summit of Makalu, 8,485 m
- The Makalu La (north-west ridge)
- Experienced climbing Sherpas
- Full base camp and high camp services
- Permits, royalty and logistics handled

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner with the expedition team.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2–3: Preparation, gear check and permits
Equipment check, expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism and final shopping in Thamel.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 4: Fly to Tumlingtar, drive to Num
Flight to Tumlingtar in the Arun valley and drive to Num.
_Altitude: 1,560 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_

### Day 5–12: Trek to base camp
Through the Makalu Barun National Park via Tashigaon, Khongma Danda, Yangri Kharka and Langmale to base camp.
_Walking: 5–7 hours a day · Altitude: 5,700 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodges and tents_

### Day 13–48: Climbing period
Puja, acclimatisation rotations to the higher camps and the Makalu La, and the summit push.
_Altitude: 8,485 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tents_

### Day 49–53: Trek out to Num
Clean up and trek back down the Barun valley.
_Walking: 6–7 hours a day · Altitude: 1,560 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodges_

### Day 54: Drive to Tumlingtar, fly to Kathmandu
Drive and fly back to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 55: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Airport transfers and hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Expedition permit and government royalty
- Liaison officer, garbage deposit and national park or conservation fees
- Domestic flights or road transport to and from the mountain
- Lodges and meals on the approach trek
- Base camp: individual tent, dining and kitchen tents, cook and kitchen team, all meals
- Experienced climbing Sherpa (1:1 on summit day)
- High-altitude tents, food and fuel at high camps
- Supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator
- Contribution to fixed ropes on the route
- Satellite phone and radios for communication
- Insurance for Nepali staff
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal climbing equipment
- Climbing and travel insurance including helicopter evacuation (mandatory)
- Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas
- Extra oxygen beyond the allowance
- Helicopter flights unless stated
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses and tips

## Upcoming group departures
| Start | End | Availability | Price (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Oct 2026 | 26 Nov 2026 | Available | 1,360 |
| 1 Nov 2026 | 25 Dec 2026 | Available | 1,360 |

## Useful information
### Experience

You should have climbed at least one 7,000 m peak, or several high 6,000 m peaks, and be confident with crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, jumar and abseiling. Send us your climbing CV when you enquire.

### Fitness

Train for 6–12 months with long days carrying a pack, uphill endurance work and strength training.

### Insurance

Insurance covering climbing to the summit altitude and helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

### Rules

Since September 2025, Nepal does not allow solo expeditions on peaks over 8,000 m; every climber is accompanied by a licensed guide or climbing Sherpa.

## Packing list
- Down climbing suit and expedition down jacket
- High-altitude double boots
- Crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar and descender
- Expedition sleeping bag rated to about –35°C
- Expedition mitts and gloves
- Glacier glasses and goggles
- Helmet

## Frequently asked questions
### How high is Makalu?
**8,485 m**.

### How long is the Makalu expedition?
**55 days** from Kathmandu.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$26,900 per climber**, including the permit and royalty.

### What experience do I need?
At least one 7,000 m peak or several high 6,000 m peaks, and solid technical skills.

### Is Makalu harder than Everest?
It is generally considered more technical, with steep sections high on the mountain and less fixed infrastructure.