In the world of high-altitude mountaineering, where every expedition carries its own story of grit, sacrifice, and wonder, some ascents stand apart — not just for reaching the top, but for the way they get there. The summit of Makalu (8,485m) on the evening of Tuesday, May 5, 2026 is one such story.
At 5:05 PM Nepal Standard Time, our team stood on the summit of the world's fifth highest peak — a moment that will be etched in the hearts of everyone who was part of this journey.
This summit was made possible by an exceptional group of individuals who brought their very best to one of the most demanding mountains on Earth.
Members:
Summit Sherpa Team:
Together, they formed a team built on trust, experience, and an unwavering commitment to each other and the mountain.
What made this particular ascent stand out — even among seasoned mountaineers — was the timeline.
Makalu is known for its demanding routes, unpredictable weather, and technical challenges that push climbers to their absolute limits. Traditionally, summit bids on Makalu begin in the darkness of night and conclude in the early hours of the morning, when conditions are at their most stable. Our team did something different.
Departing early morning from Camp III, they pushed steadily through the day, climbing through altitude and thin air with remarkable focus and physical endurance. By late evening, as the Himalayan sky turned golden, they reached the summit — a rare afternoon and evening arrival on a mountain that seldom sees it.
This was not recklessness. This was strength.
Demonstrating extraordinary fitness and team cohesion, the climbers then completed a full overnight descent, safely returning to Base Camp with all members in good health and spirits. A summit push and a full descent — in a single, unbroken effort.
For Alexander Bachmann and Vladimir Kotlyar, Makalu was not the beginning of this season's story — it was the continuation of something extraordinary.
Earlier this season, on April 18, both climbers successfully summited Mt. Annapurna (8,091m) — the world's tenth highest peak and widely regarded as one of the most dangerous mountains on Earth. To follow that achievement with a Makalu summit just weeks later speaks volumes about the physical condition, mental fortitude, and sheer ambition these two climbers carry.
An Annapurna–Makalu double in a single season is a rare and remarkable feat. It places Alexander and Vladimir among a very select group of mountaineers who have achieved something truly special in the history of Himalayan climbing.
No summit story on any 8,000-metre peak is complete without acknowledging the people who make it possible — our Sherpa team.
Kami Temba Sherpa, Dorchi Sherpa, and Taraman Tamang were not just guides on this expedition. They were the backbone of every decision made on the mountain — route finding through the night, load carrying at altitude, and ensuring the safety and confidence of every team member at every step. Their knowledge of Makalu, their strength at extreme altitude, and their calm under pressure are things no amount of training can fully replicate.
This summit belongs to them as much as anyone.
The expedition is far from over.
With Makalu behind them, the team now sets its sights on two of the most formidable peaks remaining in the eight-thousander family — Lhotse (8,516m) and Kangchenjunga (8,586m). Each of these mountains carries its own unique set of challenges, and the team will need every ounce of the determination they showed on Makalu to see those summits as well.
The season continues. The mountains are waiting.
At 5:05 PM on May 5, 2026, on the summit of Makalu, something remarkable happened. A small team from different parts of the world — brought together by a shared love of the mountains — stood at 8,485 metres and looked out over the Himalayas.
They did not just reach the top. They did it on their own terms, on an unusual timeline, with unmatched endurance, and with the kind of teamwork that only the mountains can forge.
Congratulations to Alexander, Vladimir, Kami Temba, Dorchi, and Taraman. This is your moment. 🏔️🙏
Stay tuned for updates from Lhotse and Kangchenjunga.
