Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,481 metres (27,825 ft) and is located 19 km (12 mi) southeast of Mount Everest, on the border between Nepal and China. One of the eight-thousanders, Makalu is an isolated peak whose shape is a four-sided pyramid.
Makalu has two notable subsidiary peaks. Kangchungtse, or Makalu II (7,678 m) lies about 3 km (2 mi) north-northwest of the main summit. Rising about 5 km (3.1 mi) north-northeast of the main summit across a broad plateau, and connected to Kangchungtse by a narrow, 7,200 m saddle, is Chomo Lonzo (7,804 m).
The first attempt on Makalu was made by an American team led by William Siri in the spring of 1954. The expedition was composed of Sierra Club members including Allen Steck, and was called the California Himalayan Expedition to Makalu. This was the first American mountaineering expedition to the Himalaya. They attempted the southeast ridge but were turned back at 7,100 m (23,300 ft) by a constant barrage of storms. A New Zealand team including Sir Edmund Hillary was also active in the spring, but did not get very high due to injury and illness. In the fall of 1954, a French reconnaissance expedition made the first ascents of the subsidiary summits Kangchungtse (October 22: Jean Franco, Lionel Terray, Sardar Gyaltsen Norbu and Pa Norbu) and Chomo Lonzo Jean Couzy and Terray).
Makalu was first climbed on May 15, 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco. Franco, G. Magnone and Sardar Gyaltsen Norbu summitted the next day, followed by Bouvier, S. Coupe, Leroux and A. Vialatte on the 17th. This was an amazing achievement at the time to have the vast majority of expedition members summit, especially on such a difficult peak. Prior to this time, summits were reached by 1-2 people at most with the rest of teams providing logistical support before turning around and heading home. The French team climbed Makalu by the north face and northeast ridge, via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La), establishing the standard route.
Day 01 Arrival Day in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will transfer to your hotel, we will brief about your trip activities. You’ll have rest of the Day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel B/B.
Day 02 Fly to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila (1,840 m/6035 ft), 9/10 hrs
A 50 minute flight from Kathmandu landing on a bumpy grass airstrip at Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, about 3 hours jeep drive on a bumpy road takes to the first camp at Chichila.
Day 03 Trek to Num (1,500 m/4920 ft), 6/7 hrs
A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end is Num. Thunder and lightning make interesting displays in Num evenings.
Day 04 Trek to Seduwa (1,540 m/5051 ft), 6/7 hrs
A steep descent down through the forests and terraced plots of land takes to Arun Khola. Then winding ascends up the other side again. Often quite hot – the forest on the valley sides offer a bit of shade. Makalu National Park starts and we register our permits. Camping right at the top of the village.
Day 05 Trek to Tashigaon (2,070 m/6790 ft), 4/5 hrs
Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the village of Tashi Gaon.
Day 06 Trek to Khongma (3,560 m/11,676 ft), 6/7 hrs
Trek upwards towards Khongma. Khongma is the last stop before crossing the Shipton La and dropping down into the upper sections of the remote Barun Valley. The green forests are replaced by scrub and rhododendrons that cover the lower reaches of the mountains.
Day 07 Rest & acclimatization Day
Rest and acclimatization Day allows our bodies to catch up with us before gaining more height. The following Day we take on crossing of the Shipton La.
Day 08 Cross Shipton La and trek to Debotay (3,650 m/11,972 ft), 7/8 hrs
Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari, pass over the Keke La at 4,152 m. Marvelous views of Chamlang 7,319 m, Peak 6 (6,524 m) and Peak 7 (6,758 m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend down through the beautiful valley to Debotay. Climbing high and sleeping low gives the opportunity for acclimatization.
Day 09 Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600 m/11,808 ft), 5/6 hrs
From Debotay, pass through the Rhododendron forest leads to the Baruni River and the upper reaches of the valley. A pleasant walk, gaining altitude slowly, until we arrive at Yangle Kharka situated at the base of the valley.
Day 10 Trek to Merek (4,500 m/14,760 ft), 5/6 hrs
Today, we trek to Merek. Since we are gaining height beyond 4, 000 meters, be sure to allow your body the necessary time for acclimatization.
Day 11 Trek to Shersong, 6/7 hrs Now we climb up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. On approaching Shersong the south east ridge of Mount Makalu comes into view. Campsite at Shersong.
Day 12 Day tour to Makalu Base Camp (5,000 m/16,400 ft), 5/6 hrs
Make sure that you acclimatize well before walking up to Makalu Base Camp. Enjoy the superb views of the Himalayan mountains throughout the Day. Return back to Shersong.
Day 13 Trek to Yangle Kharka, 8/9 hrs
Descend back down the valley and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and eventually reaching Yangle Kharka.
Day 14 Trek to Mumbuk, 6/7 hrs
Continuing with our descent through the rockfall. Then climb up the rock gully to Mumbuk. We will be again greeted by the greeneries below.
Day 15 Trek to Khongma, 6/7 hrs
Initial steep climb from Mumbuk through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. Cross the Keke La, Shipton La and Ghungru La. Descend to Khogma again.
Day 16 Trek to Tashigaon, 5/6 hrs
Today, we continually descend down to Tashigaon. The descent will be a long and steep one. Cutting across the hillside to eventually reach the Sherpa town of Tashi Gaon.
Day 17 Trek to Num, 4/5 hrs
We are retracing the same path that we came by. We exit the Makalu Barun Camp. Descend down to Arun Khola and Seduwa again. Then another hike through the forest to Num. We follow our footsteps all the way back down to the river. Climb back up the opposite side of the valley to Num.
Day 18 Trek to Chichila, Transfer to Tumlingtar, 9/10 hrs
Again we retrace our steps to Chichila. The final return leg of the trek will see us overnight at Tumlingtar, ready for an early departure to Kathmandu the following Day. Transfer to Tumlingtar.
Day 19 Fly back to Kathmandu
We complete the journey with a flight to Kathmandu. We will return to the welcome haven of the Hotel. Once back in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will host an evening barbecue to celebrate the expedition and as a farewell party to thank the Sherpas for their support and friendship.
Day 20 Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full Day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last Day shopping and evening Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will take you for Farewell dinner.
Overnight at hotel on B/B.
Day 21 Departure from Kathmandu
Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your on wards destination.
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