Makalu Expedition 56 Days
Overview
The Makalu Expedition 56 Days is one of our most popular and rewarding adventures. This incredible journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
Experience the thrill of exploring remote terrains while being supported by our expert team. Whether you are seeking panoramic mountain views, dense forest trails, or fascinating local encounters, this trip promises unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Detailed breakdown of your trekking journey
Welcome to Nepal. Our Apex Himalaya Treks representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can rest after your journey and prepare for the Makalu Expedition.
Today we prepare for the expedition. We check climbing equipment, documents, and permits. Later, we visit important places in Kathmandu such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
We complete the official expedition process, including permit checks and important briefings. Our climbing leaders explain safety rules, climbing plans, and the route to Mt. Makalu.
We take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From Tumlingtar, we drive through beautiful hills, villages, and mountain roads to reach Num, the starting point of the Makalu trek.
Our trek begins with a walk through forests and farmland. We cross the Arun River and climb gradually to Seduwa village, the entrance point of Makalu Barun National Park.
We walk through beautiful forests, fields, and Sherpa villages. Tashigaun is the last village before entering the remote mountain area.
The trail climbs through forests and mountain landscapes toward Khongma Danda. We enjoy fresh mountain air and the first views of the Himalayan peaks.
Today is a rest and acclimatization day. We take a short hike, enjoy mountain views, and prepare our body and equipment for higher altitude.
We cross several mountain passes including Kauma La, Shipton La, and Keke La. The trail offers amazing views of Makalu and surrounding peaks before reaching Dobate.
We continue through forests and follow the Barun River valley. The landscape becomes more remote with beautiful waterfalls, cliffs, and mountain views.
We enter the alpine region where the forest disappears and the mountains become larger. We move closer to Mt. Makalu through beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Today we reach Makalu Base Camp, located below the impressive south face of Mt. Makalu. The views of glaciers and surrounding peaks are unforgettable.
This period is dedicated to climbing Mt. Makalu. The team will complete acclimatization, glacier training, rope fixing, and high camp preparation. Climbers will rotate through higher camps and make the summit attempt when weather conditions are safe and suitable.
After completing the expedition, we begin our return trek through the beautiful Barun Valley. We enjoy the changing scenery as we descend from the mountains.
We continue our descent through forests and valleys, following the same beautiful route back toward Dobate.
We cross the mountain passes again and return to Khongma Danda while enjoying the final views of the high Himalayan region.
We descend through forests and mountain trails to reach Tashigaun village.
We continue walking through villages, farmland, and forests to reach Seduwa.
We follow the Arun Valley trail back to Num, completing the trekking section of the expedition.
We drive back to Tumlingtar through mountain roads and enjoy the changing landscapes from high mountains to lower valleys.
We take a flight back to Kathmandu. After arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
A free day to relax, explore Kathmandu, visit local markets, or buy souvenirs.
A reserve day is kept for possible delays due to weather, transportation, or unexpected situations.
We celebrate the successful completion of the Mt. Makalu Expedition with a traditional Nepali dinner and share memories from the journey.
You can spend your final day shopping, relaxing, and preparing for your international departure.
Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. We say goodbye with great memories of your Mt. Makalu Expedition.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers and transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu during the expedition period
- Teahouse and camping accommodation during the trek and expedition
- Experienced climbing Sherpa guide and expedition crew
- Makalu Expedition climbing permit and required government fees
- Makalu Barun National Park entry permit
- Official expedition briefing and documentation support
- Domestic flights Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–Kathmandu
- Ground transportation between Tumlingtar, Num, and return routes
- All meals during the trek and expedition (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- High-altitude expedition tents and camping equipment
- Kitchen staff, cooks, porters, and support crew
- Base Camp management and logistics support
- Rope fixing and climbing support during the expedition
- Oxygen, mask, and regulator support as per expedition package
- Satellite communication and emergency support arrangements
- First aid medical kit and basic expedition safety equipment
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and travel expenses to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance including emergency evacuation and medical coverage
- Personal climbing equipment and clothing
- Personal expenses such as beverages, snacks, laundry, and internet
- Personal climbing Sherpa summit bonus and tips
- Extra accommodation or meals in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure
- Additional costs caused by weather delays, natural disasters, political issues, or unforeseen circumstances
- Helicopter rescue charges or emergency evacuation costs
- Garbage deposit and waste management fees if applicable
- Any services not specifically mentioned under cost includes
Payment Terms
Advance Deposit Payment (40%): 40% advance payment is needed to ensure your booking.
Balance (60%): Balance payment has to be made prior to the tour departure date as agreed upon at the time of booking.
Such procedure guarantees your booking while providing an opportunity for additional payment arrangements.
Equipment Lists
- Mountaineering boots suitable for 8,000 m peaks
- Double-layer high-altitude climbing boots
- Crampons compatible with climbing boots
- Ice axe suitable for high-altitude mountaineering
- Climbing harness
- Mountaineering helmet
- Ascender (Jumar) and descender device
- Carabiners and climbing slings
- Personal climbing ropes and safety equipment (if required)
- Down suit suitable for extreme cold conditions
- Expedition-grade down jacket
- Warm fleece jacket and thermal layers
- Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
- Warm trekking pants and climbing pants
- Insulated gloves and inner liner gloves
- Expedition mittens suitable for extreme cold
- Warm wool or synthetic socks
- Balaclava and neck gaiter
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Glacier sunglasses with UV protection
- Ski goggles for strong winds and snow conditions
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -30°C to -40°C
- Backpack (50–70 liters) with rain cover
- Duffel bag for expedition gear
- Waterproof dry bags for personal belongings
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Thermos flask for hot drinks
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with sun protection
- Personal toiletries and hygiene items
- Quick-drying trekking towels
- Power bank and charging cables
- Camera and extra batteries (optional)
- Personal snacks, energy bars, and supplements
Note:
For the Mt. Makalu Expedition (8,463 m), climbers must bring high-quality mountaineering equipment designed for extreme Himalayan conditions. All personal climbing gear should be tested and familiar before arriving in Nepal. Some expedition equipment such as tents, kitchen equipment, ropes, oxygen systems, and group climbing equipment will be arranged by Apex Himalaya Treks as part of the expedition support package. High-altitude climbing boots, down suits, sleeping bags, crampons, ice axes, and technical climbing equipment may be available for rental in Kathmandu upon request. However, climbers are strongly recommended to bring their own personal technical gear for comfort, safety, and proper fitting. A detailed equipment check will be conducted before departure to Makalu Base Camp to ensure every climber is properly prepared for the summit attempt.
Additional Information
Best Season
The best seasons for the Mt. Makalu Expedition (8,463 m) are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring is considered the prime climbing season with more stable weather, warmer temperatures, and better summit conditions. Autumn offers clear skies, excellent mountain visibility, and favorable trekking conditions. Winter and monsoon seasons are generally avoided due to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and unpredictable weather.
Required Fitness Level
Mt. Makalu Expedition is an extreme technical high-altitude climb requiring excellent physical fitness, mental strength, and previous mountaineering experience. Climbers should be capable of walking 6–8 hours daily at high altitude while carrying personal gear. Previous experience on peaks above 6,000 m, glacier travel, and technical climbing skills are highly recommended. Regular endurance training, strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and altitude preparation are essential before joining this expedition.
Visa Information
Approximate visa fees:
15 Days Tourist Visa: USD 30
30 Days Tourist Visa: USD 50
90 Days Tourist Visa: USD 125
Visa fees are subject to change according to Nepal government regulations.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical treatment
High-altitude climbing above 8,000 m
Helicopter rescue and evacuation
Trip cancellation or interruption
Loss or damage of personal belongings
Climbers must provide valid insurance documents before starting the expedition.
Important Notes
Proper acclimatization, a slow climbing pace, and following the instructions of our experienced climbing Sherpas are essential for safety. Personal climbing equipment should be high quality and properly tested before the expedition.
Apex Himalaya Treks reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions, health concerns, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure the safety of all expedition members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Summary
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Have questions about this trip? Our team is here to help!
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