MAKALU EXPEDITION
Climb 8463 - 5th Highest
Mt. Makalu is the fourth tallest in Nepal and the fifth-highest Peak on the Earth with a height of 8,463m. Mt. Makalu resides in the eastern Himalayas range just 19Km southeast of the giant Mt. Everest on the border of Nepal and China. At the base of Mt. Makalu, there lies a natural wonder. Makalu bears a pyramid shape. The North-Western ridge route is used by most mountaineers to reach the top of the peak.
Mt. Makalu Expedition in Nepal is full of adventures as well as dangers too. Climbing Makalu is a test of the complete endurance of a climber. The base camp is normally set at around 5,600m, and then four camps follow before reaching the top. The first camp is at 6,100m, camp 2 is at 6500m, the third camp is at 7400m and the last camp is at 7800m.
Airport Transfers – Private vehicle transfers for airport pick-up and drop-off.
Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu – 4-5 nights in a star-category hotel (single room, bed & breakfast). Welcome Dinner – Dinner at a tourist-standard restaurant in Kathmandu with office staff and guides. Food & Lodging During Expedition – Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee, fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, snacks, and soft drinks, using helicopter supplies. Base Camp Accommodation – Each member will have an individual box tent with a proper bed at Base Camp.
Expedition Permits – Government royalty and permits for Mt. Makalu, conservation area entry permits, and fees. Liaison Officer – Government liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation. Garbage Management – Stool shipment transfer & garbage deposit fees.
Member Transportation – Helicopter flights: Kathmandu → Lukla Dingboche → Makalu High Camp Makalu Base Camp → Kathmandu Expedition Transportation – Equipment transport via truck (Kathmandu → Dana), then by helicopter/mules/porters to Base Camp and back. Member Luggage Allowance – 15 kg during the trek and 60 kg for the expedition, carried by porters, yaks, or helicopters.
Porters – 1 porter per 2 members up to Base Camp and back. Base Camp Staff – Experienced cook & kitchen helpers. Staff Salary & Allowance – Wages, salary, food, clothing, and equipment for all Nepalese staff, climbing Sherpas, and porters. High-Altitude Climbing Sherpa – 1 multiple-8000m summited Sherpa guide and 1 assistant Sherpa per member from Base Camp to the summit and back.
Duffle Bags & Gear – Two 14 Peaks duffle bags (120L for trekking, 150L for expedition). Cap, buff, and jacket. Base Camp Equipment – Single box tent, foam mattress, pillow. Dining tent, kitchen tent, communication tent, toilet & shower tent, Nepalese staff tents, store tent. Tables, chairs, cooking gear. High Camp Infrastructure – High-altitude tents, cooking gas, pots, and food at Camps I-IV. High-Altitude Tents – Shared tents at high camps (2 members per tent). Heater at Base Camp – Heater available in dining tents. Solar & Generator Power – Solar panel and generator for lighting, battery charging, and electronics. Rope Fixing Team – Sherpa team from the Expedition Operators Association (EOA) will fix summit routes (no extra charge).
Training – Oxygen mask, regulator, ice wall, and ladder training at Base Camp by Climbing Sherpa Guide. Oxygen Supply – 4 oxygen bottles (4L) per member. 1 oxygen bottle per high-altitude Sherpa. Summit Oxygen mask and regulator per member & Sherpa (to be returned post-expedition; charges apply if lost/damaged). Extra masks and regulators available for emergencies. Satellite Phone – Available for emergency communication (member use with additional charge). Walkie-Talkie – Communication between Base Camp and mountain teams.
Insurance – Medical & emergency rescue insurance for all Nepalese staff. Medical Kit – Comprehensive medical kit for members and staff. Weather Forecasting – Regular weather reports from Meteotest, Bern (Switzerland).
Climbing Certificate – Official Makalu climbing certificate issued by the Department of Tourism upon successful summit.
All expedition gear must be returned post-expedition; charges apply for lost or damaged items.
International flight tickets to and from Kathmandu.
USD 125 for a 90-day Nepalese visa.
Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu.
Additional accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, early return from the expedition, or domestic flight cancellations.
Travel insurance covering medical treatment, high-altitude evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption, repatriation, and other unforeseen incidents.
Costs for telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery charging, hot showers, laundry, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages (except soft drinks provided at Base Camp).
Personal clothing, trekking and climbing gear, packing items, personal medical kit.
Fees for special filming, camera, and drone permits.
Minimum USD 2,000 for climbing Sherpa.
Minimum USD 400 for Base Camp and High Camp staff.
Any services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary or the "Cost Includes" section.
For safety reasons, our Heli Rescue team and medical doctor are always on standby during any expedition in Nepal. If a medical rescue evacuation is necessary, the costs must be covered by the climber's insurance company.
